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Knowledge is power: Marine biology journey starts with trainee modules at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

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The fight for a healthier ocean is real and not to be taken lightly. Continuing more than 15 years of dedication to its UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve home, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru has launched a new series of Trainee Marine Biologist modules to offer young adults a deep dive into pioneering marine research in one of the world’s most abundant oceanic territories.

Designed for 15 to 19-year-olds, the six one-day, one-to-one modules are designed as a serious foundation for scientifically minded teens, those considering a career in marine biology, or anyone with a genuine desire to deeply engage with the natural world.

Each module combines practical activities with comprehensive take-home texts for a deep dive into what it takes to be a Coral Biologist, Dolphin Biologist, Turtle Biologist, Aquarist, Plankton Biologist, or Manta Biologist. Each privately taught module stands alone and is bookable as a single-day experience.

Trainees work alongside the Resort’s expert Marine Savers marine biologists, on-site veterinarian and experts from The Manta Trust, gaining a unique insight into the Resort’s conservation projects. Activities might include using artificial intelligence to monitor coral reef restoration, cultivating artemia and rotifers in the Fish Lab, tracking and identifying local cetaceans, rehabilitating injured turtles, and contributing to the conservation of the world’s largest known population of manta rays.  

“We know from experience that actively engaging youngsters with marine environments is key to inspiring long-term conservation efforts,” comments Simon Dixon, Manager of Landaa Giraavaru’s Marine Discovery Centre. “Our trainee modules offer an in-depth experience of life in our field and are a great foundation for anyone with a passion for environmental action. It’s the kind of training I would have loved in my own youth.”

Explore one or more of the following one-day modules.

Trainee Coral Biologist

A unique insight into the incredible underwater world of coral reefs – the most diverse of all marine ecosystems – and how to help ensure their survival. Alongside the resident Coral Biologist, trainees will take part in every aspect of the coral restoration project, from preparation and transplanting to photography and uploading.

Trainee Dolphin Biologist

An opportunity to be part of the conservation story of the Maldives’ much-loved marine mammals: dolphins and whales. Working alongside the Dolphin Biologists, trainees will find out all about these magnificent creatures, go on a cruise to track their movements around the islands, and take and process photos to identify individuals.

Trainee Turtle Biologist

Sea turtles have been found throughout the world’s oceans since around the time of the dinosaurs – with the exception of the polar seas – but now six of their seven species are at risk of extinction. Alongside the resident Turtle Biologist, trainees will learn about sea turtle anatomy and biology, the threats they face in the wild and what can be done to help conserve them.

Trainee Aquarist

This module takes a closer look at some of the smaller organisms that inhabit the underwater world. From plankton to clownfish, rotifers to jellyfish, each play a part in ensuring healthy ecosystems that sustain life. A fascinating introduction to the work in the Fish Lab, this module highlights the dangers and threats facing each species and explores how we can help ourselves by helping the oceans.

Trainee Plankton Biologist

A chance to discover the role these incredible organisms play in our lives, from providing the oxygen we breathe to helping us track climate events and understand the migration of large sea animals. Trainees will be part of the first long-term, continuous plankton survey in the Maldives – and, to the best of the program’s knowledge, in any global UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – and help contribute to a model of plankton diversity and biomass that will hopefully expand into a national database.

Trainee Manta Biologist

An insight into the secret lives of the gentle giants of the Maldives: manta rays. Trainees will spend time with these majestic animals and learn how the Manta Ray Biologists work to conserve and protect the local manta ray population. This module enables trainees to become a part of the team’s research journey, from photo identification to helping monitor size, behaviour and even pregnancy.

The Trainee Marine Biologist modules are the latest innovation in 15 years of marine research and education at Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru. Other successes include the Maldives’ most successful coral reef regeneration project; establishing the Maldivian Manta Ray Project in 2005 (the founding project of the now worldwide Manta Trust); inaugurating the Maldives’ first Turtle Rehabilitation Centre in 2011; rehabilitating more than 340 injured sea turtles (including rehoming 6 overseas); and identifying 350+ cetaceans through the Dolphin ID Project.

Working out of a dedicated exhibition and research space that includes a purpose-built Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and Fish Lab, the research team also organise Dive Against Debris and other ocean clean-up events; attend international symposiums and local festivals to share their research; collaborate with local and international partner projects and organisations; welcome Maldivian school children for educational marine conservation days; lead daily guest snorkelling excursions and awareness talks; and lovingly tend to their extended family of turtle, fish, coral, jellyfish, egg and spawn with the highest levels of care.

For more information, visit marinesavers.com for month-by-month updates on all marine conservation projects currently undertaken at Four Seasons Resorts Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa, alongside data collated over many years of commitment to the preservation of the Maldives’ marine ecosystem.

To be part of the conservation story at Landaa Giraavaru and become a Trainee Marine Biologist, contact reservations.mal@fourseasons.com or call the Central Reservations department at tel: (960) 66 00 888.

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Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives unveils surf-focused luxury escape for 2026

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Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives invites travellers to embrace the rhythm of island life with the launch of its new Surf & Relax Offer — a thoughtfully curated experience blending world-class surf, elevated dining, restorative wellness, and unforgettable adventures in the heart of the Maldives.

Located just 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport in the North Malé Atoll, Kuda Villingili is home to the Maldives’ longest left-hand barrel wave, Chicken’s Break, making it one of the region’s most sought-after surf destinations. Framed by the resort’s philosophy of Time & Space Redefined, the new offer presents a seamless balance between thrill and tranquillity, designed for both experienced surfers and those discovering the sport for the very first time.

Applicable for direct bookings made through the Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives website, the Surf & Relax Offer is available for stays in Beach Villas with Private Pool and Water Villas with Private Pool (Sunrise and Sunset) for a minimum of four nights, with bookings open until 31 October 2026 using offer code KVSURF. The offer combines immersive surf experiences with moments of indulgence and relaxation. Guests staying in Beach Villas with Private Pool or Water Villas with Private Pool (Sunrise and Sunset) will enjoy USD 100 resort credit per villa, while guests staying seven nights or longer will receive a total of USD 300 resort credit during their stay. Resort credit can be redeemed towards dining experiences, spa treatments, and excursions.

The offer includes complimentary return shared speedboat transfers, daily breakfast at The Restaurant, and daily three-course dinner experiences across five of the resort’s signature dining venues — SPICE, EAST, EARTH, FIRE, and OCEAN. Guests will also enjoy a one-time three-course dinner at the award-winning Mar-Umi, celebrated for its Japanese-Peruvian cuisine and theatrical dining experience. Additional dining at Mar-Umi is complemented with a 15% discount under the Half Board meal plan.

Beyond the waves, the experience extends into wellness and island discovery. Guests can unwind with a 60-minute Deep Tissue Massage per adult at the resort’s private island spa, explore the vibrant marine life surrounding the island through the KV Faru Snorkelling Excursion, enjoy a traditional Sunset Fishing Excursion, and take part in a Cocktail Class at Raalhu Bar overlooking the surf.

For surf enthusiasts, the offer includes 15% savings on surfboard rentals and surf trips to nearby breaks including Cokes, Lohis, Sultans, Jails, and Ninjas. Beginner surfers can enjoy 25% savings on surf beach lessons and water lessons, while guests looking to capture their surf journey can also enjoy 15% savings on surf photography packages. Complimentary early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability, further enhance the ease of the island escape.

Whether chasing perfect swells at sunrise, slowing down through restorative wellness rituals, or simply embracing the laid-back rhythm of island life, Kuda Villingili’s Surf Offer presents a fresh perspective on the Maldives — one where adventure, connection, and serenity exist effortlessly side by side.

Discover Kuda Villingili’s latest special offers here, including the Surf Offer, here.

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The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort combines marine adventure with wellness-focused island stays

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The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, a five-star holistic wellness sanctuary nestled in the pristine Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, invites travellers to experience one of the Maldives’ most spectacular seasonal phenomena. From May through October, guests can witness the extraordinary feeding gatherings of manta rays that turn the waters of Hanifaru Bay into a world-renowned stage for marine life.

Just 45 minutes from the resort, Hanifaru Bay is among the planet’s most remarkable manta aggregation sites, famed for its “cyclone feeding” behaviour as mantas glide, spiral, and swoop through nutrient-rich waters in an awe-inspiring underwater ballet. With more than a thousand manta rays recorded in the bay, and the Maldives home to the world’s largest studied manta ray population, this protected sanctuary offers an unforgettable bucket-list opportunity to snorkel alongside these gentle giants.

“During peak season, it’s possible to witness dozens, sometimes over 100 manta rays, feeding in the bay, with occasional whale shark sightings, especially around the full moon,” shared José Daniel González, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort’s resident marine biologist.

Beyond Hanifaru Bay, the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve is celebrated for thriving reefs and abundant marine biodiversity. Divers and snorkelers can explore coral gardens filled with colourful reef fish, including batfish, fusiliers, and eagle rays, while dolphins are frequently spotted from the island. The resort also offers traditional line fishing and a wide range of watersports, from jet ski adventures to guided snorkelling experiences with turtles.

For guests who would like to learn more about the underwater world, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort hosts engaging marine education, including weekly marine biology presentations. Led by the resort’s resident marine biologist, these sessions highlight local ecosystems, marine conservation, and responsible tourism, helping guests connect more deeply with the island’s natural beauty.

After a day of exploration, guests can unwind with Westin’s signature wellness programs, from rejuvenating rituals at the overwater Heavenly Spa to energising movement at the WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio. Guests can also enhance post-adventure restoration with the WestinWORKOUT® Gear Lending Program, which includes the Recover and Recharge Kit by Hyperice, designed to ease muscle fatigue and help the body reset. Evenings promise restful comfort in one of the resort’s 69 spacious villas, complete with the award-winning Heavenly® Bed and curated Sleep Well amenities.

Those looking to visit the Maldives for this extraordinary season, or throughout the year, can benefit from the Escape to More package, which includes a complimentary upgrade to an All-Inclusive meal plan featuring three meals daily, unlimited beverages, and a restocked minibar, plus kids under 12 dine free.

For more information,  please visit westin-maldives.com.

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Angsana Velavaru invites guests to explore quieter side of Maldives

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There is a quieter side to the Maldives, one found beyond the familiar rhythm of overwater escapes and sunset rituals. In Angsana Velavaru, the ocean becomes more than a backdrop. It becomes part of the journey itself.

With Sun, Sea & Fishing in Velavaru, guests are invited to discover an island experience shaped by adventure, wellbeing and a meaningful connection to the nature. Thoughtfully curated for travellers who wish to balance exploration with relaxation, the experience combines the exhilaration of deep-sea fishing with the restorative calm of island living in the heart of the Indian Ocean.

As dawn unfolds across unique turquoise lagoons, mornings begin with gentle cruises over calm waters, where the sea reflects the changing colours of the sky. Later, the rhythm shifts as guests venture further offshore for a guided big game fishing experience, embracing the anticipation and excitement of the open ocean. Between each adventure, moments of stillness await, from unwinding beside the water to reconnecting with slower pace of island life.

Available with a minimum stay of 4 nights, the offer includes:

  • 1 Big Game Fishing trip per stay for 2 people
  • 25% savings on stays with a Half Board meal plan
  • 20% savings on return seaplane transfers for 2 people
  • 1 Morning Cruise per stay

Designed for couples, ocean lovers and modern explorers alike, the experience reflects the spirit of Velavaru, serene, grounding and deeply connected to its natural surroundings. Every detail encourages guests to rediscover balance through immersive experiences that awaken the senses while nurturing rest and renewal.

Whether you are casting a line into the open sea, gathering with loved ones after a day on the water or simply listening to the gentle movement of the waves, each moment invites you to embrace the essence of island life in a more meaningful way.

To discover more or reserve your island retreat, please visit the resort’s website.

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