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Olive Ridley Project’s marine biologist Neus Segura joins Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi
As we move into 2023 and sustainable travel experiences continue to become increasingly sought out, those wishing to travel more purposefully should look no further than Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi. Following the launch of a series of pioneering sustainable initiatives including the Sustainability Lab, Coralarium and Turtle Ranger Programme, the resort is delighted to welcome Neus Segura as its new marine biologist. A sea turtle biologist and guest educator from the Olive Ridley Project, the leading NGO for Turtle Research and Conservation in the Maldives, Neus’s appointment further strengthens Fairmont Maldives’ ongoing partnership with the charity.
The Olive Ridley Project is an organisation dedicated to protecting sea turtles and their habitats through a combination of scientific research, rescue and rehabilitation, and CSR Community outreach programmes. Having submitted photo data over the last 5 years of the resident turtle population, Fairmont Maldives is honoured to continue its ongoing partnership with the Olive Ridley Project by welcoming one of their very own turtle biologists, Neus Segura. The partnership will enable the resort to enhance its commitment to marine conservation and education on sea turtles both for guests and local communities, through the Fairmont School Award Scheme, whereby children from schools within the Shaviyani Atoll are invited to participate in educational workshops on marine conservation led by Neus and the team.
One of the most critically endangered sea turtle species in the world, Hawksbill turtles account for the majority of the individual resident sea turtles documented on the resort’s house reef, as well as those of neighbouring islands. Neus’s new role will consist of monitoring sea turtle nesting activity and educating guests and staff on sea turtle biology and the threats the species currently face. During weekly Marine Life Presentations, overseen by Sustainability Manager, Samuel Dixon, Neus will tackle various topics including turtles, manta rays, and other marine species, to create awareness and encourage the next generation of eco-conscious travellers to learn more about the marine ecosystem through Fairmont Maldives’ sustainability efforts.
Born on the island of Mallorca, Neus grew up near the sea and has always loved being by the Ocean. At the age of 16 she volunteered at a local sea turtle rescue centre, which sparked a desire to dedicate her life to the conservation of the incredible species. Whilst studying her degree in Marine Biology at the University of Portsmouth she spent her summers volunteering and working with turtles at Wildlife Sense in Kefalonia, Greece. In 2019 Neus became a principal investigator on board the research vessel Totevaag from Alnitak Research Institute for a period of three years, whilst taking her Masters in Marine Ecology at the University of the Balearic Islands. Her roles on board the vessel ranged from educating volunteers to introducing mitigation measures for the risk of bycatch in fisheries.
Guests of Fairmont Maldives will be able to participate in ocean life conservation missions and join the Marine Biology team in tracking, protecting, and assisting turtle hatchlings in their journey from nest to ocean. Some of the programmes they can take part in also include:
Turtle Ranger Programme: Join the team in monitoring critically endangered Hawksbill Turtles in the water and participate in tracking and identify new nests.
Snorkelling Tours of the Coralarium: Head out on a guided tour of the Coralarium, a unique coral regeneration project in the form of an underwater art gallery that plays home to over 100 species of fish
Planting Coral: Participate in coral rehabilitation by planting broken fragments in the 9km-long house reef and later revisit in years to come to track its growth
Workshops in the Sustainability Lab: Turn plastic waste into wonder by transforming bottles and ghost nets into bespoke souvenirs and useful products, such as furniture, for local communities
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Eri Maldives offers accessible reef diving and snorkelling
Eri Maldives is located within the waters of North Malé Atoll and is surrounded by a house reef accessible to both beginner and experienced divers. With four direct reef entry points and shore access, the resort offers opportunities for snorkelling, introductory dives and certified diving.
The house reef supports a range of marine life, including white-tip and black-tip reef sharks, nurse sharks, hawksbill turtles, mobula rays and spotted eagle rays, as well as schools of reef fish. The accessibility of the reef allows guests to explore the area over multiple days, providing opportunities to observe marine behaviour and habitats over time.
Turtle encounters
Hawksbill turtles are among the most frequently observed species on the reef. The resort’s dive team has identified 14 individual turtles, each recognised by shell patterns and physical features. These include turtles known as Rosie, Cara and Anna, which have been documented through repeated sightings.
The resort maintains records of these turtles, allowing returning guests to identify individuals over time. Guests may also contribute to this initiative by naming newly identified turtles that have not previously been recorded.
Manta ray season
From December to April, manta rays are known to visit cleaning stations at Bodu Hithi Thila, located approximately one hour by boat from the resort. During this period, ocean conditions support plankton flows that attract mantas to the area, where they can be observed feeding or visiting cleaning stations.
Night diving experiences
Night snorkelling and diving activities provide a different perspective on reef activity. Species such as reef sharks, trevallies, moray eels and nurse sharks become more active after dark, offering guests the opportunity to observe nocturnal marine behaviour.
At Eri Maldives, marine experiences form a central part of the guest offering, with the house reef providing consistent opportunities for exploration. The resort’s dive programme is designed to support repeated interaction with the marine environment, allowing guests to experience a range of underwater activity throughout their stay.
Accommodation is available in studio and beach villa categories, with full board packages offered for direct bookings, subject to availability.
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Sirru Fen Fushi hosts football programme with Marcus Allbäck
Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort has announced another successful edition of the Sirru Icon Series, a week-long programme that brought international sporting energy, youth inspiration, and meaningful community connection to this private lagoon paradise.
Held from 27 March to 3 April, the initiative welcomed former Swedish professional footballer Marcus Allbäck, whose presence made the week truly exceptional for guests, young aspiring players, and the neighbouring island community. Marcus Allbäck is a celebrated former Swedish international striker, having played 74 games for his country, scoring 30 goals. He represented Sweden in three European Championships and two World Cups, and enjoyed a distinguished club career across Europe, including the Bundesliga, Serie A, the English Premier League, the Dutch Eredivisie, and the UEFA Champions League. Following his retirement, Marcus served as assistant coach for the Swedish national team for six years. Today, he continues to inspire the next generation of footballers, working as a player agent and advisor to help aspiring players achieve their dreams. His visit highlighted the power of sport not only as entertainment, but as a bridge for cultural exchange and social impact. This reflected the resort’s ongoing commitment to purposeful, community-centred initiatives.

Throughout the week, Marcus led a line-up of engaging activities, including friendly football matches with guests, dedicated junior football camps that fostered confidence and skill-building among young participants, and a memorable visit to a nearby local island. This local-island match stood out as a meaningful moment of connection, bringing the resort and community together through shared passion and friendly competition.
Guests also enjoyed an intimate Sirru Signature Sunset Cocktail, where they had the rare opportunity to meet Marcus in person, hear stories from his international career, and enjoy a relaxed, uplifting atmosphere against the backdrop of the resort’s iconic sunsets.

Programme Highlights:
- Friendly Football Matches–A fun and energetic opportunity for guests to play alongside an international football figure.
- Junior Football Camps –Inspiring sessions focused on youth development, teamwork, and confidence-building.
- Local Island Football Match – A memorable moment on the local island Milandhoo, celebrating the power of sport to bring resort guests and the local community together.
- Meet & Greet Sunset Cocktail – An exclusive experience offering direct interaction with Marcus and inspiring conversation.
The Sirru Icon Series reflects the resort’s dedication to creating exceptional experiences that go beyond traditional hospitality, pairing luxury with purpose and offering guests opportunities to connect, learn, and create lifelong memories.

This remarkable week marked an inspiring chapter of the Sirru Icon Series, with more unique programmes planned for the future to continue delivering immersive guest experiences at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort.
For further information and reservations, please visit sirrufenfushi.com or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.
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Radisson Blu Maldives image shortlisted for Monaco environmental award
A breathtaking moment beneath the Maldivian skies has earned international recognition, as Manta Sunset Wave, captured by award-winning underwater photographer Henley Spiers, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Environmental Photography Award 2026.
The image, taken during a diving retreat at Radisson Blu Resort Maldives, beautifully encapsulates the magic of the Maldives’ underwater world. Photographed in the waters of the South Ari Atoll during a evening excursion, the image captures the graceful movement of manta rays at sunset, an awe-inspiring reminder of the Maldives’ rich and diverse marine ecosystem.
As one of just 36 shortlisted works selected by an international panel of renowned nature, wildlife, and conservation photographers, Manta Sunset Wave will be featured in the Foundation’s 2026 international exhibition. The collection will debut in the Principality of Monaco before touring globally and will also be featured in a high-quality commemorative photobook, bringing these powerful visual stories to audiences around the world.
Beyond its visual splendour, the image highlights the importance of conservation photography in protecting fragile marine ecosystems. Through his work, Henley Spiers captures not only the wonder of the underwater world but also the urgent need to preserve it. His imagery serves as both inspiration and advocacy, encouraging a deeper connection with the ocean and a shared responsibility for its future.
A public vote is now open until 12 April 2026, and we warmly invite hospitality partners and the wider tourism community to support Henley Spiers in securing the public vote. By doing so, you will help showcase the Maldives’ rich and diverse marine life to a global audience and reinforce the importance of ocean conservation.
Henley Spiers and Radisson Blu Resort Maldives have previously collaborated on creative projects, with Henley serving as Creative Partner to document the resort’s exceptional diving experiences, including the remarkable presence of whale sharks in South Ari Atoll. This ongoing partnership continues to celebrate and protect one of the world’s most extraordinary underwater environments.
Guests at Radisson Blu Resort Maldives are immersed in this extraordinary marine environment, where encounters with manta rays, vibrant coral reefs, and even whale sharks are part of the experience. It is a destination where luxury and nature exist in harmony, offering unforgettable underwater journeys that leave a lasting impression.
To cast your vote, please follow this link.
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