Learning to hold your breath and slip quietly beneath the surface of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a different way to encounter the ocean than strapping on a tank, and this September, Baa Atoll offers two chances to do exactly that with one of the sport’s most credentialled practitioners.
Eleven-time freediving world-record holder and ocean conservationist Hanli Prinsloo returns to the Maldives this September for an expanded programme across two Minor Hotels resorts, following the success of her 2025 retreat. She begins with a Family Freediving Retreat at Avani+ Fares Maldives from 7 to 10 September, before moving to NH Collection Maldives Reethi for a four-night Into the Blue retreat from 14 to 18 September. Together, the two experiences offer contrasting ways into the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: a playful introduction for families, and a more immersive programme for beginners and experienced freedivers aged 16 and above.
A gentler way for families to learn the water
At Avani+ Fares, Prinsloo works with parents and children through breathwork, floating, snorkelling, gentle duck dives and underwater games. The emphasis sits deliberately away from depth or competition, focused instead on building confidence in the water and helping families understand their own breathing while experiencing the reef together.
The retreat opens the resort’s annual Ocean Aware Month, a September programme built around marine discovery and conservation. Guests can take part in coral conservation and planting workshops, underwater photography and videography sessions, beach clean-ups and PADI speciality courses throughout the month.
On 17 September, the resort marks World Manta Day with marine-inspired art workshops and snorkelling excursions to Hanifaru Bay, a site known for seasonal gatherings of manta rays. As with any wildlife encounter, sightings depend on the season and the animals’ movements rather than being guaranteed.
‘Baa Atoll keeps calling us back,’ Prinsloo said. ‘Following last year’s retreat at Avani+ Fares, I am excited to return with a full family programme and to continue the journey at NH Collection Maldives Reethi. 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. Both retreats are about building confidence in the ocean and understanding why this remarkable environment deserves our care.’
Training and drift dives for developing freedivers
At NH Collection Maldives Reethi, the four-night Into the Blue retreat is open to guests aged 16 and above who are comfortable swimming. The programme combines yoga, meditation and guided breathing with house reef snorkelling, rope freediving and drift dives, allowing beginners and experienced freedivers to train side by side while progressing at their own pace.
Guests also take an excursion to Hanifaru Bay, around 15 minutes from the resort, and can continue exploring from Reethi’s house reef, home to marine life including angelfish, clownfish, reef sharks and sea turtles.
What the retreats include
The three-night Family Freediving Retreat at Avani+ Fares Maldives starts from USD 3,160 per person, based on single occupancy, including accommodation, full board, return seaplane transfers and 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, inclusive of accommodation on full board, return seaplane transfers and the full retreat programme.
