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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.
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Celebrating 25th anniversary of Rannamaari Shipwreck at Dhawa Ihuru Maldives
Dhawa Ihuru celebrated the 25th anniversary of the iconic Rannamaari shipwreck, a key feature of their renowned house reef and a symbol of marine conservation this October. Since its sink in 1999, the Rannamaari has transformed into a thriving artificial reef, attracting diverse marine life and offering unforgettable diving experiences for enthusiasts from around the world.
Dhawa Ihuru’s house reef, considered one of the best in the Maldives, is home to a vibrant haven of Maldivian marine life and is easily accessible from the shore. The Rannamaari wreck is a key attraction, offering divers a unique opportunity to explore the wreck’s colourful coral growth and the diverse species that inhabit it. The reef is also central to Dhawa Ihuru’s marine conservation initiatives, serving as a living example of how artificial reefs can support marine biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
A 25-Year Celebration Week Marathon
From 4th to 6th October, Dhawa Ihuru invited guests to join event marathon for Sunken Stories – 25 Years Beneath The Waves, a weekend of celebration, exploration, and education in honour of this milestone. Guests had the opportunity to participate in a variety of exciting activities, designed for both divers and non-divers, blending marine conservation with Maldivian exotic culture and history:
- Exclusive Shipwreck Dives: Explore the wonders of the Rannamaari wreck through day and night dives, showcasing the vibrant marine life and coral formations.
- Freediving to Shipwreck: Challenge yourself with a freediving experience to explore the depths of the Rannamaari wreck.
- Shipwreck Treasure Hunt Dive: Join an exhilarating underwater treasure hunt around the historic wreck.
- Underwater Photography Contest: Capture the beauty of the wreck and compete in our photography contest for a chance to win exciting prizes.
For those seeking cultural and creative activities, the event offered a blend of art, mindfulness and local tradition experiences:
- Stone Carving Workshop: Learn the traditional craft of stone carving in a hands-on workshop led by a local artist.
- Morning Yoga Sessions: Start your day with a revitalising morning yoga session, surrounded by the tranquillity of Dhawa Ihuru.
- Marine Conservation Talk: Discover Dhawa Ihuru’s marine conservation efforts and find out how you can contribute to protecting the ocean.
- Rannamaari Folklore Performance: Enjoy live performances of Maldivian folklore, bringing the history of the Rannamaari to life.
A Commitment to Marine Conservation
The Rannamaari shipwreck is at the heart of Dhawa Ihuru’s dedication to marine conservation. Over the past 25 years, the wreck has developed into a vibrant underwater ecosystem, supporting coral growth and a variety of marine species including batfish, moray eels, and groupers. It is a testament to the effectiveness of artificial reefs in fostering marine biodiversity and regenerating reef ecosystems.
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Join exclusive LUX Tennis Star Clinic with Alejandro Davidovich Fokina at Patina Maldives
Tennis enthusiasts are in for a treat this November as Patina Maldives hosts the prestigious LUX Tennis Star Event, featuring the dynamic Spanish tennis sensation, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Currently ranked World No. 32, Davidovich Fokina is celebrated for his aggressive play, powerful forehand, and competitive spirit. Formerly ranked World No. 21 and the 2017 Wimbledon boys’ singles champion, he brings much experience and excitement to the court.
This event promises to be a remarkable experience for tennis fans of all ages, providing an unparalleled opportunity to learn from one of the sport’s rising stars.
This is a great opportunity to witness Alejandro Davidovich Fokina’s mastery on the court and gain valuable insights to elevate your own game.
The event will run from November 11th to 18th, 2024, offering a unique opportunity for guests to engage with Davidovich Fokina through a series of exclusive activities designed to enhance their tennis skills and provide unforgettable experiences.
Event Highlights:
- Meet and Greet Sessions: Get up close and personal with Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on November 11th and 14th.
- Adult Clinics: Participate in group sessions on November 12th, 15th, 16th, and 17th.
- Private Lessons: Enjoy personalised coaching on November 13th and 16th.
- Kids Clinic: Young tennis enthusiasts can join a group session on November 14th.
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Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa welcomes Elena Vesnina for weekend of tennis and luxury
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa has announced the upcoming arrival of tennis professional Elena Vesnina, who will host a series of exclusive tennis clinics and activities from December 11th to 14th, 2024. The resort was recently recognised with the TTM Editor’s Choice Best Resort for Sports & Fitness award.
Elena Vesnina, a prominent Russian tennis player, is celebrated for her exceptional skill and achievements in both singles and doubles. Over her career, she has won three WTA singles titles, including a notable victory at the prestigious Indian Wells tournament in 2017. In doubles, Vesnina has claimed an impressive 19 WTA titles, including Grand Slam victories at the French Open in 2013, the US Open in 2014, and Wimbledon in 2017, all alongside her partner Ekaterina Makarova. Additionally, she earned a gold medal in women’s doubles at the 2016 Rio Olympics and won the mixed doubles at the Australian Open that same year. Her versatility and skill have positioned her as a formidable competitor in women’s tennis, achieving a career-high doubles ranking of No. 1 and a peak singles ranking of No. 13.
Vesnina’s visit will offer guests a unique opportunity to enhance their tennis skills against the stunning backdrop of Maldivian scenery. During her stay, she will provide her social media followers with real-time insights into the luxurious experiences offered by Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa.
Guests staying at the resort between December 11th and 14th, 2024, will have the chance to participate in complimentary daily group tennis clinics, suitable for all skill levels. Each one-hour clinic will be conducted alongside the resort’s resident tennis coach and will offer personalised guidance for up to four participants per session. Vesnina will host four one-hour group clinics for adults over four days, and another four one-hour group clinics for children (ages 8 and above) over the same period.
Private classes will also be available upon request, subject to coach availability, with a fee applied to these sessions.
This exclusive event provides guests with a unique opportunity to learn from a tennis champion while highlighting Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa as a premier destination for sports enthusiasts and luxury travellers alike.
Located in the north of the Maldives, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a top choice for active travellers, offering a wide range of activities both on land and over water. The resort boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including two tennis courts, a fully equipped gym, indoor badminton, football, basketball, golfing, beach volleyball, Padel, and a dedicated yoga space. With ample jogging and biking paths, guests can stay active in a breathtaking tropical environment.
The resort also provides mindfulness meditation, yoga, and a wellness-oriented slow-life balance for those seeking relaxation. Water enthusiasts can enjoy jet-skiing, windsurfing, a floating aqua park, and paddleboarding, as well as guided snorkeling and diving excursions that reveal the vibrant marine life of the Maldives. Here, sports and relaxation come together seamlessly, making it an ideal choice for active luxury travellers.
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