Underwater
World champion freediver Christian Redl returns to LUX* South Ari Atoll – Maldives for the 5th edition of the island’s Underwater Festival
Maldives.net.mv – To live a life where gravity and time are relative is every freediver’s dream. This year’s LUX* South Ari Atoll Underwater Festival gets up-close and personal with world record holder Christian Redl set to host apnea courses from the 3rd to 9th of April 2016 and reveal how this life-changing sport has irreversibly shaped his life. When the Austrian-born athlete is not engaged in action-packed underwater filming projects to raise awareness on the endangered population of sharks, he holds his breath daring the low temperatures of lakes in the Austrian Alps partaking in ever-challenging extreme sports events. ‘Freediving changed completely my life’ says Christian, ‘and the Underwater Festival in the Maldives is where I am able to share what I love the most while being in my element’.
The resort’s diving center operated by Euro-divers enhances the weeklong event with the expertise of German photographer Marc Hillesheim. Underwater photography workshops, freediving photo sessions and guided photography dives are just few of the exciting additions to the Festival. But in today’s world no photo goes unnoticed! That’s why the Underwater Festival hosts an Instagram contest for guests wanting to share their underwater discoveries on the social network and invites in-house participants to tag their images with the hashtags #LUXUNDERWATER #LUXONEBREATH and #NOGRAVITYMALDIVES to win a great deal of prizes.
Besides being able to refer to the Marine Biology Center as source of information on the resident population of whale sharks, guests will also be involved in the exciting findings of Olive Ridley Project’s team and Senior Project Scientist Doc. Jillian Hudgins. Often appointed as marine consultant by the Maldivian Government, Doc. Hudgins co-founded O.R.P. in 2013 with the intent to promote marine ecosystem health and resiliency in the Indian Ocean and its sea turtles. ‘Sustainable tourism is a community effort that starts with small steps and goes a great length’ says General Manager Glenn Daniels, ‘this is why we endeavor to combine healthy water sports with light learning and offer a week of underwater adventures that is as exhilarating as it is enlightening’.
During the day, freediving classes, underwater photography courses and guided expeditions to responsible snorkeling with whale sharks and sea turtles enrich the fifth edition of the Underwater Festival. At night, our passionate experts conduct presentations and underwater-themed movies screened under the stars. Having recently unveiled the resort Signature Pool Water Villas, guests booking those adults-only overwater cocoons with infinity pools during the Festival period, are entitled to one complimentary freediving course per person.
Action
COMO Maalifushi highlights uncrowded surf access across southern atolls
COMO Maalifushi presents a considered approach to surfing in the Maldives—one shaped by access, expertise, and the quiet privilege of space.
Located in the remote Thaa Atoll, the resort offers entry to a network of lesser-travelled breaks across the southern atolls, where consistent Indian Ocean swells meet uncrowded line-ups. Here, surfing unfolds without urgency—guided by natural rhythm rather than routine.
At the core of the experience is COMO Maalifushi’s long-standing partnership with Tropicsurf, daily sessions are shaped by real-time ocean conditions, with coaching that adapts intuitively to each guest—whether taking to the water for the first time or refining technique across more complex reef formations.
Guests are given access to a curated selection of breaks across Thaa Atoll, Laamu Atoll and Dhaalu Atoll—each offering a distinct character. From the long, forgiving rides of Farms to the more technical, fast-moving rights of ‘Machine’, the programme is designed to evolve with both conditions and capability.
“Surfing at COMO Maalifushi is defined by its sense of space and possibility,” says Peter Nilsson, Managing Director, COMO Maldives. “Our location allows access to some of the Maldives’ most consistent yet uncrowded waves, and through our partnership with Tropicsurf, we’re able to offer an experience that is both highly personalised and quietly exceptional—true to COMO’s way of doing things.”
The season, which runs from April through October, brings steady swells from the southern Indian Ocean. Yet beyond seasonality, it is the absence of crowds that defines the experience—allowing guests to engage with the ocean on their own terms.
Surfing at COMO Maalifushi sits naturally within the wider rhythm of the island. Time in the water is balanced with restorative treatments at the COMO Shambhala Retreat, unhurried dining, and the simplicity of island life—creating a sense of flow between activity and stillness.
Here, surfing is guided with care, framed by nature, and experienced without excess.
For more information, please visit the resort’s website.
Featured
Coco Collection brings conservation and low-waste living into resort experience
Coco Collection, a Maldivian-owned resort brand, has invited guests to experience a more conscious approach to luxury at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi.
Across its two island resorts, Coco Collection has incorporated environmental responsibility into the guest experience through its Coco Cares philosophy. From nature-led experiences inspired by the islands’ ecosystems to culinary offerings based on fresh, locally grown ingredients, the resorts have been designed to reflect the natural setting of the Maldives while integrating sustainability into daily operations.
At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, this commitment is reflected in the Maldives’ veterinary-led Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, which is operated in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. As a founding partner of the facility, the resort provides care for injured sea turtles and supports marine conservation awareness. Since its establishment, the centre has treated and released 152 injured turtles, with a rehabilitation success rate of 60%. The resort also continues seagrass preservation efforts aimed at protecting marine habitats and supporting biodiversity in the surrounding waters.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu also applies low-waste practices, mindful sourcing, and resource-conscious operations across the resort. This approach extends to Coco Farm, where homegrown produce, handcrafted preserves, and garden-to-table dining experiences are used to bring local flavour and seasonality to the table.
At Coco Bodu Hithi, the same approach is reflected in its food and beverage offerings. To mark Earth Day, the resort has introduced a green-inspired cocktail experience focused on eco-conscious mixology, using fresh ingredients grown on the island.
The resort said its low-waste approach informs all aspects of the guest experience, with attention given to responsible resource use. From the choice of herbs and fruits to preparation and presentation, the offering is intended to reflect respect for the natural environment.
This approach also extends across the resort’s wider culinary programme, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients, house-made preserves, and dishes inspired by the Maldives’ natural produce. Through seasonal menus, conscious sourcing, and resource management, Coco Bodu Hithi aims to offer an experience that combines hospitality with environmental responsibility.
Action
Atmosphere Foundation opens applications for dive training programme
Atmosphere Foundation, in collaboration with Moodhu Bulhaa Dive Centre, has opened applications for the first batch of a new programme that will sponsor 10 Maldivians per year to pursue professional dive training.
The initiative is aimed at supporting the career development of young Maldivians and increasing the number of qualified local professionals in the tourism industry. As tourism remains the Maldives’ main economic sector, the programme is designed to help Maldivians enter the field, build their skills from the ground up, and progress in their careers.
Under the programme, selected candidates will receive fully funded training and support to complete a range of internationally recognised dive certifications. The programme will cover full professional training, all certification fees, accommodation, meals and insurance.
Applicants must be aged 18 and above. Successful candidates will be required to work in the Maldives for a specified period after completing their course, helping ensure that the country’s tourism and marine sectors benefit directly from the skills developed through the initiative.
Abdul Azeez Abdul Hakeem, Vice President of Atmosphere Foundation, said the programme reflects the foundation’s commitment to creating practical opportunities for Maldivians to grow and succeed.
“This programme is about opening a pathway for young Maldivians who are passionate about the ocean and want to build a profession in diving. By investing in training and development, we are helping create more opportunities for Maldivians to take up skilled roles in an industry that is central to the country’s economy. We hope this initiative will support participants not only in gaining qualifications, but also in building long-term careers in the Maldives,” he added.
Atmosphere Foundation has continued to support community development through a range of initiatives focused on education, skills development, youth empowerment and social wellbeing. Through its programmes and partnerships, the foundation works to create opportunities that strengthen communities and contribute to long-term national development.
The dive training initiative adds to the foundation’s broader efforts to support Maldivians through programmes that deliver direct benefits, expand access to opportunity and encourage personal and professional growth.
Applications for the first batch are now open, with the submission deadline set for 15 April 2026. For applications and further information, interested individuals may contact info@moodhubulhaa.com or call +960 7788141.
-
News1 week agoSun Siyam Iru Fushi introduces immersive wellness programme with Regina Gimranova
-
Family1 week agoNH Collection Reethi Resort unveils new family club in Maldives
-
News1 week agoCOMO Cocoa Island blends wellness and ocean experiences for guests
-
Action1 week agoCOMO Maalifushi highlights uncrowded surf access across southern atolls
-
Action1 week agoCinnamon Velifushi Maldives introduces indoor mini golf experience
-
Featured6 days agoFour Seasons Resorts Maldives blend family travel with marine discovery
-
News1 week agoInterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort hosts Earth Day experiences
-
News6 days agoMandara Spa celebrates 30th anniversary with focus on Maldives growth



