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New marine biologist at Conrad Maldives reveals underwater secrets

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Maldives Promotion House – Conrad Maldives Rangali Island welcomes the arrival of marine biologist Lydia Koehler to the five star SubAqua Dive Center.  Koehler will run twice-weekly complimentary guided tours of the resort’s exceptional coral reef in order to give guests a better understanding of the incredible diversity of underwater life and how to safely enjoy it.  These complimentary tours begin with a 30-minute presentation introducing the most common animals to be found on the reef followed by a guided snorkelling session on the resort’s house reef which is just steps from the main beach.

“The reef at Conrad Maldives is one of the best in the atoll with a truly impressive variety of fish, corals and other wildlife,” says Carsten Schieck, general manager.  “These complimentary tours make it possible for guests to discover the many wonders of the underwater world in a safe and appealing way”.

During these excursions, guests may encounter turtles, rays and harmless reef sharks and explore the world of countless fascinating smaller animals such as clownfish, butterflyfish, pufferfish or even the outlandish unicorn fish.  They will learn more about the incredible corals of the reef and the symbiotic relationship between them and the fauna that inhabit them.  Rarer creatures such as manta rays, mobula rays, dolphins or even a whale shark may also make an occasional appearance.

While based at the Sub Aqua Dive Center, Koehler will run several conservation and research projects at the resort, such as monitoring the health and status of the coral and fish on the house reef.  She is also ‘baby sitter’ to 147 endangered baby turtles who recently hatched on the resort’s beaches and are being protected until they are old enough to survive being released into the ocean.

In winter, she will take advantage of the unique opportunity afforded by the resort’s location to study the manta rays that visit the resort every night and can be easily watched from the bridge that spans the resort’s two islands.  She will create a manta identification programme to aid understanding of manta behavior patterns and ensure the resort is able to effectively protect these awe-inspiring creatures.

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Halloween at Sun Siyam Iru Veli turns fantasy, not fright

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Sun Siyam Iru Veli marked Halloween with a one-day island celebration, “Whimsy Over Wicked,” reimagining the tradition of fright as a fairytale of fantasy on 31 October. The programme invited guests of all ages to immerse themselves in themed workshops, entertainment, and dining experiences designed to encourage creativity and the joy of make-believe.

At the Turtle Kidz Club, children joined a full-house Pumpkin Workshop, decorating pumpkins with gemstones, bright colours, and playful patterns. As the sun set over Fresh Water Beach, the festivities shifted to a Masquerade Evening, where guests enjoyed island beats and signature cocktails and mocktails against a golden horizon. The celebration continued at Turtle Beach with a Beach BBQ Dinner, presenting a Halloween-inspired menu in a storybook setting with live music by the sea.

The night concluded with a private “Cinema Under the Stars” screening, offering an open-air experience that captured the spirit of the occasion.

Through “Whimsy Over Wicked,” Sun Siyam Iru Veli highlighted creativity, connection, and the island’s natural setting. Guests departed with memories shaped by laughter, imagination, and a shared celebration under the Maldivian night sky.

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Drink

SO/ Maldives unveils Creation Wines five-course pairing evening

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SO/ Maldives will host an exclusive Wine Dinner in collaboration with Creation Wines, led by Carolyn and Glenn Martin, founders of the South African winery. The event will take place at Lazuli Beach Club on 5 November 2025, from 18:30 to 22:00, with a beachfront setting designed for an evening of fine wine, culinary craft and storytelling.

Guests will be served a five-course menu, each course created by the SO/ Maldives culinary team to complement selected vintages from Creation. From the first pour to the final course, the pairings highlight a shared commitment between SO/ Maldives and Creation Wines to creativity, authenticity and the art of living well.

Guided by Carolyn and Glenn Martin, the evening will explore the relationship between food and wine, with insights into their winemaking approach, the vineyard, and their journey from South Africa’s Hemel-en-Aarde Valley to the Maldives.

Creation Wines combines an ancient landscape with a modern estate driven by innovation. Its team draws on the Hemel-en-Aarde terroir to produce wines that aim to be vibrant and expressive, with each bottle telling a story of balance and harmony.

At SO/ Maldives, contemporary design and artistic sensibility provide the backdrop for imaginative experiences. The Creation Wine Dinner reflects this approach, bringing together gastronomy, style and narrative in a single event.

“This dinner is a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship and connection,” said Nyoman Suandari, Director of Culinary at SO/ Maldives. “Each pairing is designed not only to delight the palate but also to evoke emotion—to capture the essence of both land and sea, and of the artistry that unites us.”

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Awards

Amilla Maldives recognised for accessible travel at Travel for Every Body Awards

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Amilla Maldives has received further recognition for its dedication to inclusivity and accessibility, being Highly Commended in the ‘Accessible Travel Initiative – Accommodation’ category at the inaugural Travel for Every Body Awards by Selling Travel.

Launched this year, the Travel for Every Body Awards celebrates individuals, initiatives, organisations, and campaigns that are making a positive impact on the accessible travel industry, highlighting progress and inspiring further change.

As the world’s first IncluCare-certified resort, Amilla Maldives continues to enhance its facilities and services to meet the diverse accessibility needs of its guests. The resort goes beyond full wheelchair accessibility, offering features designed for guests who are hearing or visually impaired. Team members have also undertaken MyHappyMind training to better support guests with hidden disabilities such as autism and ADHD. In partnership with Dive Butler, Amilla has established an accessible dive centre, and introduced pool hoists, ramp access, and personal guides to facilitate inclusive participation in activities such as snorkelling, Dolphin Discovery, and fishing excursions. Within its dining venues, adaptive cutlery, tailored menus, and staff trained in supporting guests with dysphagia ensure a thoughtful and inclusive culinary experience.

This recognition joins Amilla Maldives’ growing list of accolades, including being named among the Best Resorts for Families in the Maldives at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025; and being one of only five Maldivian resorts featured in the FORBES Travel Guide VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality 2025 programme. Both the resort and its Javvu Spa were also honoured in the FORBES Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards, underscoring Amilla’s commitment to excellence and meaningful guest experiences.

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