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Nature’s Underwater World

Maldives Promotion House – While the Maldives is famous for its swaying palms, sunshine and sugar-white beaches, its underwater world is equally, if not more, spectacular. Nowhere within this strand of over 1,000 coral islands is more than six feet above sea level. Yet the archipelago’s rich and colourful reef systems descend to depths of over 50 metres, making it a scuba divers’ paradise. However, the Maldives’ underwater creatures are not restricted to divers as guests can witness turtle hatching at Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort or spot resident manta rays and a variety of dolphins at Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, all of which can be seen from dry land, boat or jetty.
Located in South Nilandhe Atoll in the far south of the Maldives, Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort is a tiny, remote island with a thriving turtle population due to its narrow, gently shelving beach. Both green and hawksbill turtles return year after year in February and March to lay hundreds of eggs on the sand. The attentive staff ensures the nests are protected from predators before the waiting game begins. Incubation can take just over a month and any nature-loving guests who happen to visit at the right time are welcome to watch the hatchlings run to the sea in the moonlight.
A short speedboat ride away from the capital Malé, in the South Malé Atoll, Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort is larger than Vilu Reef. With an impressive floodlit jetty, Olhuveli is home to several manta rays, which feed on the plankton attracted by the lights at night. The end of the jetty is a favourite spot for couples and also a lovely quiet place for stargazing, or even for a proposal! In addition, sting rays and eagle rays are spotted virtually all year at Olhuveli and can often be seen in the shallow lagoon around the water villas or while doing watersports such as canoeing and stand-up paddle-boarding (SUP).
In addition to manta rays, spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins can also be found in the channels near to Olhuveli. Lucky guests can occasionally catch a glimpse of a dolphin from the luxury of their water villa. But for a more reliable photo opportunity, the resort offers a regular dolphin cruise in which huge pods of dolphin can be seen flipping over and chasing the boat.
Destinology is offering a seven-night twin-centre package to Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort and Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort in the Maldives from GBP 1,899 per person. Valid for selected departures in March and April, the price includes return flights from Gatwick with British Airways, four nights’ accommodation at Vilu Reef in a garden villa and three nights’ accommodation at Olhuveli in a deluxe room, on a half-board basis, resort seaplane and speedboat transfers, taxes and surcharges.
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Ifuru Island Maldives takes part in Burunu Boma sport fishing tournament

Ifuru Island Maldives has announced its participation in the inaugural Burunu Boma Sport Fishing Tournament, taking place from 2 to 4 May 2025. Organized by the Visit Maldives Club (VMC), this premier event aims to position the Maldives as a leading destination for sustainable sport fishing.
As one of the select resorts competing in this prestigious tournament, Team Ifuru Maldives will showcase its commitment to marine conservation and responsible tourism. The competition emphasizes “catch and release” practices, aligning with global efforts to preserve marine biodiversity.
Participants will target species such as marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, swordfish, and bigeye tuna, with a grand prize of USD 25,000 awarded to the top-performing team. The event also features live entertainment and a festive atmosphere, celebrating the Maldives’ rich fishing heritage.
“We are thrilled to be part of Burunu Boma and to represent Ifuru Island Maldives in this landmark event,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager at Ifuru Island Maldives. “Our participation underscores our dedication to sustainable practices and our passion for the ocean that surrounds us.”
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Sirru Fen Fushi to host ‘One Ocean, One Breath’ with Freedive Maldives to mark World Oceans Day

Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort, invites ocean lovers and adventure seekers to a purposeful World Oceans Day celebration in partnership with Freedive Maldives, Guinness World Record Holder for the Most People Performing Static Apnea held last October 2022.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of one of the largest natural lagoons and house reefs in the Maldives, the event promises a deep connection to the ocean through expert-led PADI Freediving courses, ranging from basic to advanced levels. Participants will have the opportunity to earn their freediving certification, explore Sirru’s 9-kilometer-long house reef, and admire vibrant marine biodiversity, including manta ray cleaning stations, nurse shark points, flourishing coral gardens, and turtle habitats, home to 93 resident turtles and 11 successful hatchings this year alone.
“Our house reef, one of the longest and most vibrant in the Maldives, is a sanctuary for marine life and a symbol of our deep commitment to ocean conservation,” said Lukasz Prendke, General Manager of Sirru Fen Fushi. “We are honoured to collaborate with Freedive Maldives in celebrating World Oceans Day, not only to offer our guests an unforgettable underwater journey, but also to empower local talents and inspire our community to protect what lies beneath the surface.”
The initiative aligns with the resort’s ongoing sustainability commitments, including regular lagoon cleaning programs and support for local marine conservation efforts. This collaboration further emphasizes a shared mission to preserve the Maldives’ rich underwater heritage and engage the local community in meaningful environmental action.
In a broader commitment to sustainable tourism, Freedive Maldives has also signed a partnership agreement with the Baa Atoll Council to host another record-breaking freediving event in October 2025, coinciding with World Tourism Day, reinforcing Baa Atoll’s position as a leader in eco-conscious marine tourism.
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Napoli back on top of Serie A as De Laurentiis celebrates in Maldives

Aurelio De Laurentiis, owner and chairman of SSC Napoli and one of Italy’s leading film producers, is celebrating his club’s return to the top of Serie A while holidaying in the Maldives.
Napoli secured a crucial 2–0 victory over Torino in the 34th round of the league, taking full advantage of Inter Milan’s 1–0 loss to Roma. With the win, Napoli now lead the table with 74 points, three points clear of Inter, with four matches remaining in the season.
Many had expected De Laurentiis to be present at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona for such a pivotal match. However, according to Italian media reports, he remained in the Maldives. After the match, the Napoli president posted a message from afar, encouraging his team to stay composed during the decisive final stretch of the season: “Cool heads. Calm and steady. Forza Napoli Sempre!”
The radio station Kiss Kiss Napoli suggested that De Laurentiis’ decision to stay in the Maldives, distant from Italy, reflects his strategy of giving space to the team and coaching staff while firmly maintaining control over the club’s direction.
Following Napoli’s historic league triumph in 2023, their first in over three decades, the club endured a turbulent season marked by coaching changes and management instability. Many attributed last season’s struggles to the lack of continuity.
Determined to rebuild, De Laurentiis appointed Antonio Conte, a proven winner, as head coach ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, a move that is already delivering results.
As the race for the Scudetto intensifies, Napoli’s dream of winning a second title in three years remains very much alive, with De Laurentiis steering the course even from thousands of miles away.
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