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An Unforgettable and Inspiring Day to Celebrate Women and Local Culture at Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives

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In honor of International Women’s Day, Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives hosted a celebration dedicated to  promoting inclusion, empowerment, and the achievements of women while paying significant importance to  the vibrant culture of the Maldives. 

The event, held on March 8th, 2024, showcased a series of workshops highlighting various local women-led  industries of Maldives, followed by a therapeutic art session and delectable snacks and drinks. 

Amongst the unique traditions and cultures of Maldives, one of the most pleasing ones to the eye is certainly  the traditional attire of Maldivians called Kasabu Libaas which translates to “dress”. Kasabu boavalhu, the  embroidered part of the dress elaborately decorates the neckline with a technique, slowly fading into history  today called Kasabu Viyun. The entire procedure is one of the most fascinating aspects of Maldivian culture  featuring a short wooden stout vase-like structure called a Gathaa Fai. 

In the local language, the art of weaving is called “Thundu Kunaa Viyun” (reed mat weaving) and is considered  a dying form of art that originated from the Gadhdhoo island. One large mat takes approximately one month  to weave, which probably is the reason that it is not practiced by the youth today. However, the ladies at the  resort got the chance to learn the rich history of the local culture and the significance that the local women  held in society then and today to uphold the economy by doing their part. 

In addition to the workshops, guests were treated to a delectable selection of canapes and women’s day inspired drinks along with a therapeutic art workshop held by the resident artist “Kadek” providing an  opportunity to enjoy rhythmic movements and to let the inner stress flow out of the body with every stroke of  the brush, where the guests were able to explore their creativity and express themselves through the subtle  language of art. 

“As a luxury boutique resort in the Maldives, we are honored to be part of a rich culture where women of all  walks of life bring color and energy into the society in numerous unspoken ways,” said Raffaele Solferino,  General Manager of the resort.

“At Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, we strive to be an equal opportunity  employer by inspiring inclusivity to eliminate all gender barriers and stereotypes by encouraging women to join  our team. We believe in creating not only a safe workplace for women but also, our female guests with  heightened privacy, be it whether you are on a solo trip or traveling with your girlfriends”. 

This event was part of Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives’ commitment to promoting and uplifting females as  well as local talent. The resort is dedicated to providing its guests with authentic experiences that allow them  to connect with the local culture and community. 

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Baros Maldives hosts special events in honour of PADI Women’s Dive Day

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Baros Maldives participated in the global celebration of PADI Women’s Dive Day 2025, commemorating the occasion with a week of thoughtfully curated experiences that honoured the strength, curiosity, and connection shared among women divers. Held from 15th to 19th July, the initiative was designed to inspire confidence and camaraderie beneath the waves.

In the days leading up to the main event, female guests were treated to a 25% discount on their first or single dive. This included refresher and orientation dives along the renowned Baros House Reef, as well as Discover Scuba Diving sessions for those embarking on their first underwater adventure. These exclusive offers created an inviting and supportive environment, encouraging women of all experience levels to engage with Baros’ vibrant marine life.

The week culminated on 19th July with a complimentary dive led by the resort’s female dive instructors. Open to all certified women divers and those who had completed a Discover Scuba Diving experience during the week, the event brought together a spirited group of ocean enthusiasts for a memorable morning beneath the surface. The dive was marked by commemorative underwater photographs taken beside the official PADI Women’s Dive Day banner.

Ambra Dugaria, Dive Base Leader at Divers Baros Maldives, shared her reflections on the occasion: “At Baros, diving is about connection — to nature, to oneself, and to each other. PADI Women’s Dive Day is a powerful reminder that the ocean belongs to everyone. We are proud to provide a space where women feel empowered, celebrated, and free to explore.”

Led by Divers Baros Maldives, the initiative underscores the resort’s continued commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and community within the diving world. As a PADI Five Star Gold Palm Dive Centre, Baros remains dedicated to delivering safe, immersive, and inspiring underwater experiences for divers of all levels.

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OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO celebrates Women’s Dive Month with captivating underwater exhibition

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OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, in collaboration with TGI Maldives and Divernet—one of the world’s longest-established diving platforms—has launched an inspiring marine photo exhibition to commemorate Women’s Dive Month in association with PADI.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare underwater photographs taken by esteemed underwater photographer and writer, Richard Aspinall, during his recent stay at the resort. Based in the Scottish Borders, Aspinall has a longstanding background in wildlife conservation and heritage management, underpinned by academic training in ecology and conservation biology. His captivating images—from striking moray eels and elegant whitetip reef sharks to the vivid displays of blue-line snappers and clown triggerfish—offer a mesmerising glimpse into the flourishing coral ecosystems surrounding Helengeli.

The exhibition was officially inaugurated by seven international female journalists, joined by TGI Maldives Operations Manager Greta Marcelli, General Manager Alain Trefois, and the wider operations team at OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO.

“There is something truly magical about Helengeli. The reef is alive with untold stories. The marine life is phenomenal, and the energy of this island is unmatched. This exhibition, thoughtfully curated by our team, captures that essence—blending the wonders of the ocean with a message of empowerment. We are sincerely grateful to Richard Aspinall and Divernet for their remarkable imagery and collaboration in bringing this exhibition to life,” shared General Manager Alain Trefois.

In 2023, the resort became the first recipient of the PADI® Outstanding Contribution to Female Diving award. Continuing its commitment to inclusive diving, the resort hosted ten international female journalists in July 2024, offering them the opportunity to experience scuba diving and the breathtaking beauty of the Maldivian seas as part of the PADI Women’s Dive Day celebrations.

Building on this success, OBLU NATURE Helengeli has officially launched the 2025 International PADI Women’s Dive Month, in partnership with TGI Maldives and ELE|NA Ayur Spa. This initiative presents a specially curated programme for women throughout July, blending scuba diving with wellness experiences designed to foster confidence, connection, and serenity both below and above the surface.

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InterContinental Maldives enhances wellness offerings with Dr Shagnika Pradhan

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The InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is enhancing its guest wellness experience by welcoming Dr. Shagnika Pradhan as a visiting practitioner from 1st August to 15th September 2025. Dr. Pradhan, who specialises in Naturopathy and Yoga Science, will offer a range of holistic treatments designed to restore balance in both body and mind.

With over seven years of experience, Dr. Pradhan employs a results-driven approach to healing that blends ancient Eastern traditions with modern therapies. Her expertise covers pain and stress management using techniques from traditional Chinese medicine, alongside herbal remedies, nutrition counselling, and yoga therapy. Her practice is rooted in providing personalised care that addresses the root causes of ailments.

During her residency at the resort’s AVI Spa, Dr. Pradhan will offer a comprehensive menu of exclusive wellness services. These include:

  • Naturopathic Manipulative Therapy: A custom blend of bodywork, spinal alignment, and sound healing to relieve stress and pain.
  • Acupuncture: A traditional Chinese technique to balance the body’s energy, effective for stress and pain. This also includes Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture to naturally boost collagen and circulation.
  • Sleep Enhancement Therapy: A four-hour ritual combining acupuncture, herbal massage, sound healing, and Yoga Nidra to improve sleep quality.
  • Specialised Yoga Therapies: Guests can choose from Yoga Therapy for overall wellbeing, Aqua Yoga Therapy for joint mobility in the water, and Anti-gravity Aerial Yoga in silk hammocks to build core strength and alignment.
  • Reiki Sound Healing: A spiritual session using Reiki energy, singing bowls, and chanting for emotional release.
  • Cupping Therapy: A traditional method to ease muscular tension and improve circulation. 

These bespoke sessions are part of the resort’s ongoing Wellness Journey programme, which features a curated selection of expert in-house specialists and visiting international practitioners. 

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