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Dive Desk’s Adam Ashraf completes PADI Course Director programme

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Dive Desk has announced that its Managing Director and Dive Instructor, Adam Ashraf has just completed the PADI Course Director Programme held this July in Thailand, becoming one of the few PADI Course Directors in the Maldives.

The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) is the world’s most popular dive training agency, certifying the greatest number of recreational divers world-wide. Within the PADI system, Course Director is the highest and most respected professional rating in recreational scuba diving, which qualifies them to conduct Instructor Development Courses (IDCs) and other instructor-level training. Course Directors are the scuba diving industry’s most influential leaders and role models.

The Course Director Training Course is held only twice a year and seasoned PADI Instructors from all over the world undergo a competitive application process that examines experience and training goals in order to qualify for the program. Applicants are required to have experience in teaching Instructor Candidates, under the mentorship of experienced Course Directors.

For the past five years, Ashraf, as leader of the Instructor Development team at Dive Desk, which is comprised of professional Maldivians, has been collaborating with the world’s most experienced and renowned Course Director, Mark Soworka of Dive Careers Worldwide in conducting PADI Instructor Development Courses in the Maldives. With fifteen Instructor Development Courses under their belt, this team is among the most experienced dive educators in the country. Instructor Candidates can choose from one of the many scheduled programs throughout the year, held at different islands in the Maldives.

Ashraf has met the requirements and has been accepted to the Course Director Training course since 2019. However, due to the quarantine and travel restrictions during the pandemic, PADI had ceased their CDTCs. The programs resumed recently and Ashraf was able to travel to and attend the first program held in the Asia region.

Adam Ashraf’s first IDC as a Course Director is at Fuvamulah, scheduled to take place from 21 July to 5 August 2022. This is the first such program in the South of Maldives and will be a good opportunity for Instructor Candidates in the area to take part in a course, closer to/at home. His second IDC is scheduled to take place in Male’, for the IDC candidates selected from the government’s fully-funded scheme. More Instructor Development Courses are scheduled to be held at different locations, regularly.

At just 37 years old, Adam Ashraf has spent more than 23 years as a scuba diver. After working in liveaboards and resorts, Ashraf started Dive Desk, with his wife Nadha, in order to support and train the local dive community. Dive Desk is a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Centre operating in Malé for the past eight years. He is excited to grow Dive Desk and continue to open opportunities to help professional-level divers to progress in their dive careers. The dream is to make Maldives the prime destination for professional level dive education.

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Alila Kothaifaru Maldives aligns festive events with World of Care commitments

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Alila Kothaifaru Maldives will mark the festive season with a programme that combines charitable initiatives with its sustainability commitments. Guests will be invited to donate, run, paddle and plant in support of local community and environmental projects, alongside dining experiences that highlight Maldivian produce.

Under its World of Care commitments, the resort has adopted initiatives to improve the school experience for children at R. Maduvvari School on the neighbouring island and to protect the surrounding marine ecosystem. Participation in the season’s activities will contribute directly to these programmes.

From 25 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, guests may purchase wrapped gifts from a Christmas Charity Surprise Tree, with all proceeds directed to the resort’s charitable causes.

On 27 December 2025, Euro Divers will lead a coral-planting session within the house reef. The activity forms part of an ongoing conservation effort to strengthen reef resilience by increasing coral diversity through the careful planting of hardy coral fragments.

Seasalt restaurant will host a “Boat to Table” beachfront barbecue on 28 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. The buffet will feature seafood such as giant tuna sashimi, ceviche and grilled fish prepared from the day’s catch supplied by local fishermen, reflecting the resort’s focus on local sourcing and support for the Raa Atoll community.

A Charity Kayak Race will take place on 30 December 2025 and 5 January 2026. Entry will be by voluntary donation, with funds supporting enhancements at the R. Maduvvari pre-school.

On 2 January 2026, the programme will conclude with a Charity Island Fun Run around the island. Branded t-shirts will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the resort’s community initiatives.

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Awards

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo wins triple honours at World Luxury Awards 2025

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Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has received three titles at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, named Luxury Adults Only Resort, Luxury Island Resort, and Luxury Cultural Resort in the Indian Ocean.

The awards highlight the brand’s focus on locally rooted hospitality, with stays shaped by place, service and community. The resort presents Maldivian culture through curated experiences, pairing contemporary comforts with island traditions.

Positioned as an adults-only retreat, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo integrates culinary influences and cultural programming to offer guests a stay informed by the rhythm of local life and delivered with consistent service standards.

“These awards are a true reflection of our team’s passion for creating experiences that feel both local and memorable. Every detail, from the design to the service, is guided by the authenticity that defines Mercure. We are grateful to our guests for being part of this journey,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.

The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, honouring properties that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and celebrate diversity across the travel sector.

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Awards

Hat-trick for Pullman Maldives Maamutaa at 2025 World Luxury Awards

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Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has received three honours at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, securing titles for Best Luxury All-Inclusive Hotel, Best Luxury Wellness Hotel, and Best Luxury Family Hotel in the Indian Ocean.

The awards underscore the resort’s approach to experience-led hospitality, combining design, wellbeing and guest engagement. The recognition also reflects Pullman’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, which sit at the centre of the brand’s strategy.

Since opening, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has developed an all-inclusive offering that brings together adventure, wellness and a close connection to the natural environment. Its portfolio includes an underwater villa, wellness concepts and family-oriented experiences.

“We are honoured to receive this recognition at the 2025 World Luxury Awards. These awards celebrate the heart of what we do—creating inspiring moments for every guest, whether they come to reconnect, recharge, or simply play. This achievement belongs to our incredible team, whose passion and dedication make Pullman Maldives Maamutaa what it is today,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.

The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, highlighting hotels that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and demonstrate innovation in service and design.

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