News
Unveiling The Nautilus Maldives’ Ocean Discovery Week
This summer, The Nautilus Maldives, invites guests to explore the sparkling seas and embark on an unforgettable journey with distinguished diving experts Jeff and Sarah Milisen from Hawaii. The Nautilus Ocean Discovery Week is taking place from July 24th to 31st, marking the debut of this exciting annual event.
The Nautilus lies in the Maldives renowned Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, boasting over 40 dive sites teeming with incredible marine life. Divers and snorkellers can immerse themselves in the tranquility of these waters, enhanced by the enchanting spectacle of the starlit sky. As daylight fades, guests can witness the ocean transform into a mesmerising realm illuminated by bioluminescent organisms and the gentle glow of underwater torches.
Jeff Milisen, a distinguished marine biology scientist and celebrated blackwater photographer, unveils the mysteries of nocturnal marine life. Renowned for his captivating imagery capturing elusive species, Jeff’s expertise has garnered international acclaim, including 14 prestigious contest wins. Jeff’s book “A Field Guide to Blackwater Diving in Hawaii”, published in 2020, is used to train dive professionals and scientists worldwide. Complementing Jeff’s passion, Sarah Milisen, Director of Education at a 5-Star PADI Dive Center in Hawaii, channels her extensive in-water experience of 23 years into nurturing environmentally conscious ocean stewards.
Throughout The Nautilus Ocean Discovery Week, guests are invited to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of the ocean through guided night snorkelling and diving experiences. Led by knowledgeable guides Jeff and Sarah, participants will delve into the captivating realm of nocturnal marine life. They’ll be treated to a mesmerising display of fluorescent corals, and the intricate patterns of nocturnal fish, offering a unique perspective on the underwater world after dark.
As part of the week’s activities, guests will also have the exclusive opportunity to embark on an excursion to Hanifaru Bay, renowned as one of the world’s premier manta ray feeding grounds and accessible via a luxurious speedboat journey just 30 minutes from The Nautilus. Here, they can witness the awe-inspiring sight of these majestic creatures as they glide through the water in their timeless and mesmerising dance. Before venturing out on the private guided manta experience, guests will have the privilege of learning from The Nautilus’s resident marine biologist, gaining insights into the fascinating behaviour and ecology of manta rays.
Guests can venture beyond the ocean’s embrace and indulge in a myriad of activities to suit every adventurer’s palate. From exhilarating water sports such as Seabob or E -foil expeditions to mindful and tranquil escapes at Solasta Spa, where guests can experience unique in-water relaxation techniques including floating yoga, breathwork and meditation in the overwater pavilion, and water sound healing.
Young wonderers and teenagers are invited to participate in a marine biologist workshop, Bubble Maker courses, an underwater treasure hunt, a watercolour art workshop, a mocktail making class, and an engaging blackwater photo exhibition hosted by Jeff. Aspiring underwater photographers will have the exclusive opportunity to learn the art of underwater photography from Jeff, who generously shares his professional insights and techniques.
Gastronomic connoisseurs can indulge in a journey of flavour and sophistication unlike any other, with The Nautilus’s award-winning culinary and mixology team as they celebrate the theme with a tantalising array of aqua-inspired cocktail creations and meticulously curated dining experiences.
To secure your spot at the exclusive The Nautilus Ocean Discovery Week, a one-of-a-kind event that unfolds once a year only, contact The Nautilus at hello@thenautilusmaldives.com to reserve your ultra-luxe bohemian summer escape. For more information visit www.thenautilusmaldives.com.
Awards
Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura named among world’s top 100 spas
Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura has been named among the Top 100 Spas of the World 2026 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, recognising the spa’s wellness services in Malé.
Located on Level 3 of Barceló Nasandhura, Wellness by Mandara caters to both international visitors and local residents, offering spa treatments and wellness services within the capital. Unlike spas located at island resorts, the facility provides an urban wellness option for guests seeking relaxation, physical recovery and regular self-care.
The spa draws on traditional Eastern healing practices and offers a range of treatments, including Mandara’s signature multi-hand massage therapies, ELEMIS facials, body treatments and specialised nail care packages.
Treatments are tailored to individual requirements by the spa’s therapists, with services designed to relieve muscle tension, support physical recovery and promote relaxation.
Trent Munday of Mandara Spa said the recognition reflected the team’s commitment to providing Asian spa therapies in Malé while serving both hotel guests and the local community.
Wellness by Mandara operates daily, offering treatments and spa packages to Barceló Nasandhura guests, Malé residents and day visitors.
Awards
Jalboot Group claims three honours at World Luxury Travel Awards 2026
Jalboot Group has won three awards at the 2026 World Luxury Travel Awards, marking the second consecutive year the marine leisure and transport services provider has received recognition at the event.
The awards were presented during a gala ceremony held on 24 October at the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, Thailand.
Jalboot Group and its marine leisure brand, Koamas by Jalboot, received awards in three categories:
- Best Diving Experience in Maldives: Koamas by Jalboot
- Best Luxury Water Transfer in Indian Ocean: Jalboot Group
- Best Water Sport & Activities in Indian Ocean Islands: Koamas by Jalboot
The awards recognise the company’s operations across marine leisure and transport services in the Maldives, including watersports, resort-based recreational activities and inter-island water transfers.
RJ Reddy, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Jalboot Group, said the recognition reflected the contributions of the company’s team across its operations.
“We are deeply honoured to be recognised across three categories at the 2026 World Luxury Travel Awards. This milestone reflects the passion, professionalism and teamwork of everyone at Jalboot. Our goal has always been to create experiences that reflect the essence of luxury and the warmth of Maldivian hospitality, both on and beneath the water.”
Jalboot Group continues to expand its operations in the Maldives as a provider of integrated maritime solutions, including luxury yacht charters, marine transport and resort-based leisure services.
The three awards further recognise the company’s presence in the Indian Ocean’s marine tourism and transport sectors.
Action
Kandooma Maldives adds pickleball to recreational offerings
Kandooma Maldives has introduced a new pickleball court, expanding its recreational facilities as the paddle sport continues to gain popularity worldwide.
Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball is a sport that is relatively easy to learn and suitable for players of different ages and abilities. The new facility allows guests to participate in singles or doubles matches, offering an additional recreational activity for families, couples and groups staying at the resort.
The pickleball court is open daily from 6am to 6pm, with paddles and balls available for guests to borrow from Reception.
Court reservations can be made through the resort’s Recreation or Front Office team. Each villa is entitled to one complimentary hour of court use per day.
The introduction of pickleball forms part of Kandooma Maldives’ efforts to expand its recreational offerings and provide guests with more opportunities to participate in sports and group activities during their stay.
-
News1 week ago.Here Baa Atoll completes two-island concept with opening of Nowhere Private Island
-
News1 week agoSix Maldives spas operated by Mandara Spa recognised in global top 100 list
-
Action1 week agoAdaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi brings together 40 women for surfing, wellness retreat
-
Entertainment1 week agoFormer Savoy Hotel pianist Richard Sully to perform at V Villas Maldives at Mirihi
-
Local1 week agoAtmosphere Foundation supports 1,440 households, 3,599 students in 2025
-
News1 week agoKuredhivaru Resort & Spa marks eight years in Maldives with special guest experiences
-
News6 days agoKandooma Maldives introduces experience-led all-inclusive holiday concept
-
Entertainment6 days agoHard Rock Hotel Maldives welcomes British duo The Whiskey Brothers for live performances


