Connect with us

Action

Discover the real Maldives aboard Four Seasons Exlporer

Published

on

Maldives Promotion House – Experience the Maldives as few visitors ever do with the world’s most intimate Four Seasons Resort.

Four Seasons Explorer, a three-deck luxury live-aboard, takes a maximum of 22 guests – matched one-to-one by a seasoned crew – on a marine and cultural odyssey into the undiscovered Maldives via three, four and seven-night cruises, or private, customized charters. The fastest and most luxurious live-aboard in the Maldives,Four Seasons Explorer offers scuba divers effortless access to a minimum of three dives a day as part of all-inclusive itineraries that cover some of most sought after locations in the Maldives: untouched reefs, vibrant thilas, exciting channels and wrecks, breathtaking sunrise and night sites, plus seasonal manta ray and whale shark hot spots.

Aside from diving, guests can snorkel, water ski, fish, kayak and sail in virtually untouched waters; savour gourmet cuisine and relax with beachfront barbecues and massages on idyllic sandbanks; spend time with the marine biologist and visit secluded islands for cultural and castaway experiences, historic monuments and isolated arts and crafts villages. Above all, Four Seasons Explorer offers guests the opportunity to experience a side of the Maldives rarely seen by tourists.

Newly refurbished for 2013, on board accommodation ranges from ten large ensuite Staterooms (215 square feet/20 square metres) in luxurious earthy tones to the spacious Explorer Suite (484 square feet/45 metres) – the epitome of indulgence at sea – complete with a wall of windows and its own private deck. In addition, the boat has an extensive dive deck and two sun decks plus a restaurant with indoor and al fresco dining, two bars, a large comfortable lounge and library. There’s even a resident Spa therapist offering natural Asian-inspired therapies from a private treatment area on the upper deck – curtained for privacy yet open to the refreshing sea air – or at any one of the secluded beach locations visited during the cruise. Additional touches from luxury linens to nightly turndown stories, local lacquer-ware gifts and relaxed one-to-one service further enhance the boat’s easy, residential vibe.

Four Seasons Explorer cruises a Northward, Southward and Circuit route between Four Seasons two Maldivian island resorts on three, four and seven-night itineraries. All the routes explore remote locations selected for their unique marine, cultural and recreational value. The cruise experience is tailored to each individual, whether they are diving in secluded sites, dining on isolated beaches or exploring remote villages, while a ratio of one staff member to every guest ensures seamless and highly personalized service at all times.

Four Seasons Explorer offers as much to see and do above the water as beneath it. Below is a sample itinerary highlighting activities that offer the sense of discovery that only a Four Seasons Explorer cruise can bring:

  • 07:00 Dive option: Sunrise dive
  • 08:00 Breakfast on board
  • 09:00 Cruising and sunbathing on upper deck
  • 11:00 Arrival at island of Kudarikilu: visit the old mosque and see traditional handicrafts such as carpet weaving. Dive option: Kuda Kurathu Thila
  • 12:30 Cruising and lunch on board
  • 14:30 Set anchor at a virgin island and spend a relaxing afternoon on the beach or watersports in the lagoon. Snorkelling trip escorted by a marine biologist
  • 16:00 Dive option(s): Afternoon dive. Alternative: indulge in a massage or read a book
  • 18:00 Sunset fishing trip on local dhoni boat. Alternative: embark on a night dive
  • 20:00 Cocktails on upper deck followed by barbecue dinner on the beach
  • 22:00 Shiptalk briefing and after-dinner drinks in the Lounge

Cruise Details

Three, four and seven-night cruise options begin at USD 800.00 per person per night and include the following:

  • Full board meals and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Windsurfing, kayaking, water skiing and fishing
  • Fish talks and snorkelling excursions with on board marine biologist
  • Island hopping and cultural presentations
  • Scheduled dive sessions including full equipment
  • Round trip airport transfers and seaplane transfer (where applicable)

Private charters may be booked beginning at USD 16,000.00 per day and include the following:

  • Full board meals and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Windsurfing, kayaking, water skiing and fishing
  • Fish talks and snorkelling excursions with on board marine biologist
  • Island hopping and cultural presentations
  • Scheduled dive sessions including full equipment

Action

Consistently awarded, beyond compare: Machchafushi Island Resort’s house reef

Published

on

Recently recognised among the Best House Reefs in the Maldives by the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, the house reef at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa, The Centara Collection (formerly known as Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa), offers an extraordinary experience for divers and snorkelers alike. The South Ari Atoll in the Maldives is renowned for its exceptional diving sites, snorkelling, and marine adventures, and the resort’s house reef only enhances this natural beauty with its rich marine biodiversity, thriving coral gardens, and easy access from the shore.

The Machchafushi house reef is approximately five times larger than the island itself, encircling a breathtaking lagoon. Most of the coral reef lies on a gentle slope, descending to depths of 15 – 20m, where it then flattens out into a sandy seabed. At around 30m from the top of the reef, guests can explore a remarkable shipwreck. This sunken treasure is home to a variety of marine species, including glassfish, stonefish and nurse sharks.

Among the largest coral species found on any house reef, the Machchafushi house reef is home to rare varieties such as Acropora granulosa and Acropora latistella, found exclusively on the wreck. The surrounding coral gardens showcase vibrant Blue Coral and Staghorn Coral, creating a stunning display of marine biodiversity.

Marine life thrives around the house reef, with seven resident Nurse sharks, including three adults, one sub-adult, and three juveniles. White Tip Reef sharks, the most curious of the reef’s sharks, are often seen coming close to snorkelers and divers. Other notable species include

Black Tip sharks, Lemon sharks, Leopard sharks, Guitar sharks, and various rays. The Black Blotched Stingrays, known for their friendly nature despite their large size, are a common sight, especially around feeding areas and the reef’s shallow waters. The barbless male rays are particularly known for their gentle interactions with guests.

Sustainability is at the heart of Machchafushi Island Resort’s philosophy. Coral protection, reef conservation, and restoration projects are continuously rolled out, ensuring that the house reef remains a thriving ecosystem for future generations. Guests are regularly educated about the reef’s delicate ecosystem, its abundant marine life, and the resort’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable practices.

Sharing his views, Cluster General Manager of Machchafushi Island Resort and Spa, Francesco Pompilio said, “This honour reflects not only the natural beauty of our house reef, but also the unwavering commitment of our team to its protection and preservation. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and we remain dedicated to safeguarding this vibrant marine sanctuary for generations to come. We are deeply grateful to our guests for their continued trust and patronage.”

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Machchafushi Island Resort’s house reef, where exceptional diving, vibrant coral gardens, and abundant marine life meet, all set against the backdrop of the Maldives’ unparalleled natural beauty.

Continue Reading

Action

Hideaway Beach Resort unveils new indoor pickleball court for wellness enthusiasts

Published

on

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, a multi-award-winning luxury destination located in the northern Maldives in Haa Alifu Atoll, has unveiled a new addition to its exceptional wellness and recreation amenities: an indoor pickleball court, housed within the newly established Hideaway Pickleball & Badminton Centre.

This latest enhancement further expands the resort’s impressive array of recreational activities, underlining its commitment to health, fitness, and the concept of active luxury living.

The indoor pickleball facility offers rental options for rackets, shoes, and balls, along with the flexibility to book the court either with or without a coach or hitting partner. The court has been professionally surfaced to ensure optimal playing conditions. As a chargeable experience, it guarantees premium quality, privacy, and personalised service.

This new addition complements a wide selection of fitness and recreational facilities already available at the resort, including badminton within a newly renovated, spacious fitness centre, a fully equipped games room with foosball, table tennis, and billiards, and a Fitness Bar serving protein shakes and other wellness beverages. These amenities ensure a wide range of engaging experiences, regardless of weather conditions.

The resort’s full spectrum of sporting and wellness offerings now includes:

  • Indoor Golf Simulator
  • Putting Green
  • Fitness Centre
  • Water Sports
  • Games Room
  • Wellness Studio
  • Basketball
  • Football
  • Beach Volleyball
  • Floating Aqua Park
  • Padel
  • Table Tennis
  • Pickleball
  • Badminton

These facilities place Hideaway among the top 5-star luxury resorts in the Maldives, distinguished by one of the most extensive sports offerings in the region.

In addition to its active pursuits, Hideaway also features the tranquil Hideaway Spa, nestled within the island’s lush tropical surroundings. Each spa treatment is designed as a holistic ritual, complemented by natural soundscapes—rustling palms, birdsong, and gentle breezes—to promote deep relaxation and rejuvenation for both body and mind.

Renowned for its 360-degree privacy, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is enveloped in verdant vegetation and offers expansive, well-separated villas. Each villa includes a personal butler to provide tailored service, reflecting the resort’s philosophy that true luxury lies in space and seclusion. Guests can also enjoy immediate access to the island’s double house reef, ideal for snorkelling and marine exploration just steps from the shore.

With its blend of untouched natural beauty, exclusive privacy, and heartfelt Maldivian hospitality, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa continues to redefine luxury in the Maldives—offering exceptional experiences across wellness, adventure, and relaxation for the discerning traveller.

Continue Reading

Action

Is this the most scenic Padel Tennis court in the world?

Published

on

If you’ve ever dreamed of playing your favourite sport with the sound of the ocean in your ears and palm trees swaying overhead, SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, may have just made that dream a reality. The resort has unveiled its latest lifestyle-driven feature – the first-ever GZ19 padel tennis courts in the Maldives – and it might just be the most breathtaking setting for a game of padel anywhere in the world.

Nestled on the white sands of SAii Lagoon Maldives, part of the award-winning CROSSROADS Maldives integrated destination, the courts are set against a stunning backdrop of turquoise waters, lush coconut palms, and an endless blue sky. Whether you’re a seasoned padel enthusiast or a curious beginner, this idyllic setting adds an unforgettable layer to your sporting experience.

The courts are open to both in-house guests and the local community, aligning with the resort’s vision of promoting wellness and active lifestyles while connecting with the surroundings. It’s not just a facility; it’s an invitation to stay fit, have fun, and soak in the Maldives’ natural beauty in a completely new way.

Michael Marshall, CEO of S Hotels & Resorts Public Company Limited, recently shared his excitement about this new addition, highlighting the group’s commitment to enriching the guest journey through innovative and health-conscious experiences.

“At S Hotels & Resorts, we’re always looking for fresh ways to elevate the guest experience and support wellness through lifestyle-driven offerings,” he noted.

Padel tennis – a fast-growing sport combining elements of tennis and squash – has been making waves globally, and now guests at SAii Lagoon can be part of the trend while enjoying world-class views. The addition of the GZ19 courts not only adds a dynamic recreational option for guests but also strengthens the resort’s position as a hub for premium leisure and wellbeing in the Maldives.

Whether you’re smashing volleys at sunset or rallying with friends under the tropical sun, this may just be the most scenic padel match you’ll ever play.

Game, set, Maldives.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.