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Maldives bucket list experiences with Crown & Champa Resorts

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The Maldives’ leading resort collection brings out-of-the-ordinary experiences, unique encounters, and new ways to explore that aim to reignite the passion for travel and inspire bucket list dreams.

Crown & Champa Resorts, the leading resort collection in the Maldives, has revealed bucket list adventures travellers can look forward to, whether seeking new authentic experiences or booking their first post-lockdown getaway.

From swimming with whale sharks and scuba diving to luxury yachting and lifestyle retreats, it is time to make these holiday dreams come alive.

Luxury yachting with Kudadoo

Discerning travellers can enjoy bespoke excursions and romantic celebrations aboard Kudadoo Maldives Private Island‘s luxury yacht, Bella.

Embark on a search for pelagic species out in the blue water, seek out an uninhabited island for a picnic lunch, or admire the star-studded Maldivian sky while sipping champagne – these moments of magnificence are waiting to be unfolded.

Dream island escape with Hurawalhi

Alongside 5.8, the world’s largest all-glass undersea restaurant, the naturally chic Hurawalhi Island Resort also has its private sandbank called Dream Island, located just a short boat ride away and amidst the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean.

Offering that ‘luxury castaway’ island experience, guests can enjoy their own island paradise and spend the day exactly as they wish, whether that leads them to the relaxation under the sun, exploration of the spectacular life beneath the surface, or simply the enjoyment of endless ocean views.

Wellness retreat with Kagi

Holidaymakers seeking to rejuvenate their mind, body, and spirit may find themselves in the well being-focused paradise of Kagi Maldives Spa Island, a true sanctuary for the senses that offers the perfect setting to slow down and immerse into self-discovery and self-care.

Guest can dive into a world of wellness with the resort’s ‘Lifestyle Retreats’, which feature yoga and meditation, relaxing massages, and holistic healing, alongside nutritious meals and locally-inspired excursions.

Touch of romance with Veligandu

Honeymooners and romantic couples will enjoy a myriad of intimate experiences in the secluded haven of Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, voted a top romantic hotel in Asia and the Maldives: from adoring magical sunsets, indulging in a private dinner on a tranquil beach, opting for a private cruise, or enjoying a renewing spa treatment together.

Manta ray encounters with Komandoo

Nestled amid Lhaviyani Atoll’s manta hotspots, the adults-only (18+) Komandoo Island Resort & Spa is the perfect island retreat from which to experience magical adventures with manta rays, the queen of the ocean.

Although year-round sightings are common, these majestic creatures can be seen frequently from November through April, feeding on plankton and swimming around the rich waters of the Maldives.

Guests can turn their regular diving and snorkelling excursions into an adventure of a lifetime.

Shipwreck diving with Meeru

With an incredible diversity of marine life, there is no denying that the Maldives is a sought-after destination for a world-class scuba diving experience.

The palm-fringed paradise of Meeru Island Resort & Spa in North Malé offers a range of dive excursions, including diving amongst the wrecks.

Divers and adventure seekers alike will be mesmerised by an out of this world undersea environment with sunken ships teeming with aquatic life.

Touch of romance with Veligandu

Swimming alongside these gentle giants of the ocean is high on the bucket list experiences of many travellers to the Maldives.

Being the largest fish in the sea, snorkelling or diving with whale sharks is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The adventurer’s paradise of Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa, located just about an hour Dhoni boat ride away from Maamigili Island, a premier Whale Shark Point in South Ari Atoll, affords guests the chance to swim with and even take photographs of these marvellous creatures.

Swim with sea turtles with Kuredu

The vibrant Kuredu Island Resort & Spa enjoys a desirable location in Lhaviyani Atoll, within easy reach of the largest community of green sea turtles in all of the Maldives.

Just a short boat trip away, guests of all ages can find themselves in the crystal-clear waters around Kuredu Caves, home to an abundance of marine turtles and other oceanic life.

Dolphin spotting with Innahura

Boasting the largest lagoon in the pristine Lhaviyani Atoll, the laid-back paradise of Innahura Maldives Resort is a natural playground for water sports enthusiasts and enchanting marine creatures such as dolphins.

Innahura is an excellent destination from which to experience hopeful dolphin encounters.

When lucky enough, guests joining one of the resort’s ocean excursions will have the opportunity to set their sights on these playful cetaceans jumping in the distance or swimming right next to the boat.

Find your perfect paradise in the Maldives with Crown & Champa Resorts.

Crown & Champa Resorts caters to every purpose of travel and connects travellers with a passion for a life fully lived to the best of this idyllic destination, offering world-class hospitality, thoughtful and attentive service, and authentic Maldivian experiences.

The diverse collection of properties includes Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, Hurawalhi Island Resort, Kagi Maldives Spa Island, Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, Komandoo Island Resort & Spa, Meeru Island Resort & Spa, Kuredu Island Resort & Spa, Innahura Maldives Resort, and one city hotel, Champa Central Hotel.

Visit www.crownandchamparesorts.com or email info@crownandchamparesorts.com.

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Go behind scenes at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives with new immersive tour

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At Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, the allure of turquoise waters and golden sunsets is only part of the journey. As part of its Week in Paradise initiative, they have introduced a rare and eye-opening experience that takes guests behind the scenes—offering a deeper appreciation for what it truly takes to keep island life thriving.

Titled the Explore Our Resort Tour, this guided walkthrough is designed to go beyond the beach, spotlighting the systems, spaces, and people that quietly power of its island. It’s an invitation to witness the inner workings of paradise, where sustainability, efficiency, and teamwork come together in perfect harmony.

The tour begins at their Eco Park, where guests learn about our waste management operations—specifically the incinerator and digestor systems that play a critical role in reducing the resort’s environmental impact. From there, they visit the sewage treatment plant, where water is processed responsibly to maintain a clean and eco-conscious environment.

A stop at the diesel tanks and generator systems offers insight into the island’s energy supply, revealing how carefully calibrated operations ensure uninterrupted comfort for guests and colleagues alike. The RO (reverse osmosis) plant—another key highlight—demonstrates how seawater is converted into fresh, usable water through advanced desalination technology.

Guests also visit the laundry facilities, where mountains of linen are refreshed daily, and the often unseen administrative offices and associate accommodation units, which form the backbone of daily resort life. It’s a behind-the-curtain view of the dedication and effort that go into creating the effortless luxury that defines the Cinnamon experience.

More than just an operational tour, Explore Our Resort is about storytelling. It’s about giving guests a richer understanding of the care, coordination, and innovation that support each moment of their stay—from the spotless sheets to the lights that twinkle across the lagoon at night.

By launching this initiative, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives invites travellers to connect with the island on a deeper level—not just as guests, but as curious explorers of the world that quietly exists beyond the beach.

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Ocean, culture, community: sustainable celebrations at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru & Dhawa Ihuru

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Single-use plastics continue to pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems, with over 11 million metric tonnes entering the oceans each year. Since the Banyan Group began its efforts to eliminate single-use plastics in 2018, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru have led the way within the group—achieving a 75% reduction in plastic use, the highest rate across all properties.

This July, guests are invited to participate in a series of sustainability-focused activities designed to create meaningful impact:

  • 12 July: A community clean-up in Malé City in collaboration with CLEAN Maldives, bringing together locals, guests, and team members to reduce marine waste in urban environments.
  • 19 & 26 July: Marine litter snorkelling clean-ups around the house reef, removing plastic debris while protecting marine life and habitats.
  • 29 July: A recycled arts and crafts workshop at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru in partnership with Feyran Craft House, transforming collected plastic into handcrafted artworks.

These efforts support the Banyan Group’s ‘Brand for Good’ sustainability targets, which include the complete elimination of guest-facing single-use plastics by 2025 and full elimination across operations by 2030.

Taking place at Dhawa Ihuru—recognised for having one of the best house reefs in the Maldives (Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025)—the Rannamaari Dive Fest invites divers and marine enthusiasts to explore the famed Rannamaari Shipwreck, located just metres from the shoreline.

This immersive day features:

  • Guided dives to the shipwreck
  • Underwater treasure hunts
  • Marine conservation talks
  • Cultural experiences including local arts and crafts, Maldivian cooking classes, and spa rituals

The event pays tribute to the vibrant marine ecosystem that defines Dhawa Ihuru as a premier dive destination.

Observed on 26 July, Maldivian Independence Day commemorates the country’s emergence as a sovereign island nation. In celebration of this historic occasion, both Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru have curated three days of experiences rooted in national pride, community, and tradition.

  • 26 July: Guests may participate in a symbolic swim across the channel connecting the two islands, representing unity and freedom. The day continues with a Maldivian Culture Talk exploring traditions, language, and the significance of Independence Day, followed by a traditional Bodu Beru performance and beach bonfire under the stars.
  • 26–28 July: Three days of beachside “Fun Olympic Games” celebrate island spirit through friendly competition and laughter.
  • 25–31 July: Special dive and water sports promotions of up to 30% will be available. Offers include signature experiences such as diving the Rannamaari Shipwreck and snorkelling excursions with nurse sharks and stingrays.

The July programming forms part of the lead-up to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s official 30th anniversary in September 2025. Each initiative reflects the resort’s founding philosophy: Embracing the Environment, Empowering People. Guests are invited to reconnect with nature, engage with Maldivian culture, and experience the true spirit of the Original Maldives.

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COMO Maalifushi and Cocoa Island join global tribute to women divers on 10th PADI Dive Day

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In celebration of the 10th anniversary of PADI Women’s Dive Day, COMO Maalifushi and COMO Cocoa Island will host dedicated dive experiences in tribute to the passion, resilience, and adventurous spirit of women divers worldwide. Scheduled for Saturday, 19 July 2025, this global initiative brings together divers in a united effort to increase female participation in scuba diving, while also promoting marine conservation and inclusivity beneath the waves.

On this date, both COMO properties in the Maldives will organise specially guided dives exclusively for certified female guests. These experiences offer participants the chance to explore the region’s thriving marine ecosystems and connect with a broader movement that champions gender inclusivity and environmental stewardship in the diving community.

Situated in the unspoilt waters of the Maldives, COMO Maalifushi provides access to a range of renowned dive sites, including coral gardens and manta ray cleaning stations. These underwater landscapes are ideal for divers seeking meaningful interactions with marine life in a setting of natural splendour.

Peter Nilsson, Managing Director of COMO Hotels and Resorts in the Maldives, commented, “At COMO, we are committed to empowering women not only on land but also beneath the surface of the ocean. PADI Women’s Dive Day gives us a platform to honour values such as inclusivity, passion, and marine conservation — all of which resonate strongly with our brand ethos. We are proud to create experiences that allow our guests to forge lasting connections with the natural world in transformative and memorable ways.”

At COMO Cocoa Island, participants can expect similarly enriching experiences, with access to gentle reef slopes, crystal-clear lagoons, and a diversity of marine life. Supported by expert marine guides, the dives are designed to be both empowering and educational, fostering a deeper appreciation of the ocean’s delicate balance.

First launched in 2015, PADI Women’s Dive Day has grown into the world’s largest celebration of women in diving. This year, both COMO resorts aim to inspire a new wave of female divers while reinforcing the importance of sustainability and unity beneath the surface.

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