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Exploring underwater meditation

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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.

Excursions

From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

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Bandos Maldives recently marked a significant milestone with two of its most loyal guests, Kate and Andy, who have shared a long-standing connection with the island.

Andy achieved an impressive feat by completing his 900th dive, all undertaken with Dive Bandos. His wife, Kate, surpassed this accomplishment by reaching her 1000th dive, with over 900 of those dives also completed alongside the Bandos team.

The Dive Bandos team joined the couple in celebrating this memorable occasion, recognising not only their dedication to diving but also the enduring bond they have formed with the resort over the years.

Kate and Andy’s relationship with Bandos extends far beyond statistics. Having first visited the island in 2006, they have returned every year since, making Bandos an integral part of their lives. In 2014, the couple even chose to exchange their wedding vows underwater at the resort — a unique moment that forever linked their love story with Bandos.

“Celebrating guests like Kate and Andy reminds us of what Bandos truly represents,” said Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives.

For Bandos Maldives, moments such as these exemplify why guests continue to choose the island for both adventure and a sense of belonging. With stories like Kate and Andy’s, Bandos stands not merely as a dive destination, but as a home — both beneath and above the waves.

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Dive into inspiration: Alessia Zecchini at Sun Siyam Olhuveli

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Sun Diving will host a special ocean experience with world champion freediver Alessia Zecchini on 13 October 2025. The event is scheduled to take place at Sunrise Beach, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, offering guests the opportunity to meet the athlete widely recognised as ‘The Deepest Woman in the World.’

Born in Rome in 1992, Zecchini began freediving at the age of 13 and went on to set multiple world and European records. She was the first woman to reach a depth of 100 metres in free immersion and has since achieved 123 metres in constant weight with monofin. Her career has been celebrated internationally, including in the film Vertical Breath and the Netflix documentary The Deepest Breath. She continues to advance the sport while promoting awareness of ocean conservation.

The event at Olhuveli will feature an informative talk where Zecchini will reflect on her freediving journey, achievements, and the importance of protecting the marine environment. Guests will also have the chance to take part in a Q&A session with her and the Sun Diving team. In addition, Sun Diving will organise an interactive beach activity where participants can try scuba and snorkel gear in shallow waters under the guidance of instructors. Guests will also be able to capture photographs, collect autographs, and learn more about diving at the dedicated booth, which will highlight special offers from Sun Diving.

“Welcoming Alessia Zecchini is an honour for us and an inspiration for our guests,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Centre Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Her achievements beneath the waves embody both human potential and the importance of protecting our oceans.”

Sun Diving, the official diving division of Sun Siyam Group, provides SSI-certified courses, snorkelling, freediving, and specialty programmes across its Maldives properties. As a subsidiary, it enhances guest experiences with curated dive packages, illustrated dive maps, lifeguard training, and eco-focused initiatives, positioning Sun Siyam as a leader in sustainable marine-based activities.

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Finolhu showcases Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer

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Dive Butler International, in collaboration with Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, is highlighting the achievements of Mara Restelli, recognised as the Maldives’ only certified PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer.

With this rare qualification, Restelli offers a series of exclusive experiences designed to introduce guests of all ages to the art of mermaiding. The programmes range from playful introductory sessions to advanced courses and professional-level Instructor Development Courses (IDC).

“Mermaiding is more than a trend — it is a joyful way to connect with the water, express creativity, and feel empowered,” Restelli explained. “I enjoy watching guests discover confidence, freedom, and a sense of fun in the ocean. It is as much about transformation as it is about adventure.”

As part of Finolhu’s extensive marine offerings, the PADI Mermaid programmes provide an engaging complement to the resort’s diving and snorkelling activities. Participants may learn to glide gracefully underwater in a mermaid tail, capture striking images during professional photo sessions, or pursue advanced training that strengthens skills and deepens their connection with the ocean.

By hosting the Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Development Course, Finolhu reinforces its reputation as a pioneering destination for distinctive and life-enriching marine experiences.

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