Following the success of her 2025 freediving retreat at Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, eleven-time freediving world-record holder and ocean conservationist Hanli Prinsloo will return to Baa Atoll this September for two programmes across Minor Hotels resorts.

Prinsloo will begin with a Family Freediving Retreat at Avani+ Fares Maldives from 7 to 10 September, before continuing to NH Collection Maldives Reethi for Into the Blue, a four-night retreat running from 14 to 18 September. The programmes offer different ways to explore the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, from a family-friendly introduction to a more immersive experience for beginners and experienced freedivers aged 16 and above.

At Avani+ Fares, parents and children will be introduced to freediving through breathwork, floating, snorkelling, gentle duck dives and underwater games. The programme focuses on building confidence in the water and understanding breathing rather than depth or competition.

The Family Freediving Retreat will also open Avani+ Fares’ annual Ocean Aware Month, a September programme focused on marine discovery and conservation. Activities include coral conservation and planting workshops, underwater photography and videography sessions, beach clean-ups and PADI speciality courses.

On 17 September, the resort will celebrate World Manta Day with marine-inspired art workshops and snorkelling excursions to Hanifaru Bay, known for its seasonal manta ray gatherings.

“Baa Atoll keeps calling us back,” said Hanli Prinsloo. “At Avani+ Fares, we will make freediving playful and approachable for parents and children. At Reethi, guests will have more time to develop their skills through breathwork, training and exploration.”

At NH Collection Maldives Reethi, Into the Blue will combine yoga, meditation and guided breathing with house reef snorkelling, rope freediving and drift dives. Participants will be able to develop their skills at their own pace, with an excursion to Hanifaru Bay also included.

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. Ocean Aware Month activities are complimentary for resort guests, subject to availability.