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Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon introduces night diving experience

Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, located in the North Ari Atoll, is an iconic resort belonging to the Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts chain, and a prime diving destination in the world.
Getting up close and personal with Marlon Robert, hotel manager at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon by day, and an avid diver by night, shares his experience with the underwater world and his passion as a true explorer.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is renowned as one of the best spots for divers in the world, making diving there all the more alluring.
As Marlon explains, it is because the resort is built on a coral bed with a diameter of almost a thousand meters and thirty meters in depth. This, unlike hotels built on sandbanks, gives the divers an unparalleled experience that leaves them mesmerised.
“Our guests are speechless after witnessing the beautiful colours and active sea life,” Marlon comments.
“They are amazed by the diversity that they have only witnessed here at our island.”

Marlon’s story is gripping.
“It’s all about the adventure that you will come across; you will be in an entirely different world with colours and creatures from known to the unimaginable,” he says.
During night dives, it is common to be acquainted with unfamiliar creatures that are bigger, smaller and even microscopic. Encounters with Eagle Rays, Sting Rays, Nurse Sharks, Gray Reef Sharks and Moray Eel are truly magical experiences.
“It is the peacefulness, night diving that takes me into a different reality for just an hour as it is a crucial getaway, it’s an amazing feeling and there’s little that can compare,” he says.
There is a vast difference between night diving and day diving.
“During the night, the light of the torch enhances the colours of corals that sunlight just doesn’t allow. The colours are vivid, vibrant and give a new perspective to underwater life,” Marlon explains.
“With the ideal location of the hotel and the larger fish choosing to hunt in the night, we can see more sea-creatures at night as they have a lot more movement.”
In the darkness, creatures such as the octopus are seen in their natural colours and they are breathtaking. Lobsters in caves come out searching for their daily prey in the night and they too have amazing colours under the light of a torch. While famous aquatic stars, such as turtles and sharks are guaranteed to be seen, you may also see the odd stingray or a moray eel on a lazy swim across the calm underwater.
“Our hotel guests get to curate their personalised diving experience. They can start by exploring the reef and afterwards go for a night dive. We offer the first trial dive, at no charge. If the guest requires it, we train them to dive on the reef and let them get comfortable. You do not have to be an expert diver or swimmer to be able to enjoy the experience,” Marlon he says.
“Diving was never a part of my plan. One day, I dived with one of the dive-masters and fell in love with it.”
He now holds an advanced certificate in diving and has been a part of the Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon team for the past 20 years.

Preserving the ‘Life on Land’ and ‘Life below Water’ are key areas that are of vital importance in all operations at Elladhoo Maldives by Cinnamon.
The resort has reduced its plastic consumption and wastage by using refillable water bottles, reusable bags and straws along with frequent beach clean-ups to conserve the underwater environment surrounding the resort.
The resort has also generated 191,563 KWh of solar energy and reduced carbon dioxide emission by 153, 250 kg in 2020/21.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is a true diver’s paradise that not only offers exhilarating underwater experiences but also thrives to safeguard life amidst it.
Excursions
From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

Bandos Maldives recently marked a significant milestone with two of its most loyal guests, Kate and Andy, who have shared a long-standing connection with the island.
Andy achieved an impressive feat by completing his 900th dive, all undertaken with Dive Bandos. His wife, Kate, surpassed this accomplishment by reaching her 1000th dive, with over 900 of those dives also completed alongside the Bandos team.
The Dive Bandos team joined the couple in celebrating this memorable occasion, recognising not only their dedication to diving but also the enduring bond they have formed with the resort over the years.
Kate and Andy’s relationship with Bandos extends far beyond statistics. Having first visited the island in 2006, they have returned every year since, making Bandos an integral part of their lives. In 2014, the couple even chose to exchange their wedding vows underwater at the resort — a unique moment that forever linked their love story with Bandos.
“Celebrating guests like Kate and Andy reminds us of what Bandos truly represents,” said Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives.
For Bandos Maldives, moments such as these exemplify why guests continue to choose the island for both adventure and a sense of belonging. With stories like Kate and Andy’s, Bandos stands not merely as a dive destination, but as a home — both beneath and above the waves.
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Dive into inspiration: Alessia Zecchini at Sun Siyam Olhuveli

Sun Diving will host a special ocean experience with world champion freediver Alessia Zecchini on 13 October 2025. The event is scheduled to take place at Sunrise Beach, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, offering guests the opportunity to meet the athlete widely recognised as ‘The Deepest Woman in the World.’
Born in Rome in 1992, Zecchini began freediving at the age of 13 and went on to set multiple world and European records. She was the first woman to reach a depth of 100 metres in free immersion and has since achieved 123 metres in constant weight with monofin. Her career has been celebrated internationally, including in the film Vertical Breath and the Netflix documentary The Deepest Breath. She continues to advance the sport while promoting awareness of ocean conservation.
The event at Olhuveli will feature an informative talk where Zecchini will reflect on her freediving journey, achievements, and the importance of protecting the marine environment. Guests will also have the chance to take part in a Q&A session with her and the Sun Diving team. In addition, Sun Diving will organise an interactive beach activity where participants can try scuba and snorkel gear in shallow waters under the guidance of instructors. Guests will also be able to capture photographs, collect autographs, and learn more about diving at the dedicated booth, which will highlight special offers from Sun Diving.
“Welcoming Alessia Zecchini is an honour for us and an inspiration for our guests,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Centre Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Her achievements beneath the waves embody both human potential and the importance of protecting our oceans.”
Sun Diving, the official diving division of Sun Siyam Group, provides SSI-certified courses, snorkelling, freediving, and specialty programmes across its Maldives properties. As a subsidiary, it enhances guest experiences with curated dive packages, illustrated dive maps, lifeguard training, and eco-focused initiatives, positioning Sun Siyam as a leader in sustainable marine-based activities.
Featured
Finolhu showcases Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer

Dive Butler International, in collaboration with Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, is highlighting the achievements of Mara Restelli, recognised as the Maldives’ only certified PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer.
With this rare qualification, Restelli offers a series of exclusive experiences designed to introduce guests of all ages to the art of mermaiding. The programmes range from playful introductory sessions to advanced courses and professional-level Instructor Development Courses (IDC).
“Mermaiding is more than a trend — it is a joyful way to connect with the water, express creativity, and feel empowered,” Restelli explained. “I enjoy watching guests discover confidence, freedom, and a sense of fun in the ocean. It is as much about transformation as it is about adventure.”
As part of Finolhu’s extensive marine offerings, the PADI Mermaid programmes provide an engaging complement to the resort’s diving and snorkelling activities. Participants may learn to glide gracefully underwater in a mermaid tail, capture striking images during professional photo sessions, or pursue advanced training that strengthens skills and deepens their connection with the ocean.
By hosting the Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Development Course, Finolhu reinforces its reputation as a pioneering destination for distinctive and life-enriching marine experiences.
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