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Centara launches new ‘BFF Breaks’ initiative, invites besties to hang out in Maldives

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Centara Hotels & Resorts is inviting groups of friends to create magical memories together in the Maldives, with an array of activities that showcase the stunning marine world and bring BFFs closer together.

Hang out with your best pals in a pristine paradise, explore the reef, go shipwreck diving, spot dolphins, discover neighbouring islands or simply relish the joy of the marine world during a sunset cruise.

Centara offers a choice of resorts in the Maldives. Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives is an idyllic adults-only island retreat with pure white sand and a sparkling blue lagoon, which makes it the perfect playground for beach games, snorkelling and water sports. Alternatively, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives features its own house reef and is surrounded by some of the most famous dive sites in the world.

From diving and snorkelling to water sports, island escapes, fishing trips and conservation projects and more, Centara’s perfect pair of Maldivian resorts present many wonderful ways for groups of friends to relax, reconnect and reinvigorate their relationship.

At Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, the resort’s world-class Water Sports Centre offers a full range of activities, allowing guests to enjoy fun-filled days on the ocean. Kite surfing is one of the most uplifting water sports available, as riders speed across the waves or through the sky, up to 30 meters above the sea!

Alternatively, sailing is a wonderful skill that friends can share together. The resort’s team will teach companions how to handle a catamaran, catch the wind and glide gracefully across the water. These lessons will give guests a great new life skill and could even be the start of a new shared passion. Other options include parasailing, water-skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing and more.

Over at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives, a stylish fleet of vessels is ready to take guests on a series of mesmerising marine adventures, including underwater encounters with a breath-taking range of colourful creatures.

One of the most incredible encounters a diver can have is with the world’s biggest fish: the whale shark. The Maldives is the only place in the world with a year-round population of these oceanic giants, and the resort’s PADI-certified dive team will lead a private cruise into the deep blue sea, for one of life’s most awe-inspiring experiences.

Prefer to keep your hair dry? Friends can climb aboard the resort’s semi-submersible for a scenic ride beneath the waves. Suitable for all ages, this is a great way to gather your group together for a truly unforgettable journey, cruising past colourful corals and tropical fish – a genuine highlight of the holiday.

For a more invigorating adventure, groups can head out on the shimmering sea for a day of big game fishing. Chill out on the deck of your boat, crack open a cold beer, cast out a line and soak up the stunning scenery. Guests will get a real thrill when they do battle with some of the ocean’s fastest fish, including marlin and tuna, before posing for onboard photos with their mates.

Friends’ holidays are one of the biggest emerging trends in the travel industry, as former school friends, college pals, teammates and work colleagues get together to create awesome escapes together. Elevate your next buddies’ break to the next level of luxury with Centara in the Maldives and make memories that will be treasured forever.

Centatra, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, operates 71 properties in all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, China, Oman, Qatar and the UAE.

Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands: Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara, Centara Residences & Suites and COSI Hotels – ranging from five-star city hotels and luxurious island retreats to family resorts and affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. It also operates state-of-the-art convention centres and has its own award-winning spa brand, Cenvaree.

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Siyam World kicks off August with star-studded football camps

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No shoes, no stress, just goals! This August, Siyam World Maldives is turning up the heat with not one, not two, but three football legends taking over the island for exclusive five-day Football Residence Camps – Wayne Bridge, Kean Bryan, Andrew Johnson.

Wayne Bridge | August 1–5

A former England international and Premier League left-back with over 300 top-flight appearances, Wayne is best known for his time at Chelsea, Manchester City, and Southampton. His elite-level experience, from Champions League nights to FA Cup triumphs, makes him the ultimate coach for young players looking to level up.

Kean Bryan | August 11–15

A midfield dynamo with a Premier League pedigree, Kean’s career includes spells at Manchester City, Sheffield United, and West Brom. Known for his technical skill and tactical brain, he brings a youth-focused approach packed with energy, precision, and motivation.

Andrew Johnson (AJ) | August 17–21

A former England striker and Crystal Palace legend, AJ lit up the Premier League with his pace and goal-scoring flair. His sessions will bring fast-paced drills, goal-scoring tips, and a whole lot of fun to the pitch.

Each 5-day camp for kids between 5 and 12 years, takes place on the resort’s own World Sports Arena, as part of their exclusive Football Residences programme, designed to inspire the next generation of football stars while having the time of their lives in paradise. Spots are limited, and trust us, they’ll go fast. Give your child the chance to train with football legends, make lifelong friends, and experience the magic of the Maldives—because this is one match they won’t want to miss.

Siyam World has already hosted some of the biggest names in football, with past camps featuring stars like: Francesco Totti, Alessandro Del Piero, Rio Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves, Daniel Agger or Esteban Cambiasso. Joining this incredible lineup, those football legends in August are making Siyam World the go-to destination for football-obsessed kids and their families.

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Making waves all summer long: Manta rays, mini explorers take over The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives

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At The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, July isn’t just another sunny month – it’s when the ocean comes alive. Manta season is in full swing, and Hanifaru Bay (just a splash away from the resort) becomes host to hundreds of reef manta rays performing underwater ballet. Offering a front row seat to all the action is the resort’s Manta Ray Watching Experience package available through October 31.

Suitable for confident snorkelers aged 12+, the three-hour excursion includes roundtrip speedboat rides and all the ocean wonder you can handle. Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Hanifaru Bay’s shape works like a plankton magnet, drawing in marine life for one of the largest known manta feeding frenzies on the planet. As you float just meters above the action, graceful giants barrel rolling through plankton-rich waters in synchrony, with whale sharks making cameo appearances.

Beyond the waves

Kids under 12 are safe from FOMO with the return of the Summer Camp, running from July 1 to August 31. Creative energy gets channeled into arts, crafts, pottery and even directing resort-wide film shorts. Young adventurers can zen out in Lil’ Yogis, work out on the water with SUP, swing rackets with Tennis Titans or shake it off with Zumba. Mini chefs can dive into sushi, cupcake, pizza and mocktail workshops. And those craving star power can choose between karaoke showdowns and splashy pool parties. Language games and Maldivian drumming sessions sneak in a little learning with all that fun.

Family stays

Awarded the ‘Best Resort for Families’ by T+L Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023, The Standard Huruvalhi, Maldives makes finding family-friendly accommodation a breeze. Lagoon Overwater Villas are suspended above crystal-clear waters, Ocean Overwater Villas take you from bed straight to the house reef, and Beach Villas are perfect for private poolside moments in lush tropical greenery. Finally, multigenerational families will find just the right balance of privacy and togetherness at the sprawling

The Standard Residence.

Applicable for two adults and two kids below 12 years old (an additional charge of USD 285 per night applies to older kids), the ‘Families That Stay Together’ package includes accommodation in an overwater or beachfront villa, an All-Inclusive Plus Meal Plan, free water sports, laundry and spa credit. Over at Lil’ Shark Kids Club, youngsters dive into complimentary activities ranging from high-energy fun to creative pursuits – whether ruling the roost in the playroom, splashing in the paddling pool, digging into the sandy park or winding down in the movie den. Beyond daily adventures like cooking classes, babysitting services are also available for $35 per hour.

For more information on the Manta Ray Experience, priced at $250 per person, please click here. For the full summer camp programme, visit the link. To book your accommodation, please click here.

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Consistently awarded, beyond compare: Machchafushi Island Resort’s house reef

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Recently recognised among the Best House Reefs in the Maldives by the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, the house reef at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa, The Centara Collection (formerly known as Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa), offers an extraordinary experience for divers and snorkelers alike. The South Ari Atoll in the Maldives is renowned for its exceptional diving sites, snorkelling, and marine adventures, and the resort’s house reef only enhances this natural beauty with its rich marine biodiversity, thriving coral gardens, and easy access from the shore.

The Machchafushi house reef is approximately five times larger than the island itself, encircling a breathtaking lagoon. Most of the coral reef lies on a gentle slope, descending to depths of 15 – 20m, where it then flattens out into a sandy seabed. At around 30m from the top of the reef, guests can explore a remarkable shipwreck. This sunken treasure is home to a variety of marine species, including glassfish, stonefish and nurse sharks.

Among the largest coral species found on any house reef, the Machchafushi house reef is home to rare varieties such as Acropora granulosa and Acropora latistella, found exclusively on the wreck. The surrounding coral gardens showcase vibrant Blue Coral and Staghorn Coral, creating a stunning display of marine biodiversity.

Marine life thrives around the house reef, with seven resident Nurse sharks, including three adults, one sub-adult, and three juveniles. White Tip Reef sharks, the most curious of the reef’s sharks, are often seen coming close to snorkelers and divers. Other notable species include

Black Tip sharks, Lemon sharks, Leopard sharks, Guitar sharks, and various rays. The Black Blotched Stingrays, known for their friendly nature despite their large size, are a common sight, especially around feeding areas and the reef’s shallow waters. The barbless male rays are particularly known for their gentle interactions with guests.

Sustainability is at the heart of Machchafushi Island Resort’s philosophy. Coral protection, reef conservation, and restoration projects are continuously rolled out, ensuring that the house reef remains a thriving ecosystem for future generations. Guests are regularly educated about the reef’s delicate ecosystem, its abundant marine life, and the resort’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable practices.

Sharing his views, Cluster General Manager of Machchafushi Island Resort and Spa, Francesco Pompilio said, “This honour reflects not only the natural beauty of our house reef, but also the unwavering commitment of our team to its protection and preservation. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and we remain dedicated to safeguarding this vibrant marine sanctuary for generations to come. We are deeply grateful to our guests for their continued trust and patronage.”

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Machchafushi Island Resort’s house reef, where exceptional diving, vibrant coral gardens, and abundant marine life meet, all set against the backdrop of the Maldives’ unparalleled natural beauty.

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