Adaaran Club Rannalhi, a renowned luxury resort in the Maldives, has been awarded Gold for “Leading Dive Resort” at the prestigious South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2024. The annual event, which celebrates excellence across the South Asian hospitality industry attracted prominent travel and tourism players from across the region.

Adaaran Club Rannalhi, a tropical paradise nestled on the southern tip of the South Malé Atoll, is no stranger to accolades. Known for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and vibrant marine life, the resort has long been a favorite for diving enthusiasts. The resort offers access to some of the Maldives’ most spectacular dive sites, including coral reefs teeming with exotic fish, manta rays, and even sharks. Its reputation as a premier destination for both seasoned and beginner divers has grown over the years, thanks to its professional diving centre, PADI-certified instructors, and state-of-the-art equipment.

Adaaran Club Rannalhi’s dive centre provides a wide range of activities that cater to both new divers and experienced explorers. Guests can engage in guided dives, night dives, and underwater photography excursions, all while discovering the beauty of the Maldivian reefs. The resort’s commitment to marine conservation and sustainable tourism also plays a vital role in its ongoing popularity. By offering educational programs and eco-friendly practices, the resort allows visitors to enjoy the underwater world while helping preserve its delicate ecosystems.

Receiving the Gold Award at SATA 2024 cements Adaaran Club Rannalhi’s reputation as a top-tier resort that consistently delivers world-class service, breathtaking experiences, and a deep commitment to sustainable tourism practices.

Aman, a trailblazer in creating timeless retreats, has long been celebrated for offering peace, privacy, intuitive service, and awe-inspiring destinations. Building on this legacy, the brand has unveiled its 21st destination and the latest addition to its prestigious collection of 35 properties: Aman Maldives, a serene private island retreat located in the Vaavu Atoll, one of the world’s most stunning archipelagos.

Nestled within lush green islands and pristine white sands, Aman Maldives will feature a 52-key resort and 16 branded residences, designed by renowned Aman collaborator Kerry Hill Architects. Known for its exceptional diving opportunities, this secluded part of the Maldives inspires the resort’s design, which embraces the natural beauty of the coralline beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters for which the region is famed.

The resort will offer standalone pavilions, ranging from one to three bedrooms, with some located on the main island and others on more peaceful extensions. Each pavilion will include a private pool. Guests will also enjoy a variety of dining options, including restaurant venues, a beach club, and several private dining locations that promise exceptional culinary experiences aligned with the island lifestyle.

In keeping with Aman’s pioneering wellness philosophy, the resort will feature an expansive spa, covering 2,638 square meters, situated on its own island dedicated entirely to wellbeing. The spa will introduce new health and rejuvenation experiences, including two private Spa Houses, a signature feature of Aman properties. A dive centre and water sports activities will also be available, offering guests the opportunity to explore the Maldives’ pristine coral reefs.

Aman Maldives will also be home to 16 Aman Residences, ranging from five to ten bedrooms, each offering unparalleled privacy and spectacular sunrise views from their eastern-facing vantage points. Each residence will be set on its own private islet, complete with a 25-meter swimming pool, personal landing jetty, and a private beach, all within close proximity to the main resort amenities.

Commenting on this exciting new venture, Vlad Doronin, Chairman and CEO of Aman Group, said, “The introduction of Aman Maldives marks a significant milestone for our brand as we bring Aman’s ethos of timeless elegance, unparalleled service, and ultimate privacy to this destination for the first time. Meeting the demand from our guests for a presence in the Maldives has long been part of our growth strategy and underscores our commitment to offering unique and transformative experiences in the world’s most extraordinary locations. Having secured a site in one of the most exclusive and secluded areas of the country, I am thrilled to bring Aman’s renowned lifestyle and ultra-luxury experience to this destination.”

Aman Maldives will be the brand’s 21st destination, joining properties in Beverly Hills, Niseko, Bangkok, and more in a strong pipeline of upcoming openings. Construction is currently underway, with additional details and the official opening date to be announced soon.

Fuvahmulah Island in the Maldives has been recognised as the location of the largest documented aggregation of tiger sharks globally, according to a recent study published on Nature.com.

Over six years, researchers led by Lennart Vossgaetter from the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research in Germany identified 239 individual tiger sharks through non-invasive photo identification methods. This represents the highest number of individual tiger sharks recorded in a single, geographically confined area.

The research revealed that tiger sharks around Fuvahmulah exhibit strong site fidelity, especially adult females, which remain in the area for extended periods during gestation. The waters surrounding the island provide critical habitat for these sharks, offering warm temperatures and a consistent food supply from discarded fish waste, making it ideal for reproduction.

Positive Outlook for Tiger Shark Conservation

The study highlighted Fuvahmulah as a vital site for tiger shark conservation in the Indian Ocean, housing the world’s largest known aggregation. The protected status of sharks in Maldivian waters contributes to the island being a “bright spot” for conservation efforts. Researchers emphasise that the island’s waters are essential for supporting female tiger sharks during gestation, serving as a crucial refuge that helps sustain their population.

However, the researchers also pointed out the necessity for further studies on the geographic connectivity of Fuvahmulah’s tiger sharks. Telemetry research could determine whether these sharks primarily inhabit the protected waters of the Maldives shark sanctuary or venture beyond its limits. Such insights are essential for understanding their movements and enhancing conservation strategies.

Balancing Tourism and Conservation

The study also raised concerns about the absence of formal regulations governing shark tourism in the Maldives, which has become a significant economic driver for local communities. The researchers noted that shark diving at sites like Fuvahmulah’s “Tiger Harbour” is currently unregulated, lacking official guidelines for shark provisioning for tourism purposes. Existing codes of conduct at diving sites are voluntary and vary by dive center.

Drawing inspiration from successful management strategies employed in other shark diving destinations, such as locally managed marine protected areas (MPAs) in Fiji, the researchers recommended establishing formal regulations to oversee shark provisioning and diving practices in Fuvahmulah. They argued that adopting sustainable practices is crucial to ensure the long-term conservation of tiger sharks and the economic benefits derived from shark tourism.

To prevent future conflicts between tourism and conservation, the study advocates for incorporating stakeholder interests into local management plans, promoting sustainable ecotourism practices in one of the world’s largest shark sanctuaries.

About Fuvahmulah Island

Fuvahmulah is the second southern-most atoll in the Maldives, situated 500 km from the capital, Male. The island, home to a population of 9000, is accessible via daily scheduled flights operated by the national carrier, Maldivian. Several dive centres are located near the harbour, accommodating the growing number of tourists who visit for tiger shark diving.

In addition to its fame as the “Tiger Shark Island”, Fuvahmulah is also known for its long, white sandy pebble beach, locally called “Thoondu”, on the northeast coast. The beach, with its natural beach breaks, is a popular destination for surfing.