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Six Senses Laamu celebrates success of home-based Junior Marine Biology programme

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Six Senses Laamu is celebrating the success of the first batch of budding conservationists that participated in the resort’s new home-based online Junior Marine Biology programme.

Sad to not be greeting their usual students on the beautiful shores of Six Senses Laamu due to the coronavirus pandemic, the resort’s team of marine biologists had in April begun hosting short videos and demonstrating activities that anyone can try at home.

Each week, the team took turns to introduce manta rays, corals, turtle and reef fish. Families explored seagrass and mangroves and learned how they were vital habitats for supporting a diversity of marine life. Broader topics covered science research, sustainability and how to stay involved over the longer term.

Although the structure, by necessity, was slightly different to what children might enjoy on vacation in the Maldives, the objective was the same. It aimed to help foster an understanding of marine biology and see first-hand the importance of marine conservation.

“Congratulations to the first ever graduating class of online Junior Marine Biologists, who will be partaking in their final lesson next week. You have all inspired, motivated and entertained us endless over the last three months,” an announcement by the resort read.

“We can’t wait to carry on our adventure with you here in Laamu one day with MUI by Six Senses Laamu.”

The programme also came as a relief to parents who might have been running out of ideas (or enthusiasm) for home schooling.

“Know that you are the brightest spot during this lockdown and whether it takes me a year or longer, I’m working to get my boy to your island,” the mother of one of the Junior Marine Biologists in South Africa said, in an email.

https://www.facebook.com/SixSensesLaamu/videos/3557610430921581/?xts%5B0%5D=68.ARAZ1P7JKFkH1epf0SkJAmdxwr4Jukh1IBxR6-6DuqXbOgyDvwQXu9WgKOSsoPZUGLlbNK4LajyJX_doGC_phj47BE4jpDv5sBPvsmMZzEu6euyid1G5oaZRKJSdmoYAJJa74ki70FWvREfG4re9k5R_DELYWXGyRAtt-riax2NponKh4xzgoRLv3fr1uGnnxIhSbxicZEyj_Jg4tK8Rz8hSga49BfoXtOTbu8rR1eeWQiU5S0-RcTFLeu4kylyzjzUDADvXGbd9TlipvKfZn3Mkce_6gZG1TJRZ_e5B0EobSf3Yx-4PTnyV05RVuUhyN1Q-RBfwOqhY2CsSHnIFylotKYxfWMZIv0MqkQ&xts%5B1%5D=68.ARANUetjLe_f6TS0-oT2sNgfZaAwTVIc3c8dssJ32BZ1TNErnv3Y-U92swEFyoUqbk_MY9s2l5uYsQ8yyhvQYbZMNVuLvh3jstZyBxYToeX1ScMd_as1XaHYfQIBBWOzvPnKg2kWWxfF6v62MBrFkSWVm0CDo69TYM076a7XI-jlTYIJ_f06eYW0CvF1UmwAgq7VnOCk_8-xXUDbQUjeeU_-_dFqPpybX8Hf3Dem6DLBGJldRWqdaLW0UVTtunXPi-G9rwGTKsut7tUOR19feHJAVmhbw9flsr6scNDevnGwmm_VepTfPKwOXv847FiJjKuge8GdRU7nXNuLtuWPY4CQQL0vKerzmjFnxQ&tn=-R

The Junior Marine Biology programme, which launched a year ago, was initially inspired by a young guest at Six Senses Laamu. Unable to join his parents on dive trips, he ventured out with one of the resort’s marine biologists on a shallow-water snorkel. His curiosity inspired the team to create the programme for all like-minded marine enthusiasts.

Sessions are led by one of 10 biologists, each of whom specialises in different aspects of marine science and science communication as part of their work with the Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI).

Over the past year, they have run hundreds of hours of private sessions and certified dozens of junior marine biologists.

MUI is an initiative by Six Senses Laamu in partnership with three NGOs: Blue Marine Foundation, the Manta Trust and the Olive Ridley Project. The mission is to lead the tourism industry in the Maldives by undertaking meaningful marine conservation focused around the three pillars of research, education and community.

One of the team’s many pioneering projects includes an underwater contactless ultrasound scanner for Laamu’s resident population of pregnant manta rays in order to study gestation and embryonic development and guide conservation strategies.

MUI was also recently honoured with the ‘Best for Wildlife and Nature Conservation’ Award for its #ProtectMaldivesSeagrass campaign at the World Travel Market’s Responsible Tourism Awards.

Six Senses Laamu is the first and one of the only two resorts in the pristine Laamu atoll. Most of the villas and facilities are built overwater, however beach villas and on-land dining are an option. All villas offer a sense of privacy and seclusion, with an amazing view to the ocean and Maldivian nature.

Six Senses Laamu offers a wide range of dining options, with cuisines from around the world, an ice cream parlour, an overwater wine cellar and a signature Chill Bar. Many activities, excursions and options are available for everyone to enjoy, both overwater and underwater, in addition to the Six Senses Spa.

Six Senses Laamu hosts one of the largest teams of marine biologists in the Maldives, the Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI). Staff from Six Senses Laamu and its three partner NGOs: Manta Trust, Blue Marine Foundation and Olive Ridley Project work together under the banner of MUI and seek to lead the tourism industry in the Maldives with meaningful marine conservation efforts based on research, education and community outreach.

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Is this the most scenic Padel Tennis court in the world?

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If you’ve ever dreamed of playing your favourite sport with the sound of the ocean in your ears and palm trees swaying overhead, SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, may have just made that dream a reality. The resort has unveiled its latest lifestyle-driven feature – the first-ever GZ19 padel tennis courts in the Maldives – and it might just be the most breathtaking setting for a game of padel anywhere in the world.

Nestled on the white sands of SAii Lagoon Maldives, part of the award-winning CROSSROADS Maldives integrated destination, the courts are set against a stunning backdrop of turquoise waters, lush coconut palms, and an endless blue sky. Whether you’re a seasoned padel enthusiast or a curious beginner, this idyllic setting adds an unforgettable layer to your sporting experience.

The courts are open to both in-house guests and the local community, aligning with the resort’s vision of promoting wellness and active lifestyles while connecting with the surroundings. It’s not just a facility; it’s an invitation to stay fit, have fun, and soak in the Maldives’ natural beauty in a completely new way.

Michael Marshall, CEO of S Hotels & Resorts Public Company Limited, recently shared his excitement about this new addition, highlighting the group’s commitment to enriching the guest journey through innovative and health-conscious experiences.

“At S Hotels & Resorts, we’re always looking for fresh ways to elevate the guest experience and support wellness through lifestyle-driven offerings,” he noted.

Padel tennis – a fast-growing sport combining elements of tennis and squash – has been making waves globally, and now guests at SAii Lagoon can be part of the trend while enjoying world-class views. The addition of the GZ19 courts not only adds a dynamic recreational option for guests but also strengthens the resort’s position as a hub for premium leisure and wellbeing in the Maldives.

Whether you’re smashing volleys at sunset or rallying with friends under the tropical sun, this may just be the most scenic padel match you’ll ever play.

Game, set, Maldives.

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Underwater adventure awaits at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa’s Aqua Week 2025

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Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is inviting travellers to experience the extraordinary with the unveiling of its vibrant Maamutaa House Reef — a thriving underwater ecosystem situated just 100 meters from the resort’s shoreline. Boasting rich marine biodiversity and easy access, this reef presents a rare opportunity to explore the aquatic wonders of the Maldives without venturing far from shore.

The reef is home to an impressive array of marine life, including graceful green and hawksbill turtles, blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, schools of colourful parrotfish and angelfish, as well as occasional sightings of eagle rays and octopuses. According to the resort’s in-house marine biologist, the reef is not only highly accessible but also remarkably active, offering guests the chance to engage directly with a thriving marine ecosystem.

Visitors begin their journey with a swim through a flourishing seagrass bed — a crucial habitat in its own right — before reaching the reef drop-off, where the underwater spectacle unfolds. The reef’s hard and soft coral formations remain in excellent condition, protected by the atoll’s geography and sustained by strong ocean currents.

From July 13 to 20, 2025, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa will host Aqua Week 2025, an immersive celebration of underwater discovery, innovation, and environmental responsibility. This event marks the official launch of Phase 1 of the resort’s Seagrass Mapping & Awareness Project, offering guests the opportunity to participate in guided snorkeling tours, collect visual data, and learn about the importance of seagrass meadows in supporting marine biodiversity and mitigating climate change.

Aqua Week will also feature several high-profile collaborations. Insta360 will lead underwater content creation workshops, enabling guests to capture their marine adventures in 360-degree detail. Edge K5 will provide smart drive underwater scooters for a more dynamic exploration of the reef. Additionally, certified mermaid Gloria Xue will offer mermaid classes, host underwater photoshoots, and perform captivating mermaid shows in the resort’s Aqua Villa.

Bringing together sustainability, technology, and immersive storytelling, Aqua Week 2025 promises to be a memorable celebration beneath the waves.

As part of its broader commitment to environmental sustainability and in line with Green Globe’s certification standards, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has launched a comprehensive three-phase Seagrass Mapping & Awareness Project. The initiative aims to highlight the ecological significance of seagrass meadows, which serve as nurseries for marine life and play a key role in carbon sequestration.

The project includes:

  • Phase 1 (July): Seagrass identification and mapping in collaboration with resort staff and guests.
  • Phase 2 (August–September): Guided snorkeling tours to collect visual data and raise awareness, continuing during Aqua Week.
  • Phase 3 (October): The premiere of a short documentary film that captures the project’s progress and outcomes.
  • This initiative not only contributes to the protection of a vital marine habitat but also encourages guest participation in meaningful conservation efforts.

The reef at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa serves as the foundation for a range of signature guest experiences designed to educate, inspire, and engage:

  • Expert-led guided snorkeling tours
  • Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) sessions directly from the beach
  • Night snorkeling under UV light to reveal biofluorescence
  • Citizen science programs focused on seasonal seagrass research
  • Kids’ Ocean Explorers — a playful educational program tailored for young marine enthusiasts

Whether seasoned divers, casual snorkellers, or curious beginners, guests at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa can enjoy direct access to the wonders of the Indian Ocean with ease and unforgettable reward.

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New era of luxury Wellness: Pilates Reformer arrives at St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

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Setting a new standard in luxury wellness, the iconic St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is expanding its holistic offerings with the introduction of Pilates Reformer—a dynamic full-body workout renowned for its ability to lengthen, strengthen, and restore. Against the backdrop of turquoise waters and lush island serenity, guests will soon be invited to experience this transformative practice as part of a thoughtfully curated wellness journey.

With a growing global demand for integrative fitness experiences, Pilates Reformer has become a favourite for those seeking mindful movement and functional strength. Utilising a specially designed apparatus, the method elevates traditional Pilates through resistance-based training that enhances flexibility, balance, and core stability, while remaining gentle on the joints. At St. Regis Maldives, certified instructors will guide guests through personalised sessions tailored to a variety of goals, from rehabilitation and toning to posture improvement and stress relief.

The addition of Pilates Reformer complements the resort’s deep-rooted commitment to wellness, extending far beyond conventional spa treatments. Central to this philosophy is the overwater Iridium Spa—a serene sanctuary that offers more than indulgence. Guests can engage in Ayurvedic consultations, guided meditation, and holistic health screenings conducted by in-house wellness doctors. These screenings integrate Heart Rate Variability (HRV) technology with the ancient Ayurvedic technique of Nadi Pareeksha, a traditional pulse diagnosis, to identify imbalances and customise each guest’s path to optimal well-being.

Whether seeking deep relaxation, detoxification, or enhanced physical performance, the resort’s integrative approach ensures that every element of a guest’s stay contributes to overall wellness. Daily yoga, breathwork sessions, oceanfront meditation, and nutrition guidance are seamlessly woven into the island’s natural rhythm to create a truly transformative retreat.

Private Pilates Reformer classes will be offered to suit all experience levels, providing an inspiring way for guests to reconnect with both body and mind. With its iconic overwater villas, pristine beaches, and impeccable service, St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to redefine luxury through the lens of well-being.

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