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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.
NH Maldives Kuda Rah has announced a line-up of Easter celebrations for guests, featuring a day of activities and dining experiences at its resort in South Ari Atoll.
The programme is designed to cater to families and travellers of all ages, combining interactive sessions, culinary offerings and outdoor activities across the island.
The day will begin at Sea Spray Restaurant with the “Flu y Bunny Breakfast Bash”, which will include live pancake stations and themed breakfast selections. Guests will also have the opportunity to take part in the “Egg Decoration Extravaganza”, an activity focused on creating decorated keepsakes.
Midday activities will continue at Glow Bar with “Bliss Cupcake Creations”, an interactive baking session led by the resort’s culinary team. An “Egg Hunt Adventure” will also be organised, allowing guests to search for hidden items across the resort.
In the evening, the resort will host an Easter Beach Dinner at Sunset Beach, offering a menu of seasonal dishes and international cuisine in a beachfront setting.
The resort team stated that the Easter programme is designed to provide opportunities for connection and shared experiences among guests.
NH Maldives Kuda Rah also noted that the activities align with its “Live Local” initiative under Minor DISCOVERY, which focuses on delivering local and experiential elements within guest stays.
Further details on the Easter programme are available through the resort’s official website.
This Easter, Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa invites guests to experience a vibrant island celebration inspired by a Tropical Jungle theme from 4–13 April 2026. Set against the stunning natural beauty of the Maldives, the program blends art, gastronomy, entertainment, wellness, and family-friendly experiences for an unforgettable holiday escape.
The festivities include a variety of signature experiences, beginning with a lavish Easter Breakfast at ONU Marché and the cheerful arrival of the Easter Bunny for families and young guests. As the day unfolds, guests can gather for sunset cocktails at Bodumas Beach before enjoying a grand Easter Dinner featuring seasonal favorites and a curated selection of festive dishes.
A highlight of this year’s celebration is the residency of Maldivian watercolor artist Shimha Shakeeb, whose exhibition Stories of the Maldives will showcase vibrant works inspired by island landscapes, architecture, and everyday life. Guests will also can join art workshops and creative sessions led by the artist throughout the Easter week.
The celebrations continue with the energetic Sun & Splash Pool Party at Latitude 5.5, featuring tropical beats from a live DJ, poolside games, refreshing cocktails, and a vibrant lunch buffet. Evenings across the island will come alive with themed dining experiences, live music, dancers, and DJ performances, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the holiday period.
Guests can also unwind with curated wellness experiences at the resort’s spa, enjoy romantic dining moments such as the Secret Garden experience, or take part in family-friendly activities designed for all ages. The Easter festivities conclude with Orthodox Easter celebrations and a final Sun & Splash Pool Party on 13 April, bringing the island-wide celebration to a joyful close.
For any reservations or inquiries: Resort.Kuredhivaru.Reservations@ennismore.com or +960 656 3000.
This Easter, Ifuru Island Maldives invites guests to experience “The Sweet Side of Wonder,” a playful seasonal celebration inspired by the imaginative spirit of Ifuru’s Chocolate Factory. Designed for travellers of all ages, the Easter programme blends festive traditions, indulgent treats, and joyful island experiences set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Maldives.
Throughout the celebration, guests can enjoy a thoughtfully curated programme that combines colourful festivities with the relaxed luxury of island life. From chocolate-inspired culinary creations crafted by the resort’s talented chefs to vibrant social gatherings and creative activities, the Easter festivities promise memorable moments for families, couples, and groups of friends.
A highlight of the celebration is the lively Sugar Rush Easter Parade, bringing a burst of colour, music, and festive energy to the island as guests gather to celebrate the spirit of Easter together. On Easter Sunday, families can also take part in the much-anticipated Easter Egg Hunt, where young explorers set off across the island in search of hidden treats and sweet surprises.
Families can also look forward to a variety of engaging experiences designed especially for younger guests. From creative workshops and playful island games to interactive activities inspired by the sweet spirit of Ifuru’s Chocolate Factory, children are invited to explore, create, and celebrate in a joyful and imaginative setting.
“Easter is a wonderful opportunity to create joyful moments for our guests,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “With ‘The Sweet Side of Wonder,’ we wanted to bring together playful imagination, indulgent flavours, and the relaxed beauty of our island to create a celebration that guests of all ages can enjoy.”
With its vibrant atmosphere, Premium All-Inclusive offering, and spectacular island setting in Raa Atoll, Ifuru Island Maldives provides the perfect destination for travellers seeking a unique Easter escape.
Guests can explore the full Easter programme, including festive events, family-friendly activities, and special celebrations, by visiting Easter Programme 2026.
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