What to expect
24th-30th March 2024
Join us on the original Bonny & Gava Underwater Retreat hosted by Bliss Dhigurah in one of our favourite tropical destinations worldwide, the Maldives!
The perfect ocean lover adventure for any beginner or expert underwater explorer excited to discover one of the richest ocean playgrounds in the world! We can’t wait to have you with us!
What ?
A full-blown underwater retreat. We will literally be spending every day in the water, taking full advantage of all the beauty within the Indian Ocean.
You will have the chance to encounter wildlife of all sorts (in the water!!!): whale sharks, manta rays, nurse sharks, turtles, reef fish, reef sharks, sting rays, dolphins etc.
You will learn more about underwater photography as we will guide you into filming content with your own camera or ours.
You will enjoy the very best of the Maldivian beach and tropical life.
Where ?
Dhigurah Island, Maldives.
This island is our favourite of all the local ones we explored.
It’s a long strip of sand and palm trees, located in the southern part of the Ari Atoll, which is particularly famous for its underwater wildlife.
Dhigurah reef, especially, is home to resident whale sharks which can be seen year round. White sand beaches, crystal clear waters, lush palm trees and so much more…
When ?
24th to 30th March 2024.
Join us for a 7 day adventure exploring the underwater beauties of the Maldives.
March is during the Maldivian summer and dry season. Temperatures are high during the day, above 30° C (86°F) and they only drop to 25° C (77°F) at night, so it’s literally perfect weather all the time. Although conditions can sometimes be uncertain, March is typically a beautiful month with super clear waters and lots of underwater activity.
Who ?
We will be travelling with you together in a limited number, with a group of max 12 people. All will be young like- minded ocean lovers, with a passion for adventure and with whom we will have the best underwater fun.
Want to join with a friend or group of friends? No problem. Want to join with your boyfriend or girlfriend? No problem. Are you travelling solo and would love to meet new friends? No problem. This is the perfect opportunity!
Anyone is welcome!
What ?
A full-blown underwater retreat. We will literally be spending every day in the water, taking full advantage of all the beauty within the Indian Ocean.
You will have the chance to encounter wildlife of all sorts (in the water!!!): whale sharks, manta rays, nurse sharks, turtles, reef fish, reef sharks, sting rays, dolphins etc.
You will learn more about underwater photography as we will guide you into filming content with your own camera or ours.
You will enjoy the very best of the Maldivian beach and tropical life.
Where ?
Dhigurah Island, Maldives.
This island is our favourite of all the local ones we explored.
It’s a long strip of sand and palm trees, located in the southern part of the Ari Atoll, which is particularly famous for its underwater wildlife.
Dhigurah reef, especially, is home to resident whale sharks which can be seen year round. White sand beaches, crystal clear waters, lush palm trees and so much more…
When ?
24th to 30th March 2024.
Join us for a 7 day adventure exploring the underwater beauties of the Maldives.
March is during the Maldivian summer and dry season. Temperatures are high during the day, above 30° C (86°F) and they only drop to 25° C (77°F) at night, so it’s literally perfect weather all the time. Although conditions can sometimes be uncertain, March is typically a beautiful month with super clear waters and lots of underwater activity.
Who ?
We will be travelling with you together in a limited number, with a group of max 12 people. All will be young like- minded ocean lovers, with a passion for adventure and with whom we will have the best underwater fun.
Want to join with a friend or group of friends? No problem. Want to join with your boyfriend or girlfriend? No problem. Are you travelling solo and would love to meet new friends? No problem. This is the perfect opportunity!
Anyone is welcome!
Highlights of the trip
Wildlife is in fact wild. Nature cannot be controlled. We will do our best during this trip to organise sufficient excursions to give wildlife encounters the highest possible chance of happening. But please remember that we cannot control if the animals want to see us. We will always strive for respect and simplicity first.
Reviews by our guests
Vittoria
from Italy, joined the Maldives trip 2023
“On this journey I have amplified the connection with other people. People I didn't know, that I had never seen before. I left not knowing who to expect. Everything was born in a natural, harmonious, clean, simple way. People, like me, passionate about my own things, able to get excited about the same things I got excited about. It is a kind of feeling and energy that only those who connect can understand it. It's strong, it's pure, it's solid.
I'm happy to have stepped out of my comfort zone to realize what I imagined, to give it real proof and believe even more in myself and in my thoughts, in what I feel and believe.
There is satisfaction in saying: you were right. And I was in fact right in believing that there are reasons that drive people to connect with each other by merging their life paths because one's aura is on the same wavelength. With people like this you don't have to struggle to prove who you are, because it's as if they already know you, and it's beautiful because it's like feeling at home. The most intense and craziest experience of my life, a trip I will never forget, looking forward to the next one!”
Sarah
from the USA, joined the Maldives trip 2023
“Thanks for making this trip so wonderful and a safe place for us!!! I will repeat it over and over again, this trip was truly magical and unforgettable. Thank you thank you thank you!
❤✨🤟”
Marie
from France, joined the Maldives trip 2023
“Thank you for organising an absolute dream of holidays! Couldn’t have wished for better than this! Love you guys!!”
Veronica
from Italy, joined the Maldives trip 2023
"The retreat organized by Carlo and Micky was more than a diving trip to the Maldives. It was an experience, an emotional and personal journey. It made it possible for me to improve my skills in the water, to enjoy the wonders that only the ocean can give you, to consolidate that magical bond between me and nature and to create new bonds with amazing strangers, where each of them brought passion, joy, lots of laughter and shining eyes full of wonder and emotion.
I could go on and on but the reality is that beyond defining it all as ‘wonderful', finding the exact words is really difficult...it was all a matter of emotions and hearts, because yes, these two guys here put their hearts into this retreat and you could feel it all. I will never be thankful enough to them for the gift they gave me, for the courage they lent me in stepping out of my comfort zone, for the hugs, the laughter... from the beginning to the end, all wonderful.
And you, are you still thinking about it?
Book that flight, trust me, you won't regret it 💙 "
Katrin
from Switzerland, joined the Maldives trip 2023
“The Retreat in the Maldives by Bonny and Gava was a lifetime dream come true. At just 20 years old I was visiting the paradise. The Hotel and their food was great, the staff was very courteous and the rooms clean and with AC. On the organised day trips I could freedive with whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins and nurse sharks. I learned to improve my breathing and equalise technique in their workshop as well as editing underwater pictures. The organisation was so smooth and we were bonding quickly with the other retreat guests and even learned how to sign dolphin and our names in sign language. Overall it was an amazing experience I will never forget and be forever grateful for.”
Mixed comments from our clients
Loved every second of every day!
One of the best trips I've ever taken, thank you so much for creating this magic.
We were so blessed with magical moments every day!
The most beautiful and intense experience of my life. Thank you Ocean and thank you @bonnyandgava for helping me fulfil this wish 🫶🏻 I love you so much
Thank you for organising an absolute dream holiday, couldn't have wished for better than this!
Memories we will have for a lifetime
What's included
6 nights in the hotel Bliss Dhigurah, either single or double occupancy
Return internal flight transfers from Malé to Dhigurah
Excursions EVERY SINGLE DAY onboard the typical Maldivian Dhoni
Full board meals, hosted in Hermit’s Restaurant (incl. à la carte menu and water)
2x beach dining experiences, dinner under the stars, and breakfast under the palms
Underwater Photography Workshops in which we will spill all our professional secrets
Freediving Workshop for beginners to learn the basics and enjoy the week at its best
A beach clean-up to show some of our love to Mama Earth and the beautiful ocean
Shipwreck excursion to see the insanely beautiful corals and fish life that surround it
Scuba Diving for beginners AND for pros in insane underwater sites
Whale shark excursions to swim with these beautiful creatures, resident year round on the Dhigurah reef
Manta ray excursions to explore the cleaning stations where these creatures come every day
Dolphin excursions to see them jump out of the water (if we’re lucky, underwater too!)
Nurse shark excursions to enjoy the thrill of being surrounded by dozens of sharks
Coral reef explorations to see all the beautiful colourful fish of the Indian Ocean.
Accommodation
Fully enjoy island life by sleeping at Bliss Dhigurah, a modern local guesthouse with all the amenities to best enjoy your vacation. This hotel is literally the best of the local islands in the Maldives. (Note: this is NOT a resort, it’s a beautiful local guesthouse).
Our favourite feature of Bliss is its vicinity to the beach, literally just seconds away from dipping your feet in the turquoise blues of the ocean. Only a few palms separate this lovely property from the Indian Ocean’s clearest waters.
The hotel also has a restaurant, Hermit’s, on the ground floor, with tasty dishes and a variety of food options. But the best part is the terrace on the rooftop, where you can find a bar, seating options and two jacuzzis facing the sunset.
Each room is equipped with a cute hammock to relax in but if you prefer to socialise, there are bean bags and comfy chairs just outside the hotel to chill under the shade of the palm trees. Oh, and Bliss also have a small indoor gym for those who love to workout when they travel.
Accommodation options include twin, double, triple, quadruple and single occupancy rooms.
Bliss Dhigurah
Fully enjoy island life by sleeping at Bliss Dhigurah, a modern local guesthouse with all the amenities to best enjoy your vacation. This hotel is literally the best of the local islands in the Maldives. (Note: this is NOT a resort, it’s a beautiful local guesthouse).
Our favourite feature of Bliss is its vicinity to the beach, literally just seconds away from dipping your feet in the turquoise blues of the ocean. Only a few palms separate this lovely property from the Indian Ocean’s clearest waters.
The hotel also has a restaurant, Hermit’s, on the ground floor, with tasty dishes and a wide variety of food options. But the best part is the terrace on the rooftop, where you can find a bar, seating options and two super cool jacuzzis facing the sunset.
Each room is equipped with a cute hammock to relax in but if you prefer to socialise, there are bean bags and comfy chairs just outside the hotel to chill under the shade of the palm trees.
Oh, and Bliss also have a small indoor gym for those who love to workout when they travel.
Accommodation options include twin, double, triple, quadruple and single occupancy rooms.
All transfers from the hotel to the harbour are made on their super cute turquoise tuk tuks which you will definitely not forget.
Program
One week to explore the Best the Maldives have to offer
Day One - 24th March
Arrive in Malé and take your connecting flight to Dhigurah. Hop on a turquoise tuk tuk to cross the island and reach your hotel Bliss. A welcome drink will be awaiting you in the lounge and you can start checking into your room. In the afternoon, we will start with a Freediving Workshop in which we share the basics for you to enjoy the week in the best way possible. Later, for dinner, join the whole group at a big table on the beach, in typical Maldivian style, under the moonlight.
Day Two - 25th March
Early wake up call and after breakfast at Hermit’s, we head out to look for the whale shark! Boarding a typical Maldivian boat called the dhoni, we will head out fully equipped with our free diving and snorkelling gear.
After (hopefully) whale shark sightings, we will stop quickly on the barrier reef for a swim with colourful fish before heading back to Bliss for lunch.
In the afternoon enjoy some rest and free time, basking in the sunshine, enjoying the beach, snorkelling on the house reef.
Around sunset, join us for an hour of beach clean-up to show the ocean some love.
Dinner is served at Hermit’s.
Day Three - 26th March
Another early wake up call, this time to go looking for manta rays. We leave Dhigurah island aboard the dhoni to find these beautiful marine creatures in their cleaning stations.
This will take all morning and after that we will return at Bliss for lunch. Later in the afternoon we will
go to the gorgeous Dhigurah sandbank for a private picnic in a white sandy paradise. Enjoy relaxing under a tent in the shade or playing in the clearest water you’ve ever seen. We will wait for sunset before heading back to Dhigurah. We will return just in time for dinner at Hermit’s.
Day Four - 27th March
This week is full of early wake up calls and early bed times 😂 to make the very best of the hours of sunshine. This morning we head out once more for wildlife sightings. We will be hunting for whale sharks, manta rays and
dolphins, whichever come our way and based on the weather and previous sightings.
Return to Bliss for lunch at Hermit’s.
In the afternoon, it’s time to scuba dive. If you don’t have a certification, well, today you will have the best kind of opportunity to join in on a Discover Scuba Diving session. It will cover the basics and just simply show you how amazing it is to dive and explore the underwater beauties of the Indian Ocean. Instead, if you have a diving certification, we will organise a deeper dive in one of the famous Ari Atoll diving locations.
Return will be in time for you to have a shower and head to dinner at Hermit’s.
Day Five - 28th March
Today we head out to the Vaavu atoll. Vaavu is famous for its clear waters, for swimming with nurse sharks, forshipwreck exploring and for its resident dolphin pod. So today we will spend a few hours here, between amazing wildlife and nature, with a picnic lunch which we will carry with us along the way.
We will return to Bliss mid afternoon for some chill time before dinner at Hermit’s.
Day Six - 29th March
This morning is full of different options which will be organised based on how the wildlife sightings go on the previous days. We will either go swimming with whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins or we will go scuba diving on some beautiful reef.
Lunch will be served at Hermit’s and the afternoon will be a fun mixed water sports session. Choose between SUPs and kayaks and switch around within the group to enjoy the very best of Dhigurah’s beach, right next to the hotel.
In the evening join us for some music and smoothies at sunset on the beach or on Bliss’ rooftop terrace.
Day Seven - 30th March
As a farewell, join us this morning for a tropical breakfast on the beach, served with your feet in the sand and in the shade of the palms.
After that, depending on your flight arrangements, head back to Malé to catch your flight home. Optional: save your tears for the home flight and take a seaplane all the way to Malé, enjoying the most beautiful views over the atolls.
Underwater photography workshop
Throughout this retreat an active underlying photography workshop will take place.
During the dives you will either be tutored on your own camera settings and skills, or you will have the opportunity to test our gear, either our professional-level Sony with underwater housing, our GoPro or our Insta360.
But the best part will be later, once back in the hotel/sailboat. During the free times before or after dinner we will be sharing our best tips on how to edit underwater photos and videos. Editing is such an essential part of underwater photography!
Discover all of our insider tips on how to make beautiful and successful underwater content. We will spill all the beans on years worth of practice and self-teaching. Don’t hesitate to ask us ANY questions, we will be excited to share everything with you.
Oh, and as an extra bonus, we will provide all of you with our Underwater Preset Pack for free to quickly edit your content on the trip.
Take home the very best memories you could ask for.
P.S. All guests will be participating in the Bonny & Gava videos on our platforms, so be ready for some fun times 😉
Throughout this retreat an active underlying photography workshop will take place.
During the dives you will either be tutored on your own camera settings and skills, or you will have the opportunity to test our gear, either our professional-level Sony with underwater housing, our GoPro or our Insta360.
But the best part will be later, once back in the hotel/sailboat. During the free times before or after dinner we will be sharing our best tips on how to edit underwater photos and videos. Editing is such an essential part of underwater photography!
Discover all of our insider tips on how to make beautiful and successful underwater content. We will spill all the beans on years worth of practice and self-teaching. Don’t hesitate to ask us ANY questions, we will be excited to share everything with you.
Oh, and as an extra bonus, we will provide all of you with our Underwater Preset Pack for free to quickly edit your content on the trip.
Take home the very best memories you could ask for.
P.S. All guests will be participating in the Bonny & Gava videos on our platforms, so be ready for some fun times 😉
Pricing
SOLD OUT
EUR 2’750 pp
Deluxe Twin / Double Room (either you book with a partner or you will share the room with other guests)
EUR 3’150 pp for single occupancy if you wish to have the bedroom all to yourself
LAST FEW SPOTS AVAILABLE!!
EUR 2’750 pp
Deluxe Twin / Double Room (either you book with a partner or you will share the room with other guests)
EUR 3’150 pp for single occupancy if you wish to have the bedroom all to yourself
Keep in mind
The Maldives are a muslim country so this implies a few things:
No alcohol on the islands. It is forbidden to own and serve it. As much as we all love a sunset cocktail, our free diving and scuba diving adventures will be better off if we avoid alcohol for a few days.
There’s a dress code to be followed. If you decide to explore the island and head into the village, you will have to cover up by wearing a t-shirt and shorts. However, no need to worry if you go to the bikini beach (the prettiest stretch on the island), or if you jump off from our boat. In the hotel you’re free to wear what you please as long as you cover up your bikini/bare chest.
Packing list: the temperatures in the Maldives in March are absolutely amazing so you really won’t need any warm clothes. But be sure to bring:
- For men: light t-shirts and shirts, as well as light shorts. You won’t really need long pants.
- For women: light t-shirts and wide airy shirts will be your best bet against the heat and to cover up a bit. Sarongs are perfectly okay if they aren’t too short or see-through. For the evening long dresses and skirts or light pants are recommended but not-too-short-shorts and skirts are also fine.
- Sandals and filpflops (if any), no need for closed shoes.
- Bikinis and board shorts.
- A wetsuit for scuba diving or free diving if you own any or are used to them. Most people use shorties or rashes (but not all). If you don’t have your own, the dive center will provide you with what you need.
- Free diving and scuba diving gear, if you own anything and feel like bringing it along, it’s welcome. If not, we will provide you with the necessary gear.
- A waterproof bag is not required but may be convenient for the excursions.
- Sun screen (it isn’t easy to find).
- Mosquito spray (same).
- A 500GB hard drive for all the digital memories we will share together.
- Underwater camera!!!!!
Terms & Conditions
Deposits
To secure your spot on this retreat you will have to agree to our T&Cs and pay a non-refundable deposit of EUR 200.
You can find everything HERE.
Payment
The deadline for the complete payment of the retreat is November 30th, 2023. This is very important so that we can confirm the trip to the whole group of participants.
Cancellation
Once the deposit has been made, if you cancel before November 30th 2023, then you will not be charged anything extra, although we will keep the deposit.
If you cancel after you have made the complete payment, after November 30th 2023, then unfortunately as we are a very small business we will not be able to refund you. Should we be able to find someone else to fill your spot in time then we might be able to return the full amount (excluding the deposit of EUR 200 and any bank fees). Should you cancel after January 1st 2024, the same will apply, although if we find a replacement for you, we will only be able to return 50% of the amount charged (excluding the deposit of EUR 200 and any bank fees).
Cancellation due to COVID related issues (ONLY limited to: country borders closing, airline cancellations or government-issued regulations which physically forbid travel), prior only to documented evidence, means we will reschedule your booking with Bliss Dhigurah to a future date (not a Bonny & Gava Retreat).
Very Important Note for Everyone: this retreat is subject to a minimum number of participants. We will make sure we can confirm the trip to everyone as soon as possible (at latest by the end of 2023) but until then we recommend to refrain from purchasing non-refundable flights to avoid useless expenses.
F.A.Q.
Still wondering if you should come with us? Here are some answers to your questions
What is the starting time of the trip?
The official beginning of the Retreat will be the Freediving Workshop in Dhigurah held in the afternoon of the 24th March 2024. We will schedule the time based on everyone’s arrival.
What is the ending time of the trip?
That will be after breakfast on 30th March 2024. We will organise a domestic flight back to Malé late morning or early afternoon, in time for you to catch your return international flight.
How do I get to Dhigurah?
You only have to worry about purchasing an international flight from your country to Velana International Airport in the capital of Malé in the Maldives. Once you have arrived there you will be greeted by a member of our team who will help redirect you to the domestic flight which will take you to Dhigurah. While the international flight is excluded from the package price (for obvious reasons), the internal flight from Malé to Dhigurah (and back) is included and will be handled by our team. Please make sure to purchase a flight to the Maldives which arrives in the morning. It is important for you to arrive in Dhigurah in time for the Freediving Workshop. If necessary, we recommend arriving a day early in Malé, sleeping next to the airport one night to then catch the early connection for Dhigurah the following day. Please reach out to us about this, we would love to help you handle it all.
Are there any optional activities?
Yes we offer extra scuba diving opportunities, as well as upgrades to seaplane flights back and forth from Malé to Dhigurah. These extras have separate prices. Please send us an email/dm for further information.
Do the Maldives require a VISA?
Yes they do, but it is also released and granted automatically upon arrival. Just bring your passport (make sure it’s valid for 6+ months) and have proof of a flight departure from the Maldives.
Is there wifi in the hotel?
Yes, and it should be good enough for everyone. Alternatively you can always purchase a sim card at the airport before arriving in Dhigurah.
Should I bring extra cash?
You might want to if you want to have special drinks, look for small souvenirs and gifts to take home or even for some snacks or extra activities (card is often fine too but just to be sure). Make sure you either have American Dollars $ or Maldivian Rufiyaa. If you have neither, you can find exchange booths at the airport which will give you a fair exchange both ways.
What are the sleeping options?
You can either have a private deluxe double or twin room (this you can either have on your own at a higher price or you can share it with a friend or partner travelling with you). Otherwise you can share it with someone else joining the retreat.
What if I am vegan?
Please let us know of any dietary requirements and we will do our best to fit your needs.
Are drinks included in the full board meal plan?
The full board plan includes 3 meals per day and water. Soft drinks, smoothies and coconuts will be available for purchase. No alcohol as it is forbidden in muslim countries.
Still not sure?
Write to us so we can clear your doubts!
