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Fairmont Maldives offers new marine-inspired experiences for families

Published

7 years ago

May 9, 2019

Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi has curated a new menu of experiences designed to entertain and inspire families.

After embarking on a boat trip to discover local marine life or snorkelling the expansive coral house reef, travellers can take inspiration from their verdant island environment and create their own marine-inspired masterpiece; paint, sculpt or draw in the beachside art studio, under the watchful eye of a resident artist.

The on-site Art Studio offers all of the tools and materials for art-enthused travellers to try their hand at coconut, canvas and wood painting, sculpturing, and an array of crafting activities; from designing a dream catcher and weaving authentic Maldivian rugs, to crafting bespoke jewellery from seashells. Here, guests are encouraged to create unique keepsakes inspired by the tropical island surroundings to treasure for a lifetime in the Art Studio, or even in the privacy of their own villa.

Fairmont Maldives also offers an array of immersive activities to promote eco-education. Having initiated a coral regeneration project, the resort has created unique semi-submerged sculptures constructed from non-toxic, pH neutral material, which encourage the settlement of underwater life and act as an artificial reef patrolled by manta rays and over 250 species of tropical fish. Aiming to educate the next generation of eco-conscious travellers, Fairmont Maldives also offers undersea exploration, coral and coconut tree planting, turtle release programmes and exploration of the manta ray cleaning station, all guided by the resort’s resident marine biologist.

Additionally, adventure loving families can head out on a sunset dolphin tour, sail to an uninhabited island for a castaway picnic, snorkel the thriving coral house reef or head out on a traditional Maldivian dhoni for a sunset fishing experience, before immersing themselves in the local island culture with a family cooking class and cultural tours. Tiny travellers can participate in thrill-seeking activities offered at the Kids Club and Teen Club, ‘Majaa’, from kayaking or jet-skiing the lagoon and cycling sandy walkways, to making a splash in the resort’s 200m infinity pool – the largest in the Maldives.

The New Family Holiday Package starts from USD1,450++ and includes:

Round-trip transfers for two adults and two children (below 12 years old) by seaplane from Male airport to Fairmont Maldives
Daily breakfast in Raha Market for two adults and two children below 12 years old
Dinner for two adults and two children below 12 years old. Choice of buffet dinner in Raha Market or three-course meal at Kata or Azure.
A day in the Art Studio with the Arts & Crafts team.
Ocean discovery programme with marine biologist, including a marine life educational presentation and turtle protection activity
Family cooking class at Raha Market
Family activities: 20-minute dolphin and snorkelling trip by speedboat, 20-minute fun tube and 20-minute fishing excursion on board a Dhoni. This is a one-time activity during the entire stay.
Complimentary access to the Kids Club
Complimentary kids’ amenities
Baby-sitting facilities are provided upon request

Embodying an earthy elegance, flowing from the shore to every detail of design, the resort is constructed to stimulate creativity. Fairmont Maldives is home to 112 lavish villas with private pools, authentic Maldivian furnishings and a designated Villa Host on hand to cater to guests’ every need. Families can stay in the Overwater Villas with see-through floors and oversized copper bathtubs, perched overlooking the Indian Ocean, Beach Villas with luxurious outdoor bathrooms and private tropical gardens, or in the new Tented Jungle Villas for a true castaway experience in the heart of the Maldivian jungle.

Having opened its doors in May 2018, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is an idyllic island paradise dedicated to reinventing family holidays in the Maldives, and inspiring both the artist and adventurer in every traveller.

Fairmont Maldives is located in the northern Shaviyani atoll. The resort is accessible by domestic flight in 50 minutes from Male International Airport followed by speedboat from Hanimaadhoo Airport to the resort. Alternatively, guests can book a 50-minute scenic seaplane flight directly to the resort.

The New Family Holiday Package by Fairmont Maldives requires four nights minimum length of stay, with blackout dates from December 20, 2019 to January 10, 2020. For reservations, please email reservations.maldives@fairmont.com or contact +960 654 8888. Visit www.fairmont-maldives.com for more information.

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InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort launches ‘Swim with Nurse Sharks’ experience

Published

20 hours ago

February 9, 2026

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Nestled in the pristine waters of the Raa Atoll, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort introduces Swim with Nurse Sharks, a new guided marine experience offering guests a rare opportunity to encounter these gentle creatures in their natural lagoon habitat.

Located just minutes from the island, the calm, shallow waters provide ideal conditions for observing nurse sharks at rest and in motion. The one-hour experience operates three times a week by speedboat and is designed for small groups, making it suitable for families and confident swimmers seeking a meaningful connection with the ocean.

Guided with care and respect for the environment, the experience reflects the resort’s ongoing commitment to marine awareness and responsible interaction with wildlife. Guests gain insight into the behaviour of nurse sharks while exploring one of the region’s few accessible snorkelling sites dedicated to this species.

Available at USD 95++ per person, with special rates for children under 12, Swim with Nurse Sharks adds a distinctive new chapter to the resort’s immersive ocean experiences.

For more information on “Swim with Nurse Sharks” at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, please visit the resort’s website.

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Avani+ Fares Maldives to host Michael Owen’s football camp for second year

Published

1 day ago

February 9, 2026

m@ldives

Michael Owen’s Football Camp is returning to Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort for a second year, running from 31 March to 3 April 2026 as part of the resort’s Easter holiday programme. Following a strong debut in 2025, the camp will once again see children and teens join the former England striker for hands-on coaching sessions on Fares Island in Baa Atoll.

Designed for kids and teens aged 5 to 13, the four-day camp combines daily training sessions, skills development and team challenges, led by Michael Owen. The programme ends on a high with a celebratory finale, with certificates, medals and jersey signings for every participant. The camp is complimentary for all guests staying at Avani+ Fares Maldives during the event, and each registered participant will receive an official Football Kit, including two sets of customised jerseys, shorts and socks.

Building on the strong response from families last year, the 2026 Football Camp sits within Avani+ Fares Maldives’ broader Easter line-up, pairing structured sports sessions with relaxed island time. Beyond the pitch, younger guests can dip in and out of island adventures at AvaniKids and the Teens Club, with creative arts and crafts and dedicated spaces designed around their age group. Mealtimes are part of the fun too, with Petit Bistro, the resort’s kids-only restaurant, created just for younger guests.

For families keen to get out on the water together, Avani+ Fares Maldives is set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, with snorkelling along the house reef right off the island and a full menu of water sports and dive experiences at this award-winning dive resort.

Commenting on the upcoming camp, Michael Owen said: “Coming back to Avani+ Fares Maldives feels like a natural next step after the energy and enthusiasm we saw at the first camp. It is a special environment for families and the camp is all about helping kids build confidence, develop their skills and most importantly enjoy the game together. I am really looking forward to being back on the island in 2026.”

Avani+ Fares Maldives is designed with families in mind, with a wide mix of accommodation styles to suit different group sizes and travel plans. Options range from interconnecting Pavilion rooms for easy togetherness, to Beach Pool Villas with outdoor space for daytime downtime, alongside over water villas set above the lagoon. For families travelling as a bigger group, the resort also offers spacious two and three bedroom Over Water Pool Residences, with generous living areas and room to spread out between activities.

Package rates start from USD 3,500 for a family of four, including accommodation, seaplane transfers and football camp registration. Based on two adults and two children sharing on a bed and breakfast basis, includes taxes and fees. To book, visit www.avanihotels.com/en/fares-maldives, email fares@avanihotels.com or call  +960 660 1660.

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Simply summer at Milaidhoo: Invitation to slow living in the Baa Atoll

Published

6 days ago

February 4, 2026

m@ldives

In a destination often defined by excess, Milaidhoo Maldives offers a different summer narrative: one of restraint, rhythm and rare stillness. Introducing Simply Summer, a seasonal escape that celebrates the art of slowing down within the UNESCO-protected waters of the Baa Atoll.

An intimate island sanctuary, Milaidhoo is designed for travellers who value time as the ultimate luxury. Days unfold unhurriedly, beginning with relaxed oceanfront breakfasts and shaped entirely by choice, from sunrise yoga and snorkelling in pristine coral gardens to long, private hours spent within the calm of one’s villa. Evenings are defined by elegant à la carte dining, inspired by seasonal flavours and served with effortless grace.

The Simply Summer offer enhances this experience with considered privileges rather than excess. Guests are invited to explore the Maldives’ natural wonders through manta ray encounters in the legendary Hanifaru Bay, indulge in restorative rituals at the overwater Serenity Spa, or discover the atoll through curated island adventures, all with exclusive seasonal savings.

A chilled bottle of Ruinart Champagne awaiting guests in their villa sets the tone on arrival, while flexible early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability) ensures that time is never hurried. Dining remains a central pleasure, with daily breakfast and à la carte dinners at Ocean Restaurant, complemented by generous dining credits across the island’s culinary venues.

Available for stays from 1st May to 31st October 2026, with a minimum stay of four nights, Simply Summer is an understated invitation to experience the Maldives at its most refined, quietly luxurious, deeply personal and guided by the gentle pace of island life.

Simply Summer – Key Inclusions: