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.
Drink
German winemaker Patrick Heitlinger to headline exclusive dinner at SO/ Maldives
On 07th March, SO/ Maldives collaborates with Germany’s prestigious family wineries, Weingut Heitlinger and Burg Ravensburg, to present an intimate and stylish Winemaker’s Dinner a celebration of modern Pinot set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Maldives.
In a refined fusion of European heritage and island glamour, SO/ Maldives will host third-generation winemaker Patrick Jacklin Heitlinger and his wife Lilly for a singular evening dedicated to craftsmanship, storytelling, and exceptional wine.

At the heart of Weingut Heitlinger lies a philosophy of balance, tradition reimagined for the modern palate. As a proud VDP estate, the winery is known for its biodynamic approach and its expressive Pinot wines that range from vibrant estate selections to complex single-vineyard masterpieces.
Hosted in the fashion-forward surroundings of SO/ Maldives, the evening unfolds as an intimate encounter between vineyard and island. Guests will indulge in a meticulously curated five-course menu, each dish artfully paired with Heitlinger’s celebrated Pinot wines revealing layers of texture, minerality, and character.
Between courses, Patrick and Lilly will share personal stories of their heritage in Tiefenbach, of vineyards kissed by German sunshine, and of a family legacy that continues to evolve with grace and ambition.

This collaboration is more than a dinner it is a meeting of worlds: German terroir and Maldivian glamour, biodynamic purity and contemporary luxury, heritage and haute living.
Seats are limited for this exclusive one-night affair.
For more information or to book your perfect getaway, please visit so-maldives.com or contact so.maldives.reservations@so-hotels.com or call +960 664-9100
News
An invitation to savour the good life at Le Méridien Maldives
There are Maldives resorts, and then there is Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa. Set on the pristine Thilamaafushi island in the Lhaviyani Atoll, the chic, eco-conscious retreat transforms the Maldivian escape into a journey of exploration, creativity and the art of savouring life’s simple pleasures. Surrounded by turquoise lagoons and a vibrant housereef, each day unfolds at the rhythm of the ocean, guided by elevated dining, meaningful experiences and moments crafted to inspire discovery, indulgence and lasting memories.
From extraordinary marine encounters and globally influenced gastronomy to year-round sun-soaked experiences and island living tailored for couples, families and friends, the resort embodies the hallmarks of meaningful travel today: authenticity, creativity and sustainability.

Nature as an experience, not a backdrop
At Le Méridien Maldives, nature is not observed, it is experienced. Through Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy™, guests are invited to embrace intentional travel by participating in initiatives that support marine conservation and sustainable island living.
At the heart of the island’s conservation ethos is the Marine Conservation Hub. Led by the resident marine biologist, the programme delivers immersive, hands-on experiences that transform curiosity into contribution. Signature programmes include Turtle Quest, Seagrass Awareness, Reef Explorer, Ray Bay and Coral Awareness, each designed to deepen understanding of the Maldives’ fragile ecosystems while actively protecting them.
Sustainability extends onto land at one of the largest greenhouses in the Maldives. Guided by the resort’s head horticulturalist, guests discover how hydroponic farming supports year-round food production in land- scarce environments. This innovative system reduces water consumption while supplying fresh lettuce, herbs and leafy greens to the island’s restaurants, reinforcing the resort’s commitment to responsible island lifestyle.

A culinary journey across cultures
Dining at Le Méridien Maldives is a journey shaped by global flavours and refined technique. Five distinctive restaurants and bars offer a spectrum of culinary experiences, from Japanese precision and teppanyaki theatre at Tabemasu, to Spanish-inspired cuisine at Riviera, relaxed beachfront grills at Velaa Bar + Grill and international favourites at Turquoise.
As the sun begins to set, La Vie, the adults-only bar, celebrates French joie de vivre through curated roséwines and golden hour experiences defined by relaxed elegance, sociable energy and effortless style.

Au Soleil: where the spirit of summer never fades
At Le Méridien Maldives, summer is a state of mind. Through the brand’s signature Au Soleil programme, the resort invites guests to celebrate the spirit of endless summer inspired by the French Riviera. This philosophy comes to life through relaxed poolside moments, live DJ sessions and sunset soirées that blend laid-back glamour with tropical ease.
A chilled glass of rosé, the signature rosé-inspired sorbet, a spontaneous game of backgammon and live music under an amber sky transform each afternoon into a celebration of the good life, framed by the endless blues of the Indian Ocean.

Movement, creativity and effortless wellbeing
For travellers seeking balance, the resort offers a harmonious blend of vitality and restoration. Sunrise and sunset yoga, Pilates, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding energise the day, while the Art Gallery invites guests to explore their creative side through immersive experiences such as Sip & Paint.
The island’s padel court introduces one of the world’s fastest-growing sports to the Maldives, adding a contemporary, social dimension to island living. Beneath the surface, guided snorkelling, diving expeditions, night dives and dolphin cruises reveal the extraordinary biodiversity of the surrounding waters.
Suspended above the lagoon, the overwater Explore Spa completes the wellbeing journey. Glass-panelled floors reveal the coral garden below, creating a serene connection to the ocean. Personalised therapies and couples’ experiences restore balance, calm the mind and reconnect body and spirit to the rhythm of the sea.

Island living designed for families and friends
Le Méridien Maldives seamlessly caters to families and multi-generational travellers. Spacious villas, including two-bedroom beach and overwater havens, provide generous shared living areas alongside private spaces for rest and retreat.
Younger guests are welcomed at Le Méridien Family Kids Hub, where enriching programmes blend creativity, environmental awareness and island discovery. From hands-on crafts and culinary workshops to outdoor adventures and night camping, children experience the Maldives through their own lens of wonder, while parents enjoy uninterrupted moments of reconnection.

An invitation to Savour the Good Life
Rooted in the brand’s philosophy to Savour the Good Life, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa offers more than a holiday, it is a place where culture meets conservation, creativity meets comfort, and each experience feels effortless yet intentional.
Whether travelling as a couple, with family or among friends, every stay brings inspiration and a renewed appreciation for the beauty of slow mornings, golden sunsets and meaningful connection.
For the ultimate island escape, the resort introduces a limited-time offer featuring an all-inclusive meal plan, seaplane transfers for two adults, complimentary stay and dining for children, access to Le Méridien Family Kids Hub and a wealth of curated adventures. The package is available for a minimum seven-night stay, with bookings and travel valid until 30 April 2026.

For more information about Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, please visit lemeridien-maldives.com or contact the resort at reservations.maldives@lemeridien.com.
News
Niva Dhigali Maldives to host wellness week with Gemma Merna this June
This June, Niva Dhigali Maldives invites guests to experience wellbeing at its own pace. As part of Wellness Week with Gemma Merna, this private island becomes a space for calm, connection and renewal, with five days shaped to restore the body and mind in a setting that feels open, natural and alive.
Gemma Merna is a Master Intuitive Psychology Coach, hypnotherapist, yoga and Pilates teacher, sound healer, and founder of Mind and Wellness. She blends science-backed practices with intuition, movement, and mindfulness to guide guests in reconnecting with themselves, cultivating clarity, confidence, and calm in a deeply restorative way.
For this Maldives retreat, Gemma has curated a five-day programme combining mindful movement, meditation, sound healing, and reflective workshops. Guests can expect a nurturing yet empowering journey, supported by the island’s natural rhythm of light, sea and open space.
Each day begins framed by gentle ocean breeze and sunrise light, with revitalising yoga flows designed to awaken the body and calm the mind. Guided workshops explore simple tools for releasing tension and inviting ease, from Gua-Sha self-care techniques to sessions that encourage inner strength and mental clarity. Movement finds its own pace with Pilates sessions that balance breath and body, while sunset yoga flows and restorative soundbaths invite quiet reflection as day turns to evening.
Surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Raa Atoll, Niva Dhigali offers a setting made for presence and renewal. Days are unhurried, horizons stretch endlessly, and the sea is a quiet companion to every moment. Whether practising on the jetty at sunrise or resting under palms after a soundbath on Haali Beach, each day unfolds with ease, allowing guests to reconnect with their body, mind and surroundings.
Pause. Breathe. Enjoy the simple rhythms of the island, carrying the feeling of this week with you long after departure.
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