Subaquatic adventures with Cheval Blanc Randheli:New dive and snorkel

Experience the mesmerising underwater world with Cheval Blanc Randheli’s five star PADI Dive Centre by Dive Butler International, and its host of new dive experiences for winter 2014. Since opening in November 2013, the Maison’s dive team has been over-awed by the plethora of marine life teeming below the surface of the warm, azure waters of the Noonu Atoll.

Guests can enjoy underwater discovery at every level – from intrepid beginner to experienced diver – whether that is snorkelling amongst the Jackfish swirling in the shallows, spotting small Stingray in the sands under the Water Villas, or taking a journey further afield to the many nearby dive sites.

A rare opportunity to dive at different Atolls

The Maison’s location offers guests the chance to conveniently dive at multiple atolls – something rare in the Maldives. On Noonu Atoll alone, there are 30 known dive sites, all within a 40-minute boat ride from the beaches of Randheli, including the renowned Orimas Thila site (Shark Point in Dhivehi, the local language), where guests have been lucky enough to see four shark species in just one dive, including the endangered Guitar Shark and the Leopard Shark, rarely spotted in the Maldives.

Snorkelling excursions to Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll – a marine protected area which is one of the most reliable places in the world to see endangered species such as Manta Rays and Whale Sharks, between May and November each year – are also available to guests, whilst advanced divers may in turn experience the thrill of drift dives at nearby Lhaviyani Atoll.

New for this season

A very personal piece of the ocean

Many of Noonu Atoll’s underwater treasures are yet to be discovered and guests are invited to join the Maison’s dive team in the exciting exploration of these dive spots. Guests can also take pleasure in naming them, for reference on Cheval Blanc Randheli’s dive maps – a memory of the Indian Ocean to treasure forever…

Aquatic expertise with the Maison’s Marine Biologist

Passionate about nature and the world’s oceans from an early age, Sarah Kompatscher is Cheval Blanc Randheli’s very own Marine Biologist, taking delicate care of the house reef and coral. As a qualified PADI Dive Instructor, Sarah’s presence on guided dives allows guests to learn more about the aquatic world around them, and play a part in the preservation of the reef, assisting with the collection of data – from numbers of Turtle, Manta Ray or Shark sightings to assessing Randheli’s coral reef growth.

Personalised Diving

Guests may join group dives or choose to organise bespoke dive excursions with a dedicated dive butler, who ensures the outing is tailored according to each guest’s dive level and expectations. A fleet of vessels is available to allow guests to experience a day at sea in multiple ways – be it in a local dhoni for a laid back dive at a nearby spot, in the Maison’s 52’ Astinor Cruiser for farther explorations, or in complete luxury with the Azimuth yacht Leonardo 98.

On request, the dive team’s photographer and videographer are on hand to document guests’ most memorable underwater experiences, to cherish and share with friends and family.

Snorkelling Paradise

If guests are more inclined to float atop the waves than dive below, snorkelling is the way to go… An array of snorkelling experiences are available, including:

• Snorkelling for Beginners: For those who are snorkelling for the first time or are a little nervous of the deep blue, a short private instruction session is held in the lagoon, followed by a snorkelling excursion to safe, shallow water locations

• Snorkel Splash: A trip by boat, which allows guests to snorkel close to Randheli’s lagoon, at reefs such as nearby Maakurandhoo island, a true snorkelling paradise

• Sunset Snorkelling and Night Snorkelling: Experience the change in coral colours as the light turns from day to night. Snorkelling at sunset is an unforgettable experience, as an entire new world unravels: glimpse species rarely seen during the day – Reef Sharks, Octopus, sleeping Sea Turtles – and witness unusual sights such as Parrotfish inside their sleeping bubble… all lit by the fluorescent plankton sparks that shine in the dark.

The Maison’s modern Dive Centre, expert and enthusiastic dive team and the unparalleled beauty of nearby underwater spots make Randheli just perfect for those looking for a memorable diving holiday – complete with an unmatched residential experience and the Maison’s vast choice of culinary and wellbeing experiences.