18 January 2017 – Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa in the Maldives has launched PADI freediving classes at its on-site dive centre, Meridis Dive and Relax. As one of the only resorts in the Maldives to offer freediving, guests can learn an exciting new skill whilst embarking on a journey of self-discovery through the five-star resort's spectacular reef system.

Designed with both beginners and diving enthusiasts in mind, these lessons allow guests to learn the art of moving efficiently underwater through one single breath, without the use of any breathing apparatus. Devoid of heavy equipment, divers can explore freely, developing a sense of belonging amongst the unrivalled beauty of shimmering coral and crystal-clear waters. With no oxygen bubbles to distort visibility, explorers can get up close and personal with some of the island's most exotic sea life, from dolphins and sting rays to whale sharks and sea turtles.

At the heart of the freediving classes are professional and knowledgeable instructors, Yuko Nolte and Kirsten Franz-Peter Nolt, who come with more than 20 years of collective diving expertise and provide a truly immersive experience for those staying at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. Combining the practices used in yoga and meditation, guests will learn freediving techniques as well as the fundamental principles of breath-hold (Apnea), and the ways to manage the urge to breathe underwater.

Meridis Dive & Relax offers an array of freediving PADI lessons, ranging from one to three day beginner courses incorporating essential techniques including streamlining and duck diving, to a three-day advance course teaching the skills necessary to reach depths of up to 24 metres.

The one-day fun freediving lesson takes divers out to two sites of their choice by boat. Guests can choose to explore the Aquarium dive site, featuring two ship wrecks at a depth of 16 metres, teeming with marine life including manta ray, moray eels and lion fish. Another spectacular dive site is Mathi Faru, home to soft coral, octopus and sting ray. For those new to freediving, Mathi Faru offers a plateau of up to 10 metres in depth, whilst advanced divers can explore its vertical wall dropping as far as 30 metres.

The fun freediving lesson starts from $110 per person (approx. £91 per person) including two dives over the course of one day and a designated freediving instructor. 

Home to the first fully functional marina in the Maldives due to its unique reef system, endless sandy beaches and 48 dive spots close by, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is the perfect base for those wishing to perfect their freediving techniques whilst exploring the island's fascinating aquatic wildlife.

Red Savannah (01242 787800; www.redsavannah.com)  is offering a seven-night stay at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, Maldives staying in a Sunset Beach Villa on a bed and breakfast basis from £3,216 per person based on two sharing. Price includes return flights from London Heathrow to Male Airport flying with Emirates, return domestic flights and speedboat transfers. Valid for travel 01 May – 31 June 2017.

-Ends-

For further information contact

Lauren Broughton lauren@ktapr.com, Anna Chadwick anna@ktapr.com  and April Cernuschi april@ktapr.com

KTA Public Relations| + 44 (0)207 352 1088 | www.ktapr.com

About Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is located on the crescent-shaped Dhonakulhi Island in the north of the Maldives belonging to the Haa Alifu Atoll; 290 km from the capital Malé. Following a $50million investment in the redevelopment of the whole-island and an extensive renovation of the property, previously known as Island Hideaway, the five star resort offers guests the luxury of space and privacy across 297,000 square metres.  The 103 luxury villas fall into eight categories ranging from beachfront to over-water.  Each villa has been carefully positioned to offer peace, comfort and privacy to guests.  Home to the first fully-functional marina in the Maldives, due to its unique reef system, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa boasts an enviable dive spot close by.  The resort offers an extensive programme of wellness and sporting experiences, vast culinary offering, and one of the largest spas in the Maldives. Characterised by its intimate ambience and remote location, the island resort stays true to its name and offers guests 'a true hideaway'