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Shangri-La’s Villingili launches cultural tours

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Maldives Promotion House – Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa in Maldives has launched cultural tours inviting guests to experience another side to the paradise islands of the Indian Ocean.

The luxury resort’s new guided excursions include a range of cultural and recreational tours suitable for both couples and families designed to excite every interest, from historical and farming excursions to cycling tours and nature walks. Tours are led by resort guides ensuring that guests gain insight into local life on the Addu Atoll islands while discovering the natural beauty of the Maldives.

Addu City Tour by Bicycle

Unlike other resorts in the Maldives, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa is close to a thriving Maldivian community who live in the surrounding Atoll. Guests have the opportunity to cycle into the Maldivian villages linked by a series of bridges in the surrounding area of Atoll where they can gain an insight into community life. Guests depart the resort to the islands of Feydhoo and Maradhoo and have the chance to visit local mosques, schools and the tuna landing site at Maradhoo harbour. Along the tour, guests will be able to see the traditional coral stone houses and buy fresh fruit at the local roadside stores. The tour then heads back to the resort via Gan Island to explore the local area by foot. Price: $50USD++ per person. Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Historical Tour

The historical tour visits the Island of Gan, a former British Navy base during the Second World War, for an afternoon ramble among the remnants of the British occupation of Addu. Guests depart the resort via speedboat for Gan where sites include the residences once used by RAF servicemen, the Astra cinema and the British Memorial Site. To go one step further, qualified scuba divers can dive down to see the cargo boat ‘British Loyalty’ which was torpedoed by a German U-boat during the war. Price: $50USD++ per person. Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Meedhoo Farms Tour

The farmers of Meedhoo Island have historically relied on agriculture as their main source of livelihood and the relatively recent development of tourism in Addu Atoll has presented the farmers with a new and attractive market for their traditional produce. This guided tour of Meedhoo local farms offers guests the opportunity to see first-hand the source of the locally grown produce used at the Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa restaurants. Guests take a 15 minute speedboat ride to the island and can sample local Maldivian home tea, farm fruit and fresh juice. Guests are able to expand on their local farm experience by indulging in a Chef’s Garden Dinner on the island as part of the Dine-by-Design offer.  Price: $80USD++  per person. Duration: 3 hours.

Villingili Nature Walk

Guests can explore nature trails in Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa surrounding landscape made up of banyan trees, coconut trees, exotic plants and lagoons.  The tour around the centre of the island is led by naturalist Peter Watt Pringle from the resort’s Eco Central. Local wildlife can also be spotted including the oriental garden lizard, land crabs and the giant Indian flying fox.

Complimentary activity. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.

The Maldives is famous for its white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons; however the Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa has taken the tourist experience a step further to offer luxury Maldivian escapes with an edge. Proud of the surrounding local culture and history, the resort’s new tours aim to give guests a more rounded and diverse experience in the Maldives.

Maldivian Journey package 

Shangri-La invites you and your partner to explore the Maldives with from USD 815++ per couple per night on a bed and breakfast basis. Experience three nights at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa in a two-person villa and one night at the Traders Hotel in Malé in a double room inclusive of a Dolphin cruise, Addu bicycle tour and Malé city tour. Terms and conditions apply, valid for new bookings for stays between 14 February 2013 and 23 December 2013 and does not apply for existing bookings. For reservations, visit shangri-la.com/male/villingiliresort/reservations.

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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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Maldives welcomes first PADI TecRec Dive Center

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The Maldives has reached a new milestone in its diving industry with the launch of the country’s first PADI TecRec diver training center. Established by Aquaventure Dive Center in Addu City, the facility marks the beginning of a new era for technical diving in the Maldives, creating opportunities for divers to explore greater depths beyond recreational limits.

As the first of its kind in the region, the PADI TecRec center is fully equipped to offer a wide range of technical diving courses, from entry-level Discover Tec programs to advanced Tec 50 certifications. The center’s team of PADI-certified technical instructors are prepared to guide both recreational divers who are curious about technical diving and experienced divers looking to challenge their skills.

With access to some of the most spectacular underwater environments in the world—including deep wrecks, current-swept channels, and uncharted reefs—the Maldives is now firmly positioned on the global map as a destination for serious technical divers.

“This is more than just a certification—it’s an opportunity to experience the Maldives like never before,” said Marc Kouwenberg of Aquaventure Dive Center.

In addition to courses, Aquaventure offers technical diving equipment and custom expedition packages designed for those ready to take the plunge into the Maldives’ most adventurous underwater landscapes.

Contact:
Marc Kouwenberg
WhatsApp / Viber: +960 797 4310

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