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NIYAMA Maldives conducts Muay Thai boot-camp with world champion Saiful Merican

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Maldives Promotion House – Per AQUUM’s latest guest experience, the Residents@NIYAMA programme kicks off with a 10-day Muay Thai bootcamp by Saiful Merican, World Muay Thai Association’s (WMA) world number one 57kg featherweight champion. From March 9th – 18th, 2013, Saiful and Owner/ Trainer of Merican Muay Thai, Dzianti Merican will be conducting a 10-day, one-on-one and group session bootcamp at Active. With highly trained fitness instructors and leisure managers on board, Active is your one-stop, go-to playground at NIYAMA.

A form of martial arts originating from Thailand, Muay Thai uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques and is known as the ‘art of eight weapons’ because of its characteristic combined use of fists, elbows, knees, shins and feet. With 125 pro-Muay Thai fights under his belt today, Saiful says his inspiration is Muay Thai legend, Samart Payakaroon. “Muay Thai is not only a self defense sport, it helps you stay focused and disciplined, it helps you lose weight and keeps you fit. You lose 1,500 calories at every one hour intensive workout! It is a sport for all genders and age group, even kids”, says Saiful. Research shows the increase in speed, agility, strength and cardiovascular endurance of a regular Muay Thai practitioner. Women will be interested to know that Muay Thai also releases toxins and waste from the body resulting in better and glowing complexions.

Dzianti Merican, Founder and Trainer at Merican Muay Thai and also Saiful’s other half, has been training Muay Thai for eleven years and is living out her life-long passion. “Muay Thai is not only my daily fitness regime; it thought me self discipline, self empowerment and self respect,” says Dzianti. She has put together a 10-day Fighter’s Diet that will be available daily at Epicure for breakfast. To stay lean and toned, Dzianti recommends half boiled eggs, wholemeal toast, fruit smoothies with low fat milk and oats.

The 10-day Muay Thai Bootcamp at Active:

One-On-One Private Sessions US$75++

Duration: One hour

One round: 3 minutes, 1 minute break

  • Stretching – 5 minutes
  • Warm-up (Skipping/ Jumping Jacks) – 2 rounds
  • Shadow Boxing (Basic Muay Thai Techniques) – 3 rounds
  • Padwork – 3 rounds
  • Speed Punches and Speed Kicks – 5 minutes
  • Light Weight Training – 5 minutes
  • Sit-Ups/ Push-Ups – 5 minutes
  • Stretching (Cool Down) – 5 minutes

Group Sessions (Complimentary)

Duration: 1 hour

  •  Warm-up (Light Jog/ Skipping) – 5 minutes
  • Stretching – 5 minutes
  • Punch/ Elbow Combinations (Tae Bo Style) – 10 minutes
  • Kick/ Knee Combinations (Tae Bo Style) – 10 minutes
  • Muay Thai Techniques (Guests’ Pair Up) – 15 minutes
  • Strength and Conditioning Exercises – 10 minutes
  • Stretching (Cool Down) – 5 minutes

*Muay Thai is also suited for kids ages 5 and up.

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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