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Coral, canvas, ceramics: Patina Maldives celebrates World Ocean Day with craft, care

Unwavering in its pursuit of perpetuality, Patina Maldives, Fari Islands embraced the opportunity to engage guests and local community alike with an inspiring World Ocean Day programme encompassing hands-on conservation workshops, ocean-themed facepainting, and thought-provoking collaborative art projects.
Patina Hotels & Resorts’ passion for nurturing next-gen sustainable values in tomorrow’s travellers was in evidence at the local school on neighbouring island Gaafaru, as the resort’s aptly named resident marine biologist Oshin Christopher led a coral ceramics workshop. The schoolkids discovered how Patina Maldives and its ceramic tableware partner, Kevala Ceramics, successfully innovated handmade ceramic frames as a natural alternative to the metal frames traditionally used for coral propagation – before making their own, to be added to the 70-plus ceramic frames and structures already planted in the resort’s house reef to date.
Back at Patina Maldives’ pioneering children’s centre, Footprints – a place of discovery and inspiration powered entirely by Swimsol marine solar panels – younger resort guests took up a World Ocean Day poster-making challenge, using paints and marine cut-outs to fill a giant canvas with heartfelt slogans and moving depictions of the marine environment.
Older guests meanwhile were invited to take part in a collaborative art project, using pieces of recovered marine plastics, ghost gear and other recycled materials to transform a wire framework into a striking sculpture of a sea turtle. While this transformation took shape, the resort’s marine biology team gave a World Ocean Day presentation; kids enjoyed marine animal facepainting – complete with a photobooth to capture their new looks; and a special ocean-themed high tea and drinks were served.
As the sun set on World Ocean Day 2023, the kids’ giant canvas and the turtle sculpture were carefully relocated for display as a permeant, continually evolving installation in the resort’s Fari Marina Village, that will invite guests to contribute to its evolution with their own marine plastic and ghost gear finds. The sculpture will serve as a perpetual reminder of the urgent need to protect and restore our blue planet, and a testament to what can be achieved through collective action.
Rates at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands start from USD1,552 (approx. GBP1,245) per night based on two adults sharing a One Bedroom Pool Villa in June 2023, excluding tax and service.
Receive 25 per cent off villa accommodation with the ‘Summers at Patina Maldives’ package, plus complimentary half board, return airport boat transfers for stays of four consecutive nights or more, and complimentary Guest Benefits. Stay must be booked 30 days in advance. Terms and conditions apply. To book visit patinahotels.com/maldives-fari-islands, email reservations.maldives@patinahotels.com or tel. +960 4000 555. Part of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) DISCOVERY loyalty programme, Patina Maldives, Fari Islands recently enhanced its offering so that PATINA DISCOVERY members at all levels can now expect even more VIP recognition, rewards and access to members-only experiences.
Excursions
Marine encounters: spinner dolphins at Canareef Resort Maldives

At Canareef Resort Maldives, one of the most popular experiences for guests is the dolphin tour. The abundant presence of dolphins in the surrounding waters ensures that each cruise offers a remarkable encounter with these marine creatures, creating lasting memories for visitors.
Every dolphin tour at Canareef provides an opportunity to observe pods of dolphins gliding and leaping across the waves. Guests often describe the sight of spinner dolphins darting through the clear ocean as a defining image of the Maldives’ natural marine beauty.
Morning cruises and sunset tours alike are guided by experienced staff, who share insights as dolphins appear in their natural environment. Many guests recount moments when dolphins swim alongside the boat, a spectacle that creates a unique sense of connection.
The activity is regarded as more than just an excursion; it is considered a celebration of nature and a highlight of a stay at Canareef. It allows guests to experience the Maldives in a way that underlines why dolphins are seen as ambassadors of the islands.
For travellers seeking encounters with dolphins amid turquoise waters, Canareef presents an ideal opportunity. The resort also offers seasonal promotions, including early booking discounts for the remainder of this summer, next winter, and summer 2026.
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Dusit Thani Maldives offers direct access to Baa Atoll’s living reef

At Dusit Thani Maldives, the experience of the ocean begins directly at the doorstep. Situated within the UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, the resort is surrounded by one of the most vibrant house reefs in the country, offering guests the opportunity to explore a thriving underwater world just steps from their villa.
What distinguishes the resort is its 360-degree house reef. Each villa, whether set above the lagoon or along the beach, opens directly onto the water. Guests can enter the ocean within moments of leaving their deck, where coral gardens, schools of tropical fish, and turtles can often be seen. The seamless access allows families, beginners, and experienced snorkellers to engage with the reef naturally, without the need to plan or schedule an excursion.
The location within the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve makes every swim a part of a wider story of conservation and discovery. Recognised globally for its corals and tropical marine life, the reserve becomes a key gathering site for manta rays and whale sharks during the season. Around the reef, visitors can observe parrotfish, angelfish, eagle rays, and reef sharks, making it a living example of biodiversity and preservation.
Life at the resort is centred on this connection with the sea. Guests may begin their day with a morning swim, take part in a guided snorkelling safari with marine experts, and conclude by observing the coral gardens as they take on new colours in the evening light. The ocean becomes not simply a backdrop but an integral part of daily life.
The PADI-certified Dive and Watersports Centre further enhances this relationship with the ocean, offering night snorkels, freediving, drift dives, and marine education programmes designed for families. Guests are supported to safely explore the biodiversity of the atoll at their own level, whether through a gentle introduction or more advanced diving experiences.
Jean-Louis Ripoche, Area General Manager, Dusit Maldives, noted that snorkelling at the resort is not treated as an activity but as part of the rhythm of island life. He explained that the reef begins where the villa deck ends, allowing guests the freedom to explore the ocean at their own pace and making the location distinctive in its accessibility and natural beauty.
At Dusit Thani Maldives, the distinction between villa and ocean fades away. From sighting turtles at sunrise to drifting beside reef sharks at dusk, every moment reinforces the natural character of the Maldives and the unique setting of the resort.
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From reef to horizon: Immersive island experiences at Angsana Velavaru

Angsana Velavaru invites travelers to immerse themselves in a rhythm shaped by tides, coral gardens, and island breezes. This oceanfront retreat is located in one of the Maldives’ most vibrant marine environments. It is known as “Turtle Island” and is a 40-minute seaplane ride from Male’. The resort curates experiences for those who are drawn to discovery, depth, and the beauty of nature’s untouched corners. Angsana Velavaru offers a getaway to extraordinary diving, barefoot island adventures, and sea-bound journey.
Into the Blue: Dive Sites and Snorkelling Discoveries
Angsana Velavaru is at the center of a marine wonderland with more than 30 dive sites just minutes away. The resort’s PADI 5-Star Gold Dive Centre leads guests to explore dramatic drop-offs, gentle coral slopes, and manta ray cleaning stations. The resort offers tailored expeditions and daily two-tank dives for both experienced and beginner divers.
For those who prefer to snorkel, the house reef offers an introduction to coral life. Guided safaris, led by marine experts, provide a deeper appreciation for reef ecosystems10. The calm waters surrounding the island make it easy for even first-time snorkelers to experience the ocean.
Ocean Adventures: Cruising, Fishing and Sunset Moments
Guests can step aboard traditional dhonis to experience the ocean from a new perspective. Unforgettable views are available whether you are on a dolphin cruise or a sunset sail. Traditional handline fishing trips, guided by a local crew, are also available for a hands-on experience. Other highlights include sandbank escapes and private boat charters, which are designed to slow down time and deepen one’s connection to the sea.
Land Experiences and Island Explorations
Angsana Velavaru offers morning nature walks and visits to local islands for a glimpse into Maldivian island life. At the resort’s Marine Lab, guests can take part in coral planting or learn about marine conservation from resident marine biologists. For families, the Ranger’s Club provides meaningful moments for young explorers with treasure hunts, marine workshops, and outdoor games. Solo travelers or couples can enjoy quiet moments under the stars, yoga by the beach, or walking around the island.
Angsana Velavaru offers immersion and the chance to become part of a living seascape. Every moment resonates with nature’s quiet power.
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