Rasdhoo Divers at Kuramathi Maldives has announced that 11-year-old Ethan Evans has set a new world record for the most scuba dives completed before the age of twelve. Hailing from Warden Villages, Ethan has exceeded the previous record of 102 dives and is now setting his sights on reaching 150 dives.

Ethan’s diving journey began at the tender age of nine, inspired by his father Paul Evans, a dedicated ocean conservationist. Paul’s commitment to cleaning up the seas, protecting shark species, and exploring the ocean floor in the Maldives deeply influenced Ethan. After earning his open water certification at ten, Ethan set out to break the diving record while also embracing his father’s mission. This summer, Ethan dedicated six weeks to diving in the Maldives, averaging two to three dives daily to achieve his goal. His confidence and calmness underwater, even when interacting with manta rays and sharks, have been remarkable.

Adil Khalid, an instructor from the Maldives at Rasdhoo Divers Kuramathi since 2004, has been crucial in Ethan’s development, guiding him from his initial dives to advanced training.

“Ethan’s confidence and calmness underwater are extraordinary,” said Adil. “Rasdhoo Divers Kuramathi has played a significant role in his journey.”

The team at Rasdhoo Divers Kuramathi also expressed gratitude for the support provided by Paul Evans.

“Adil’s expertise and dedication have been essential to Ethan’s progress. We also appreciate Paul Evans for making these diving adventures possible,” they noted.

As Ethan continues to work towards his goal of 150 dives, and dreams of becoming a diving guide in the Maldives, his story is an inspiring testament to the potential of young divers and the impact of unwavering support. Beyond setting records, Ethan is deeply committed to ocean conservation, participating in clean-up dives with his father to combat sea pollution.

Congratulations to Ethan Evans for setting a new world record and for his dedication to both diving and ocean conservation. Rasdhoo Divers Kuramathi is honoured to be part of his remarkable journey and looks forward to supporting Ethan in his future endeavours.

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.

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives will host a series of engaging activities for the inaugural ‘Kandooma Manta Month’ to raise awareness about manta ray conservation and offer guests unforgettable experiences in the pristine waters of the Maldives. Last year the Resort embarked on a week-long celebration which kicked off on World Manta Day and received overwhelmingly positive guest feedback resulting in the extension of the promotion to a month-long celebration starting 1 September 2024.

“We’re excited to dedicate an entire month to celebrating manta rays. This initiative is not just about raising awareness—it’s about giving our guests the chance to connect with nature, learn about conservation, and contribute to the preservation of one of the ocean’s most majestic species,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.

“As an avid diver, I’ve had the privilege of encountering manta rays in their natural habitat, and it’s truly a humbling experience. These creatures symbolise the beauty and mystery of the ocean, and it’s our duty to ensure their survival for future generations. Through our Kandooma Manta Month activities, we aim to inspire our guests to join us in protecting these gentle giants.”

Just last year a group of guest divers accompanied by the General Manager, Mark, rescued a Giant Oceanic Manta Ray from ghost nets, who was later identified by The Manta Trust and added to their database.

“We were thrilled when The Manta Trust named the rescued Manta Ray ‘Kandooma’ in acknowledgement of the team who freed him and the waters where he was located,” said Mark.

Manta Rays (known as ‘Madi’ in Maldivian Dhivehi language) are the largest rays in the ocean and the Maldives is home to the world’s largest population of reef manta rays, with over 5,831 individuals and counting. Our oceanic giant ‘Kandooma’ who was freed last year is the 915th Oceanic Manta Ray to be spotted in Maldivian waters as confirmed by The Manta Trust.

Key Highlights of World Manta Ray month include guided scuba dives and snorkelling excursions to observe these giants in their natural environment and threats they face, also to learn about their behaviours though Marine Biology talks with guest and in-house expert speakers.

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has recently introduced a new jewellery line which centres on the beautiful Manta Ray. A contribution from each pendant sold will be donated to the ‘Manta Trust’.

A Kids’ Marine Explorers Program will delight our younger guests, offering a fun and educational program where kids can learn about manta rays, participate in hands-on activities, and become certified “Kandoo Ambassadors”.

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma is on the doorstep to some of the Maldives top ten dive sites and the wellbeing of the ocean and all the life within it, is important to guests and hotel staff alike. The resort aligns its efforts with IHG’s purpose True Hospitality for Good, through their sustainability programme ‘Journey to Tomorrow’ which is the hotel group’s response to helping achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Located in the South Male atoll just 40 mins from the airport by boat, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is a beautiful island paradise. White sandy beaches, swaying coconut palms and turquoise waters form the backdrop for various leisure pursuits and some of the best diving in the Maldives. Guests can choose from Garden and Beach Villas, two-storey Beach Houses and the popular Overwater Villas. Families are well catered for with a choice of 2- and 3-bed villas, the Kandoo Kids’ Club, and its complete activities programme. Six food and beverage outlets ensure healthy appetites are satisfied and the flavours of the Maldives are explored. For guests who want the ultimate relaxation, sun loungers and hammocks are around the island. The tranquil Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala offers escape for body and mind.