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COMO Cocoa Island Maldives offers new kitesurfing retreat with world champion

Two-time world champion, Youri Zoon will host a new week-long retreat at COMO Cocoa Island, the Maldives’ understated all-villa private island resort.
From May 30 to June 4, 2022, Zoon will guide an advanced course for kitesurfing aficionados to perfect their technique, with twice-daily classes aimed at picking up speed, tackling tricks and extending airtime atop the tranquil Indian Ocean.
As part of the brand’s mission to offer guests direct access to sports and wellness experts, participants are invited to join Zoon for an intimate COMO Conversation: a talk surrounding his passion for the sport and the challenges of overcoming injury to reach his goals.
A keen kitesurfer since the age of 13, Zoon was attracted to the sport as it combined the elements of windsurfing and sailing that he had already mastered at a young age. After just one year of practice, he won the Junior European Championships and Dutch Nationals, before conquering the world title in 2011 and 2012. After 15 years of competing, Zoon began passing his expertise onto budding kitesurfers, now teaching classes all around the world.
To complement the active nature of kitesurfing, daily COMO Shambhala yoga classes will balance mind and soul, with expert-led sessions on the yoga pavilion overlooking the lush interior of the island. Guests can spend their free time uncovering the delights of the resort’s extensive wellness centre, COMO Shambhala Retreat, offering a range of Asian-based treatments – from signature massages to facials and beauty therapies – as well as hydrotherapy, reflexology and physical fitness. The resort’s 360 approach to wellness includes COMO Shambhala Cuisine, a unique nutritional concept of balanced dishes which boost energy, aid concentration and nourish the soul.
Staying in a breezy overwater villa, the accommodation is designed in honor of traditional Maldivian ‘dhoni’ fishing boats, offering the sensation of floating over the crystal-clear ocean. Guests can slip into the water from their private sun deck and come face-to-face with some of the world’s most fascinating marine life and enjoy in-room dining from Ufaa, the island’s signature restaurant, serving modern international cuisine with an emphasis on freshly caught seafood and local produce.
Kitesurfing with Youri Zoon costs from US$8,239 pp (approx. £6,258; single occupancy), including five nights’ half board, twice-daily lessons, access to COMO Conversation, daily yoga classes (excluding Fridays) and return speedboat transfers. Visit www.comohotels.com
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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