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WOW! Xperience for Sameeksha Sud, Praveen Bhatt in Maldives: Swimming with sharks

The Maldives is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Beyond the typical snorkelling, surfing, and diving, there are many more engaging experiences to enjoy in the paradisical Maldives. These include ocean adventures such as spotting dolphins, swimming with manta rays and whale sharks, and now even swimming with the sharks (to be precise, swimming with the gentle, elegant, and friendly nurse sharks).

Sameeksha Sud, an Indian Television Actress and Internet personality, and Praveen Bhatt, a well-known photographer, were recently spotted together with their significant other and family respectively having a WOW! Xperience on an adventure to a special location in Vaavu atoll in the Maldives to swim with nurse sharks. This adrenaline-fuelled ‘Xperience’ is offered by the popular all-inclusive destination in the Maldives – Lily Beach Resort & Spa, located on the island of Huvahendhoo, in South Ari Atoll.


Sameeksha and Praveen have shared many posts on their respective Instagram handles on the glimpses from their adventure into the deep, swimming with nurse sharks, spotting dolphins, swimming around a shipwreck, visiting a local island, and even feeding some Sting Rays – while amidst the postcard perfect azure Maldivian sky and turquoise waters.
Known for the television shows like Baal Veer, Doli Armaano Ki, and Ek Aastha Aisi Bhee, Sameeksha Sud is certainly a fun entertainer even on social media – especially with her relatable stories and quirky dance moves. To keep her fans in on the action, she has also shared some amazing Vlogs on her YouTube channel (with over 1.23 million subscribers), showcasing her experiences while in the Maldives. Some amazing videos include one showcasing Day 1 at the beautiful Resort and the one that stole the show with its jaw-dropping visuals is the one about the WOW! at Vaavu Xperience by Lily Beach.


The tropical Maldives brims with its natural beauty and has many activities for you to savour every moment amidst flora, fauna, and the glistening ocean. It is a perfect destination to have unforgettable memories, whether as a couple or as a family. And what a way for Sameeksha to create some exciting memories on her ‘first-ever visit to the Maldives’ by having this WOW! Xperience.
Sameeksha has this to say about the whole ‘Xperience’, “This was a lifetime experience. It was really amazing and really fun for me my partner both.”
For more information on the experiences that the Luxury All-Inclusive resort is offering, not just this WOW! Xperience but many more together with its legendary Platinum Plan. Check out the link below: www.lilybeachmaldives.com
To book your very own WOW! at Vaavu Xperience in the Maldives, contact reservations at reservations@lilybeachmaldives.com, +960 6680013 or +960 7224945 (WhatsApp).
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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