Action
The Westin Maldives partners with world record freediver Christian Redl for exclusive Marriott Bonvoy moments
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort has unveil a unique opportunity for Marriott Bonvoy members to bid on an exclusive freediving adventure with Christian Redl, the legendary twelve-time world record holder. This extraordinary experience, curated through Marriott Bonvoy Moments, offers a transformative journey into the heart of Baa Atoll, the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Beyond the immersive exploration of this vibrant underwater landscape, the collaboration aims to bolster ocean conservation efforts by working with the local community at Maalhos Island, and fostering a deeper connection between guests and the marine world.
Christian Redl, celebrated for his exceptional achievements in freediving, has spent over three decades pushing the limits of human endurance in some of the world’s most extreme environments, including under ice and caves. His impressive track record includes twelve world records, with his latest triumph being the record for the longest 24-hour underwater cycling, officially recognised by the German Record Institute (RID).
From October 25 to 28, 2024, the bid winner will enjoy a personalized three-night stay for two in the resort’s expansive Overwater Villa with Pool, where they can revel in the stunning vistas of the Indian Ocean. This experience includes a private freediving session with Christian Redl, providing a rare opportunity to learn from one of the world’s most celebrated freedivers. The experience is elevated with an exquisite dinner at The Pearl, the resort’s renowned Japanese restaurant, where guests will have the exclusive privilege of dining with Redl.
The package is designed to ensure guests’ overall well-being by encompassing The Westin’s signature wellness programs for guests to eat, sleep, move, feel, and play well. It includes a rejuvenating 60-minute spa treatment for two at Heavenly Spa by Westin, complemented by a choice of sunrise or sunset yoga sessions in serene surroundings. Guests can elevate their fitness journey with the resort’s signature runWESTIN program and the 24/7 WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio. Guests may borrow Hyperice, a Recharge and Recovery wellness gear to alleviate muscles stiffness and tension after their long journey and activities, inspiring them to pack light with Westin Hotels & Resort’s ‘Gear Lending’ program. This is complemented by restorative sleep in the award-winning Heavenly Bed and the soothing Sleep Well Lavender Balm, providing the perfect balance of movement and rejuvenation.
As the founder of the non-profit organisation 7Oceans, Redl has been a leading advocate for addressing critical ocean issues, such as coral bleaching, overfishing, ghost nets, deep sea exploration, shipwrecks, shark finning, and plastic waste pollution. In line with Redl’s commitment to ocean conservation, this collaboration extends beyond the resort to Maalhos Island, a neighboring community known for its impressive underwater biodiversity. He will lead a plastic pollution awareness session for Maalhos residents and students, and provide psychological dive training in partnership with the Maldives Freediving Association, offering the bid winner an opportunity to engage in these impactful activities. This initiative aims to strengthen local ocean connections and conservation efforts while enabling Maldivian freedivers to explore the mesmerizing underwater beauty of Baa Atoll’s captivating underwater beauty.
“We are immensely proud to partner with Christian Redl for this inspiring Marriott Bonvoy Moments,” said Vijay Kumar, General Manager of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to providing our guests with unique, meaningful experiences that leave a lasting impression. We are honoured to contribute to the ocean conservation and offer our guests with the opportunity to learn from one of the most inspiring freedivers in the world.”
Christian Redl commented, “Freediving is more than just a sport; it’s about forging a deep connection with the ocean and sharing that bond with others. I’m excited to partner with The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort and look forward to raising awareness about ocean conservation in the beautiful Baa Atoll.”
Marriott Bonvoy members are invited to bid for this exceptional experience. For more information, visit: moments.marriottbonvoy.com.
Action
Eri Maldives offers accessible reef diving and snorkelling
Eri Maldives is located within the waters of North Malé Atoll and is surrounded by a house reef accessible to both beginner and experienced divers. With four direct reef entry points and shore access, the resort offers opportunities for snorkelling, introductory dives and certified diving.
The house reef supports a range of marine life, including white-tip and black-tip reef sharks, nurse sharks, hawksbill turtles, mobula rays and spotted eagle rays, as well as schools of reef fish. The accessibility of the reef allows guests to explore the area over multiple days, providing opportunities to observe marine behaviour and habitats over time.
Turtle encounters
Hawksbill turtles are among the most frequently observed species on the reef. The resort’s dive team has identified 14 individual turtles, each recognised by shell patterns and physical features. These include turtles known as Rosie, Cara and Anna, which have been documented through repeated sightings.
The resort maintains records of these turtles, allowing returning guests to identify individuals over time. Guests may also contribute to this initiative by naming newly identified turtles that have not previously been recorded.
Manta ray season
From December to April, manta rays are known to visit cleaning stations at Bodu Hithi Thila, located approximately one hour by boat from the resort. During this period, ocean conditions support plankton flows that attract mantas to the area, where they can be observed feeding or visiting cleaning stations.
Night diving experiences
Night snorkelling and diving activities provide a different perspective on reef activity. Species such as reef sharks, trevallies, moray eels and nurse sharks become more active after dark, offering guests the opportunity to observe nocturnal marine behaviour.
At Eri Maldives, marine experiences form a central part of the guest offering, with the house reef providing consistent opportunities for exploration. The resort’s dive programme is designed to support repeated interaction with the marine environment, allowing guests to experience a range of underwater activity throughout their stay.
Accommodation is available in studio and beach villa categories, with full board packages offered for direct bookings, subject to availability.
Action
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts football programme with Marcus Allbäck
Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort has announced another successful edition of the Sirru Icon Series, a week-long programme that brought international sporting energy, youth inspiration, and meaningful community connection to this private lagoon paradise.
Held from 27 March to 3 April, the initiative welcomed former Swedish professional footballer Marcus Allbäck, whose presence made the week truly exceptional for guests, young aspiring players, and the neighbouring island community. Marcus Allbäck is a celebrated former Swedish international striker, having played 74 games for his country, scoring 30 goals. He represented Sweden in three European Championships and two World Cups, and enjoyed a distinguished club career across Europe, including the Bundesliga, Serie A, the English Premier League, the Dutch Eredivisie, and the UEFA Champions League. Following his retirement, Marcus served as assistant coach for the Swedish national team for six years. Today, he continues to inspire the next generation of footballers, working as a player agent and advisor to help aspiring players achieve their dreams. His visit highlighted the power of sport not only as entertainment, but as a bridge for cultural exchange and social impact. This reflected the resort’s ongoing commitment to purposeful, community-centred initiatives.

Throughout the week, Marcus led a line-up of engaging activities, including friendly football matches with guests, dedicated junior football camps that fostered confidence and skill-building among young participants, and a memorable visit to a nearby local island. This local-island match stood out as a meaningful moment of connection, bringing the resort and community together through shared passion and friendly competition.
Guests also enjoyed an intimate Sirru Signature Sunset Cocktail, where they had the rare opportunity to meet Marcus in person, hear stories from his international career, and enjoy a relaxed, uplifting atmosphere against the backdrop of the resort’s iconic sunsets.

Programme Highlights:
- Friendly Football Matches–A fun and energetic opportunity for guests to play alongside an international football figure.
- Junior Football Camps –Inspiring sessions focused on youth development, teamwork, and confidence-building.
- Local Island Football Match – A memorable moment on the local island Milandhoo, celebrating the power of sport to bring resort guests and the local community together.
- Meet & Greet Sunset Cocktail – An exclusive experience offering direct interaction with Marcus and inspiring conversation.
The Sirru Icon Series reflects the resort’s dedication to creating exceptional experiences that go beyond traditional hospitality, pairing luxury with purpose and offering guests opportunities to connect, learn, and create lifelong memories.

This remarkable week marked an inspiring chapter of the Sirru Icon Series, with more unique programmes planned for the future to continue delivering immersive guest experiences at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort.
For further information and reservations, please visit sirrufenfushi.com or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.
Action
Radisson Blu Maldives image shortlisted for Monaco environmental award
A breathtaking moment beneath the Maldivian skies has earned international recognition, as Manta Sunset Wave, captured by award-winning underwater photographer Henley Spiers, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Environmental Photography Award 2026.
The image, taken during a diving retreat at Radisson Blu Resort Maldives, beautifully encapsulates the magic of the Maldives’ underwater world. Photographed in the waters of the South Ari Atoll during a evening excursion, the image captures the graceful movement of manta rays at sunset, an awe-inspiring reminder of the Maldives’ rich and diverse marine ecosystem.
As one of just 36 shortlisted works selected by an international panel of renowned nature, wildlife, and conservation photographers, Manta Sunset Wave will be featured in the Foundation’s 2026 international exhibition. The collection will debut in the Principality of Monaco before touring globally and will also be featured in a high-quality commemorative photobook, bringing these powerful visual stories to audiences around the world.
Beyond its visual splendour, the image highlights the importance of conservation photography in protecting fragile marine ecosystems. Through his work, Henley Spiers captures not only the wonder of the underwater world but also the urgent need to preserve it. His imagery serves as both inspiration and advocacy, encouraging a deeper connection with the ocean and a shared responsibility for its future.
A public vote is now open until 12 April 2026, and we warmly invite hospitality partners and the wider tourism community to support Henley Spiers in securing the public vote. By doing so, you will help showcase the Maldives’ rich and diverse marine life to a global audience and reinforce the importance of ocean conservation.
Henley Spiers and Radisson Blu Resort Maldives have previously collaborated on creative projects, with Henley serving as Creative Partner to document the resort’s exceptional diving experiences, including the remarkable presence of whale sharks in South Ari Atoll. This ongoing partnership continues to celebrate and protect one of the world’s most extraordinary underwater environments.
Guests at Radisson Blu Resort Maldives are immersed in this extraordinary marine environment, where encounters with manta rays, vibrant coral reefs, and even whale sharks are part of the experience. It is a destination where luxury and nature exist in harmony, offering unforgettable underwater journeys that leave a lasting impression.
To cast your vote, please follow this link.
-
Cooking1 week agoThe Standard, Maldives introduces Onda with Mediterranean-inspired menu
-
Action1 week agoSix Senses Kanuhura participates in international COASTS Project on blue carbon ecosystems
-
Cooking1 week agoAnantara Veli Maldives continues Michelin guest chef series with female lineup
-
Awards1 week agoMandara Spa at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa receives global wellness award
-
Action1 week agoBaros Maldives introduces ‘Lines of Respect’ fishing programme
-
News1 week agoSun Siyam Iru Veli introduces new treatments at Ocean Spa
-
Awards1 week agoVilla Park recognised with CHECK24 Top Hotel Award
-
News1 week agoReethi Faru Resort joins global Earth Hour campaign with conservation efforts


