In a groundbreaking celebration of marine adventure and female empowerment, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO transformed PADI Women’s Dive Day into an extraordinary month-long immersion that transcended traditional tourism experiences. The resort welcomed an international cohort of female journalists, creating a powerful narrative of discovery, skill-building, and ocean stewardship.
Held in collaboration with TGI Maldives and ELE|NA Ayur Spa, the initiative brought together seven distinguished journalists from across Europe and Central Asia, offering an unprecedented opportunity to explore the underwater world and celebrate female leadership in marine exploration.
Alain Trefois, General Manager of the resort, emphasized the transformative potential of diving, describing the gathering as a remarkable convergence of diverse cultures united by a shared passion for oceanic discovery. “Our goal was to demonstrate that diving is not just a sport, but a universal language of connection and empowerment,” Trefois explained.
The carefully curated program went far beyond traditional press trips, integrating immersive scuba experiences with wellness treatments and marine conservation insights. Situated alongside a vibrant house reef and world-renowned dive sites, Helengeli provided the perfect marine ecosystem for both novice and experienced divers to explore and connect with the underwater realm.
Greta Marcelli, Operations Manager at TGI Maldives, highlighted the deeper mission behind Women’s Dive Month. “This initiative is about more than diving—it’s about fostering confidence, building community, and inspiring women to challenge their perceived limitations,” she noted, reflecting the profound impact of the experience.
The distinguished media delegation represented a remarkable cross-section of international journalism, including representatives from prestigious publications such as Forbes, Marie Claire, and regional lifestyle magazines. Journalists from Germany, Italy, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, and the United Kingdom brought diverse perspectives and storytelling approaches to the event.
Key participants included Dorothee Elisabeth Pfaffel from Augsburger Allgemeine, Camilla Rocca of Forbes Italy, Irina Buchnaya from STEPPE, Míra Németi of Marie Claire Hungary, Ivana Bednářová from Prestige Magazine, Tamara Rybicka of Zwierciadlo, and Monica Daisy Meade, a UK-based freelance journalist.
By the conclusion of the event, what began as a press trip had metamorphosed into a profound movement—a testament to the power of shared experiences, marine exploration, and female solidarity. Each journalist departed with more than just a story; they carried with them a renewed connection to the ocean and a deeper understanding of their own potential.
This innovative approach to destination storytelling not only showcased the Maldives’ extraordinary marine landscape but also highlighted the critical role of women in ocean conservation and adventure tourism.
