The Maldives is set to welcome back renowned freediver and ocean conservationist Hanli Prinsloo this September, with an expanded programme of freediving retreats across two resorts in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Following the success of her 2025 retreat at Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, Hanli will return with two distinct experiences designed to introduce guests to the underwater world through breathwork, ocean exploration and mindful connection with the sea.
The programme begins with a Family Freediving Retreat at Avani+ Fares Maldives from 7 to 10 September 2026, followed by Into the Blue, a four-night retreat at NH Collection Maldives Reethi from 14 to 18 September 2026.
Together, the programmes offer different ways to discover the marine environment of Baa Atoll, from a family-friendly introduction to freediving to a more immersive experience for adults aged 16 and above.
Family Freediving at Avani+ Fares Maldives
The Family Freediving Retreat is designed to make freediving approachable and enjoyable for parents and children.
Rather than focusing on depth, speed or competition, the programme centres on building confidence in the water and developing an understanding of breathing, floating and underwater movement.
Activities will include:
- Breathwork
- Floating exercises
- Snorkelling
- Gentle duck dives
- Underwater games
- Family ocean experiences
The programme provides families with an opportunity to discover the ocean together while learning how to feel more comfortable and confident in the water.
Ocean Aware Month at Avani+ Fares
Hanli’s Family Freediving Retreat will also launch Ocean Aware Month, the resort’s annual September programme dedicated to marine discovery and conservation.
Throughout the month, guests can participate in activities including coral conservation and planting workshops, underwater photography and videography sessions, beach clean-ups and PADI speciality courses.
The programme highlights the importance of understanding and protecting the marine environment while giving guests practical opportunities to become more engaged with the ocean.
Celebrating World Manta Day
On 17 September, Avani+ Fares Maldives will also mark World Manta Day with a series of marine-inspired experiences.
Guests of different ages can take part in art workshops inspired by the ocean, alongside snorkelling excursions to Hanifaru Bay, one of the Maldives’ renowned locations for seasonal manta ray gatherings.
For travellers interested in combining a Maldives holiday with marine conservation and wildlife experiences, the programme offers an opportunity to explore Baa Atoll’s remarkable underwater environment.
Into the Blue at NH Collection Maldives Reethi
Following the family retreat, Hanli will continue to NH Collection Maldives Reethi for the four-night Into the Blue retreat from 14 to 18 September 2026.
Designed for guests aged 16 and above who are comfortable swimming, the retreat offers a deeper exploration of freediving through a combination of physical preparation, breathwork and underwater experiences.
The programme includes:
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Guided breathing
- House reef snorkelling
- Rope freediving
- Drift dives
- Guided ocean exploration
Both beginners and experienced freedivers can participate, with the programme allowing guests to develop their skills progressively and at their own pace.
Discover the Underwater World of Baa Atoll
A highlight of the Into the Blue retreat will be an excursion to Hanifaru Bay, located approximately 15 minutes from NH Collection Maldives Reethi.
Guests can also explore the resort’s house reef, where marine life includes angelfish, clownfish, reef sharks and sea turtles.
The combination of guided training, reef exploration and access to Baa Atoll’s marine environment makes the retreat an opportunity to experience the Maldives beyond its beaches and lagoons.
Hanli Prinsloo’s Return to the Maldives
Hanli Prinsloo is an eleven-time freediving world-record holder and ocean conservationist whose work combines underwater exploration with ocean awareness.
Her return to Baa Atoll reflects the growing interest in wellness and adventure experiences that connect travellers more closely with nature.
The two retreats offer different approaches while sharing a common focus: developing confidence in the ocean, appreciating the underwater environment and encouraging greater awareness of marine conservation.
Retreat Packages
The three-night Family Freediving Retreat at Avani+ Fares Maldives starts from USD 3,160 per person, based on single occupancy.
The package includes:
- Accommodation
- Full board
- Return seaplane transfers
- All retreat sessions
Ocean Aware Month activities are complimentary for resort guests, subject to availability.
The four-night Into the Blue retreat at NH Collection Maldives Reethi starts from USD 4,333 net per adult, including accommodation on full board, return seaplane transfers and the complete retreat programme.
A Different Way to Experience the Maldives
For travellers looking beyond traditional beach holidays, these retreats highlight another side of the Maldives—one centred on ocean exploration, wellness, marine life and conservation.
From families discovering the joy of underwater exploration together to experienced adults developing their freediving skills, Hanli Prinsloo’s September programme offers a distinctive way to connect with the Baa Atoll and its extraordinary marine environment.
Partner with Lets Go Maldives
Looking to offer Avani+ Fares Maldives, NH Collection Maldives Reethi, freediving retreats and marine experiences to your clients?
Partner with Lets Go Maldives, your trusted Maldives DMC and B2B travel partner.
B2B Partnerships & Trade Enquiries:
reserve@letsgomaldives.com
Reservations:
hotels@letsgomaldives.com
WhatsApp / Telegram / Viber:
+960 7269967
Partner with Lets Go Maldives for Maldives resort bookings, wellness and adventure experiences, marine excursions and B2B travel opportunities.