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Spotlight on Maldives with 2024 Surfing Legends Series at Kandooma

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Together with partners, The Perfect Wave, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is delighted to announce the return of the Surfing Legends Series to the private island paradise. Attracting former World Champions Barton Lynch and Pam Burridge, and ex-pro Ace Buchan, who will share their stories, secrets and coaching tips in their exclusive surfing programmes.

Take advantage of the knowledge on offer and polish up your surfing skills with a series of special Surf schools to choose from during the surfing season in the Maldives.

“Many of the surfers who join us for the Surfing Legends Series have non-surfing friends and family, so we can ensure they are well looked after too. The island Kandooma has so much to offer in terms of great food, activities, relaxation, watersports and even a Spa,” said Ben Horvath, Business Development & Marketing Manager, The Perfect Wave.

“Surf, hang out and learn from some of the greatest surfers of all time. There’s no better place to do it than the home of Kandooma Right in the Maldives.”

Take your pick of your favourite Surfing Legend from a choice of three greats this season.

Aussie Barton Lynch whose exemplary career included 17 World Championship victories to become one of the most successful professional surfers of all time. He is now one of the most sought after coaches, an expert commentator and loves to surf more than anything. Barton will host a seven night camp 27 April to 4 May, 2024 starting from US$4,250 per person (based on twin share 1 surfer/1 non-surfer occupancy) staying in a Beach Villa. Barton will be hosting exclusive dhoni (Maldivian boat) trips to nearby waves including lefts such as Tucky Joes and fun rights like Quarters and Riptides. At Kandooma-fushi, your private island home for the week, your villa is positioned just steps away from the beach and a private world-class right hand point break wave called Kandooma Right.

The Barton Lynch Surf Week package includes:

  • Accommodation in a Beach Villa (twin share basis one surfer/one non-surfer)
  • Shared speedboat transfers airport-Resort-airport
  • Daily Buffet Breakfast at Kandooma Cafe
  • Surfer Pass
  • Dhoni transfers to nearby waves
  • Food & Beverage package, from US$65 per person per night (Optional extra)

1990 World Surfing Champion Pam Burridge and her husband the legendary surfboard shaper Mark Rabbidge will host a week of coaching at Kandooma. Offering tips in and out of the water over seven fun-filled days 9 – 16 June 2024, Pam and Mark’s programme is designed to help you improve your surfing in the user-friendly breaks on the doorstep to Kandooma Maldives, but do note that this one is not for absolute beginners or those learning to surf!

The Pam Burridge Surf Week packages start from US$2,962 per person (based on two surfers sharing a room) and includes:

  • Accommodation in a Beach Villa (twin share basis) (note other room types are available)
  • 6 days coaching from Pam and Mark
  • 7 day Surfer Pass
  • Shared speedboat transfers airport-Resort-airport
  • Daily Buffet Breakfast at Kandooma Cafe

Ace Buchan hails from the Australian Central Coast where he grew up surfing. Ace invites you to join him and his family for a week at Kandooma, surfing the perfect waves 31 May – 10 June, 2024. This week of surfing fun is tailored to surfing families but everyone is welcome, whether you are a passionate everyday surfer looking to experience the rippable walls of Kandooma Right, a pre-teen grom or gromette perhaps going for your first overseas surf trip with your family, or a Mum or Dad looking to improve your skills and share some waves with your kids. Ace Buchan Surf Week packages are yet to be released with options for Beach Villas, two-storey Beach Houses and the 2-bedroom Family Beach House and will include access to nearby breaks via a dedicated Dhoni (boat). Add to that surf lessons, photo and video packages, movie nights with all the family and opportunities to learn more about Maldivian culture.

Surfers can expect some great action in the water. Kandooma Right breaks just a stone’s throw away from the Resort. It’s a fast breaking right with two take-off spots and a great barrel. This wave is exclusively for Kandooma Resort Maldives guests with Surfer Passes. Nearby waves include: Tucky Joes / Boatyards which is a fickle, but freight-train of a left hander that provides a long, perfect but intense ride. Riptides is a right hander breaking for 150 metres on a reef in the middle of a channel. Sometimes there are very strong currents, evident in the naming of this beauty so watch the conditions! It’s a great wave for long- and short-boarders as well as low intermediate surfers. Quarters is a short boat trip away, this wave has two sections. The outside is fat, slow and meandering, ideal for long-boarders and even beginners, while the inside is a really terrific, fast little right hander. On a good day it delivers perfect barrels.

Receive world class coaching tips and when you’re not riding a wave, eat and drink like a king. Chill out, take it easy and bask in the sun or experience one of the many activities at Kandooma Maldives. And when those tired muscles beg for respite, it’s good to know the Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala has a massage treatment designed especially for surfers.

For surfers the 2024 Surf Legend Series at Kandooma is one not to be missed. Book early to avoid disappointment, as numbers are strictly limited to ensure the best possible experience for participants.

For information about the Surfing Legends Series, visit https://www.perfectwavetravel.com/surf-trips/legends/

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Six Senses Kanuhura participates in international COASTS Project on blue carbon ecosystems

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Six Senses Kanuhura is participating in the COASTS Project, a global research initiative dedicated to understanding and strengthening coastal resilience through the study of blue carbon ecosystems. By supporting this international collaboration, the resort reinforces its ongoing commitment to marine conservation and sustainable stewardship of the fragile ecosystems that define the Maldives.

Funded under Horizon Europe 2023 by EUSPA Space, the COASTS Project is led by EOMAP, a Fugro company, and brings together a consortium of partners including Submaris and the Maldives Space Research Organisation (MSRO). The initiative focuses on the study of seagrass and mangrove ecosystems, exploring their interaction with coastal hazards and their capacity for carbon sequestration.

The project spans three key locations globally: the Baltic Sea in Germany, Chausey Island in France, and the Maldives. Within the Maldives, research is conducted across two sites in Noonu Atoll, and Six Senses Kanuhura in Lhaviyani Atoll.

At the resort, research activities take place across the reef flat and lagoon, encompassing seagrass mapping, ecological surveys, and sediment core sampling. These efforts aim to deepen scientific understanding of how seagrass meadows contribute to coastal protection, support marine biodiversity, and store carbon. Findings from the COASTS Project are expected to inform key stakeholders in developing evidence-based approaches to seagrass conservation and management.

“There is still a lot to be studied about seagrass ecosystems,” says Philipp Schubert, the Submaris team lead for COASTS. “Through the COASTS surveys in the Maldives, we aim provide crucial in situ data on seagrass health, extent, and functionality, helping to improve models and ultimately support sustainable management of these coastal habitats.”

In parallel with its involvement in the COASTS Project, the resort’s in-house marine biologist James Cordery and the sustainability team actively advocate for the protection of seagrass ecosystems in the Maldives. Recognised as vital habitats for marine life and important natural carbon sinks, seagrass meadows remain undervalued. Through guest engagement and educational initiatives, the team works to shift perceptions, fostering greater appreciation and advocacy for these critical habitats.

“At Six Senses Kanuhura, we believe that meaningful conservation begins with awareness and connection,” says Alicia Graham, General Manager. “Seagrass is a quiet yet powerful force beneath the surface, protecting our shores and nurturing marine life. Through our collaboration with the COASTS Project, we are proud to support research that not only advances science but also helps people see the beauty and value of these underwater meadows.”

Through this collaboration, Six Senses Kanuhura continues to champion a more thoughtful and science-driven relationship with the ocean, one that prioritises awareness, responsibility, and long-term care for the interconnected ecosystems surrounding the island.

Encompassing three private islands, Six Senses Kanuhura is known for being home to the finest beaches in the Maldives. The 85 spacious and elegant beachfront, family, and overwater pool villas enjoy a turquoise lagoon at their feet, which is home to resident turtles and marine life. Adventures abound in this paradise found, with food, fun, family moments, and new friends for moments of connection, and peaceful seclusion.

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ELE|NA at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI recognised at Global Spa Awards 2026

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ELE|NA Elements of Nature at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI has been honoured with the title of Best Spa Resort Maldives at the Global Spa Awards by The Luxury Spa Edit 2026, recognising the resort’s exceptional commitment to luxury wellness and transformative spa experiences in the Maldives.

Widely regarded as one of the most authentic and respected recognitions in the global spa and wellness industry, the awards celebrate the world’s most outstanding spas, wellness retreats, clinics, and spa brands. Nominees are carefully curated by leading spa and wellness experts, with winners selected through a global public vote, making the recognition both credible and highly regarded.

Located in the serene island setting of the Maldives, ELE|NA Elements of Nature at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI offers a holistic approach to wellbeing through thoughtfully designed wellness journeys that integrate therapeutic traditions, modern wellness science, and immersive sensory experiences. Guided by the brand’s philosophy of Wellness Your Way™, each experience is tailored to the individual, allowing guests to embrace wellbeing in a way that feels intuitive, personal, and effortlessly luxurious.

The spa experience is further enriched by distinctive wellness spaces and programmes. Vihaara, the spa’s alchemy-inspired sustainable workshop and garden, is filled with nurturing plants and herbs, inviting guests to reconnect with nature through hands-on, sensorial rituals. A tranquil Zen Garden offers a meditative sanctuary for stillness and reflection, complemented by a dedicated meditation corner designed for mindful escape. Signature experiences such as OceanFlow Therapy, energy healing sessions, and a curated Visiting Practitioner Programme bring together global expertise and ancient wisdom, creating a dynamic and deeply personalised wellness journey. The spa’s tranquil overwater treatment rooms and personalised wellness programmes invite guests to reconnect with balance, relaxation, and vitality.

“At ELE|NA, wellness is deeply personal,” said Heidi Grimwood, Senior Vice President of ELE|NA. “Our Wellness Your Way™ philosophy is at the heart of everything we do, empowering each guest to define their own wellness journey. This recognition reflects the dedication and passion of our entire team at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, who create exceptional wellness experiences for every guest. We are honoured to receive this award and grateful for the trust and support of our guests and partners.”

The recognition further reinforces ELE|NA’s commitment to redefining luxury wellness experiences across its portfolio of spa destinations, championing a more personalised, intuitive approach to wellbeing through Wellness Your Way™.

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Reethi Faru Resort joins global Earth Hour campaign with conservation efforts

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On Saturday, March 28th, Reethi Faru Resort joined millions worldwide in observing Earth Hour 2026, a global initiative encouraging individuals and communities to switch off their lights for one hour to raise awareness about environmental sustainability. This year marked the 20th anniversary of Earth Hour, themed “Create the Biggest Hour for Earth,” inspiring participants to dedicate time to meaningful environmental actions.

In a hands-on commitment to the planet, guests joined our team members in coral planting, actively contributing to the preservation and restoration of local reefs. This initiative reflects the resort’s ongoing dedication to marine conservation and sustainable hospitality practices.

In a powerful display of unity, participants came together to form the number 60 on the beach, symbolising the 60 minutes of Earth Hour. The visually striking formation served as both a memorable tribute and a compelling reminder of the resort’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Between 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM, the resort further demonstrated its sustainability ethos by dimming lights and turning off non-essential equipment, effectively reducing energy consumption while maintaining guest comfort and safety.

Following Earth Hour, guests enjoyed a relaxing movie night under the stars, complemented by a cozy bonfire, offering a memorable conclusion to the day’s activities.

For Reethi Faru, Earth Hour represents more than just switching off lights; it is an opportunity to engage the community in meaningful actions for the planet. The resort was delighted to see guests and team members participate enthusiastically, making this year’s celebration both impactful and memorable.

Reethi Faru Resort remains committed to environmental initiatives and looks forward to future milestones in marine conservation, sustainable practices, and community engagement.

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