News
Soneva Namoona holds Leaders of the Ocean Camp for Youth
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.
News
Cinnamon Velifushi, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives unveil escape offer with seaplane savings
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives and Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives are inviting couples to begin their Maldives escape from the skies with 50% savings on seaplane transfers for two. Guests staying between one to six nights can enjoy 50% off one-way seaplane transfers, while stays of seven nights or more unlock complimentary roundtrip seaplane transfers.
From above, reefs, sandbanks, and scattered islands drift through endless shades of blue, before the aircraft descends and lands directly on the ocean beside the resort. By the time guests arrive, the feeling of leaving everyday life behind has already begun. Valid for bookings and stays from 30 April to 31 October 2026, the offer also comes with a selection of exclusive Book Direct benefits designed to make every island escape even more rewarding.
With a 20 minute seaplane journey to Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, couples can head out across remarkably calm waters on a dolphin watching experience, where pods of dolphins often race alongside the boat as the horizon turns gold. Guests may also choose from experiences including beach dinners, spa treatments, island hopping adventures and more, along with USD 150 resort credits for stays of three nights or longer.
Meanwhile, with a 45 minute flight to Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, sunset fishing offers a glimpse into a slower rhythm of island life. Evenings are spent casting lines beneath painted skies before guests return the following day to enjoy their fresh catch prepared exactly to their preference by the resort’s culinary team. Additional Book Direct experiences include island hopping, kayaking adventures, sparkling wine on arrival, and USD 100 resort credits for stays of three nights or more.
Guests can also unlock additional privileges through the DISCOVERY loyalty programme, including exclusive member rates, depending on membership tier. To discover more or book your seaplane escape for two, visit Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives or Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives.
Action
Sun Siyam Olhuveli unveils immersive night snorkelling experience with mantas
As part of its evolving lifestyle collection under the House of Siyam, Sun Siyam Olhuveli unveils a captivating new way to experience the Maldives after sunset with the launch of Night Snorkeling with Mantas, an immersive encounter that brings guests face to face with one of the ocean’s most graceful wonders in their natural rhythm.
Set against the stillness of the island’s house reef, this guided experience reveals the quiet drama of the underwater world at night. As darkness falls, powerful underwater lights draw in phytoplankton, creating a glowing stage that attracts manta rays as they arrive to feed. Guests float comfortably at the surface, watching as these gentle giants glide, loop, and turn beneath them in an effortless underwater ballet.
Led by the professional team at Sun Diving Dive Center, this experience is thoughtfully designed to maximise comfort and confidence in the water. Guests are guided through each step, and snorkelling vests provide ease and stability, allowing even first-time night snorkelers to relax. The result is a serene yet exhilarating encounter where time seems to slow and nature takes centre stage.
“Night snorkelling with mantas is one of those rare experiences that stays with you long after you leave the water,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Center Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “There is a quiet magic in seeing these incredible creatures up close, moving so effortlessly through the light. Our team is there every step of the way to make guests feel safe, relaxed, and fully present for what is truly a remarkable encounter.”
What makes this experience particularly remarkable is the proximity and clarity it offers. As manta rays perform their signature feeding loops, often turning belly-up just below the surface, guests are given a rare and unobstructed view of their unique spot patterns, markings so distinct they are used by researchers to identify individual mantas. It is both a visual spectacle and a quiet lesson in marine life.
Understanding Manta Ray Behaviour and Anatomy
Manta rays are among the ocean’s most intelligent and graceful creatures, known for their wide wingspan and gentle nature. Unlike many marine species, they feed on microscopic plankton, using coordinated movements to funnel food into their mouths. Their looping and barrel-rolling behavior during feeding is both efficient and mesmerising to witness. Each manta carries a unique pattern on its underside, much like a fingerprint, offering insight into ongoing conservation and research efforts across the Maldives.
Experience Highlights:
- Night snorkeling with manta rays in one of the most consistent viewing locations within the house reef
- Guidance and support from professional instructors at Sun Diving Dive Center
- Snorkeling Vest provided for ease and comfort in the water
- Full snorkel gear included, with prescription masks available for guests requiring vision support
Taking place between 19:00 and 20:00, this one-hour guest activity invites a discovery of a different side of island life, one that feels quieter, deeper, and profoundly moving. This new guest activity is available for experience at a special rate. Bookings can be made at the Dive Centre or through each guest’s Island Host.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli continues to craft meaningful, story-rich experiences, such as Night Snorkelling with Mantas, connecting guests to the natural beauty of the Maldives in unexpected and unforgettable ways. The resort remains dedicated to curating immersive island moments that feel both effortless and extraordinary.
To explore the various programmes offered by Sun Diving at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, visit their website.
Cooking
Michelin-starred chef Jérôme Banctel to headline Escapade Gourmande Maldives 2026
Constance Hotels & Resorts has announced the return of Escapade Gourmande in the Maldives from 17 to 21 August 2026, an exclusive gastronomic series designed to enhance the guest experience across its two Maldivian properties, Constance Moofushi and Constance Halaveli.
This year’s edition brings together an outstanding trio of talents: three-Michelin-starred French chef Jérôme Banctel, South African winemaker Donovan Rall of Rall Wines, and Italian pastry chef Cesare Murzilli, who also took part in the 19th edition of Constance Festival Culinaire in Mauritius. Together, they will deliver a curated programme of culinary moments, reinforcing Constance Hotels & Resorts’positioning in luxury and gastronomic excellence.
The programme will unfold across both resorts, offering a series of immersive and high-value guest experiences. Constance Moofushi, known for its all-inclusive wine offering and recognised for Best All Inclusive Wine List, will bring a relaxed island spirit to the programme, while Constance Halaveli, recognised as one of the Maldives’ leading gastronomic addresses, will provide the backdrop for a programme shaped by haute cuisine and the exceptional range of its wine cellar, featuring over 22,500 bottles across more than 1,600 references.

Programme details are shared for information purposes and may be adjusted closer to the event.
Constance Moofushi:
- 17/08: Sommelier Masterclass hosted by Donovan Rall
- 17/08: Sand bank tasting / aperitif cocktail with Wines from Donovan Rall
- 18/08: Wine Dinner orchestrated by Jerome Banctel & Cesare Murzilli, paired with Wines from Donovan Rall
Constance Halaveli:
- 20/08: Sand bank tasting
- 21/08: Breakfast by Cesare Murzilli
- 21/08: Sommelier Masterclass hosted by Donovan Rall
- 21/08: Wine Dinner orchestrated by Jerome Banctel & Cesare Murzilli paired with Wines from Donovan Rall
By bringing together internationally acclaimed culinary and wine talents in the unique setting of the Maldives, Constance Hotels & Resorts continues to curate distinctive experiences for discerning travellers, while also strengthening internal expertise through dedicated masterclasses led by Donovan Rall for Constance Hotels & Resorts’ sommeliers.
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