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The Westin Maldives joins Westin Hotels’ Global Running Day celebrations

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The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, situated on BAA Atoll, the first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve site in the Maldives, along with four sister properties around the world – The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud, Bali, The Westin Singapore, The Westin Hamburg and The Westin London City collaborate on amplifying their Global Running Day activation across the five properties’ social media platforms.

As the preeminent well-being brand in hospitality, Westin has consistently supported Global Running Day for more than five years as a means to further encourage guests to stay active while on the road. Westin empowers guests to transcend the rigours of travel through its Six Pillars of well-being: Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well, and Play Well.

Guests staying at any of these five Westin properties can look forward to a series of renewing activities on June 1, 2022 to celebrate the Global Running Day, from a morning race with an Olympian athlete and evening runs through vibrant cities, to healthy breakfast by the beach and gathering at The Westin London City’s Blooming summer pop-up bar to celebrate the end of their daily workout with a glass of champagne.

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort will be marking the Global Running Day by inviting guests and associates to participate in a curated 5-km morning run. Estalitaa Pinto, the resort’s fitness curator, will kick off the programme with a stretching session before leading the participants to run around the lush green island, while Executive Chef Gaurav Chakraborty prepares a wellness breakfast featuring a special balanced menu using the freshest ingredients with distinctive flavours such as salmon avocado multigrain toast with kale and pineapple smoothies, ready to welcome the participants after the run.

For a post-workout renewing session, guests can make their way to the Heavenly Spa by Westin for the Deep Tissue Uplift massage to eliminate muscle tension and find balance between body and mind.

The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud, Bali is organising ‘Maintain Your Wellness’, a running session in collaboration with the well-known Indonesian Olympian / Triathlete and Triathlon coach Andy Wibowo, where guests will get the opportunity to run around Ubud side by side with the coach.

The Westin Singapore will take guests on a scenic group run hosted by the runWESTIN Concierge Eddie through some of the city’s most iconic sights including the Art Science Museum, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Marina Bay, and Gardens by the Bay, allowing participants to explore the local in an energetic manner while taking in what the garden city has to offer.

Guests will be invited to the hotel’s outdoor infinity pool, located on Level 35, after the race for a selection of energising snacks and treats specially curated by the Executive Chef Glen Cooper. This menu will be based on refreshing treats packed with nutrients and antioxidants to speed up the recovery after exercising.

The Westin Hamburg has invited guests, local personalities and associates to join together in the thematic race in favour of inclusion, diversity, and acceptance of society margins. Thi Minh Huyen Nguyen and Daniel Marin Medina will participate in the run, who after having become immersed in the running scene in NYC, once in Berlin, decided to extend more sport access to marginalised people. Till date, their team has organised several half and full marathons, traveled internationally, and are continuing to bring running to underrepresented people. All participants are invited to enjoy a healthy breakfast at the hotel at the end of the programme.

The Westin London City is planning to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in conjunction with Global Running Day. A brand-new circular 7.5K route conducted by its Rise & Run ambassador Charlie Watson, AKA @TheRunnerBeans and The Westin London City’s Run Concierge, will take guests for an invigorating run along the River Thames until Buckingham Palace. A post-run gathering with drinks will take place at the Westin Blooming summer pop-up bar to kick off the bank holiday weekend.

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Finolhu replants 1,200 coral colonies to strengthen house reef

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Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, has completed a four-day coral transplantation programme, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to marine conservation. Led by the resort’s marine biologist, Ivanna Tobar, the initiative involved the replanting of approximately 1,200 coral colonies from Finolhu’s nurseries to its house reef, strengthening one of the Maldives’ most critical marine ecosystems.

The programme was notable for its collaborative approach, bringing together four marine biologists from neighbouring resorts—JOALI BEING, Westin, Coco Palm, and Dusit Thani. Visiting experts Philippa Darby-shire Jenkins (JOALI BEING), Rosalie Bailie (Coco Palm), Harry Longin (Westin), and Louna Marchand (Dusit Thani) took part in hands-on transplantation dives, equipment preparation, and reef health management activities, including the removal of invasive pincushion sea stars.

Steven Phillips, General Manager of Finolhu, said the initiative extended beyond coral restoration: “This represents a unique opportunity to unite resorts, share expertise, and promote marine conservation at the highest level. Healthy reefs are essential not only for the Maldives’ biodiversity but also for the wellbeing of local communities and the sustainable future of tourism. Through this collaborative effort, we have created a lasting impact in safeguarding these underwater landscapes for our guests and for generations to come.”

Coral conservation remains crucial in the Maldives, where reefs provide natural protection against coastal erosion, support fisheries relied upon by local communities, and sustain the nation’s tourism industry. Pressures such as rising sea temperatures, pollution, and human activity have intensified threats to these ecosystems, making restoration work increasingly vital to preserve the country’s natural heritage and marine resilience.

The four-day initiative combined restoration activities with knowledge exchange. Morning briefings prepared participants for the day’s dives, while afternoon sessions focused on reef assessments and equipment readiness for subsequent activities. This integrated approach not only accelerated restoration but also enhanced regional expertise in reef management.

The event forms part of Finolhu’s wider environmental stewardship strategy. Alongside coral restoration, the resort manages a coral nursery, monitors reef health, and develops sustainable marine practices to ensure the vitality of its house reef. Guests are also encouraged to engage with conservation initiatives through experiences such as the Coral Conservation Package, which combines education with hands-on involvement in reef restoration projects.

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Freediving with tiger sharks: Shark Expedition Fuvahmulah collaborates with marine biologist Andriana Fragola

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Shark Expedition Fuvahmulah, renowned for its world-class scuba diving encounters, has announced an exciting expansion: the chance to freedive with tiger sharks in the Maldives’ southernmost atoll.

Fuvahmulah, often hailed as the “Tiger Shark Capital of the World,” is the only place on the planet where year-round encounters with tiger sharks are virtually guaranteed. With more than 280 identified resident tiger sharks, the island has become a bucket-list destination for divers and marine enthusiasts alike.

The newly introduced freediving experience offers a unique way to interact with these apex predators. Unlike scuba diving, freediving takes place without bubbles or heavy gear, allowing participants to connect with tiger sharks in a quieter, more natural way. This approach often makes the encounter more comfortable for the sharks and more intimate for the diver.

Guiding these expeditions is Andriana “Andy” Fragola, a marine biologist, shark diver, and conservationist currently based in Hawaii. Andy holds a Master’s Degree in Marine Conservation Biology with a focus on shark microbiology and has dedicated her career to shark research, conservation, and public education. Through her work in media and content creation, she strives to raise awareness about the importance of shark conservation and inspire people to take action to protect marine ecosystems.

“Freediving with tiger sharks is a raw and transformative experience,” says Andy. “Being eye-to-eye with these incredible animals without the barrier of scuba gear allows you to see them for what they truly are—powerful, intelligent, and essential to the health of our oceans.”

Shark Expedition Fuvahmulah ensures that all freediving activities are conducted under strict safety protocols. With experienced professionals like Andy leading the dives, participants can expect both an exhilarating and responsible adventure.

Why this experience stands out:

  • Eye-to-eye encounters with tiger sharks in their natural habitat.
  • A deeper, more personal connection with marine life.
  • Expert-led guidance ensuring safety and conservation awareness.

In addition to freediving, Shark Expedition Fuvahmulah offers a range of packages, including accommodation options, making it easier for adventurers to fully immerse themselves in the island’s extraordinary marine environment.

For bookings and more information:
📧 Email: sales@scuba-expeditions.com
📱 WhatsApp: +960 9894653
🌐 www.scuba-expeditions.com

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Experience ocean encounters: Manta Month at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives

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Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has announced the return of Manta Month this September, following the success of last year’s initiative. Now established as an annual programme, the celebration offers guests of all ages the opportunity to engage with the ocean while supporting marine conservation, with a particular focus on the manta ray.

Throughout the month, guests are invited to take part in guided excursions to known manta hotspots, led by the resort’s experienced team, who share insights into manta behaviour and conservation. Awareness talks highlight the story of a manta rescued near the island, serving as a reminder of the resort’s continuing efforts to protect marine life. Children can enjoy manta-themed arts and crafts as well as beach games, while the wider community will join reef and island clean-up activities, with collected waste repurposed into manta sculptures. In addition, proceeds from manta pendant sales at the resort’s retail boutique will be donated to The Manta Trust, extending support for research and protection initiatives.

Located close to several of the Maldives’ top ten dive sites, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives places importance on the wellbeing of the ocean and its ecosystems, a priority shared by both guests and staff. The resort’s sustainability initiatives are aligned with IHG’s purpose, True Hospitality for Good, through its Journey to Tomorrow programme, which supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrates a commitment to long-term environmental protection.

Commenting on the event, Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, said: “What started as a special event last year has now grown into an annual month-long celebration. Kandooma Manta Month is not just about seeing these magnificent creatures up close, but about creating meaningful experiences that inspire awareness, responsibility, and care for our ocean environment.”

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