The Maldives has reached a new milestone in its diving industry with the launch of the country’s first PADI TecRec diver training center. Established by Aquaventure Dive Center in Addu City, the facility marks the beginning of a new era for technical diving in the Maldives, creating opportunities for divers to explore greater depths beyond recreational limits.

As the first of its kind in the region, the PADI TecRec center is fully equipped to offer a wide range of technical diving courses, from entry-level Discover Tec programs to advanced Tec 50 certifications. The center’s team of PADI-certified technical instructors are prepared to guide both recreational divers who are curious about technical diving and experienced divers looking to challenge their skills.

With access to some of the most spectacular underwater environments in the world—including deep wrecks, current-swept channels, and uncharted reefs—the Maldives is now firmly positioned on the global map as a destination for serious technical divers.

“This is more than just a certification—it’s an opportunity to experience the Maldives like never before,” said Marc Kouwenberg of Aquaventure Dive Center.

In addition to courses, Aquaventure offers technical diving equipment and custom expedition packages designed for those ready to take the plunge into the Maldives’ most adventurous underwater landscapes.

Contact:
Marc Kouwenberg
WhatsApp / Viber: +960 797 4310

Bandos Maldives has been awarded the Green Globe Certification, one of the most renowned sustainability recognitions in the travel and tourism industry, underscoring our long-standing dedication to preserving the environment and upholding one of our guiding values, “Environmental Stewardship.”

Bandos has been known popularly as the “Island of Hospitality” for generations, welcoming guests with Maldivian hospitality in its real sense. Today, this reputation supports another side of our hospitality, that is, our dedication to maintaining the natural beauty and variety of the Maldives for generations to come.

Energy & Technology That Respect Nature

The certification is a reflection of the resort’s continuous efforts to embrace beneficial eco-friendly measures in all its operations. From investing in four state-of-the-art desalination plants that produce high-quality fresh water, to eliminating over 250,000 single-use plastic bottles annually with the help of refillable glass alternatives, Bandos ensures that it minimizes its footprint on the environment

Bandos Maldives has also introduced energy-efficient practices throughout the resort, including LED lighting and power management systems. These practices make sustainability an integral part of daily operation, whether in villas and restaurants or in back-of-house systems.

The Green IT initiatives and recycling focus of hardware as well as paper reduction by the resort show a general commitment to the sustainable use of technology and carbon footprint reduction.

Similarly, the resort has eliminated plastic straws and substituted them with biodegradable paper straws and reusable stirrers to minimize single-use plastic even further

Sustainability at Bandos is a matter not only of policy but also of people. It involves engaging guests to be a part of it, either by selecting refillable water, taking part in awareness initiatives, or getting educated about behind-the-scenes water and energy saving measures.

A Commitment Beyond Words

“Our goal is to create memorable experiences while ensuring we protect the environment that makes the Maldives so unique,” said Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives. “The Green Globe Certification is not a destination, but a milestone that inspires us to keep pushing forward.”

By attaining this certification, Bandos Maldives reaffirms its commitment to a sustainable future. Every little choice, from power efficiency to environmentally friendly dining, adds up to a grander vision: preserving paradise while delivering world-class guest experiences.

Sustainability isn’t a responsibility for Bandos. It’s a way of giving respect to the island, its people, and every guest who sets foot on its shores.

This Halloween, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo invites guests to step into a world of shadows, sophistication, and starlight with ‘Haunted Elegance’, an adults-only evening where glamour meets the unexpected.

The evening begins with a Halloween-themed buffet at Alita Restaurant, where bold flavors and playful presentations set the tone. Subtle décor and a tropical night backdrop create the perfect prelude to a celebration that grows darker and more seductive as it unfolds.

The Pool Deck transforms into a haunting yet stylish dance floor, pulsing with dark beats spun by a live DJ. Guests are encouraged to dress to impress, or disturb, as a costume contest brings out the night’s most daring looks, with prizes awarded for:

• Best Dressed
• Most Spooky
• Funniest Costume

“Haunted Elegance is for those who prefer their Halloween with a touch of seduction and shadow,” said Stefania Banfi, Resort Manager. “We’ve crafted a night that’s immersive, indulgent, and just a little wicked; a grown-up escape wrapped in moonlight and mystery.”

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo is a boutique adults-only resort with 68 villas available in 7 different categories. The resort is reachable by a scenic domestic flight within just over 50 minutes, on the island of Kooddoo, in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll. It has its roots in authentic Maldivian heritage and discovery and serves international cuisine. Mercure Maldives offers various meal plans including a premium all-inclusive concept. In addition, you may opt for a bed and breakfast or a half-board stay option allowing you to explore the resort at your own pace. There’s always something to discover, on the pristine white beaches or in the ocean with a house reef teeming with marine life. The resort features a signature restaurant called Vista, the perfect place to experience a picture-perfect panorama view complimented by exquisite Italian flavors. Whether you lounge by the pool bar and bask in the sun, or go on an aquatic adventure, every day becomes a story to remember for a lifetime.