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Soneva Namoona holds Leaders of the Ocean Camp for Youth

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Soneva Namoona in collaboration with Maldives Swimming and Life Saving Skills Training School held a ten day Leaders of the Ocean amp in Baa. Kihaadhoo, aimed towards training swimming instructors and empowering ocean stewards. 

The camp saw 18 participants from 11 islands from Noonu (Holhudhoo, Magoodhoo, Maafaru, Kudafari), Baa (Kendhoo, Kamadhoo, Kudarikilu,  Kihaadhoo, Dharavandhoo and Maalhos) and Haa Dhaalu (Makunudhoo), and provided the opportunity to earn a National Level 2 Swimming and Water Aerobics Instructor License.

The Leaders of the Ocean Camp curriculum blended experiential learning with a strong focus on leadership development. Participants engaged in a wide range of activities ranging from leadership workshops, zero waste education, survival skills training, fire awareness, water aerobics and program development. 

Participants were provided the opportunity to take the required exams for the Swimming and Water Aerobics license at the camp, and will be completing 45 experience hours  upon returning to their islands in order to receive their certification

The Leaders of the Ocean Camp is the latest of Soneva Namoona led programs in local islands geared towards building technical capacity and instilling ocean stewardship in young individuals. Over the past two years, 700 young people have improved their water confidence with the help of 22 Swimming and Water Rescue Instructors trained through this programme. 

“Being a part of the Leaders of the Ocean Camp has been an incredible journey. It’s not just about learning ocean skills; it’s also about forming connections and gaining a deeper understanding of our environment. This experience has ignited a sense of responsibility and leadership within me, and I’m excited to take back what I’ve learned to my island and nurture responsible oceangoing in my community” said participant Ali Najih, 23, from B.Kihaadhoo. 

“We are immensely proud to witness the personal growth from all the participants of the Leaders of the Ocean Camp. We believe that the knowledge and values imparted during this camp will contribute to a greener and a more sustainable future for our island communities,” said Azhoora Ahmed, Soneva Namoona INSPIRE Manager. 

Soneva Namoona is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), that pioneers innovations to create empowered zero waste communities in the Maldives, centred around the three pillars of Reduce, Recycle, Inspire. Since the original pilot of three local islands in 2019, the number of Namoona islands has increased to 21 across Baa, Noonu and Haa Dhaalu Atoll. Soneva Namoona strives to create community-specific solutions to complex issues like waste management in close partnership with island communities. 

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Sun Siyam Vilu Reef introduces guest-led coral restoration initiative

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Surrounded by one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, is inviting guests to leave behind more than memories. This World Nature Conservation Day (28th July 2026), the boutique island retreat officially launched its signature ‘Adopt-a-Coral’ initiative, giving travellers the opportunity to play an active role in restoring one of nature’s most precious underwater sanctuaries.

Driven by Sun Siyam Resorts’ overarching sustainability program, Sun Siyam Cares, this initiative provides a hands-on opportunity to safeguard the fragile aquatic landscapes of the South Nilandhe Atoll. Guests become active participants in the restoration process, carefully attaching live coral fragments onto specially designed nursery frames under the guidance of the resort’s marine experts. These structures are then carefully placed in nursery zones across the lagoon to flourish and rebuild vital habitats.

To commemorate the launch, guests enjoyed an interactive morning event featuring bespoke refreshments and a symbolic frame planting ceremony. Long after returning home, guests continue receiving personalised updates, allowing them to witness the growth of the very coral they helped restore, creating a lasting connection with the island and its surrounding waters.

“Our reef is the heart of our island, and protecting it is a responsibility we proudly share with every guest who visits us,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager. “By giving our guests the opportunity to plant coral, we offer them a meaningful way to leave our sanctuary even better than when they arrived. It is a genuine privilege to empower our visitors to play a direct role in building a more resilient ecosystem while forging a lifelong bond with the Maldives.”

The Adopt-a-Coral initiative forms a key part of Sun Siyam Vilu Reef’s long-term sustainability vision, seamlessly combining luxury island hospitality with meaningful conservation efforts, guest participation, and community engagement. The resort’s spectacular house reef is home to an extraordinary diversity of coral formations, tropical fish, turtles, and countless other species, making its protection essential for future generations.

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Fushifaru Maldives offers access to Lhaviyani’s manta ray hotspot

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One of the Maldives’ most anticipated marine spectacles has arrived – manta ray season is returning to Lhaviyani Atoll. As plankton-rich waters attract these gentle giants, the atoll transforms into a haven for unforgettable underwater encounters. Graceful, curious and inspiring, manta rays can often be spotted gliding effortlessly through the turquoise waters, creating magical moments for both snorkelers and divers.

Whether you’re taking your first plunge beneath the surface or you’re a seasoned ocean explorer, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of swimming alongside these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. Think vibrant coral reefs, abundant marine life and crystal-clear lagoons. Manta ray season offers an unforgettable experience that captures the true wonder of the Maldives.

One of Lhaviyani Atoll’s most renowned manta ray sites is Fushifaru Thila, located just three minutes by boat from Fushifaru Maldives. This protected dive site is home to a natural manta cleaning station, where cleaner wrasse and other small reef fish remove parasites and dead skin from the mantas. Watching these gentle giants gracefully circle the cleaning station as they pause for their underwater “spa treatment” is a truly remarkable sight and one of the highlights of diving in the Maldives.

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Baros Maldives invites guests to slow down with ‘Baros Pause’ weekly wellness programme

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Known for its intimate island setting, timeless Maldivian charm and experiences that encourage guests to reconnect, Baros Maldives has introduced Baros Pause, a complimentary weekly wellness programme designed to help guests step away from the pace of everyday life and embrace moments of stillness, movement and meaningful connection.

Launching on 20 August, Baros Pause will take place every Thursday from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at Serenity Spa, with sessions hosted on the tranquil Overwater Villa Deck or at the Indoor Pavilion should the weather require an alternative setting.

Designed around the natural rhythm of island life, Baros Pause invites guests to put aside digital distractions and reconnect with what truly matters — themselves, the surrounding nature and the people they share their journey with. Each 60-minute session combines mindful practices such as meditation, breathwork, yoga and island-inspired rituals, offering guests a simple yet meaningful way to enhance their stay at Baros.

The programme follows a four-week cycle, with each week offering a different approach to wellbeing:

Week 1: Reconnect with Self
Mind • Breath • Stillness

A calming journey inward, this session focuses on restoring balance and creating a sense of inner calm through guided meditation, breathwork, gentle yoga and mindfulness practices. Ideal for guests looking to reset and enjoy a moment of personal reflection.

Week 2: Reconnect with Nature
Earth • Water • Island Energy

Inspired by the beauty and tranquillity of Baros’ natural surroundings, this experience encourages guests to connect with the island through outdoor yoga, mindful beach walks, ocean-inspired breathing exercises and sunset or moon rituals. A celebration of the healing energy found in nature.

Week 3: Connect with Each Other
Couples • Presence • Shared Moments

Created with Baros’ romantic island setting in mind, this session offers couples an opportunity to reconnect through shared experiences including partner yoga, breathwork, connection meditation and mindful rituals. A meaningful addition for honeymooners, anniversaries or simply those wishing to spend quality time together.

Week 4: Connect with Energy and Flow
Movement • Vitality • Balance

A gentle and uplifting session designed to awaken the body and restore energy. Combining flow yoga, mobility stretches, chakra balancing and mindful movement, this practice supports relaxation, circulation and a renewed sense of wellbeing.

At Baros Maldives, wellbeing is found not only within Serenity Spa, but throughout the island itself — from quiet moments on the Piano Deck to barefoot walks along the beach and time spent surrounded by the beauty of the Indian Ocean. Baros Pause reflects the resort’s philosophy of creating authentic experiences that allow guests to reconnect and fully immerse themselves in island life.

Baros Pause is complimentary for all resort guests and takes place every Thursday from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at Serenity Spa.

Endless Summer at Baros provides timeless elegance at exceptional value. Guests may enjoy a complimentary upgrade to half board, special rates on speedboat transfers from Velana International Airport and enhanced privileges. Valid for stays between 01 May 2026 to 31 October 2026. For booking enquiries, please contact reservations@baros.com or call +960 664 2672.

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