World-Record Freediver Hanli Prinsloo Returns to the Maldives for Two Ocean Retreats
Hanli Prinsloo, the South African freediving champion and world-record holder, is returning to the Maldives for two special retreats hosted by Minor Hotels. The program is split into two experiences:
Family Freediving Retreat — Avani+ Fares Maldives (7–10 September)
- Audience: Parents and children
- Focus: Playful introduction to freediving — breathwork, floating, snorkelling, duck dives, underwater games
- Goal: Confidence in the water, shared family ocean experiences, not depth or competition
- Extra Activities (Ocean Aware Month):
- Coral conservation & planting workshops
- Underwater photography/videography sessions
- Beach clean-ups
- PADI speciality courses
- Special Event: World Manta Day (17 September) — art workshops + snorkelling at Hanifaru Bay (manta ray hotspot)
- Price: From USD 3,160 per person (single occupancy, 3 nights, full board, seaplane transfers, retreat sessions included)
Into the Blue — NH Collection Maldives Reethi (14–18 September)
- Audience: Guests aged 16+ who can swim
- Focus: Immersive freediving + mindfulness — yoga, meditation, guided breathing, rope freediving, drift dives
- Goal: Skill development for both beginners and experienced freedivers, progressing at own pace
- Highlights:
- House reef snorkelling (reef sharks, turtles, clownfish, angelfish)
- Excursion to Hanifaru Bay (15 minutes away)
- Price: From USD 4,333 per adult (4 nights, full board, seaplane transfers, retreat sessions included)
Hanli Prinsloo’s Perspective
She describes both retreats as ways to “build confidence in the ocean and understand why this remarkable environment deserves our care.” At Avani+ Fares, the emphasis is on playfulness and family bonding, while at Reethi, it’s about deeper training and exploration.
