Action
Kihaadhoo hosts Namoona INSPIRE Water Sports Festival with participation from 10 islands
Baa. Kihadhoo hosted the 3-day Namoona INSPIRE Water Sports Festival over the weekend that saw the participation of Baa Maalhos, Dharavandhoo, Dhonfanu, Kamadhoo, Kudarikilu, Kendhoo, Noonu Magoodhoo, Lhohi and Kudafari.
The closing event held on 11 March to celebrate the newly trained Swimming and Water Rescue instructors through the Namoona INSPIRE programme, was attended by the Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Ibrahim Hassan, as the Chief Guest.
Over 11 Swimming and Water Rescue Instructors graduated and were awarded certificates during the event. As part of this innovative and community driven course, the graduates reached over 400 individuals including women and children and provided lessons on swimming and water rescue.
To graduate, each of the participants had to complete a 150-hour course, consisting of 40 hours of theory, 60 hours of practical skills and 50 experience hours. The course was developed and conducted by the Maldives Swimming and Life Saving Skills Training School (MLSSTS). The aim of the program is to develop the next generation of environment and ocean stewards, and equip them with the skills to bring the ocean closer to their communities.

“Despite being surrounded by the sea, it is surprising how many Maldivians are uncomfortable in the water. This course has equipped me with not just the knowledge to teach swimming and water rescue skills, but also how to look after my community as they enjoy the ocean,” said Instructor Ibrahim Nadeem from B.Kihaadhoo
“What these instructors achieved is no small feat. It was a grueling, tough program. But as Namoona Swimming and Water Rescue instructors, they will be able to spread the knowledge all over the atoll, and soon enough, we will have people who are more comfortable in the ocean,” said the Course Director and Head Maldives Swimming and Life Saving Skills Training School, Mohamed Shizleen.
“The work done by Soneva Namoona in training the Swimming and Water Rescue instructors and communities to get more comfortable in the water is exemplary. It gives me great pleasure to be here as the Chief Guest. Congratulations to all the candidates who successfully finished the programme,” said Minister of Higher Education Dr. Ibrahim Hassan.
Soneva Namoona is a Non-Governmental Organization that is pioneering a new approach to waste management in the Maldives, by focusing on island-level solutions. Having piloted their sustainable waste management programs in Baa Atoll, the NGO recently signed an MoU with
Noonu Atoll Council to provide strategic and technical assistance to implement the Namoona Sustainable Waste Management model across the Noonu Atoll.
Action
Ayada Maldives: Sanctuary where ocean conservation shapes every experience
Nestled within the pristine waters of the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Ayada Maldives stands as a sanctuary for those who seek more than beauty, a place where the ocean’s rhythm shapes the soul of the island. Beyond the turquoise lagoons and gentle waves, an enduring commitment to marine conservation quietly anchors the resort’s philosophy: to protect, nurture, and celebrate the underwater world that defines the Maldives.
Ayada’s location in the far south of the Maldives offers a rare gift, a thriving house reef renowned for its vibrant coral formations and abundant marine life. From schools of butterflyfish and parrotfish to graceful turtles and reef sharks, every snorkel reveals the living tapestry of an ecosystem in balance. The reef’s health, enriched by minimal human impact, has made Ayada one of the most rewarding destinations for divers and ocean lovers alike.

But this beauty does not thrive by chance. It is safeguarded by dedicated individuals like Shafeen Adam, Ayada’s Guardian of the Reef, who leads coral restoration and marine education efforts. With quiet determination, Shafeen and his team work to restore and monitor the reef while also inspiring guests to appreciate and protect the fragile marine environment.
“The reef is the heart of our island,” says Shafeen. “I want future generations to see the same colours, the same life beneath the surface that we are privileged to witness today. Every coral we plant is a promise to the future.”
From guided snorkelling experiences to coral gardening sessions, guests are invited to become part of this story of preservation. The resort’s marine team shares insights into coral resilience, fish behaviour, and the delicate balance that sustains ocean life, transforming leisure into learning, and appreciation into advocacy.

For those who seek adventure, Ayada’s waters offer endless possibilities. The southern atolls are home to some of the Maldives’ most consistent surf breaks, where gentle swells roll over crystalline reefs from September through May. Surf enthusiasts can chase the perfect wave, while others can glide across the lagoon by paddleboard, sail into the horizon on a catamaran, or explore the depths with scuba diving and freediving excursions.
From sunrise snorkelling to sunset dolphin cruises, Ayada Maldives invites guests to experience the ocean in its many moods: calm, powerful, and always full of life. Each activity reflects the same guiding principle, harmony with nature.

As stewards of one of the Maldives’ most untouched reefs, Ayada Maldives continues to lead with purpose, not only showcasing the wonders of the sea but ensuring they endure. Here, the ocean is more than a view. It is a legacy, protected with passion, for generations to come.
Action
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives unveils new Pickleball court
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has announced the launch of its brand-new pickleball court, further enhancing the resort’s diverse portfolio of sports and recreational experiences. This exciting new addition underscores the resort’s ongoing commitment to delivering dynamic, experience-driven luxury for guests of all ages.
Pickleball—a fast-growing paddle sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis—has gained global popularity for its accessibility, fun, and competitive edge. With the introduction of this new court, Kuda Villingili enhances its appeal as a destination for both leisure and active travelers, offering a lively, social, and inclusive way to stay fit while enjoying the resort’s idyllic island surroundings.
“For us at Kuda Villingili Maldives, luxury is not just about comfort — it’s about creating moments that inspire joy and connection,” said Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives. “Our new pickleball facility offers guests a fun and engaging way to stay active while immersing themselves in the beauty of the Maldives.”
The new pickleball court complements the resort’s already extensive sports and wellness facilities, which include:
- Two flood-lit tennis courts
- A padel tennis court
- A futsal ground
- A volleyball court
- A state-of-the-art gym featuring Technogym equipment
- A serene indoor and outdoor oceanfront yoga pavilion hosting daily sessions led by expert instructors
- The Spa, located on a private island, offering holistic wellness experiences
- The Maldives’ largest swimming pool — a stunning 150-meter (Olympic-sized) pool perfect for both casual swimmers and fitness enthusiast
Conveniently located just 25 minutes by speedboat from Malé airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives features 75 spacious villas and residences, 8 restaurants offering 12 international cuisines, and easy access to one of the region’s most iconic left-barrel surf breaks.
With the addition of pickleball to its already impressive lineup, Kuda Villingili continues to set the standard for experience-led luxury in the Maldives, where wellness, recreation, and relaxation come together to create an exceptional guest experience.
Excursions
Royal Island among participants in Guinness World Record snorkel
Royal Island participated in the Baani Event, which achieved a Guinness World Record for the largest number of people snorkelling simultaneously. Twenty-eight participants represented the resort at Villingilifaru Finolhu, located approximately two kilometres across the lagoon from Royal Island. The island lies within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, in close proximity to Hanifaru Bay, one of the Maldives’ most renowned manta aggregation sites.
The resort’s involvement aligns with its ongoing coral restoration initiatives on the house reef. Efforts include the installation of nursery frames, out-planting of resilient coral fragments, regular monitoring, and guest briefings aimed at encouraging reef-safe practices such as calm water entries, mindful finning, and maintaining respectful distances from marine life. These measures contribute to a low-impact snorkelling experience while supporting the long-term health of the reef ecosystem.
Royal Island’s environmental stewardship extends beyond marine conservation to community engagement. Recent activities include native tree and coastal vegetation planting to enhance shoreline stability and biodiversity, as well as periodic beach and lagoon clean-ups conducted in partnership with local organisations. Educational programmes for schools and youth groups promote ocean literacy and foster a culture of environmental guardianship across Baa Atoll.
Amidst the clear lagoons and coral gardens, Royal Island’s participation in the record-setting event underscores its message of responsible enjoyment of the Maldives — protecting coral ecosystems and strengthening community bonds through sustainable tourism and collaboration.
-
Action1 week agoJOALI BEING welcomes football legend Clarence Seedorf for transformative workshops
-
Awards1 week agoMaldives secures spot in Condé Nast Traveller’s top 10 countries for food
-
Celebration1 week agoSpooky glamour takes over Lazuli Beach Club at SO/ Maldives
-
Awards1 week agoMaldives wins Best Beach Destination title at 2025 World Tourism Awards
-
Featured1 week agoHolistic journeys at One&Only Reethi Rah: Year of global wellness expertise
-
Excursions1 week agoRoyal Island among participants in Guinness World Record snorkel
-
News1 week agoSIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS launches EarthCheck Certification initiative for RAH GILI MALDIVES
-
News1 week agoKandooma Spa expands with treatments to detox, de-stress, surf stronger


