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The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort presents exclusive Marriott Bonvoy moment: Manta rays with US Paralympic gold medalist Gregory Burns

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, situated in Baa Atoll, the first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve site in the Maldives, has announced an extraordinary opportunity for Marriott Bonvoy members to embark on an unparalleled adventure through the specially curated Marriott Bonvoy Moment. From September 14-18, 2023, lucky bidders will have the rare privilege of snorkelling with majestic manta rays in Hanifaru Bay, the world’s most concentrated area of manta rays, accompanied by the illustrious Paralympic swimmer and artist Gregory Burns.
Gregory Burns, is a highly accomplished athlete and internationally renowned fine artist. Known for winning gold medals and setting world record in swimming at three Paralympic games, Gregory inspires many with his discipline and perseverance. For over three decades, he has painted professionally across 60 countries, and received the prestigious 2016 Sports Artist of the Year Award and a commission from the International Olympic Foundation to create paintings for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. Polio, which Gregory contracted as a child, stimulated him to prioritise mobility and to express himself through sports and arts.
The unparalleled Marriott Bonvoy Moments package includes a four-night stay in one of the wellness resort’s overwater villas with a private pool—promising an unforgettable and rejuvenating retreat for the guests from September 14 to 18, 2023 to experience and embrace Westin’s wellbeing pillars. Refreshing welcome drinks prepared at the Westin Fresh from the Juicery corner await upon arrival, and at Island Kitchen guests may savour well-balanced daily breakfast to boost their energy for the day.
Prior to the snorkelling trip with Gregory Burns on September 15, guests are invited to join the Move Well stretching session, an important element to increase flexibility which will help them to accomplish the range of motion required before swimming along with the champion as well as the gentle manta rays. As part of Westin Hotels & Resorts WestinWORKOUT Gear Lending program, guests may make use of the Recharge and Recovery kit by Hyperice, a wellness gear to soothe and recover tense muscles post snorkel, before refuelling their body and mind with restorative sleep in the award-winning Heavenly Bed.
Upon day three, bid winners of the Marriott Bonvoy Moments will get in touch with their artistic flair while joining an underwater sketching session with Gregory and Maldivian artist Shameen Moosa. Art can be a different and fun way to calm and restore one’s mind and mood, to boost confidence and make people feel more engaged and resilient. For those who prefer to indulge their creative instincts on land, the Masterclass will be held at the Art Gallery. As the experience comes to an end, guests are treated to a remarkable sunset fishing trip to be part of the rich Maldivian tradition followed by a romantic barbecue by the beach.
The General Manager of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, Vijay Kumar, expressed his delight at this exclusive opportunity, remarking, “We are thrilled to present this unique experience to our valued Marriott Bonvoy members. The Maldives is renowned for its natural beauty, and we are honoured to partner with Gregory Burns, a true Paralympic athlete and artist, to bring The Westin brand pillars alive, presenting the Move Well, Play Well, Feel Well, Eat Well, and Sleep Well elements, and make this exciting event more extraordinary. We invite our guests to embark on this unique journey, and create cherished memories that will be treasured for years to come.”
In anticipation of this exceptional collaboration, Gregory Burns shared his enthusiasm, stating, “I am thrilled to be part of this extraordinary moment with The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort. Swimming with manta rays in Hanifaru Bay is a truly awe-inspiring experience, and I cannot wait to share this ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity as we encounter these magnificent creatures, followed by a unique art experience in the beauty of the Indian Ocean.”
Marriott Bonvoy members are invited to bid for a chance to be part of this extraordinary experience at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort by visiting the Marriott Bonvoy Moments site at https://moments.marriottbonvoy.com/en-us/moments/15049.
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Is this the most scenic Padel Tennis court in the world?

If you’ve ever dreamed of playing your favourite sport with the sound of the ocean in your ears and palm trees swaying overhead, SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, may have just made that dream a reality. The resort has unveiled its latest lifestyle-driven feature – the first-ever GZ19 padel tennis courts in the Maldives – and it might just be the most breathtaking setting for a game of padel anywhere in the world.
Nestled on the white sands of SAii Lagoon Maldives, part of the award-winning CROSSROADS Maldives integrated destination, the courts are set against a stunning backdrop of turquoise waters, lush coconut palms, and an endless blue sky. Whether you’re a seasoned padel enthusiast or a curious beginner, this idyllic setting adds an unforgettable layer to your sporting experience.
The courts are open to both in-house guests and the local community, aligning with the resort’s vision of promoting wellness and active lifestyles while connecting with the surroundings. It’s not just a facility; it’s an invitation to stay fit, have fun, and soak in the Maldives’ natural beauty in a completely new way.
Michael Marshall, CEO of S Hotels & Resorts Public Company Limited, recently shared his excitement about this new addition, highlighting the group’s commitment to enriching the guest journey through innovative and health-conscious experiences.
“At S Hotels & Resorts, we’re always looking for fresh ways to elevate the guest experience and support wellness through lifestyle-driven offerings,” he noted.
Padel tennis – a fast-growing sport combining elements of tennis and squash – has been making waves globally, and now guests at SAii Lagoon can be part of the trend while enjoying world-class views. The addition of the GZ19 courts not only adds a dynamic recreational option for guests but also strengthens the resort’s position as a hub for premium leisure and wellbeing in the Maldives.
Whether you’re smashing volleys at sunset or rallying with friends under the tropical sun, this may just be the most scenic padel match you’ll ever play.
Game, set, Maldives.
Excursions
Underwater adventure awaits at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa’s Aqua Week 2025

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is inviting travellers to experience the extraordinary with the unveiling of its vibrant Maamutaa House Reef — a thriving underwater ecosystem situated just 100 meters from the resort’s shoreline. Boasting rich marine biodiversity and easy access, this reef presents a rare opportunity to explore the aquatic wonders of the Maldives without venturing far from shore.
The reef is home to an impressive array of marine life, including graceful green and hawksbill turtles, blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, schools of colourful parrotfish and angelfish, as well as occasional sightings of eagle rays and octopuses. According to the resort’s in-house marine biologist, the reef is not only highly accessible but also remarkably active, offering guests the chance to engage directly with a thriving marine ecosystem.
Visitors begin their journey with a swim through a flourishing seagrass bed — a crucial habitat in its own right — before reaching the reef drop-off, where the underwater spectacle unfolds. The reef’s hard and soft coral formations remain in excellent condition, protected by the atoll’s geography and sustained by strong ocean currents.
From July 13 to 20, 2025, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa will host Aqua Week 2025, an immersive celebration of underwater discovery, innovation, and environmental responsibility. This event marks the official launch of Phase 1 of the resort’s Seagrass Mapping & Awareness Project, offering guests the opportunity to participate in guided snorkeling tours, collect visual data, and learn about the importance of seagrass meadows in supporting marine biodiversity and mitigating climate change.
Aqua Week will also feature several high-profile collaborations. Insta360 will lead underwater content creation workshops, enabling guests to capture their marine adventures in 360-degree detail. Edge K5 will provide smart drive underwater scooters for a more dynamic exploration of the reef. Additionally, certified mermaid Gloria Xue will offer mermaid classes, host underwater photoshoots, and perform captivating mermaid shows in the resort’s Aqua Villa.
Bringing together sustainability, technology, and immersive storytelling, Aqua Week 2025 promises to be a memorable celebration beneath the waves.
As part of its broader commitment to environmental sustainability and in line with Green Globe’s certification standards, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has launched a comprehensive three-phase Seagrass Mapping & Awareness Project. The initiative aims to highlight the ecological significance of seagrass meadows, which serve as nurseries for marine life and play a key role in carbon sequestration.
The project includes:
- Phase 1 (July): Seagrass identification and mapping in collaboration with resort staff and guests.
- Phase 2 (August–September): Guided snorkeling tours to collect visual data and raise awareness, continuing during Aqua Week.
- Phase 3 (October): The premiere of a short documentary film that captures the project’s progress and outcomes.
- This initiative not only contributes to the protection of a vital marine habitat but also encourages guest participation in meaningful conservation efforts.
The reef at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa serves as the foundation for a range of signature guest experiences designed to educate, inspire, and engage:
- Expert-led guided snorkeling tours
- Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) sessions directly from the beach
- Night snorkeling under UV light to reveal biofluorescence
- Citizen science programs focused on seasonal seagrass research
- Kids’ Ocean Explorers — a playful educational program tailored for young marine enthusiasts
Whether seasoned divers, casual snorkellers, or curious beginners, guests at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa can enjoy direct access to the wonders of the Indian Ocean with ease and unforgettable reward.
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New era of luxury Wellness: Pilates Reformer arrives at St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Setting a new standard in luxury wellness, the iconic St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is expanding its holistic offerings with the introduction of Pilates Reformer—a dynamic full-body workout renowned for its ability to lengthen, strengthen, and restore. Against the backdrop of turquoise waters and lush island serenity, guests will soon be invited to experience this transformative practice as part of a thoughtfully curated wellness journey.
With a growing global demand for integrative fitness experiences, Pilates Reformer has become a favourite for those seeking mindful movement and functional strength. Utilising a specially designed apparatus, the method elevates traditional Pilates through resistance-based training that enhances flexibility, balance, and core stability, while remaining gentle on the joints. At St. Regis Maldives, certified instructors will guide guests through personalised sessions tailored to a variety of goals, from rehabilitation and toning to posture improvement and stress relief.
The addition of Pilates Reformer complements the resort’s deep-rooted commitment to wellness, extending far beyond conventional spa treatments. Central to this philosophy is the overwater Iridium Spa—a serene sanctuary that offers more than indulgence. Guests can engage in Ayurvedic consultations, guided meditation, and holistic health screenings conducted by in-house wellness doctors. These screenings integrate Heart Rate Variability (HRV) technology with the ancient Ayurvedic technique of Nadi Pareeksha, a traditional pulse diagnosis, to identify imbalances and customise each guest’s path to optimal well-being.
Whether seeking deep relaxation, detoxification, or enhanced physical performance, the resort’s integrative approach ensures that every element of a guest’s stay contributes to overall wellness. Daily yoga, breathwork sessions, oceanfront meditation, and nutrition guidance are seamlessly woven into the island’s natural rhythm to create a truly transformative retreat.
Private Pilates Reformer classes will be offered to suit all experience levels, providing an inspiring way for guests to reconnect with both body and mind. With its iconic overwater villas, pristine beaches, and impeccable service, St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to redefine luxury through the lens of well-being.
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