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Amilla Maldives sets up in-house Covid testing facility

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Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences has made further strides in protecting the resort from Covid-19, while simultaneously improving the guest experience, with the acquisition of a RT-PCR machine.

The new Covid-19 testing machine is enabling Amilla guests to receive their results in just one to three hours, whereas previously samples had to be flown to a lab on another island (with a turnaround time of 12 to 18 hours).

The new development means guests at the Baa Atoll resort no longer need to quarantine in the comfort of their spacious villas and private gardens overnight until they receive a negative result. Instead, by the time they’ve freshened up, gone for a swim and ordered in villa dining, their results are in and they are free to access all of the resort’s facilities.

Amilla Maldives has been offering complimentary PCR tests on arrival to the island for all guests and staff ever since the Maldivian borders reopened in July.

So far, Amilla Maldives has invested more than $150,000 on providing complimentary PCR tests to provide peace of mind and safety for guests and staff alike.

The new RT-PCR machine is already proving very successful in processing samples from arrivals. It can get the results back from a group of five guests in just one hour; 10 in two hours and 15 in three hours.

Amilla is one of only a handful of resorts in the Maldives offering this sophisticated level of protection against Covid-19.

Currently, anyone travelling to the Maldives is only required to take one PCR test 96 hours prior to boarding their outbound flight, while whether to conduct additional tests on arrival or not is left up to the individual resorts to decide.

Not only does Amilla’s testing regimen mean its guests and team members are protected, but it also unlocks for guests unparalleled levels of freedom. As soon as they receive their test results, as they can roam the spacious island mask-free.

During the short period while guest await their test results at Amilla, a separate ‘bubble’ of staff welcomes them, delivers their room service meals and assists with anything else they may need. The guests are also given snorkel gear so they can enjoy the ocean while they briefly wait for their results.

And if they need a PCR test for their trip home, Amilla will arrange a test via an authorised PCR testing centre.

Amilla is using a well-regarded RT-PCR machine produced by a Randox-Bosch partnership.

Randox is based in the United Kingdom and provides clinical diagnostic solutions to laboratories and private enterprises worldwide. It has almost four decades of experience developing diagnostic solutions for hospitals, clinical, research and molecular labs, food testing, forensic toxicology and more.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services.

For any guests needing a PCR test for their return to their home country, Amilla can arrange testing at a government-approved facility before their departure.

Using the Randox-Bosch RT-PCT machine at Amilla, it takes just two to three hours to obtain the results for a group of new arrivals to the island. This means guests and their companions can be enjoying the large private island resort to the max the same day they arrive.

Tropical island bliss, with an assuring layer of protection in 2021.

For more information about the resort and bookings, please email sales@amilla.mv  or visit www.amilla.com.

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Season of wonder: festive celebrations unfold at THE OZEN COLLECTION

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During the festive season, THE OZEN COLLECTION extends an invitation to guests to experience a world of enchantment and indulgence, as OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI are transformed into ethereal winter wonderlands by the sea. From 22nd December 2025 to 7th January 2026, the two resorts will be imbued with festive charm, seamlessly blending timeless traditions with bespoke luxury, all set against the idyllic backdrop of the Maldivian coastline.

The celebrations begin on 22nd December with an elegant tree lighting ceremony at both resorts, where the soft glow of handcrafted lanterns and the sparkle of artisanal decorations bring a touch of winter magic to the tropics. This enchanting occasion sets the tone for a season of joy, wonder and unforgettable moments.

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO will embody the spirit of a classically inspired Christmas, offering a thoughtfully curated programme of festive activities. Younger guests can look forward to whimsical moments in Santa’s grotto and hands-on cookie decorating, while evenings will feature starlit carolling and open-air festive cinema screenings on the beach. Dining takes on a celebratory flair with lavish seasonal feasts featuring roast turkey with traditional trimmings, mulled wine, and a selection of meticulously crafted desserts. As the year draws to a close, the resort will host the ‘Mystical Ocean’ New Year’s Eve Gala—an evening of refined splendour brought to life through luminescent artistry, captivating live performances, and a dazzling fireworks display over the Indian Ocean.

Meanwhile, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI will unveil a marine-inspired holiday celebration, where timeless Christmas elements are interwoven with aquatic elegance. From glowing jellyfish chandeliers to intricate coral arrangements, the décor evokes a dreamlike underwater world. The festivities begin with the arrival of Santa Claus, accompanied by a special luncheon designed for family gatherings. Guests will enjoy an array of gastronomic experiences, from sophisticated cocktail evenings to premium culinary journeys, all set amidst an ocean-themed festive ambience. The season’s highlight will be the ‘Glowing Shore’ New Year’s Eve Gala—a luminous event featuring bioluminescent displays along the beach, hypnotic fire dancers, and a midnight countdown set adrift on the water, bidding farewell to the year with a flourish of style and spectacle.

The festive journey will conclude with the observance of Orthodox Christmas on 6th and 7th January, as both resorts pay homage to these cherished traditions. Guests will be welcomed into an atmosphere of quiet reverence and grace, marked by gourmet dinners beneath the stars. This serene finale offers a reflective and elegant close to the season’s earlier exuberance, blending devotion and celebration in a way that lingers long after the festivities draw to a close.

Throughout the season, THE OZEN COLLECTION offers two signature experiences: the RESERVE™ Plan, designed for those seeking ultimate privacy and personalised service, and the INDULGENCE™ Plan, featuring premium inclusions and limitless luxury. Both ensure that festive gala dinners are enjoyed without additional charges. Whether seeking meaningful family moments under the tropical sun or vibrant celebration with kindred spirits, these islands provide the perfect setting for life’s most treasured memories—where every detail is thoughtfully crafted, and every day offers a new chapter in an unforgettable festive tale.

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Baros Maldives hosts special events in honour of PADI Women’s Dive Day

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Baros Maldives participated in the global celebration of PADI Women’s Dive Day 2025, commemorating the occasion with a week of thoughtfully curated experiences that honoured the strength, curiosity, and connection shared among women divers. Held from 15th to 19th July, the initiative was designed to inspire confidence and camaraderie beneath the waves.

In the days leading up to the main event, female guests were treated to a 25% discount on their first or single dive. This included refresher and orientation dives along the renowned Baros House Reef, as well as Discover Scuba Diving sessions for those embarking on their first underwater adventure. These exclusive offers created an inviting and supportive environment, encouraging women of all experience levels to engage with Baros’ vibrant marine life.

The week culminated on 19th July with a complimentary dive led by the resort’s female dive instructors. Open to all certified women divers and those who had completed a Discover Scuba Diving experience during the week, the event brought together a spirited group of ocean enthusiasts for a memorable morning beneath the surface. The dive was marked by commemorative underwater photographs taken beside the official PADI Women’s Dive Day banner.

Ambra Dugaria, Dive Base Leader at Divers Baros Maldives, shared her reflections on the occasion: “At Baros, diving is about connection — to nature, to oneself, and to each other. PADI Women’s Dive Day is a powerful reminder that the ocean belongs to everyone. We are proud to provide a space where women feel empowered, celebrated, and free to explore.”

Led by Divers Baros Maldives, the initiative underscores the resort’s continued commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and community within the diving world. As a PADI Five Star Gold Palm Dive Centre, Baros remains dedicated to delivering safe, immersive, and inspiring underwater experiences for divers of all levels.

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OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO celebrates Women’s Dive Month with captivating underwater exhibition

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OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, in collaboration with TGI Maldives and Divernet—one of the world’s longest-established diving platforms—has launched an inspiring marine photo exhibition to commemorate Women’s Dive Month in association with PADI.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare underwater photographs taken by esteemed underwater photographer and writer, Richard Aspinall, during his recent stay at the resort. Based in the Scottish Borders, Aspinall has a longstanding background in wildlife conservation and heritage management, underpinned by academic training in ecology and conservation biology. His captivating images—from striking moray eels and elegant whitetip reef sharks to the vivid displays of blue-line snappers and clown triggerfish—offer a mesmerising glimpse into the flourishing coral ecosystems surrounding Helengeli.

The exhibition was officially inaugurated by seven international female journalists, joined by TGI Maldives Operations Manager Greta Marcelli, General Manager Alain Trefois, and the wider operations team at OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO.

“There is something truly magical about Helengeli. The reef is alive with untold stories. The marine life is phenomenal, and the energy of this island is unmatched. This exhibition, thoughtfully curated by our team, captures that essence—blending the wonders of the ocean with a message of empowerment. We are sincerely grateful to Richard Aspinall and Divernet for their remarkable imagery and collaboration in bringing this exhibition to life,” shared General Manager Alain Trefois.

In 2023, the resort became the first recipient of the PADI® Outstanding Contribution to Female Diving award. Continuing its commitment to inclusive diving, the resort hosted ten international female journalists in July 2024, offering them the opportunity to experience scuba diving and the breathtaking beauty of the Maldivian seas as part of the PADI Women’s Dive Day celebrations.

Building on this success, OBLU NATURE Helengeli has officially launched the 2025 International PADI Women’s Dive Month, in partnership with TGI Maldives and ELE|NA Ayur Spa. This initiative presents a specially curated programme for women throughout July, blending scuba diving with wellness experiences designed to foster confidence, connection, and serenity both below and above the surface.

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