OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort (MAM)
Host Experience
BY DANIELLE STANLEY — As part of World Ocean Month initiatives at Maafushivaru, it’s important to include our hosts whenever possible.
I organized an in-house reef snorkel with a group of hosts eager to explore the reef and learn more about marine life in our backyard.
Key objectives were to:
- Create the experience for hosts to understand what marine life surrounds the island
- Educate on specific marine wildlife (e.g. sharks)
- Educate on the topic of corals and show them the coral nursery
The hosts enjoyed a snorkel experience that ended with a discussion and Q&A session regarding possible marine conservation efforts and host involvement.
An informational booklet was provided to better understand the biology, ecology and science of our house-reef marine species.
Guest Experience
BY DANIELLE STANLEY — A short documentary was made for our guests to be exposed to marine conservation efforts here at OUTRIGGER Maafushivaru.
The topics included:
- Introduction to me and marine life in the Maldives
- My role at Outrigger MAM
- My favorite aspects of working at MAM
- Marine conservation efforts
- Significance of World Ocean Month
- How one can make a definable difference to positively impact our ocean
The art exhibit was displayed in the same space as the documentary venue, where guests were able to interact with the artworks and scan the QR codes on display to learn more about specific endangered marine wildlife and their relevance in the Maldives.
With a large number of guests showing up, the feedback was very positive. A lot of guests were engaged and expressed their love for this initiative. This was an opportunity to create awareness of all marine conservation efforts in place on the island and in the Maldives and to spark hope and positivity for our ocean.
Kids’ Experience
BY DANIELLE STANLEY — To wrap up World Ocean Month, we hosted a fun arts & crafts session for our kids in-house. The ocean is a wonderful place to explore with kids! Not only is it fun and fascinating, but learning about the ocean helps children develop a care and concern for it as well.
In developing an understanding of the ocean ecosystem and what lies below the surface, children will also learn the importance of taking care of our ocean and marine life and living in a way that reflects that.
Activities included anatomy and biology of each animal displayed (kids level), drawing, painting and crafts.
We discussed our favorite marine animals and how they are important for the health of our ocean.
Each child left with multiple artworks as a souvenir of their experience.
