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Exploring underwater meditation
By Ramona Arena
Maldives Promotion House – The beach, the sea, sunshine, scuba diving, friends, good food and a yacht. Add the Republic of the Maldives to it and voilà – life doesn’t get better than this. But sadly it’s not life, just a tiny little slice of it, which I refer to as my holiday, my escape, my time out.
All thanks to Shaff, a friend who is among many things, a scuba diving instructor, I got an invitation to hop aboard Anastasia as she made her first dive safari of the season. Eight days of living on a boat, diving three times a day, meeting different people from all parts of the world, everything taken care of, all I had to do was buy that ticket – and so I did.
Scuba diving to me is so therapeutic. First of all, when you travel alone, you have a lot of time to yourself. When you’re surrounded by nothing but the ocean for miles on end, it puts life, problems and everything into perspective. You realize how tiny and relatively insignificant you are in front of the vast and mighty ocean. You reconnect with nature, yourself and get back to your roots. Its so easy to just shed – let go of all worries, fears, doubts and negativity. You remember what life is about, what truly matters at the end of the day.
What further enhances this experience is when you’re down under. Looking up at the rays of sun light breaking through the surface of the water above you, you’re floating, feeling weightless, breathing slow, deep breaths, in and out, in and out. You’re in a whole new world. Sometimes you cannot believe this is a part of the very planet you live on – the colors, the shapes, the life, the beauty, the perfection. All so spectacular, you can’t help but marvel.
This to me is the best kind of meditation. Also the easiest three hours of silence, three hours of magic. Every day. This trip in particular was extra special for me. I have always wanted to see manta rays and whale sharks. This trip, after nine years, I finally saw them both. I was also literally nose to nose with a beautiful turtle, had a batfish play with me and on our last day, as we were out swimming , out of nowhere a school of around 100 dolphins passed by us. We jumped in to the little boat and followed them as they kept surrounding us from every direction playing and showing off by spinning, flipping and literally screaming, “Look at me, no look at me, no me…”
If you’ve never been diving before, this would be a divine place to start. Call Atoll Scuba or Let’s Go Maldives and they will sort everything out for you. Just buy that ticket and surrender, there’s a whole ocean out there for you. There is nothing to fear, you just have to stay alert, keep your hands to yourself and remember to breathe! You’ll thank me for introducing you to the best therapy in the world!! 😉
Note: Ramona is pop singer and actress from India and she has previously worked as a VJ for MTV India.
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COMO Maalifushi highlights uncrowded surf access across southern atolls
COMO Maalifushi presents a considered approach to surfing in the Maldives—one shaped by access, expertise, and the quiet privilege of space.
Located in the remote Thaa Atoll, the resort offers entry to a network of lesser-travelled breaks across the southern atolls, where consistent Indian Ocean swells meet uncrowded line-ups. Here, surfing unfolds without urgency—guided by natural rhythm rather than routine.
At the core of the experience is COMO Maalifushi’s long-standing partnership with Tropicsurf, daily sessions are shaped by real-time ocean conditions, with coaching that adapts intuitively to each guest—whether taking to the water for the first time or refining technique across more complex reef formations.
Guests are given access to a curated selection of breaks across Thaa Atoll, Laamu Atoll and Dhaalu Atoll—each offering a distinct character. From the long, forgiving rides of Farms to the more technical, fast-moving rights of ‘Machine’, the programme is designed to evolve with both conditions and capability.
“Surfing at COMO Maalifushi is defined by its sense of space and possibility,” says Peter Nilsson, Managing Director, COMO Maldives. “Our location allows access to some of the Maldives’ most consistent yet uncrowded waves, and through our partnership with Tropicsurf, we’re able to offer an experience that is both highly personalised and quietly exceptional—true to COMO’s way of doing things.”
The season, which runs from April through October, brings steady swells from the southern Indian Ocean. Yet beyond seasonality, it is the absence of crowds that defines the experience—allowing guests to engage with the ocean on their own terms.
Surfing at COMO Maalifushi sits naturally within the wider rhythm of the island. Time in the water is balanced with restorative treatments at the COMO Shambhala Retreat, unhurried dining, and the simplicity of island life—creating a sense of flow between activity and stillness.
Here, surfing is guided with care, framed by nature, and experienced without excess.
For more information, please visit the resort’s website.
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Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
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Coco Collection brings conservation and low-waste living into resort experience
Coco Collection, a Maldivian-owned resort brand, has invited guests to experience a more conscious approach to luxury at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi.
Across its two island resorts, Coco Collection has incorporated environmental responsibility into the guest experience through its Coco Cares philosophy. From nature-led experiences inspired by the islands’ ecosystems to culinary offerings based on fresh, locally grown ingredients, the resorts have been designed to reflect the natural setting of the Maldives while integrating sustainability into daily operations.
At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, this commitment is reflected in the Maldives’ veterinary-led Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, which is operated in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. As a founding partner of the facility, the resort provides care for injured sea turtles and supports marine conservation awareness. Since its establishment, the centre has treated and released 152 injured turtles, with a rehabilitation success rate of 60%. The resort also continues seagrass preservation efforts aimed at protecting marine habitats and supporting biodiversity in the surrounding waters.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu also applies low-waste practices, mindful sourcing, and resource-conscious operations across the resort. This approach extends to Coco Farm, where homegrown produce, handcrafted preserves, and garden-to-table dining experiences are used to bring local flavour and seasonality to the table.
At Coco Bodu Hithi, the same approach is reflected in its food and beverage offerings. To mark Earth Day, the resort has introduced a green-inspired cocktail experience focused on eco-conscious mixology, using fresh ingredients grown on the island.
The resort said its low-waste approach informs all aspects of the guest experience, with attention given to responsible resource use. From the choice of herbs and fruits to preparation and presentation, the offering is intended to reflect respect for the natural environment.
This approach also extends across the resort’s wider culinary programme, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients, house-made preserves, and dishes inspired by the Maldives’ natural produce. Through seasonal menus, conscious sourcing, and resource management, Coco Bodu Hithi aims to offer an experience that combines hospitality with environmental responsibility.
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