The Maldives will welcome freediving champion and ocean conservationist Hanli Prinsloo this September for two dedicated retreats in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Following her 2025 retreat at Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, Prinsloo will return for two programmes across Minor Hotels properties. A Family Freediving Retreat will take place at Avani+ Fares Maldives from 7 to 10 September, followed by the four-night Into the Blue retreat at NH Collection Maldives Reethi from 14 to 18 September.

The two programmes are designed for different travellers, from families seeking a gentle introduction to freediving to adults and experienced freedivers looking for structured training and underwater exploration.

At Avani+ Fares Maldives, the family programme will introduce parents and children to freediving through breathwork, floating, snorkelling, gentle duck dives and underwater games. The focus is on building confidence in the water, understanding breathing and exploring the ocean together rather than competitive performance.

The retreat will also launch Avani+ Fares Maldives’ annual Ocean Aware Month, held throughout September. The programme includes coral conservation and planting workshops, underwater photography and videography sessions, beach clean-ups and PADI speciality courses. World Manta Day on 17 September will be marked with marine-inspired art workshops and snorkelling excursions to Hanifaru Bay.

Prinsloo will then lead Into the Blue at NH Collection Maldives Reethi from 14 to 18 September. Open to guests aged 16 and above who are comfortable swimming, the retreat caters to both beginners and experienced freedivers. Activities combine yoga, meditation and guided breathing with house reef snorkelling, rope freediving and drift dives, allowing participants to develop their skills at their own pace.

The programme also includes an excursion to Hanifaru Bay, approximately 15 minutes from the resort, while guests can explore the resort’s house reef, where marine life may include angelfish, clownfish, reef sharks and sea turtles.

Both retreats connect freediving with ocean conservation, encouraging participants to build confidence in the water while developing a deeper understanding of the marine environment.

The three-night Family Freediving Retreat starts from USD 3,160 per person based on single occupancy, including accommodation, full board, return seaplane transfers and retreat sessions. The four-night Into the Blue retreat starts from USD 4,333 net per adult, including full-board accommodation, return seaplane transfers and the complete retreat programme.