How To Dive Without Getting Soaked

Photo: The Whale Submarine cruising on the surface

Are you a bit antsy about scuba diving, but do you reckon you will miss a crucial part of the Maldives if you skip it? Perhaps, the Whale Submarine can be your solution. This is the world's most sophisticated and one of the largest passenger submarine, offering you the spectacular view to the underwater world, without even having to put on a wet suit! It dives in (day and night) with 50 passengers at a time, submerging to 150 meters depth, where you can spot white tip reef sharks, Napoleons, endangered Giant groupers and illuminating coral gardens, while safely tucked in your seat. Don't forget to bring your camera!

This 73 feet submarine was designed and constructed in Germany with the watchful eye of the American - Bureau Veritas with safety and comfort in mind.

This is an invaluable adventure to experience for divers and non-divers alike. After all how many people in the world can say they had ridden a submarine?

unwind® | travel tip

Photo: Children's playground at Kanuhura

Always check if the resort you are choosing to stay and your personal preferences match, to completely relish your dream getaway.

For example, for those lovebirds, lovestruck with nature, you would love an escape at an eco-friendly retreat like the Soneva Fushi or Alilaa Villas Hadahaa which accommodates beautiful couples like yourself with lots of privacy.

If you are looking for babysitting services for infants or entertainment like the latest computer games or sports like tennis for your teenagers; we would recommend a resort like the Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru or Kanuhuraa would be most fitting. And you take a break from parenting and pamper yourself at the resorts fabulous spa retreat.

unwind® did you know? | the value of cowrie

Photo: Kandu Boli Ritual at CHI Spa, Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives

Did you know that cowrie shells were used as currency in the 13th century? Some African natives valued these sea-treasures more than gold itself, while the Chinese fashioned their Classical Chinese Character (貝) for money after the cowrie. These shells are found in abundance on the beautiful shores in the Maldives and as per the accounts of Ibn Batuta, the famous Moroccan traveler, as many as 40 ships loaded with cowrie shells were exported each year. What was the worth of these porcelain shells? A single gold Dinar was worth 400,000 cowrie shells!

Apart from the monetary value, the cowrie shells are often used as jewelry, symbol for womanhood, fertility and wealth. And most recently, the Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa Maldives has introduced the "Kandu Boli Ritual," an extraordinary cowrie shell based treatment complimented with hot coconut oil, drawing inspiration from indigenous treatments and the calming energy from the sea, guaranteed to nourish your soul and relax your body.

unwind® eco-tip | Sustainable Tuna Products

The Maldives is the only country in the world with a sustainable 100% pole and line eco-friendly skipjack tuna fishing resource. Maldives have utilized this traditional fishing method which preserves a safe and sustainable habitat for marine species such as sharks and dolphins, and birds, thus producing eco-friendly products. Look for these products when shopping around in the scenic islands or your shopping aisles.

unwind® news | Shangri-La Observing the Earth Hour

Photo: Water Villa deck at Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts worldwide will be switching off or dimming their lights on March 27 in support of the Earth Hour. All their hotels and resorts will be participating including their recent addition in the Maldives - Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa. All offices and back areas will be shut off, public areas will be dimmed and guests are encouraged to also turn off their room lights if unneeded. In lieu of this, the Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa will be offering their guests a moonlit massage using locally produced virgin coconut oil. This treatment will be available only on Earth Hour day starting at 7:00 pm and guests are encouraged to reserve their treatments ahead of time.

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is committed to implementing environment friendly initiatives by building eco-friendly hotels and greening the supply chain to reduce the carbon footprint.

Earth Hour is held on the last Saturday of March annually. This was initiated by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and The Sydney Morning Herald in 2007. They suggest that by turning off lights and cutting power for just one hour, can save immense amounts of power and energy that can go to a better cause.

Joshia Dick - Contributing Writer

unwind® news | Gulf Reps Limited Representing Shangri-La Maldives

Photo: View from a Water Villa at Shangri-la Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives

Shangri-La Villingili Resort and Spa Maldives is appoints Gulf Reps Ltd. as their official representatives in the Middle East. Gulf Reps Ltd. is a PR company based in Dubai and will coordinate all advertising and quality control related matters for Shangri-La Villingili Resort and Spa Maldives. This is a strategic move by Shangri-la Villingili Resort & Spa Maldives to create awareness within the Gulf Coorporation Council (GCC) nations.

Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa Maldives owns and operates the first resort below the equator in the Maldives with 142 luxurious villas with unique offerings like the "British Loyalty" shipwreck for dive enthusiasts to explore. The CHI spa is Shangri-La's own in-house spa brand.

Joshua Dick - Contributing Writer

unwind® | travel tip

Photo: Spa suite at Vivanta by Taj Corel Reef

Will you be celebrating a special occasion like your birthday, a wedding anniversary or your honeymoon during your escape in the Maldives? In that case, always feel free to check with your travel expert if you are eligible for special offers or any complimentary amenities.

For example, Vivanta by Taj Coral Reef offers its honeymooners a sunset cruise, romantic dinner with champagne, discount on Spa treatments and amenities like a fruit basket and cake.