In recognition of their outstanding service to women in diving, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, a resort under renowned hospitality company Atmosphere Core, and dive centre partner TGI Maldives have been jointly awarded the “Outstanding Contribution to Women in Diving” award by PADI, once again putting the destination on the global map as one of the most desirable destinations in the world.
The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) is the world’s largest purpose-driven diving organization, operating in 180 countries and territories and issuing more than 30 million dive certifications. With more than 6,600 PADI dive centers and resorts worldwide, it is a fantastic achievement for TGI Maldives and OBLU NATURE Helengeli to receive this special contribution award.
PADI announced its 10th global celebration and introduced the Women In Diving Initiative and the annual PADI Women’s Dive Day as solutions to increase inclusivity and belonging for women in the diving industry. The “Outstanding Contribution to Women’s Diving” award recognises TGI Maldives and OBLU NATURE Helengeli for breaking down barriers and enabling more women to explore the underwater world.
Dr Abdulla Niyaz, Minister of State for Tourism of the Republic of Maldives, attended the awards ceremony held on the shores of Helengeli Island, along with Matt Wenger, PADI Regional Manager Maldives, and Ibrahim Siuli, CEO and Managing Director of Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation (MMPRC).To support women in diving, the resort hosted a PADI Women’s Dive Day celebration event from 14 to 17 July, inviting 10 female journalists from around the world and female dive instructors from TGI Maldives.
Acknowledging the importance of actively promoting women’s diving in the Maldives, Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal commented, “We have witnessed the transformation of our small country over the past three decades as one of the world’s most desirable holiday destinations. Our island nation has evolved from humble beginnings in an archipelago into a paradise that everyone can enjoy. The demographic of tourists visiting the Maldives today is very different to those of the early days. In the 1980s, it was couples who visited; now it is a mix of couples, families and group parties, all looking to experience the magic of the Maldives first-hand.”
“As global society evolves, so too does the Maldives. The increase in friends travelling rather than couples and the rise in solo travellers over the past decade is testament to this. Many of these travellers are women, looking to escape the everyday and experience the adrift feeling of freedom and independence that can only be found in the Maldives. The PADI award, presented at OBLU NATURE Helengeli in partnership with TGI Maldives, reinforces hotelier Atmosphere Core’s commitment to creating experiences for all. The Ministry of Tourism congratulates the team at Helengeli and especially the highly skilled team at TGI Maldives for creating a centre of excellence for women in diving. This award recognises not only the Maldives as a top diving destination for all divers around the world, but also all involved.”
Matt Wenger, PADI Regional Manager, added: “Since our founding in 1966, actively promoting and supporting women in diving has been at the heart of PADI’s ethos. As part of PADI’s pillar of transformation, we are focused on promoting diversity, enhancing the healing aspects of the sport and fostering inclusivity so that everyone can enjoy the underwater world. We are pleased to celebrate the contributions of TGI Maldives and OBLU NATURE Helengeli in encouraging more women to seek adventure and protect the ocean.”
“We are proud to mark the 10th anniversary of ‘PADI Women’s Dive Day’ by presenting this award to TGI Maldives at OBLU NATURE Helengeli. This award recognises what we believe to be a world-class location and a holistic experience that combines PADI certified dive sites, excellent dive centre service and exemplary hospitality.”
For women divers, beginners and experienced, it’s hard to find a more beautiful place than OBLU NATURE Helengeli. Scuba dive the famous dive sites, explore unexplored areas, snorkel the vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, and enjoy endless opportunities to catch a glimpse of local manta rays, turtles, octopus and sharks, not to mention the tropical creatures that inhabit the Indian Ocean. Pods of dolphins can sometimes be seen swimming past restaurants located right on the island’s reef. The island is the perfect destination for both high seas exploration and an unforgettable life adrift.
Aside from the incredible dive sites, scuba diving and snorkeling are beautifully woven into the resort’s overall lifestyle, seamlessly blending with the ELE|NA Spa experience. Divers can enjoy advanced treatments and therapies to relax and heal before and after diving. Sunset yoga is accompanied by breathing exercises and floating meditation sessions, ensuring all divers have a relaxing getaway both underwater and on the island.
Accepting the award on behalf of TGI Maldives and OBLU NATURE Helengeli, Dive Center Operations Manager Greta Marcelli and Resort General Manager Ali Shakir concluded: “Our partnership at OBLU NATURE Helengeli is constantly striving to enhance our guests’ experience, both on the island, a dream destination, and in the ocean, a place of true wonder.”
“By working closely with PADI and offering the safest certified diving courses, we aim to inspire curious minds to explore the wonders of the ocean and guide professional divers to unknown places. Receiving the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Women’s Diving’ award in celebration of the 10th anniversary of PADI Women’s Dive Day is testament to the efforts made by our entire team, both underwater and above the water. Our combination of first-class hospitality and exceptional diving experiences keeps OBLU NATURE Helengeli at the forefront of the sport in the Indian Ocean, not just for female divers, but for everyone.”
OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO is located on the tip of North Male Atoll, a scenic 50-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport.
