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Six Senses Laamu Hosts First Annual Water/Wo/Men Event

Maldives Promotion House – Hollywood stars Daryl Hannah and Kate Bosworth, Jose Garcia, Melanie Laurent, supermodel Helena Christensen, British singer Beth Orton, Foo Fighters keyboard player Rami Jaffee, Bollywood Director Shekhar Kapur and German actress Michaela Merten united with the biggest names in water sports and marine conservation, brought together by Six Senses Resorts & Spas to raise funds for UNESCO Biosphere Reserve through the BLUE Marine Foundation.
Six Senses, the resort industry leader in sustainable development, in partnership with +H2O, hosted the first Six Senses Water/Wo/Men event between 30th September and 4th October at its Six Senses Laamu resort in the Maldives. +H20 is a platform for water awareness that brings together a community of athletes, conservationists, non-profits and corporations to create purposeful solutions that facilitate positive change on a local to global scale.
Proceeds from this event will be donated to three key marine charities, the Water Charity, Plant a Fish and Blue Marine Foundation. Blue Marine Foundation will place the proceeds from this event into the Baa Atoll Conservation Fund to manage the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Water/Wo/Men, from iconic surfers Bethany Hamilton and Layne Beachley, Buzzy Kerbox , Tripoli Patterson, Terry Simms to windsurfers Jake Miller, Levi Siver, Keith Teboul and Pascal Bronnimann, kite surfers Mark Shinn and Alex Caizergues, free diver Anna von Boetticher and extreme wakeboarder Duncan Zuur offered water sports clinics to Six Senses Laamu guests throughout the week as well as impressing guests with an adrenalin pumping ‘water sports show’ surfing and wakeboarding over the famous ‘Yin Yang’ wave a short boat ride away.
Conservationists lead engaging dialogues, workshops and debates on the most pressing marine and drinking water issues facing our planet today, examples included ‘Giving the Oceans A Voice’ moderated by recognized biologist and oceanographer Dr. Callum Roberts and featuring National Geographic Explorer Jon Bowermaster and Fabien Cousteau, the aquatic filmmaker and Founder of Plant A Fish; ‘Marine Reserves: A Panacea For the Ocean?’ with Mitali Kakkar, Indian marine conservationist and featuring Carl Gustaf Lundin, Director of Global Marine Programme, International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Chris Gorell Barnes, Executive Producer of End of the Line; ‘Water as a Human Right/ Dr. Jacqueline Chan and Averill Strasser, co-founders of Water Charity.
“Global industrial growth, most of it very far away, has brought the Maldives to the frontline in the battle against rising sea levels. What happens to the Maldives and its 400,000 inhabitants may foretell the future of coastal regions around the globe. That is why events such as Watermen are so vital,” Chairman and Founder of Six Senses Sonu Shivdasani said.
“From this year forward, Six Senses Water/Wo/Men will offer an innovative, meaningful opportunity to play in the Indian Ocean among living legends while taking part in a unique part to move our global community – in the words of Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed and Time magazine Hero of the Environment – ‘from apathy to action.’”
Guests were entertained by impromptu performances by Beth Orton, Daryl Hannah and Rami Jaffee during the week at Chill bar and a memorable sunset beach jam involving Maldivian musicians on local drums at the finale ‘Barefoot Ball’ evening. Nightly open-air screenings at Cinema Paradiso on the beach were accompanied with bowls of ice cream chosen from the 50 flavours on offer at the ice cream parlour, movies shown included ‘The End of the Line’ and a surprise screening of Soul Surfer introduced by Bethany Hamilton.
Chefs kept everyone sustained with ethically sourced gourmet food enjoyed with sustainable wines from Australia’s Margaret River region. Winemakers from this region hosted a gourmet wine tasting dinner on the beach whilst Fabien Cousteau, Daryl Hannah, Helena Christensen and Kate Bosworth enjoyed a Zero Carbon dinner at LEAF.
“It has been an honour to have been part of this extraordinary event sharing ideas with existing ocean advocates and through the screening of the End of the Line and the debates throughout the course of the week engaging a new and wider audience. We are delighted to be able to play a part in another important marine reserve project in the Indian Ocean through this unique partnership with Six Senses resorts & spas” Co founder Blue Marine Foundation, Chris Gorell Barnes said.
This timely gathering took place at the new Six Senses Laamu, the only resort in remote Laamu Atoll, 150 km north of the equator and famed for its ultrafine soft sand. Laamu’s ninety-seven responsibly luxurious villas sit back on the beach nestled among the lush indigenous vegetation or over the clear turquoise lagoon. Each offers complete privacy along with Six Senses signature creature comforts. Using local, sustainable materials allowed Six Senses to make only the lightest footprint on this otherwise untouched paradise.
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Fast, fun, and fearless: Jet Car rides arrive at Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Vilu Reef

At Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, guests can now glide across the pristine turquoise lagoons aboard a sleek, high-performance Jet Car — a new water adventure that seamlessly blends excitement with elegance. This latest addition invites guests to experience the Maldives from an entirely fresh perspective, all while immersed in the refined comfort and distinctive style for which both resorts are renowned. A striking combination of speed, scenic beauty, and luxury, the Jet Car experience encapsulates the resorts’ dedication to delivering unforgettable moments for discerning travellers.
Powered by a high-performance Yamaha engine, the Jet Car offers a thrilling ride over the clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Guests may select from various packages, including guided excursions where a professional driver navigates the route, or private hire options that allow guests to take control, accompanied by a jet ski guide for added safety and assistance.
At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, the experience is marked by a sleek white Jet Car that creates a dramatic contrast against the deep ocean hues, while Sun Siyam Iru Veli introduces a vibrant pink Jet Car that brings a playful splash of colour to the horizon. With intuitive controls, the Jet Cars cater to both seasoned water sports enthusiasts and beginners alike. Built-in Bluetooth speakers further personalise the journey, allowing guests to curate their own soundtrack for the ride.
To mark the launch of the Jet Car, both resorts are offering exclusive summer packages. At Sun Siyam Iru Veli, guests staying a minimum of seven nights will receive complimentary round-trip seaplane transfers for two, a veranda breakfast, a Lucky Dolphin Cruise, a USD 100 spa credit on selected treatments, and a welcome bottle of wine with signature bed decoration. Meanwhile, the offer at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef includes complimentary transfers, a sparkling wine and fruit basket on arrival, the choice of a floating or in-villa breakfast, a 30-minute couple’s spa treatment, a complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability), access to selected non-motorised water sports, and free accommodation for children under 12.
Available for bookings made until 31 August, these seasonal offers present a perfect opportunity for guests to pair barefoot luxury with exhilarating new experiences on the water.
Excursions
OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO hosts Dive Month for female journalists

PADI Women’s Dive Day, observed globally on 19th July, serves as an invitation for more women to engage with the underwater world, gain new skills, and become stewards of the ocean. At OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, this vision was extended into a month-long celebration, welcoming solo travellers, adventurous women, and families to take part.
As part of its inaugural International Women’s Dive Month, the resort hosted seven international female journalists for three days of scuba diving, storytelling, and shared experiences. The initiative was held in collaboration with dive centre TGI Maldives and ELE|NA Ayur Spa, a leader in wellness within the Maldives.
Alain Trefois, General Manager at OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, noted the significance of the occasion, stating that the belief in diving being accessible to all was brought vividly to life. He described the gathering of journalists from London to Almaty as a powerful meeting of East and West, united by encouragement and camaraderie both above and beneath the waves—an atmosphere the resort strives to cultivate.
Set against the backdrop of a vibrant house reef just steps from the shore and world-renowned dive sites nearby, Helengeli provides an ideal environment for both novice and experienced divers. For many of the visiting journalists, it marked their first time experiencing life beneath the surface—and it was only the beginning. Through a thoughtfully curated programme blending scuba diving with ocean-inspired wellness treatments, rejuvenating spa rituals, and insightful marine conservation talks, the resort created an immersive and holistic journey that left a lasting impression.
The heartfelt hospitality, expertise, and dedication of the resort’s operations team played a central role in the experience, ensuring that every element ran seamlessly and with sincere warmth.
Joining the journalists on their dives was Greta Marcelli, Operations Manager at TGI Maldives, who reflected on the joy of witnessing first-time divers. She described diving with such a diverse and pioneering group of women as profoundly inspiring and shared that Women’s Dive Month was introduced not only to celebrate women in diving but to foster connection, confidence, and a sense of community.
The media group, comprised entirely of women, brought together voices from across Europe and Central Asia. Among them were Ms. Dorothee Elisabeth Pfaffel of Augsburger Allgemeine and Allgäuer Zeitung (Germany), Ms. Camilla Rocca of Forbes and StyleCorriere (Italy), Ms. Irina Buchnaya of STEPPE (Kazakhstan), Ms. Míra Németi of Marie Claire (Hungary), Ms. Ivana Bednářová of Prestige Magazine (Czech Republic), Ms. Tamara Rybicka of Zwierciadlo (Poland), and UK-based freelance journalist Ms. Monica Daisy Meade. Their varied backgrounds in luxury, lifestyle, travel, and culture journalism brought a rich and global perspective to the occasion.
As the final dives came to a close, it was clear that the gathering had evolved beyond a press trip. It became a movement, a meaningful moment, and a memory in motion—one that each journalist will carry forward, with salt in their hair, stories in their hearts, and a lasting connection to the sea.
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Tribute to tradition: Milaidhoo Maldives introduces ‘Set Sail with Captain Ibbe’

Milaidhoo Maldives, the exclusive boutique island nestled in the heart of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, has launched a deeply immersive new offering: Set Sail with Captain Ibbe. More than a typical sunset fishing trip, this thoughtfully curated experience invites guests to reconnect with the rhythm of Maldivian island life, guided by tradition, sustainability, and heartfelt storytelling.
Reflecting Milaidhoo’s philosophy that true luxury lies not merely in what is seen or served, but in what is felt, this new experience captures the essence of the brand’s “reinvented luxury” and “island-inspired” ethos. Guests are invited to discover the soul of the Maldives through its most enduring and elemental force—the sea.
At the helm is Captain Ibbe, a proud Maldivian and long-standing crew member at Milaidhoo. Hailing from the island of Kendhikulhudhoo in Noonu Atoll, the sea has been an intrinsic part of his life from early childhood. For Captain Ibbe, time on the water feels like a return home. With his ever-warm smile and deep-rooted knowledge of the ocean, he guides guests through time-honoured Maldivian fishing techniques, such as trolling and jigging, relying solely on line and instinct passed down through generations.
But the journey does not end with the day’s final catch.
As the sun sets below the horizon, guests are transported to a secluded, untouched sandbank, where an unforgettable scene unfolds. Welcomed by the rhythmic beat of Bodu Beru drums and bathed in the golden light of dusk, guests are treated to a private beachside barbecue. Here, a chef transforms the fresh catch into a traditional Maldivian feast, cooked over an open flame and wrapped in banana leaves, just as the islanders have done for generations.
With cocktail in hand and toes in the sand, guests enjoy a magical evening beneath the stars—far removed from the demands of the world, surrounded only by the gentle lapping of waves and the whisper of the ocean breeze.
The Set Sail with Captain Ibbe experience is more than a simple excursion; it is a celebration of sustainability, authenticity, and connection. From age-old fishing methods to a dinner inspired by local traditions, every detail reflects Milaidhoo’s dedication to preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of the Maldives.
At Milaidhoo, the greatest luxury lies in meaningful moments—where nature envelops you and every experience tells a timeless story.
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