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Discover the real Maldives aboard Four Seasons Exlporer

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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

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Six Senses Laamu celebrates anniversary of Sea Hub of environmental learning in Laamu

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Six Senses Laamu commemorates the one-year anniversary of its Sea Hub of Environmental Learning in Laamu (SHELL), highlighting the resort’s steadfast dedication to marine conservation and environmental education.

In March 2023, Six Senses Laamu unveiled the SHELL on its sunset beach, marking a pivotal milestone in the journey toward fostering environmental awareness and education. The 2,336 square-foot (217 square-metre) immersive exhibition space invites resort guests, hosts, and Maldivian residents to explore and learn about the colorful and vibrant local marine life. Investing further in marine conservation, the SHELL houses a working marine laboratory run by the Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI), a collaborative endeavour featuring marine biologists from Six Senses Laamu, working hand in hand with three partnering NGOs: Manta Trust, Blue Marine Foundation, and Olive Ridley Project. Currently, the research team comprises over ten marine biologists.

Collaborative Research Efforts Yield Remarkable Results

The SHELL has expanded MUI’s research capabilities, with notable projects including coral larval restoration and sea turtle DNA analysis. Ten thousand baby corals from over five different species are currently grown at the SHELL. Over 12 million coral larvae have already been released onto the resort’s house reef. The turtle genetics project involves taking genetic samples from deceased hatchlings and continues to contribute to a better understanding of the Maldivian sea turtle population.

In addition to these projects, the MUI team has conducted numerous research initiatives, such as the identification and registration of over 1,000 turtles and more than 140 manta rays in Laamu Atoll. These research projects contribute to a wider understanding of Laamu’s marine life and environment, resulting in the publication of a peer-reviewed scientific paper on marine megafauna and blue carbon analysis of seagrass and mangrove habitats.

Community Engagement and Recognition

Throughout the past year, the SHELL has welcomed 24 distinguished visitors, including renowned naturalist and BBC presenter Steve Backshall. Engagements with university professors, researchers, and even astronauts during Karman Week, have led to valuable partnerships and research collaborations.

Beyond research, the SHELL serves as a space for exploration and education. Six Senses Laamu has welcomed over 300 community members to the SHELL over the past year. A key initiative, the “Hello Hallu” program, was designed to inspire and motivate students to actively participate in preserving their local ecosystems. The program achieved widespread impact by reaching every school across Laamu Atoll, engaging 237 students in total. Together, with the MUI team, students explored the habitats of Laamu, including mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs, as well as sustainable fishing practices and megafauna.

The SHELL was honoured with the Aspire Sustainability Initiative of the Year Award in 2023, recognising the groundbreaking sustainability efforts by Six Senses Laamu and showcasing the resort’s commitment to marine conservation.

“The SHELL is an incredible achievement from our efforts in research, education and community engagement,” says Lawrence Menz, Six Senses Laamu’s Director of Sustainability and Conservation. “It began as a dream over 5 years ago and marks several milestones in Laamu Atoll’s marine conservation. Since its opening, we were able to welcome over 6,000 guests and members of the local community in the SHELL. The greatest reward for us is hearing local students expressing their newfound inspiration for their island home, stating that visiting the SHELL has encouraged them to share the importance of conservation with their parents, family, and friends.”

Six Senses Laamu’s General Manager, Marteyne van Well, commented, “The SHELL serves as a testament to our unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship, providing a dynamic platform to inspire, educate, and contribute to the ongoing conservation efforts in the Maldives.”

Van Well has also recently been recognised in Forbes magazine as one of ‘4 Women Creating Ways To Protect The Ocean,’.

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Diving Dreams Take the Plunge: New PADI Five Star Academy Opens in Maldives

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Maldives’ first and only PADI Five Star Career Development Center, the Maldivian Academy of Diving, has officially opened its doors in K. Himmafushi. This new academy signifies a major step forward for professional dive training in the Maldives.

The Academy is dedicated to providing top-tier, professional-level dive training programs that meet the most rigorous standards set by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). They recently concluded their inaugural PADI Instructor Development Course on March 3rd, and their next PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor Course is scheduled for July 29th to August 13th, 2024.

Leading the Academy is Adam Ashraf, a PADI Platinum Course Director for both 2022 and 2023. For the past decade, Ashraf has been running Dive Desk, a highly successful dive center in Malé. In fact, Dive Desk was the most successful PADI professional development center in the Maldives in 2023, earning the prestigious PADI EMEA Platinum Professional Development Excellence Award. This award recognizes the center’s exceptional performance in training new dive professionals, with Dive Desk being the only Maldivian center and one of only ten in the entire Europe, Middle-East & Africa (EMEA) region to receive this recognition.

Platinum status for both the Course Director and the Dive Center is not given lightly. It’s awarded based on a strict criteria of the number of professional-level certifications issued by PADI. Adding to Dive Desk’s accolades, they were also awarded the PADI Outstanding Contribution to People and Humanity Award last month for their dedication to fostering opportunities for Maldivians in the diving industry.

Despite a decade of success and consistently running the top PADI professional development programs in the Maldives for the past seven years, Dive Desk faced challenges. Limited space at their facility and the high cost of accommodation for students staying in Malé for extended periods were significant hurdles.

The Maldivian Academy of Diving was established specifically to address these issues. Located in Himmafushi, the Academy offers a more spacious learning environment and affordable accommodation options for students, all within close proximity to the capital city. The Academy will soon be offering on-site dorm rooms as well.

The Academy caters to all levels of diving experience, from those just beginning their underwater journey to seasoned divers seeking to become instructors. They offer a comprehensive range of courses and certifications to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to achieve their diving goals.

The opening of the Maldivian Academy of Diving represents a significant milestone in Adam Ashraf’s ongoing mission to empower Maldivian youth to pursue careers in the diving industry.

For more information dive into www.divedesk.mv

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Jawakara Islands Maldives Partners with LUX Tennis for Unforgettable Tennis and Padel Getaways

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Jawakara Maldives announces a new partnership with LUX Tennis, a premier tennis management company. This collaboration elevates the resort’s offerings, providing guests with an exclusive tennis and padel program in a stunning beachfront setting.

Unparalleled Island Retreat

Jawakara Maldives is a haven of luxury, seamlessly blending traditional Maldivian warmth with modern amenities. Pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery create the perfect backdrop for relaxation and adventure. Guests can choose from exquisite overwater villas and beachfront accommodations, all designed for ultimate comfort and privacy.

A Paradise for All Preferences

Spanning two interconnected islands, Jawakara offers a diverse range of accommodations catering to every taste. Culinary delights await at the resort’s eclectic restaurants, featuring Teppanyaki, Asian, Mediterranean, and international buffets. From indulgent spa treatments to thrilling water sports and exploration of the vibrant underwater world, the resort caters to all interests.

Elevated Tennis and Padel Experience

The collaboration with LUX Tennis introduces a unique program designed to improve guests’ tennis and padel skills. Boasting a tennis court and three padel courts (two covered), Jawakara ensures uninterrupted play. Personalized coaching, structured practice sessions, and exciting events cater to individuals of all ages and skill levels. Whether guests prefer one-on-one coaching, group sessions with experienced professionals, or tournaments, LUX Tennis offers a range of options.

Expert Guidance for All Levels

Leading the program is Afonso Matias, a distinguished LUX Tennis professional with over a decade of experience. Afonso’s dedication and expertise have earned him recognition as a certified coach by the Portuguese Tennis Federation. He currently holds the esteemed position of Tennis Director at Jawakara Islands Maldives.

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