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Four Seasons Resorts Maldives and “The Mosquito Lady” launch sustainable community mosquito control project

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Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru

Maldives.net.mv – This August, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives is engaging the support of one of the world’s leading bug-battlers to launch an environmentally responsible mosquito control initiative across 13 island communities in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Known as “The Mosquito Lady,” Trudy Rilling-Collins and her team will lead the pre-emptive six-week Baa Atoll Mosquito and Dengue Fever Control Project, initiated following the success of last year’s pilot program at Four Seasons two Resort islands, and five islands local to the Resorts.

Funded by Four Seasons Resorts Maldives, Trudy and her team of ten volunteers will visit each of the 13 designated Baa Atoll islands in turn, working closely with health officers, schools and other community members to implement effective and sustainable mosquito control solutions. The volunteer team will comprise seven students from the University of California at Santa Cruz and young Maldivian volunteers, who will help facilitate the successful establishment of the project among the local islanders.

The project chiefly involves the identification and eradication of mosquito-breeding sites. In addition to significantly reducing mosquito populations without the use of chemicals, it will also reduce the potential risk of infection from dengue fever (a virus carried by the Aedes aegypti and the Aedes albopictus species) amongst remote island communities.

Trudy was first enlisted by Four Seasons Resorts Maldives in 2011 to provide environmentally friendly solutions to unwanted monsoon-loving guests. Thanks to her highly targeted techniques, Four Seasons has been able to completely eliminate the use of fogging across both of its island Resorts, with the pilot community also experiencing significant reductions in mosquito populations.

The widely used technique of “fogging” – the spraying of harmful neurotoxin-filled insecticides – at best only deals with a small proportion of adult mosquitoes and at worst fails to tackle the more prevalent issue of incubating larvae. In contrast, Trudy’s innovative yet surprisingly uncomplicated methods tackle the root of the problem, eradicating mosquitoes’ watery lairs through regular clean-ups of waterlogged areas (such as stagnant water in tanks, drains and wells), the fitting of screens or filters, and even the addition of fish to wells. “Mosquito eggs can take as little as a week go from egg to biting adults,” Trudy advises. ”So 80-90 per cent of the problem can be solved by targeting breeding grounds.”

Trudy holds a diploma in Pest Management from University of California at Berkeley, and has extensive experience in biological research, and a fervent commitment to halting the toxic effects of pesticides in tropical regions. “The beautiful, ecologically sensitive marine life, essential for tourism, is being degraded by outdated and ineffective chemical-based pest management programs,” she warns. “Not to mention the long-term effects of fogging on human health.”

So far, The Mosquito Lady’s cost-effective common-sense approach has been widely welcomed by all who have experienced its efficacy and sustainability. She acknowledges, however, that the long-term success of her methods relies on the involvement of every individual in the project region. “We spend a lot of time raising local awareness and promoting sustainable health education,” she explains. “But each person will ultimately need to act responsibly for the good of their community.”

Four Seasons Regional Vice President Armando Kraenzlin commented: “Having reaped the benefits of Trudy’s staggeringly successful methods across our own island Resorts, we are delighted to be able to extend her expertise across the wider Baa Atoll community. As joint residents of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it is essential that we work with our neighbouring islanders to implement methods of control that will help preserve both the natural beauty of the region and the long-term health of its inhabitants and visitors for generations to come.”

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Season of wonder: festive celebrations unfold at THE OZEN COLLECTION

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During the festive season, THE OZEN COLLECTION extends an invitation to guests to experience a world of enchantment and indulgence, as OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI are transformed into ethereal winter wonderlands by the sea. From 22nd December 2025 to 7th January 2026, the two resorts will be imbued with festive charm, seamlessly blending timeless traditions with bespoke luxury, all set against the idyllic backdrop of the Maldivian coastline.

The celebrations begin on 22nd December with an elegant tree lighting ceremony at both resorts, where the soft glow of handcrafted lanterns and the sparkle of artisanal decorations bring a touch of winter magic to the tropics. This enchanting occasion sets the tone for a season of joy, wonder and unforgettable moments.

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO will embody the spirit of a classically inspired Christmas, offering a thoughtfully curated programme of festive activities. Younger guests can look forward to whimsical moments in Santa’s grotto and hands-on cookie decorating, while evenings will feature starlit carolling and open-air festive cinema screenings on the beach. Dining takes on a celebratory flair with lavish seasonal feasts featuring roast turkey with traditional trimmings, mulled wine, and a selection of meticulously crafted desserts. As the year draws to a close, the resort will host the ‘Mystical Ocean’ New Year’s Eve Gala—an evening of refined splendour brought to life through luminescent artistry, captivating live performances, and a dazzling fireworks display over the Indian Ocean.

Meanwhile, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI will unveil a marine-inspired holiday celebration, where timeless Christmas elements are interwoven with aquatic elegance. From glowing jellyfish chandeliers to intricate coral arrangements, the décor evokes a dreamlike underwater world. The festivities begin with the arrival of Santa Claus, accompanied by a special luncheon designed for family gatherings. Guests will enjoy an array of gastronomic experiences, from sophisticated cocktail evenings to premium culinary journeys, all set amidst an ocean-themed festive ambience. The season’s highlight will be the ‘Glowing Shore’ New Year’s Eve Gala—a luminous event featuring bioluminescent displays along the beach, hypnotic fire dancers, and a midnight countdown set adrift on the water, bidding farewell to the year with a flourish of style and spectacle.

The festive journey will conclude with the observance of Orthodox Christmas on 6th and 7th January, as both resorts pay homage to these cherished traditions. Guests will be welcomed into an atmosphere of quiet reverence and grace, marked by gourmet dinners beneath the stars. This serene finale offers a reflective and elegant close to the season’s earlier exuberance, blending devotion and celebration in a way that lingers long after the festivities draw to a close.

Throughout the season, THE OZEN COLLECTION offers two signature experiences: the RESERVE™ Plan, designed for those seeking ultimate privacy and personalised service, and the INDULGENCE™ Plan, featuring premium inclusions and limitless luxury. Both ensure that festive gala dinners are enjoyed without additional charges. Whether seeking meaningful family moments under the tropical sun or vibrant celebration with kindred spirits, these islands provide the perfect setting for life’s most treasured memories—where every detail is thoughtfully crafted, and every day offers a new chapter in an unforgettable festive tale.

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Baros Maldives hosts special events in honour of PADI Women’s Dive Day

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Baros Maldives participated in the global celebration of PADI Women’s Dive Day 2025, commemorating the occasion with a week of thoughtfully curated experiences that honoured the strength, curiosity, and connection shared among women divers. Held from 15th to 19th July, the initiative was designed to inspire confidence and camaraderie beneath the waves.

In the days leading up to the main event, female guests were treated to a 25% discount on their first or single dive. This included refresher and orientation dives along the renowned Baros House Reef, as well as Discover Scuba Diving sessions for those embarking on their first underwater adventure. These exclusive offers created an inviting and supportive environment, encouraging women of all experience levels to engage with Baros’ vibrant marine life.

The week culminated on 19th July with a complimentary dive led by the resort’s female dive instructors. Open to all certified women divers and those who had completed a Discover Scuba Diving experience during the week, the event brought together a spirited group of ocean enthusiasts for a memorable morning beneath the surface. The dive was marked by commemorative underwater photographs taken beside the official PADI Women’s Dive Day banner.

Ambra Dugaria, Dive Base Leader at Divers Baros Maldives, shared her reflections on the occasion: “At Baros, diving is about connection — to nature, to oneself, and to each other. PADI Women’s Dive Day is a powerful reminder that the ocean belongs to everyone. We are proud to provide a space where women feel empowered, celebrated, and free to explore.”

Led by Divers Baros Maldives, the initiative underscores the resort’s continued commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and community within the diving world. As a PADI Five Star Gold Palm Dive Centre, Baros remains dedicated to delivering safe, immersive, and inspiring underwater experiences for divers of all levels.

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OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO celebrates Women’s Dive Month with captivating underwater exhibition

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OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, in collaboration with TGI Maldives and Divernet—one of the world’s longest-established diving platforms—has launched an inspiring marine photo exhibition to commemorate Women’s Dive Month in association with PADI.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare underwater photographs taken by esteemed underwater photographer and writer, Richard Aspinall, during his recent stay at the resort. Based in the Scottish Borders, Aspinall has a longstanding background in wildlife conservation and heritage management, underpinned by academic training in ecology and conservation biology. His captivating images—from striking moray eels and elegant whitetip reef sharks to the vivid displays of blue-line snappers and clown triggerfish—offer a mesmerising glimpse into the flourishing coral ecosystems surrounding Helengeli.

The exhibition was officially inaugurated by seven international female journalists, joined by TGI Maldives Operations Manager Greta Marcelli, General Manager Alain Trefois, and the wider operations team at OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO.

“There is something truly magical about Helengeli. The reef is alive with untold stories. The marine life is phenomenal, and the energy of this island is unmatched. This exhibition, thoughtfully curated by our team, captures that essence—blending the wonders of the ocean with a message of empowerment. We are sincerely grateful to Richard Aspinall and Divernet for their remarkable imagery and collaboration in bringing this exhibition to life,” shared General Manager Alain Trefois.

In 2023, the resort became the first recipient of the PADI® Outstanding Contribution to Female Diving award. Continuing its commitment to inclusive diving, the resort hosted ten international female journalists in July 2024, offering them the opportunity to experience scuba diving and the breathtaking beauty of the Maldivian seas as part of the PADI Women’s Dive Day celebrations.

Building on this success, OBLU NATURE Helengeli has officially launched the 2025 International PADI Women’s Dive Month, in partnership with TGI Maldives and ELE|NA Ayur Spa. This initiative presents a specially curated programme for women throughout July, blending scuba diving with wellness experiences designed to foster confidence, connection, and serenity both below and above the surface.

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