Connect with us

Action

British couple swims down the aisle for underwater wedding at Bandos Island Resort

Published

on

Bandos underwater wedding

Maldives.net.mv – Bandos Island Resort is only a few minutes away from the capital island by Speedboat. Surrounded by one of the best house reef in the atoll, Bandos is a major snorkeling attraction in Maldives, famous for the unique array of fish and corals that make appearances during all seasons.

British couple Kate and Andy have been visiting the Maldives for many years. This years visit would make it their 17th visit to the resort.

The day started off with Kate getting dressed as any other bride. Dressed in white, smiles from ear to ear, and looking absolutely stunning, she walked towards her husband – Andy. Both of them are keen divers and have described that they are ‘the happiest when we are underwater’.

I was on Dive boat with Kate and Andy. Though it would be the second time the couple would say ‘I do’ to each other, the Kate and Andy seemed as excited as a couple of teenagers, giggling, and laughing at their own private jokes. To be in the presence of true love, to be part of this beautiful union was like magic.

“ we wanted to celebrate our wedding with all our friends here in Bandos. Ramune (from the dive centre) flew to the UK to be my bridesmaid at our UK wedding, but we wanted to do something here as well. As diving is our passion it seemed right that we should have our wedding at underwater. After all that is one of the main reasons why we come to the Maldives so often to dive. underwater is where we are most relaxed. Our family and close friends celebrated with us in the UK, but we have close friends here in Bandos who joined us underwater to celebrate”
But the dress, the exquisite, gorgeous white dress. Any other bride would not be willing to get her dress wet.

“ I am not worried about not getting my dress wet. I purchased the dress especially for that reason- it has to be easy to swim in and relatively light weight and not to bulky so that my dive gear would go over the top. Being underwater is where we are both very happy, so it seemed a natural thing for us to do.”

And so under the water they went, along with the minister, and a small group of their closest friends from the resort.

Bandos underwater wedding

When the wedding was done with, they slowly came aboard once again, to head back to the island, for the cake-cutting ceremony. The couple were greeted at the beach by traditional Bodu Beru group, and a drink of Kurumba. Taking pictures, and laughing gaily, the couple walked to where the cake was set up.

Turquoise drapes made a beautiful tent where the cake and champagne were set up, and guests, and the staff of the resort clapped and cheered on loudly as they kissed once again, and fed each other cake. The sun shone brightly over head, and the sky azure, and the crystal clear lagoon made the perfect setting for a beach wedding celebration.
The staff of the resort seem to have a very special bond with this couple. I noticed little things like their way of communicating with Kate and Andy, the connection, the bond they had with the staff.

“ We have been coming to Bandos since 2006. This is our 17th visit here and we love the simple charm that Bandos offers. We have seen many changes over the years – the removal of the concrete path outside the standard rooms, the changes within the rooms themselves. we love that Bandos tries to remain true to its roots but offers a great service, that is not pretentious. Our favorite aspects of the island has to be the dive center, and also Sundowners.
Initially we came to Bandos in 2006 s the island we were normally staying in had closed for refurbishment. We do visit other resorts, but keep returning to Bandos for several reasons:
-The dive centre and house reef. The dive centre makes it easy straight forward diving. It has a very relaxed atmosphere and the associates there are very friendly and knowledgeable. The house reef is easily accessible and lovely to dive. You can see all sorts of fish, corals, and the reef changes from one dive to the next.
-the associates are always friendly – always smiling and nothing is too much trouble. We consider Bandos to be our second home. “

The resort don’t normally hold underwater weddings, but thanks to Kate and Andy, this would be the first of many underwater wedding celebrations to take place at the beautiful resort. And to Kate and Andy, I would like to wish them eternal happiness in their wedded bliss.

Action

Ex-world champion Angelique Kerber to visit Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas for exclusive tennis clinic

Published

on

From 27 November to 8 December 2024, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas will welcome former world No.1 tennis champion Angelique Kerber for an exclusive tennis clinic. Known for her Grand Slam victories and exceptional career, Angelique will enjoy the serene beauty of the Maldives and share her passion for tennis with our guests through a series of exclusive lessons, both group and private.

Guests at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas will have the opportunity to engage with Angelique on the resort’s tennis courts, designed for enthusiasts of all levels. These intimate sessions will allow guests to learn directly from one of the most accomplished athletes, enhancing their tennis skills while enjoying our resort’s tropical beauty.

Angelique Kerber, a three-time Grand Slam champion and Olympic silver medallist, is recognised for her fierce competitiveness and tacIcal prowess. She has secured her legacy in tennis history with memorable wins at the Australian Open, US Open, and Wimbledon, where she claimed her first title in 2018. With her dedication to tennis and technical finesse in collaboration with LUX Tennis.

Guests can experience personalised lessons and professional guide directly from one of the world’s greatest tennis champions, all while basking in the Maldivian paradise.

Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is a luxury island resort known for its exquisite villas, pristine beaches, and exceptional guest experiences. The resort’s commitment to personalised service and exclusive experiences ensures that every guest enjoys an unforgettable stay.

For more informaIon or to reserve your seat at this exclusive event, please contact +960 664 4111, visit www.anantara.com/kihavah-maldives, or email reservaIons.maldives@anantara.com.

Continue Reading

Action

Diving into a milestone: Monika’s 3333th dive at Ellaidhoo Maldives

Published

on

In the crystal-clear waters surrounding Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, each dive holds the promise of discovery. Known for its thriving reef ecosystem, this haven is where explorers return drawn by the lure of discovery and for Monika Anna Herbstrith Lappe— physicist, neuroscientist, motivational psychologist, and author—it was only natural to celebrate her 3333rd dive at this remarkable destination, where she could immerse herself in the beauty and mystery of the ocean she holds dear.

The journey to 3333 dives

Monika’s journey to over 3000 dives began in 1989 and has spanned oceans around the world, from Indonesia and the Philippines to her beloved Maldives. Since 2020, she has made Ellaidhoo her diving home, captivated by the island’s traditional charm and the freedom to explore. Her dives are more than just adventures; they’re a blend of exploration and insight. She uses her experiences beneath the waves as metaphors in her work, drawing on the mysteries of the ocean to offer practical advice for lightness and resilience in everyday life. 

Diving into the depths of Ellaidhoo’s reef

Known for its house reef, a stunning underwater habitat that supports a thriving community of marine species, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon offers divers a front-row seat to nature’s underwater symphony. The clear waters reveal a kaleidoscope of colors: bright corals, shimmering schools of fish, and the thrilling presence of grey sharks. For Monica, these waters are a special kind of home—”Coming home” is how she sums up the experience. “Ellaidhoo truly feels like coming home for us. While we’re very familiar with its beautiful reefs, it’s the warmth of the dive center team that makes this place so special. Many staff members have been here for years, and their genuine kindness turns each visit into a reunion with friends rather than a business encounter. Their service is exceptional, offered with genuine enjoyment in helping us, which makes each dive experience truly wonderful.”

A destination for ocean lovers

Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is a haven for divers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned adventurers. Known for its exceptional dive sites and sustainable practices, the resort allows guests to experience marine life up close, while ensuring that these vibrant reefs will remain pristine for future generations. Whether you’re diving the Ellaidhoo House Reef like Monika or taking in the night dive with its thrilling shark encounters, this destination promises an unforgettable journey beneath the waves. Click here to watch her journey and immerse yourself in the experience.

Continue Reading

Action

Global athletes converge at Canareef Resort for historic 2024 Bodybuilding Championships

Published

on

Canareef Resort Maldives achieved a historic milestone by hosting the 15th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships & Electoral Congress 2024, a prestigious event that enhanced both the resort’s reputation and the Maldives’ prominence in international sports.

From November 5th to 11th, 2024, over 450 athletes and delegates from 41 countries gathered at Canareef Resort to compete in one of the year’s most significant bodybuilding events. The resort’s exclusive villas, lush tropical surroundings, and turquoise lagoons created an ideal setting for the competition, while its exceptional hospitality contributed significantly to the event’s success.

The championships’ opening ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Mr. Lawrence Leow, Chairman and CEO of Crescendas Group (owner of Canareef Resort Maldives), the High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, H.E. Munu Mahawar, and the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Maldives, H.E. Ranga Goonawardena. Their presence underscored the importance of the event and Canareef’s commitment to delivering a memorable experience.

The event schedule included key moments that highlighted its significance:

  • November 1-5: Arrival of Executive Council members, Sub-Committee Members, teams, delegates, and officials.
  • November 6: Team Managers’ and Judges’ meetings, the WBPF Executive Council discussions, and the WBPF Electoral Congress.
  • November 8/9: The Opening Ceremony marked the official start of the championships, drawing significant attention from audiences and media.
  • November 10: The championships concluded with the Closing Ceremony and Final Prize Distribution, celebrating athletes’ achievements.

The Maldives National Bodybuilding Team delivered an impressive performance, winning three medals: two Gold and one Silver. Key highlights included:

  • Shaheen Ibrahim Didi: Gold in Men’s Bodybuilding 55 Kg.
  • Azneen Rashad: Gold in Sports Physique 170 cm.
  • Yoosuf Ayaan Rizvee: Silver in Junior Men’s Bodybuilding up to 75 Kg.

Other notable performances included top placements by Mohamed Nahyan Khan, Shaalu Ibrahim, Abdulla Ahsan, and Ismail Shuau Abdulla in their respective categories.

In the team rankings, India won the Men’s Team Championship, Vietnam secured the Women’s Team Championship, and Saravanan Mani of India was named Overall Champion.

Datuk Paul Chua, President of the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation, commended the event’s success and the resort’s warm hospitality. He remarked on the beauty of the island and expressed enthusiasm about returning to Canareef, even outside of championship events.

Ahmed Hamza, Director of Canareef Resort Maldives, expressed pride in hosting the event, emphasising its positive impact on Addu and the southern Maldives. Mohamed Jaish Ibrahim, AGM, lauded the teamwork and resilience that contributed to the event’s success.

Hosting the 15th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships & Electoral Congress has firmly established Canareef Resort Maldives as a premier venue for international sports events. This accomplishment not only highlights the resort’s capabilities but also reinforces its status as a destination where luxury, hospitality, and world-class events converge.

Looking forward, Canareef Resort remains committed to hosting significant global events and welcoming guests to experience its unparalleled beauty, tranquility, and hospitality.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.