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Vilu Reef Introduces Boduberu Lessons

Maldives Promotion House – While much of the Maldives’ cultural heritage is bypassed for beautiful beaches and heavenly spa treatments, there is a tiny pocket of paradise, where guests are being encouraged to embrace the archipelago’s roots through music and dance. Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort has introduced a new weekly Boduberu drumming and dance class to its activity programme, which promises to ignite the creative energy of guests, regardless of their ability.
The most lively and popular form of traditional Maldivian music, Boduberu is played to the accompaniment of drums, tambourine, harmonicas and singing, and takes its influences from African culture. The songs vary in mood and rhythm but are usually about love or heroism, beginning slowly and gaining tempo progressively, reaching a frantic crescendo of clapping, chanting and dancing. Dancers jump and jerk to the beat and sway their hips in an informal, easy-to-follow routine – which also acts as a great workout!
Ideal for men and women alike, the Boduberu class is free and takes place in the evening, within the thatched, rustic setting of Vilu Reef’s Nautilus Bar, and is a fun way for guests to connect with the magic of their tropical setting and each other. After a professional Boduberu demonstration, the dance troupe and musicians gradually encourage participants to join in with the dancing and drumming, familiarising them with the instruments and encouraging them to feel the music’s hypnotic rhythms and enjoy the warm carpet of sand underfoot.
Located in South Nilandhe Atoll, Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort is a green and fertile resort – known locally as the ‘Garden Of Eden’ for its idyllic natural beauty. Reached by a 35-minute seaplane transfer from Malé and surrounded by uninhabited islands, this diminutive haven of lush vegetation, swaying coconut palms and pristine white sandy beaches offers understated laid-back luxury and a wealth of facilities. These include an infinity pool, fitness room, Sun Spa, PADI dive centre, table tennis, volleyball court and a selection of restaurants and bars. The island also boasts a beautiful lagoon one side and a reef the other – ideal for snorkelling and diving.
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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