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OZEN LIFE MAADHOO introduces grand tennis holiday experience with coach Marcus Drien

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Every day is an adventure at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO. And recently appointed resident tennis coach Marcus Drien takes the fun times a notch higher with bespoke sports experiences as well as an opportunity to enjoy exclusive tennis holidays in the Maldives.

Marcus Drien is an ITF level 2 tennis professional. He has over 10 years of coaching experience having mentored players of all ages and tennis levels. Additionally, Marcus is a certified fitness coach with experience in improving physical skills including correct body mechanics and cardiovascular activities.

Marcus’s results-driven tennis lessons make for a truly uplifting experience and are a standing testament to his global repertoire. Along with technical and tactical improvements, he also focuses on physical development to ensure improvement both on and off the court.

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO features a stunning artificial grass tennis court at the southern end of the island. The court is floodlit, allowing for exciting games even under the stars.

Elevating this sports experience, is the resort’s partnership with RTC Sports (Recreational Tennis Coaching) who provide highly qualified and experienced tennis coaches on a rotation basis. Here, the focus is on continuous learning with lessons to build up the guest’s game, be it at a novice, intermediate or advanced skill level.

Marcus will be at the resort for three months, following which there will be other professional coaches on rotation.

“I look forward to this new, very exciting chapter at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO. Tennis is my passion since I was a youngster. And now it is my passion to pass my tennis wisdom and knowledge to others who are seeking to learn something new or simply improve their skills. I am happy seeing clients enjoying my lessons and even more when they leave satisfied,” says Marcus Drien.

A flexible approach with three courses and bespoke lessons ensures there is something for everyone.

  • TRY TENNIS FOR FREE: An introductory programme inviting guests to try their hand at tennis for the first time and pick up some tips. The open session is held for beginners every Saturday at 5pm.
  • FUN CARDIO TENNIS BEFORE BREAKFAST: Tennis-enthusiasts can hit some balls with Marcus during the high intensity group games held Monday to Friday at 8 in the morning. This experience can be prebooked on additional charges.
  • RTC Courses For Beginners and Advanced Players: There are four RTC Levels – Level 1, Level 2, Advanced and Master – for both adults and children. Guests can choose to focus on specific skills: forehand, backhand, serve and return, slice and drop shot, volley and smash, tennis strategies and tactics, conditioning for tennis, mental toughness, tennis routines and specialty shots.

For guests who would like to design their own courses, there is also the option of booking private individual and couples’ sessions.

Henar Gil Rios, the General Manager of OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, says, “I am passionate about curating an inspiring lifestyle for our guests, for a lingering holiday experience leaving them relaxed, rejuvenated and enriched with timeless experiences. Having a resident tennis coach on the island will not just add to the sports and recreation activities but also allow serious tennis players to work on their game while they enjoy a serene getaway in the Indian Ocean.”

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is a tranquil palm-painted oasis of elegance set in the exotic turquoise hues of South Malé Atoll. Dotted with 94 gracefully designed villas and one exclusive Residence, the resort offers inspiring experiences and a lively island lifestyle. All the elements of an unsurpassed holiday, from underwater dining at M6m to exhilarating ocean excursions, combine to form an idyllic Maldives stay.

THE OZEN COLLECTION creates timeless sanctuaries that exude tranquillity and inspiration. An abundance of sophisticated experiences seamlessly blended with a grand sense of space and design, tailored wellness journeys and an enriching culture set apart the brand’s two resorts in the Maldives.

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, the first resort under this brand, opened in July 2016. THE OZEN COLLECTION’s success story continues in the Maldives with the addition of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, launched in December 2020. OZEN SECLUDED TANGALLE takes the brand to the south coast of Sri Lanka and is scheduled to be launched in 2023.

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From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

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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

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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.

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Finolhu showcases Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer

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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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