Tag: Maldives

Photography enthusiasts will be able to dive beneath the surface of the Indian Ocean as LUX* Maldives launches the first Underwater Festival from 14th and 20th May, 2012.

Fans of diving and photography will be able to take part in a series of workshops, courses, and introductory sessions during Maldives holidays. Award-winning photographers will run numerous underwater courses that will allow visitors to experience free-diving and fluo night diving.

The General Manager of LUX* Maldives and avid free-diver, Dominik Ruhl, explained: This time its all about water. We wanted to draw the curtains of the underwater world to our guests by giving them the unique opportunity not only to dive some of the most beautiful dive sites on the planet, but also to meet the experts of the sea and learn how to bring these treasures home.

The luxury resort recently opened a Marine Biology Centre on the island which is dedicated to protecting whale sharks in the South Ari Atoll waters and this years festival allows tourists to learn more about the underwater world throughout their holidays in the Maldives.

The festival will feature leading marine experts including the French multi-award winning underwater photographer, Pascal Kobeh, who will take part in the festival as a member of the judging panel and a coach.

Kobeh commented: I started shooting underwater pictures while I was a diving instructor here in the Maldives; I havent stopped since then, and it became by profession. It brought me here today with the same passion I had ten years ago and I am very excited to join the festival.

While enjoying holidays to the Maldives at the resort, attendees will have the chance to take part in interesting and informative workshops with LUX* Maldives resident marine biologist, Chiara Fumagalli.

There will also be documentaries about the oceans diverse marine life, underwater films, and news about the ongoing research on the whale sharks at the Marine Biology Centre.

The festival will also allow participants to try free diving sessions with Jean-Jacques Mayol, the founder of the free-diving Team Mayol and son of free-diving legend Jacques Mayol.

Photographers booking Maldives holidays at the resort can experience the underwater world at night by taking part in fluo-diving excursions. Divers use a set of special filters on their masks and torches, which enhances a unique diving experience at night.

Festival-goers will have the chance to win several prizes during the week-long event and the best photographs will be submitted to the judging panel with a top prize including a five-night stay at one of LUX* Islands Resorts Mauritius, La Reunion or Maldives hotels.

Many people think going on holiday in the Maldives is only for the wealthy, but in fact, there are many excellent places to stay for us budget travelers. The Maldives’ island chain is located about 700 kilometers south-west of Sri Lanka and is comprised of 90,000 square kilometers with 1,192 coral islets, and it is among the most diverse and sparsely populated regions on earth.

Because of the fact that it is surrounded by pure white beaches and azure sea; no matter which way you turn, the scenic beauty is abundant in every direction. Add to this the fact, that the Maldives is a tropical nation with temperatures ranging between 24 C and 33 C, all year round. Now add to this the fact that you can also find excellent budget-priced accommodation, which makes the Maldives the best choice for your holiday destination.

Where you stay in this magnificent island chain is completely dependent upon your personal interests; but, either way, there are literally hundreds of high quality resorts and hotels within everyone’s price-range. If city life is your thing, there are a great many economy hotels in Mal, all conveniently located near the National Museum, Theaters, Bazaars, parks and the like.

Why not try the Holiday Inn Inn Kandooma Fushi in Mal, and go diving in the nearby Indian Ocean? Total price is only ca. $227.00 per night.

For those wanting to get away from it all, the Velidhu Island Resort on the northern Ari Atoll offers air-conditioned rooms, beach front and over-water bungalows, and can be had starting at only $192.00 per night.

Another great option for budget visitors is Hostels with prices sure to please. The Cokes Surf Camp located on the North Mal atoll on Thuludhoo Island includes breakfast and linen for the low price of $85.00; it’s equipped with air-conditioning, TV and fan.

For something totally different, why not check in at the Floating Hostel Princess Aifa, also located on Thuludhoo Island which is right near the main hub of the surfing action. This hostel features air-conditioning, internet, guest kitchen, restaurant and bar.