The recently released Netflix reality competition, “All the Sharks,” has cast a global spotlight on the Maldives, with the southern atoll of Fuvahmulah featuring prominently as the first stunning backdrop in the six-part series. The show, which premiered on Friday, follows four teams of shark experts as they travel the world to photograph the rarest shark species, and their journey begins in the world-renowned tiger shark hotspot of Fuvahmulah.

“All the Sharks” is a high-stakes underwater photography contest where contestants earn points based on the rarity of the sharks they capture on camera. The ultimate prize is a $50,000 donation to a marine conservation organization of the winner’s choice. By showcasing Fuvahmulah in its premiere episode, the series immediately immerses viewers in one of the most unique and thrilling diving destinations on the planet.

For those familiar with the Maldivian diving scene, Fuvahmulah’s selection is no surprise. The island, a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is a magnet for marine life and is particularly famous for its resident population of tiger sharks. This has earned it the moniker “Tiger Shark Island” among the international diving community. The show highlights this by making the relatively common tiger shark worth only a few points, while the more elusive pelagic thresher shark presents a more rewarding challenge for the competitors.

Fuvahmulah’s unique geography as a single-island atoll, without a protective lagoon, exposes it to the open ocean, creating a nutrient-rich environment that attracts a remarkable diversity of pelagic species. Beyond tiger sharks, the waters around Fuvahmulah are frequented by thresher sharks, hammerheads, whale sharks, and oceanic manta rays. This incredible biodiversity is a testament to the health of the marine ecosystem and the conservation efforts of the local community.

The feature in “All the Sharks” is a significant moment for Fuvahmulah and the Maldives. It not only showcases the breathtaking beauty of the atoll but also emphasises the importance of the Maldives as a sanctuary for sharks and a leader in marine conservation. The show’s focus on a non-invasive, photography-based competition aligns perfectly with the sustainable tourism practices that the Maldives champions.

As viewers around the world are introduced to the underwater wonders of Fuvahmulah, the series is poised to inspire a new wave of eco-conscious travelers and diving enthusiasts to experience this Maldivian gem. This international exposure will undoubtedly be a boon for local guesthouses and dive centres in Fuvahmulah, further strengthening the island’s reputation as a premier destination for responsible and unforgettable marine encounters.

Niyama Private Islands Maldives has revealed its THIS IS NIYAMA transformation – extraordinary with fully refurbished villas and facilities, heightened levels of luxury, new experiences that immerse guests in all the beauty of the Maldives, and a newfound sense of freedom – an invitation for guests to live life on their own terms, unscripted and unbound.

Since its unveiling in 2012, Niyama has made its mark on the Maldives with its bold playfulness. Now, it ups the ante, as effortless luxury is draped with the avant garde, the surreal, the one of a kind. The new Niyama sees the stylish and thoughtful evolution of the resort’s villas, restaurants and leisure facilities across twin islands Play and Chill, infusing each with an energy uniquely Niyama.

Evolved accommodations: A new aesthetic

The resort’s accommodations are, with a lightened palette, all-new furnishings, high-design comfort and sleek technology. Expanded interiors offer more room to relax and reconnect.

The beach villas, spacious playgrounds where guests are free to simply be, now glow with the colours of sunset, while high-tech toys include espresso, popcorn and entertainment all at the touch of a button.

Overwater villas, meanwhile, swirl in blue and turquoise as sky and ocean melt into one. Days drift with the tide, bringing sightings of makanaa, reef sharks and the sea turtle that calls the lagoon below home.

Each villa blends seamlessly with its surrounds, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening directly onto beach or a private sundeck, and outdoor bathing quintessential Maldives, as guests flit from one setting to another, free to roam at will.

Evolved culinary journeys: From the treetops to the ocean depths

Dining in the treetops reaches new heights at Nest, the resort’s avant-garde restaurant with the sizzle of teppanyaki and spice of Southeast Asia. Redesigned and relandscaped to fully immerse guests in the wild, lush jungle comes alive at dusk with the faint glow of lights and the call of birds.

Six metres below the ocean’s surface, Subsix unveils the world’s first underwater Nikkei tasting experience, each of five courses as surreal as the setting, corals dappled by sunlight and reef sharks and sea turtles circling above.

There is also Dune, the ultimate beach chill, with chic lounging by the pool by day, a new menu with the fire of the Maldives a highlight, and cocktails and shisha until sunset.

Then there is sunset at the Surf Shack, a hideaway on the very western tip of Play now expanded, where the roar of the surf, the beats of the DJ, the warmth of rum, and fellow free spirits all come together to create pure magic.

An active lifestyle: On guests’ own terms

With world-class waves breaking right on shore (a left-hander), a pro in residence, and epic surf safaris unlike anywhere else, Niyama offers the Maldives’ most luxurious way to surf. The new marine centre, meanwhile, features hands-on conservation activities for guests, a way to leave their mark on one of the most beautiful places in the world, led by the resident marine biologist.

The kids’ club has also evolved, with a splash park in a clearing in the jungle, climbing wall, slides and trampolines. Daily schedules are packed with snorkelling and sailing with dolphins, with gourmet lunches and mini-spa treatments in between.

“At Niyama, we want our guests to feel free, to explore, play and connect with kindred spirits and nature on their own terms,” says Hafidh Al Busaidy, General Manager of the resort. “To that end, every detail has been rethought through, and facilities and experiences evolved. THIS IS NIYAMA reimagines the Maldives experience, inviting guests to write their own stories.”

Against the backdrop of a broader surge in global travel, with the Maldives welcoming a 9% year-on-year increase in tourist arrivals in the first half of 2025, RAAYA by Atmosphere proudly marks its first anniversary this July. With international recognition and a growing reputation for creating memories that linger, RAAYA enters its second year with a sense of quiet pride and renewed purpose.

Away from the crowd, hidden in the tranquil Raa Atoll, the island resort has, in just one year, established itself as a haven of understated indulgence, nature-inspired design, and thoughtfully curated experiences for discerning travellers from around the world. Since opening its doors on 4 July 2024, the resort has welcomed over 13,000 guests from across the globe, each discovering a castaway narrative that delights all ages.

At the heart of RAAYA’s concept is the story of Seb – a shipwrecked artist who finds refuge on the island, embracing its natural beauty, drawing inspiration from its wild charm, and living off the land until his eventual rescue. This whimsical tale shapes the island experience, weaving through its design, activities, dining, and family-friendly adventures.

From its 167 beach and overwater villas thoughtfully placed amidst fragrant gardens and turquoise waters, to its six exceptional dining venues, the resort has quickly become a sought-after escape for couples, families, and friends alike. The RAAYA Residence, with its private infinity pool and panoramic ocean views, remains a pinnacle of privacy and sophistication.

RAAYA by Atmosphere’s debut year has also brought accolades. Most notably, being recognised in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025, placing it in the top 10% of global listings based on genuine traveller reviews. Adding to its honours, the resort was also awarded “Opening of the Year” at the Travel Time Awards in Moscow, just nine months after its launch, a testament to the team’s dedication and the resort’s unique positioning as an experiential destination rooted in storytelling and sustainability.

Maurice Van Den Bosch, General Manager of RAAYA by Atmosphere, said, “RAAYA was designed to be more than just a resort. It’s a place of stories, of moments that matter. We are deeply grateful to our guests, our team, and our global travel partners who have embraced this vision and made our first year so rewarding. This is just the beginning.”