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Six Senses Laamu creates first code of conduct in Maldives for dolphin watching

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Maldives Promotion House – Six Senses Laamu has become the first resort in the Maldives to establish and implement a Code of Conduct for dolphin watching in order to protect the local spinner and bottlenose dolphins, and to ensure the future sustainability of their populations.

Fully committed to developing a sustainable business and eco-tourism, the resort has developed policies and procedures in line with the Green Globe 21 standards:  Energy Conservation, Waste Reduction, Nature, Island & Reef Protection, Social Responsibility. These policies and procedures are renewed at least annually to ensure that we are always current in our approaches.

Now, expanding on this commitment, the code of conduct for dolphin watching, rounds out the Six Senses Sustainability Policy for Six Senses Laamu: “To improve the ecological footprint of biodiversity conservation, preservation and restoration within the resort as well as nearby surrounding areas.”

Pioneering its successful application this code has been implemented by Rachel Lambert, our Resident Biologist, who has gained a range of Biological Science Degree at University of Oxford and Masters in Marine Biology of Environmental Management at University of London. Rachel has spent two seasons working together with UK marine mammal charity before coming to Maldives to join the Six Senses family. After working with Sea Watch Foundation on their Cardigan Bay Bottlenose Dolphin Monitoring project, Rachel creates this trail-blazing program.

“Loss of animals from the local ecosystem would have both ecological and economic impacts for the resort. A growing awareness of these issues lead to the development of local codes of conduct for the boats around dolphin population to encourage sustainable tourism. Therefore, a code of conduct has been developed for our boat drivers around our local Spinner and Bottlenose dolphin population”, says Rachel
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Some specifics of the Six Senses Laamu Code of Conduct include:

  • Keep at least 50 metres away – two boat lengths
  • Do not approach from directly behind or head on
  • Allow the dolphins to choose to approach the boat
  • No rapid changes in speed or rapid changes in direction – be predictable
  • 6 knots when within 150 metres
  • Do not cut them off or chase them
  • Do not separate mothers and calves

Six Senses Laamu offers Sunset Dolphin Cruises at USD 99 plus taxes per person.

About spinner and bottlenose dolphins

Dolphin watching is a positive activity as it allows people to see these highly intelligent and charismatic animals in their natural environment. In the southern Laamu Atoll, where Six Senses Laamu is found we are able to see two amazing types of dolphins – the spinner and bottlenose that swim and spin all along the seashell dappled shores of the resort.

Spinner dolphins are well known for their acrobatics and aerial behaviours. These dolphins come out of the water, front first, and twist their bodies as they ascend in the air up to 5.5 spins in one leap. The spinner dolphin lives in many tropical and subtropical waters, especially in the Maldives. Today this type of dolphin is listed on Appendix of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding covers the spinner dolphin for the Conservation of Cetaceans and Their Habitats in the Pacific Islands Region.

Bottlenose dolphins are known worldwide as Genus Tursiops, as they communicate through burst pulsed sounds, whistles, and body language. Their considerable intelligence has driven interaction with humans. The species sometimes shows curiosity towards humans in or near water. Occasionally, they rescue injured divers by raising them to the surface. If these amazing creatures save our lives, why would not us give them a space and same care in return? Therefore, Six Senses Laamu continues to develop and ensure a vibrant future for the further dolphin population and nature.

Awards

Constance Halaveli Maldives secures top 10 spot in Condé Nast Traveller Indian Ocean rankings

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Constance Halaveli Maldives has been ranked 10th among the Top 25 Resorts in the Indian Ocean at the Condé Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, joining three other Constance Hotels & Resorts properties recognised in this year’s international rankings.

The recognition places Constance Halaveli among the Indian Ocean resorts selected by readers of the British travel publication, reflecting the resort’s standing in the luxury hospitality sector.

The award forms part of wider international recognition for Constance Hospitality, with four properties across its Indian Ocean portfolio securing positions in the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards published by Condé Nast Traveller UK and Condé Nast Traveler.

In the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 – World Resorts rankings, two of the group’s properties in Seychelles were recognised, with Constance Lémuria securing 13th place and Constance Ephelia ranking 17th among the Top 20 Resorts in the Indian Ocean.

Meanwhile, Constance Tsarabanjina Madagascar was ranked 12th among the Top 15 Resorts in the Rest of Africa category.

According to Constance Hospitality, the recognition across its portfolio reflects the individual character of each destination and the group’s emphasis on personalised service, authenticity and experiences connected to local surroundings.

Headquartered in Mauritius, Constance Hospitality operates properties across the Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Rodrigues and Madagascar. Its flagship brand, Constance Hotels & Resorts, follows the True by Nature philosophy, with a portfolio comprising luxury resorts, lodges and boutique hotels across the Indian Ocean.

The Readers’ Choice Awards recognise hotels, resorts and travel experiences across international destinations, with rankings determined by votes from readers.

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Awards

Ocean Group Maldives wins Leading Dive Centre/Brand at South Asian Travel Awards

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Ocean Group Maldives has announced that it has been named the Leading Dive Centre/Brand at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, recognising the company’s longstanding commitment to excellence in diving and ocean experiences.

The prestigious regional accolade celebrates excellence across South Asia’s travel, tourism and hospitality industry and marks an important milestone for Ocean Group, which has been creating and operating ocean experiences since 1998.

For nearly three decades, Ocean Group has worked alongside leading resort partners to deliver professionally managed dive programmes, combining international standards, experienced multilingual PADI-certified professionals, high standards of safety and service, and an enduring passion for the ocean.

Hussain Zahid, Founder and CEO of Ocean Group Maldives, said: “To be recognised as the Leading Dive Centre/Brand at SATA 2026 is an incredible honour for all of us at Ocean Group. This award belongs to our teams across our dive centres — the instructors, dive masters, boat crews, technicians and everyone behind the scenes whose professionalism and passion make our guests’ experiences possible every day. We founded Ocean Group with a love for the ocean and a belief that extraordinary experiences should always be delivered with expertise, safety and care. Nearly three decades later, those principles remain at the heart of everything we do.”

Ocean Group’s dive operations are supported by experienced teams working across luxury resort destinations, with all centres operating under the supervision of Moosa Zahid, Director of Operations & Sales and a VDWS-certified watersports trainer.

From introducing guests to their first underwater experience to guiding experienced divers through some of the Indian Ocean’s most remarkable marine environments, Ocean Group places professional instruction, personalised service and responsible interaction with the marine environment at the centre of its diving philosophy.

The company’s wider expertise encompasses watersports, excursions, yachting and marine biology, allowing resort partners to offer an integrated portfolio of ocean experiences through a single experienced operator.

Marine conservation is also an increasingly important part of Ocean Group’s operations, with marine biologists working alongside resort partners on coral restoration, marine education and conservation initiatives.

Yasmin Zahid, Director of Marketing & Strategic Partnerships at Ocean Group Maldives, said: “This recognition is especially meaningful because it celebrates what has always been at the heart of Ocean Group — our people. Our teams come from different parts of the world, speak different languages and bring tremendous experience to their roles, but they share one thing: a genuine passion for creating exceptional experiences for our guests. We are immensely proud of them and grateful to our resort partners for the trust they place in Ocean Group. This award inspires us to continue raising the bar as we look towards the next chapter of our journey.”

The SATA 2026 recognition comes as Ocean Group continues to evolve its portfolio of ocean experiences and strengthen its partnerships within the luxury hospitality sector.

While its roots remain firmly in the Maldives, the company’s ambition extends beyond geography: to bring its expertise, operating standards and philosophy of exceptional ocean experiences to new destinations and partnerships.

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Awards

Kandooma Maldives wins Leading Family Resort award at SATA 2026

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Last night (8 October), Kandooma Maldives was named Leading Family Resort at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA), a title that perfectly matches the resort’s focus on families.

“The timing of this award couldn’t be better,” said Andrew Drummond, General Manager of Kandooma Maldives. “It recognises our commitment to family holidays, but we also know that you can’t stand still. Family expectations change, and we have to keep evolving with them.”

“Whether it is the little ones who enjoy the kids’ club and, for some, a newfound independence from mum and dad or the opportunity to build memories together as a family through shared activities, Kandooma really is a great destination.”

Andrew explains that it is easy to sit still, but that’s not how the resort is winning over families: “I think it is our effort to keep evolving. Recently we realised there was a gap in the family offering that needed a bit more attention, so we have turned our eyes to tweens. It is sometimes a balancing act where young adults are craving independence, the freedom to explore, socialise and make their own choices, while parents still need reassurance that their kids are safe and well looked after.”

“They’re not kids who love going off to the Kids’ Club and they are not yet adults who are content lounging by the pool. We’re focusing on finding a way to engage 13- to 18-year-olds and give them a great holiday. At Kandooma we haven’t forgotten them.”

Villa options at Kandooma cater to different stages of family life, from Beach and Garden Villas with space for additional beds and interconnecting options, to Beach Houses suited to younger families and two- and three-bedroom accommodation for larger or extended families.

At Kandooma kids under 13 stay and eat free and it is one of the reasons young families keep returning to the 146-villa property in South Male Atoll, together with easy accessibility from Velana International Airport by speedboat.

“As a father myself, I understand that travelling with a family can be complicated enough without adding unnecessary steps to the journey,” Andrew said.

“Seaplane transfers can mean additional costs and luggage restrictions. At Kandooma, families can be met by our airport team, have their luggage taken care of and be escorted to their boat for a straightforward transfer to the island. When you’ve travelled a long way to reach the Maldives, these things really matter.”

The South Asian Travel Awards celebrated its tenth anniversary last night, recognising stand-out tourism businesses across India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives.

Kandooma Maldives is an experience-led, all-inclusive island resort located in the South Malé Atoll, approximately 45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. Designed with families, couples, friends and active travellers in mind, the resort features 146 villas across garden, beach and overwater settings, including family villas and multi-bedroom accommodation with private pools.

The Kandooma experience is brought together through five signatures: Kandooma Blue, Kandooma Table, Kandooma Flow, Kandooma Social and Kandooma Ways, spanning ocean adventure, dining, wellbeing, social experiences and Maldivian culture. Facilities include Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala, a PADI 5-Star Dive Centre, Perfect Wave Surf Shop, Kandoo Kids’ Club, watersports, a 24-hour gym, restaurants and bars, event and meeting facilities and a changing programme of complimentary and bookable activities, live entertainment and island experiences. Kandooma Maldives is Green Globe Certified.

Visit www.kandooma-maldives.com.

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