News
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru launches Manta Ray app in partnership with The Manta Trust

As part of its ongoing commitment to green NGOs and spreading the message of ocean conservation, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru has partnered with world-leading environmental charity The Manta Trust to create a unique interactive app that explores the underwater secrets of one of the world’s most incredible marine marvels – manta rays.
The Manta Story app – developed by Loopcraft and available to download for free on digital devices – is the latest development in a conservation partnership between Four Seasons and The Manta Trust that spans 17 years, since Chief Executive and Founder of The Manta Trust Guy Stevens had his first life-changing encounter with mantas while working as a marine biologist at Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru.
The App Experience
The fully interactive VR app takes the viewer on a mesmerising adventure into the world of manta rays, covering their dazzling courtship, feeding and cleaning rituals, as well as a manta pregnancy and birth. Based on the actual manta ray population studied by Stevens and his team in the Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, users can click through to further facts at each stage of the learning journey, and test their knowledge with a quiz.
The app also includes ways to support the work of The Manta Trust, established by Stevens in 2011 as a UK-registered charity dedicated to the worldwide conservation of mantas and their close relatives. Users can choose to donate, adopt a manta, or join the “Cyclone” – a community of supporters who are investing in the conservation of the ocean’s rays, their relatives and their habitats.
“I’m super pleased and proud that we were able to create this app together with The Manta Trust and our passionate in-house techies, allowing us to spread our message of ocean conservation around the globe,” comments Four Seasons Regional Vice President and General Manager Armando Kraenzlin. “Getting up close with these gentle giants is both humbling and awe-inspiring and our mission has always been to inspire as many people as possible to help conserve them and their ocean home.”
An Immersive Experience
Narrating the app with soothing gravitas is British actor, environmentalist and host of Trees a Crowd podcast David Oakes, who relishes taking app users to swim alongside the Maldivian mantas he himself has met in the flesh. Passionate about championing conservation causes, the star of shows such as Netflix’s Vikings: Valhalla and ITV’s Victoria uses his influence to support charities including The Woodland Trust, Wildlife Trusts and the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.
“I’ve always had an affinity for manta rays so I was honoured when Guy and Armando asked me to narrate the Manta Story app,” Oakes explains. “To see so many of these magnificent and gentle giants, almost every time I’ve dived or snorkelled near Landaa Giraavaru – cycloning, surface feeding, rolling and loop-the-looping – is something impossible to take for granted, but conservation of our planet’s key megafauna shouldn’t just be a concern for those lucky enough to have had first hand encounters. The app is a beautiful and enjoyable way to get across the story of our planet’s mantas.”
Manta Rays at Landaa Giraavaru
The Manta Story app follows the recent launch of Landaa Giraavaru’s Hologram Room – an opportunity for the whole family to virtually “swim” with the Baa Atoll mantas. Other manta ray education experiences at the Resort include Manta-on-Call snorkelling adventures and a Trainee Manta Biologist module that gives conservation-minded teens a serious insight into the world of Manta Trust scientists.
Landaa Giraavaru is also home to one of the Maldives’ leading centres of marine research, working in partnership with local and national environmental agencies and employing 10 full-time marine biologists across pioneering conservation projects including sea turtle rehabilitation, coral propagation, anemone mapping and more. In 2020, the Resort partnered with the NOW Force for Good Alliance and EarthCheck, undertaking ongoing monitoring and annual Benchmarking Assessments to ensure that its presence in Baa Atoll is as beneficial as it can be.
“It’s clear to me that without the continued generosity of Four Seasons in the Maldives, The Manta Trust would not exist in its current form,” adds Oakes. “This app is but the dorsal-fin poking above the surface of how deep their collective conservation goals run.”
To find out more manta ray experiences at Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru, email: reservations.mal@fourseasons.com or call the central reservations department of Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at tel: (960) 66 00 888.
Featured
Sonic serenity: Discover Sound Healing at Brennia Kottefaru

At Brennia Kottefaru, the pursuit of wellness extends beyond movement and meditation, flowing into the calming resonance of sound. The resort’s Sound Healing Session, conducted by Amit Singh (Yoga Teacher and Sound Healer), offers guests a deeply restorative experience designed to harmonise the mind, body, and spirit.
Held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. at the Recreation Hall, the 45-minute group session harnesses the resonant tones of singing bowls to guide participants into a profound state of relaxation.
The session offers a range of benefits:
Deep Relaxation – The soothing vibrations calm the mind and body, easing stress and anxiety.
Emotional Balance – The practice helps release stored emotions, fostering a sense of inner peace.
Improved Sleep – Sound frequencies encourage relaxation, aiding those experiencing insomnia and promoting better sleep quality.
Enhanced Focus and Clarity – By balancing brainwave activity, participants may experience improved concentration and mental clarity.
Energy Alignment – The vibrations help balance the body’s chakras and energy flow.
Participation is priced at USD 15 per guest, with a complimentary 15-minute demonstration session available upon request through the spa. Guests are encouraged to book in advance via the Brennia Kottefaru mobile app or by contacting the Spa directly at extension 108.
Within the serene setting of Brennia, the tones of the singing bowls intertwine with the island’s natural symphony — the rhythm of the waves, the whisper of the palms, and the gentle hum of island life. The result is more than a class; it is an immersive journey towards stillness and renewal.
At Brennia Kottefaru, wellness is not merely practised — it is felt in every vibration, every breath, and every moment of quiet connection.
News
OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI receives MICHELIN Key recognition

In a resounding affirmation of its stature on the global luxury stage, THE OZEN COLLECTION has announced a landmark achievement as OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI receives a prestigious MICHELIN Key. This distinguished accolade places the Maldivian sanctuary among an elite circle of only twelve five-star resorts in the country recognised by the anonymous and expert inspectors of the MICHELIN Guide. More than an award, the 1 MICHELIN Key represents a new level of prestige for the brand, underscoring its philosophy of crafting guest experiences where exceptional service, transformative wellness, and culinary artistry seamlessly converge.
The MICHELIN Key distinction, regarded as a hallmark of extraordinary stays, enhances the resort’s already stellar reputation for bespoke luxury. It stands as a powerful endorsement of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI’s guiding philosophy — where every element of the guest journey is thoughtfully curated to the finest detail. This honour affirms the resort’s continued success in delivering on its promise of a rarefied, all-encompassing island escape, particularly through its signature RESERVE™ Plan.
The hallmark of a MICHELIN Key property is reflected in the resort’s meticulously designed experiences, each contributing to an unparalleled standard of excellence. Central to this offering is the RESERVE™ Plan, a comprehensive all-inclusive concept that provides a seamless continuum of indulgence. Guests enjoy unlimited gourmet dining across multiple specialty restaurants, a selection of premium international beverages, and the attentive service of a private butler, ensuring every desire is anticipated with discreet precision.
Culinary excellence forms a cornerstone of the OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI experience, with its diverse gastronomic venues earning international acclaim. Highlights include ORIGINꓱ, a refined waterfront dining destination, and SANGU BEACH, where the vibrant flavours of Levantine cuisine are showcased. Complementing the dining journey is the resort’s architectural philosophy, which harmonises with the natural splendour of the South Malé Atoll. Expansive overwater and beachfront villas, each featuring a private pool, are designed to offer supreme privacy, comfort, and an enduring sense of tranquillity.
Beyond accommodation and cuisine, the resort houses dedicated sanctuaries of wellbeing and connoisseurship. The award-winning ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa delivers transformative wellness experiences within breathtaking overwater treatment lofts, while the exclusive CUVÉE wine library — home to over 300 prestigious labels — offers oenophiles a sophisticated enclave for curated tastings. Each of these elements contributes to a holistic experience that is both effortlessly luxurious and deeply personal.
“To receive a MICHELIN Key is to gain something far greater than an award; it is the most meaningful affirmation of our team’s dedication and passion,” said Monica Coppetta, General Manager of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI. “This recognition, from the world’s most trusted and anonymous inspectors, validates our mission to craft deeply personal and unforgettable journeys for every guest. To stand among the very best in the Maldives is both an incredible honour and a powerful inspiration. It fuels our commitment not only to meet but to continually redefine the pinnacle of luxury and service.”
The esteemed MICHELIN Key recognition represents more than an accolade — it is an invitation to experience the zenith of Maldivian luxury. For discerning travellers, it reaffirms that a stay at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI transcends the traditional holiday, offering instead a curated narrative of moments defined by impeccable style and effortless grace. This pivotal endorsement elevates THE OZEN COLLECTION beyond a destination brand, positioning it as the definitive choice for those seeking to explore the true essence of a luxury island escape — where every detail is foreseen, every setting sublime, and every memory exquisitely crafted.
Celebration
W Maldives introduces its ‘Make Waves, New Traditions’ festive series

W Maldives is inviting guests to Make Waves, New Traditions this festive season, presenting a celebration that redefines the holidays with creativity, connection, and indulgence. From 23 December to 1 January, the resort will transform into a tropical haven where every moment is designed for joy and every guest has officially “Made the List.”
The festivities commence with Twinkle & Toast, a lighting ceremony that marks the start of a vibrant, week-long calendar of events. Highlights include flame-grilled feasts on FIRE Beach for Christmas Eve, holiday movie nights under the stars, festive afternoon teas overlooking the reef, seafood markets brimming with fresh coastal flavours, and a Maldivian beach barbecue infused with rhythm and local flair. On New Year’s Eve, the island will evolve into a lively playground featuring creative cocktails, immersive culinary journeys, electrifying performances, and fireworks over the Indian Ocean to welcome 2025 in true W style.
This year’s celebration also introduces The Restore Series with internationally acclaimed wellness coach Arron Collins-Thomas, founder of TONIQ. Integrating Qigong, breathwork, and cold-water therapy with energising workouts and restorative rituals, the seven-day wellness experience aims to refresh both body and mind while harmonising with the festive atmosphere. Guests can take part in sunrise sessions, sunset meditations, and ice-bath resets, embracing wellness as an essential part of the celebration and preparing themselves for the year ahead.
Culinary experiences take centre stage in this season of togetherness and authenticity. From ocean-to-table creations at FISH to Chef Bakaa’s festive degustation menu and the dynamic seafood markets at KITCHEN, each dining encounter blends local ingredients with bold imagination. Guests are encouraged to come together, share stories, and experience the Maldivian spirit through flavours that are both comforting and refreshingly innovative.
“This is the season to connect, recharge, and celebrate without boundaries,” said Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives. “At W Maldives, we embrace the unexpected. Make Waves, New Traditions is our invitation for guests to come together, savour the island’s soul, and create memories that sparkle long after the fireworks fade.”
With its star-lit skies, daring gastronomy, revitalising wellness rituals, and music that carries into the night, W Maldives offers a festive escape where traditions are reimagined and every guest truly Makes the List.
-
News1 week ago
Universal Resorts transforms into VERSA, unveiling NIVA as cornerstone of international growth strategy
-
Celebration1 week ago
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa unveils ‘Around the World’ festive celebration inspired by global cultures
-
Featured1 week ago
New era of sustainable luxury: Veligandu Maldives now fully powered by solar energy
-
Celebration1 week ago
Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s dual celebration of Diwali and culinary artistry
-
Featured6 days ago
The St. Regis Maldives introduces holistic wellness experience with Tash and Andre Barnard
-
Featured1 week ago
Escape to Baa Atoll with Royal Island’s limited-time winter offer
-
Celebration6 days ago
Centara Hotels & Resorts lights up Maldives with vibrant Diwali celebrations
-
Awards1 week ago
Luxury Lifestyle Awards honours Summer Island Maldives as Best Romantic Resort