Action
Four Seasons Explorer announces 2019 Manta Trust Expeditions

The graceful ballerinas of the ocean, highly curious manta rays have the largest brain of all the world’s fish. Under threat, they still have much to teach us. Do you want to immerse yourself in their elusive world to discover more?
The Four Seasons Explorer, dubbed a luxurious “floating research lab”, will host two active research expeditions this year: from August 29 to September 5, and September 12 to 19.
A Manta Trust Expedition onboard Four Seasons Explorer places participants at the forefront of cutting-edge research. It’s a rare and thrilling opportunity to contribute to this incredible field of science and experience a wonder most can only dream of – regardless of whether an adventure-seeking family, a couple seeking an alternative vacation, or an individual who’s passionate about conservation.
To understand the power and presence of these marine marvels – and the work being done to protect them in the Maldives – one has to go back to 2003, when a then-Four Seasons marine biologist Dr. Guy Stevens encountered his first manta ray and, in doing so, discovered his life’s passion and work: to conserve these captivating creatures through active research and education.
Fast forward over a decade and Guy is now one of the world’s leading manta ray experts; the Maldivian Manta Ray Project (MMPR) that he first established at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is now the founding project of the world’s largest manta ray charity, The Manta Trust; and his team operates projects in more than 20 different counties around the world.
Four Seasons Explorer’s Manta Trust Expeditions offer a rare insight into the pioneering research that Guy’s team has developed over the years. Participants of all ages are encouraged to free-dive and snorkel with mantas alongside a team of specialist marine biologists, recording critical environmental information, taking manta ID photos, and joining in the ID process – including naming any newly sighted mantas.
“From population size, migratory routes and life history strategies, to social interactions, growth rates, life span, reproduction and more, every time we enter the water with manta rays, we improve our knowledge of them – and the global steps required to protect them,” Guy Stevens, Chief Executive and Founder of The Manta Trust, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
“Escorting these trips has the added benefit of transporting me back to that incredible moment when I first swam with a manta ray as guests have their own first manta encounter. It was life-changing for me and I never tire of seeing the impact it has on others too.”
Four Seasons Explorer is a floating PADI five-star dive centre, a Manta Trust research Lab, a championship surfing venue, an exclusive-use party pad and more. It offers Four Seasons-style accommodation and activities for up to 22 guests across three luxurious decks; a team of 25 adventure-seeking crew; effortless access to up to six different atolls; and many less-expected resort-style benefits too. Spa treatments (on deck or a secluded sandbank); remote island village visits; desert island BBQs; kayaking, wakeboarding, waterskiing and windsurfing; handline or bottom-line fishing from a dhoni; sunbathing decks; evening stargazing by telescope; gourmet dining; and chill-out days on snuggly sofas in the large air-conditioned Lounge.
Refurbished in 2017, the boat is a vision of sleek finishes and stylish soft furnishings across its entire 39 metre / 128 foot expanse. The 10 State Rooms and signature Explorer Suite (complete with a wall of windows and private sun-bathing terrace) all feature upgraded bathrooms, new artworks, plush carpets and curtains, and re-upholstered sofas and headboards. Tropical-coloured chairs in the huge open-plan Dining Room complement the new layout and flexible furniture in the adjacent Living Room and Library. And across the boat, a cool blue, grey and white palette, accentuated by rich dark wood furnishings, showcases contemporary nautical living at its luxurious best.
In addition to the Explorer, Four Seasons runs three resorts in the Maldives: Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, and the exclusive-use private island retreat of Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah.
Action
Hideaway Beach Resort unveils new indoor pickleball court for wellness enthusiasts

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, a multi-award-winning luxury destination located in the northern Maldives in Haa Alifu Atoll, has unveiled a new addition to its exceptional wellness and recreation amenities: an indoor pickleball court, housed within the newly established Hideaway Pickleball & Badminton Centre.
This latest enhancement further expands the resort’s impressive array of recreational activities, underlining its commitment to health, fitness, and the concept of active luxury living.
The indoor pickleball facility offers rental options for rackets, shoes, and balls, along with the flexibility to book the court either with or without a coach or hitting partner. The court has been professionally surfaced to ensure optimal playing conditions. As a chargeable experience, it guarantees premium quality, privacy, and personalised service.
This new addition complements a wide selection of fitness and recreational facilities already available at the resort, including badminton within a newly renovated, spacious fitness centre, a fully equipped games room with foosball, table tennis, and billiards, and a Fitness Bar serving protein shakes and other wellness beverages. These amenities ensure a wide range of engaging experiences, regardless of weather conditions.
The resort’s full spectrum of sporting and wellness offerings now includes:
- Indoor Golf Simulator
- Putting Green
- Fitness Centre
- Water Sports
- Games Room
- Wellness Studio
- Basketball
- Football
- Beach Volleyball
- Floating Aqua Park
- Padel
- Table Tennis
- Pickleball
- Badminton
These facilities place Hideaway among the top 5-star luxury resorts in the Maldives, distinguished by one of the most extensive sports offerings in the region.
In addition to its active pursuits, Hideaway also features the tranquil Hideaway Spa, nestled within the island’s lush tropical surroundings. Each spa treatment is designed as a holistic ritual, complemented by natural soundscapes—rustling palms, birdsong, and gentle breezes—to promote deep relaxation and rejuvenation for both body and mind.
Renowned for its 360-degree privacy, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is enveloped in verdant vegetation and offers expansive, well-separated villas. Each villa includes a personal butler to provide tailored service, reflecting the resort’s philosophy that true luxury lies in space and seclusion. Guests can also enjoy immediate access to the island’s double house reef, ideal for snorkelling and marine exploration just steps from the shore.
With its blend of untouched natural beauty, exclusive privacy, and heartfelt Maldivian hospitality, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa continues to redefine luxury in the Maldives—offering exceptional experiences across wellness, adventure, and relaxation for the discerning traveller.
Action
Is this the most scenic Padel Tennis court in the world?

If you’ve ever dreamed of playing your favourite sport with the sound of the ocean in your ears and palm trees swaying overhead, SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, may have just made that dream a reality. The resort has unveiled its latest lifestyle-driven feature – the first-ever GZ19 padel tennis courts in the Maldives – and it might just be the most breathtaking setting for a game of padel anywhere in the world.
Nestled on the white sands of SAii Lagoon Maldives, part of the award-winning CROSSROADS Maldives integrated destination, the courts are set against a stunning backdrop of turquoise waters, lush coconut palms, and an endless blue sky. Whether you’re a seasoned padel enthusiast or a curious beginner, this idyllic setting adds an unforgettable layer to your sporting experience.
The courts are open to both in-house guests and the local community, aligning with the resort’s vision of promoting wellness and active lifestyles while connecting with the surroundings. It’s not just a facility; it’s an invitation to stay fit, have fun, and soak in the Maldives’ natural beauty in a completely new way.
Michael Marshall, CEO of S Hotels & Resorts Public Company Limited, recently shared his excitement about this new addition, highlighting the group’s commitment to enriching the guest journey through innovative and health-conscious experiences.
“At S Hotels & Resorts, we’re always looking for fresh ways to elevate the guest experience and support wellness through lifestyle-driven offerings,” he noted.
Padel tennis – a fast-growing sport combining elements of tennis and squash – has been making waves globally, and now guests at SAii Lagoon can be part of the trend while enjoying world-class views. The addition of the GZ19 courts not only adds a dynamic recreational option for guests but also strengthens the resort’s position as a hub for premium leisure and wellbeing in the Maldives.
Whether you’re smashing volleys at sunset or rallying with friends under the tropical sun, this may just be the most scenic padel match you’ll ever play.
Game, set, Maldives.
Excursions
Underwater adventure awaits at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa’s Aqua Week 2025

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is inviting travellers to experience the extraordinary with the unveiling of its vibrant Maamutaa House Reef — a thriving underwater ecosystem situated just 100 meters from the resort’s shoreline. Boasting rich marine biodiversity and easy access, this reef presents a rare opportunity to explore the aquatic wonders of the Maldives without venturing far from shore.
The reef is home to an impressive array of marine life, including graceful green and hawksbill turtles, blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, schools of colourful parrotfish and angelfish, as well as occasional sightings of eagle rays and octopuses. According to the resort’s in-house marine biologist, the reef is not only highly accessible but also remarkably active, offering guests the chance to engage directly with a thriving marine ecosystem.
Visitors begin their journey with a swim through a flourishing seagrass bed — a crucial habitat in its own right — before reaching the reef drop-off, where the underwater spectacle unfolds. The reef’s hard and soft coral formations remain in excellent condition, protected by the atoll’s geography and sustained by strong ocean currents.
From July 13 to 20, 2025, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa will host Aqua Week 2025, an immersive celebration of underwater discovery, innovation, and environmental responsibility. This event marks the official launch of Phase 1 of the resort’s Seagrass Mapping & Awareness Project, offering guests the opportunity to participate in guided snorkeling tours, collect visual data, and learn about the importance of seagrass meadows in supporting marine biodiversity and mitigating climate change.
Aqua Week will also feature several high-profile collaborations. Insta360 will lead underwater content creation workshops, enabling guests to capture their marine adventures in 360-degree detail. Edge K5 will provide smart drive underwater scooters for a more dynamic exploration of the reef. Additionally, certified mermaid Gloria Xue will offer mermaid classes, host underwater photoshoots, and perform captivating mermaid shows in the resort’s Aqua Villa.
Bringing together sustainability, technology, and immersive storytelling, Aqua Week 2025 promises to be a memorable celebration beneath the waves.
As part of its broader commitment to environmental sustainability and in line with Green Globe’s certification standards, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has launched a comprehensive three-phase Seagrass Mapping & Awareness Project. The initiative aims to highlight the ecological significance of seagrass meadows, which serve as nurseries for marine life and play a key role in carbon sequestration.
The project includes:
- Phase 1 (July): Seagrass identification and mapping in collaboration with resort staff and guests.
- Phase 2 (August–September): Guided snorkeling tours to collect visual data and raise awareness, continuing during Aqua Week.
- Phase 3 (October): The premiere of a short documentary film that captures the project’s progress and outcomes.
- This initiative not only contributes to the protection of a vital marine habitat but also encourages guest participation in meaningful conservation efforts.
The reef at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa serves as the foundation for a range of signature guest experiences designed to educate, inspire, and engage:
- Expert-led guided snorkeling tours
- Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) sessions directly from the beach
- Night snorkeling under UV light to reveal biofluorescence
- Citizen science programs focused on seasonal seagrass research
- Kids’ Ocean Explorers — a playful educational program tailored for young marine enthusiasts
Whether seasoned divers, casual snorkellers, or curious beginners, guests at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa can enjoy direct access to the wonders of the Indian Ocean with ease and unforgettable reward.
-
Excursions1 week ago
Underwater adventure awaits at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa’s Aqua Week 2025
-
Action1 week ago
Is this the most scenic Padel Tennis court in the world?
-
Featured1 week ago
Summer escape starts here: discover Centara’s dream destinations in Maldives
-
Drink1 week ago
Island indulgence: immersive dining experiences at Angsana Velavaru
-
Drink1 week ago
Sommeliers and hospitality leaders to gather at Ifuru Island for exclusive Liquid Tasting Event
-
Awards6 days ago
Minor Hotels’ Maldives resorts sweep Travel + Leisure accolades for unrivalled luxury
-
Awards5 days ago
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s spa secures top 3 spot in Travel + Leisure Asia’s 2025 Luxury Awards for Maldives
-
Honeymoon5 days ago
Sun, sand, searches: Maldives tops charts for 2025 newlyweds