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The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands Partners with Jean-Michel Cousteau

Jean-Michel Cousteau
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives partners with Jean-Michel Cousteau to Bring Ambassadors of the Environment Program to the Region.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands announced its partnership with the iconic Jean-Michel Cousteau. The property opening on 1st June 2021, will be the only resort in the region to offer the Ambassadors of the Environment program and will join five other Ritz-Carlton properties globally to bring this preservation program to guests.

In collaboration with the Ocean’s Future Society, the resort will enrich the experience for guests of all ages to the natural Maldivian wonders both above and below water.

With the goal of marine conservation, Jean-Michel Cousteau has dedicated his entire life to working with leaders of countries and industries, and especially the next generation, to share with them the value of ocean heritage, the need to protect it, and specific actions for sustainable management.

Extending the Ambassadors of the Environment program to the Maldives was an obvious next step for the brand as it will allow our naturalists to create new and cutting-edge programming for the resort’s guests.

Richard Murphy, a spokesman for the Ocean’s Future organization.

Murphy began working with Jean-Michel and his father in 1968. With a PhD in marine biology, he has participated in Cousteau expeditions around the world and served as a photographer, scientist, educator, and spokesman for the Cousteaus. He now leads the Ambassadors of the Environment teams and is intimately involved in the development of new programs with the
Ritz-Carlton brand.

As the only resort offering this in the region, our partnership with the iconic Jean-Michel Cousteau will further our commitment to a sustainable future and bring this incredibly important environmental preservation aspect through to the guest experience.

Mark Hehir, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, will carry on the values of Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society through immersive and educational programming that explores and protects the delicate ecosystem of the Maldives. Each program’s menu of activities varies on what the region supports however, programming may include kayaking, underwater photography and videography, rock wall climbing, night snorkelling, astronomy and more.

Beginning in 2005, Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company L.L.C. agreed to partner exclusively and bring Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program to Ritz-Carlton hotels around the world.

Currently, the program provides educational, outdoor adventures to guests and the local communities of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman; The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua; Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve; The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara and Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

Feature image by The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

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OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO Celebrates Women’s Dive Month with PADI

OBLU NATURE Helengeli Celebrates Women’s Dive Month

OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO is diving headfirst into a new chapter for women in scuba by launching International PADI Women’s Dive Month this July. In partnership with TGI Maldives, ELE|NA Ayur Spa, and marine biologist Luca Melodia, the resort has transformed the annual PADI Women’s Dive Day on July 19 into a month-long celebration of underwater exploration and holistic wellness.

Matt Wenger, PADI Regional Manager for the Maldives, sees the extended celebration as a natural evolution of the sport’s growing inclusivity.

“As a leading PADI certified dive centre in the Indian Ocean, the team at TGI Maldives brings exceptional expertise in introducing ocean enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds to the wonders of scuba diving. This July, by extending our PADI Women’s Dive Day celebration into a month-long event at the truly stunning OBLU NATURE Helengeli resort, we aim to welcome even more newcomers to the sport while also offering advanced certifications for existing enthusiasts”.

Expanding Access to Diving for Women and Families

Building on the momentum of receiving the 2024 “PADI Outstanding Contribution to Women’s Diving” award, OBLU NATURE Helengeli and TGI Maldives continue to expand access to diving for women and families. As a result, they aim to create more inclusive opportunities for travelers to connect with the ocean in one of the world’s most biodiverse marine environments.

Located on a remote island in the Malé Atoll, OBLU NATURE Helengeli offers a rare combination of accessibility and adventure. Its house reef lies just meters from the shoreline, while nearby dive sites draw both beginners and experienced divers. Throughout the month, the resort invites solo female travelers, adventurous families, and friend groups to take part in a curated itinerary of dive sessions, wellness activities, and marine talks—all included under the resort’s comprehensive OBLU Island Plan™.

Diving and Wellness Combined for an Unforgettable Experience

TGI Maldives, the resort’s long-standing dive partner, brings more than 40 years of experience to the program. The dive center has consistently supported women in diving, and this year, it offers exclusive discounts on all dives booked by women. That includes the PADI Discover Scuba Dive, a beginner-friendly program that welcomes even non-swimmers into the sport. Meanwhile, experienced divers can join guided excursions into the Indian Ocean to uncover the region’s lesser-known underwater treasures.

In addition to diving, ELE|NA Ayur Spa has introduced more than 18 different wellness activities, scheduled throughout the month. The program includes sunrise yoga, aqua aerobics, and core stability classes—each designed to improve flexibility, stamina, and breath control, all essential elements for divers. Moreover, women who book any dive with TGI Maldives also receive a discount on two signature spa therapies: the Coconut Shell and Sand Bundle massages. These treatments draw on traditional Maldivian healing techniques and use only sustainable, locally sourced ingredients.

TGI Maldives Operations Manager Greta Marcelli shared the inspiration behind this year’s expanded Women’s Dive Month.

There’s nothing like seeing guests’ emotions after their first dive. While we celebrate women in diving year-round, PADI Women’s Dive Month in July provides a platform to offer more reasons to join us in paradise. Partnering with the ELE|NA Ayur spa team and Marine Biologist Luca Melodia, we are creating an unforgettable and educational journey. We aim to bring together women, friends, and families for an immersive escape. Guests will enjoy diving, spa wellness classes, and all-inclusive dining. It’s a soulful island adventure into the aquatic world and beyond.

To celebrate, OBLU NATURE Helengeli offers a 20% discount on fully inclusive stays of four nights or more during July. Women who book PADI dive courses through TGI Maldives receive 20% off all certifications throughout the month, while ELE|NA Ayur Spa matches that discount on its signature Coconut Shell and Sand Bundle treatments for female guests.

With its combination of world-class diving, award-winning wellness, and a mission to uplift women in the sport, OBLU NATURE Helengeli is turning July into more than just a getaway—it’s a gateway into the ocean’s wonders.

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