Diving in, fearlessly: How OBLU NATURE Helengeli and PADI forged a new generation of female ocean advocates

By Maaish Mohamed and Ali Naafiz

The ocean has always held a mirror to the human spirit—vast, deep, at times turbulent, yet holding within its depths a profound and silent beauty. For a unique group of six international female journalists, the turquoise waters of the Maldives became more than a destination; they became a classroom, a challenge, and ultimately, a sanctuary. In a powerful initiative celebrating PADI Women’s Dive Month, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, in collaboration with the award-winning TGI Maldives dive team, hosted these women, inviting them to learn to scuba dive and discover the vibrant underwater world of its famed house reef.

Following last year’s prestigious PADI award recognising their outstanding contribution to the dive industry, OBLU NATURE Helengeli and TGI Maldives once again demonstrated their commitment to making the ocean accessible to all. Journalists from the Czech Republic, Italy, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Poland, and the UK arrived not just as storytellers, but as participants in a narrative of courage, empowerment, and discovery. For some, it was a chance to conquer lifelong fears; for others, an opportunity to deepen an existing passion. Hotelier Maldives had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with five of these inspiring women, as well as Akansha Maker, Executive Editor at Svasa Life, to capture the essence of their transformative journey from the shore to the sea floor.

Paradise Found and Expectations Exceeded

The Maldives holds a powerful allure, a picture-postcard promise of paradise. For these seasoned travellers, the question was whether the reality could match the globally renowned image. For Míra Németi of Marie Claire Hungary, the island was a delightful surprise in its authenticity. “It was exactly like what I had seen online—colourful, pristine, and picture-perfect. That actually surprised me, because on the internet everything always looks idealized, but here it truly matched the images. It was breathtaking.”

For Irina Buchnaya, editor at The Steppe in the landlocked nation of Kazakhstan, the arrival was a moment of profound significance. Having never seen the ocean in this capacity, the experience was dreamlike. “It felt like arriving in paradise. I had only ever seen the Maldives in pictures, and to be here in person with the OBLU team was like reincarnating into a dream. When I received the invitation from OBLU, it was like a dream come true.”

Even for those who had visited the Maldives before, OBLU NATURE Helengeli managed to leave a distinct and impressive mark. Ivana Bednářová, a certified diver representing The Prestige from the Czech Republic, had high expectations from a previous trip. While she was already familiar with the warm Maldivian welcome, the resort itself stood out. “What did surprise me was the accommodation. Compared to the island I stayed at earlier this year, Helengeli really exceeded expectations.” She later added that the overwater villas were “simply beautiful.”

For Akansha Maker, an advanced open water PADI-certified diver, the trip was a meaningful return. “I earned my basic certification in the Maldives itself. So, returning to these waters felt like coming full circle,” she explained. The reality of Helengeli surpassed her imagination. “The island exceeded all expectations. What truly struck me was the accessibility; the marine life was literally meters away from my beach villa. There were multiple snorkel entry points just steps from where I was staying. On day one, I simply snorkelled to get a sense of the reef and the topography; it was a perfect way to orient myself.”

Confronting Fear and Embracing the Unknown

The journey to becoming a diver is as much an internal one as it is a physical one. Before the group could witness the kaleidoscopic life of the reef, they first had to face their own apprehensions. The event’s focus on creating a supportive, all-female environment proved crucial in this delicate phase.

No story was more poignant than that of Camilla Rocca, a writer for Forbes and Style Corriere in Italy. She carried with her the heavy weight of a past trauma. “Before coming here, I was very scared of scuba diving I had a traumatic experience when I almost drowned—I was underwater for about three minutes—and that memory stayed with me. I thought I would panic or have a crisis during the dive.” For her, the invitation felt like a lifeline. “It felt like destiny. It was the perfect situation for me to finally face my fear and move past that old trauma.”

Míra Németi also harboured a deep-seated fear, not of water itself, but of the unseen depths. “For me, scuba diving was always a no-go. I was always scared when I couldn’t see what was beneath me. As soon as the water got deep or dark, I would avoid it. I never actually wanted to try scuba diving.” The unique opportunity, however, spurred her to challenge her own limits.

This apprehension was a stark contrast to the seasoned divers in the group. Tola Rybicka from Poland’s Zwierciadło magazine, already holding an Open Water certification, was filled with eager anticipation. “I was definitely excited to return to the Maldives … I knew from past experience that diving here is amazing. I couldn’t wait to get underwater again.” Akansha Maker shared this excitement, noting the significance of the invitation. “This was the first time I’d been invited on a dive-specific experience, and I was thrilled. As someone who’s actively pursuing her love for diving, it felt deeply affirming to be seen and selected for such a meaningful occasion.”

The First Breath

For a non-diver, the act of breathing underwater is a profound defiance of instinct. It is the single moment where fear either capitulates or consumes. The experiences within the group were varied, yet all were transformative.

Míra Németi’s initial reaction was one of panic. “Yes, I remember it clearly—the first breath felt terrible. I thought I wouldn’t be able to breathe at all.” Yet, this terror was fleeting. “But once we were fully underwater and started practicing breathing there, everything changed. The fear went away very quickly.”

For Camilla Rocca, the moment was one of calming revelation. “I remember that moment very clearly. The first breath felt surprisingly normal. I thought, “Oh, this isn’t so difficult—I can manage it.” That realisation helped calm me down and gave me confidence.”

Irina Buchnaya discovered an unexpected sense of peace. “Taking my first breath underwater was like turning off the outside world. It was just me and the ocean—no deadlines, no stress. Everything else disappeared.”

For an experienced diver like Akansha Maker, the moment retained its power, amplified by the environment. “Every time I descend, that first breath underwater still feels surreal. But diving at Helengeli was something else—the marine density was staggering. Being in a channel meant strong currents, but they also brought with them an abundance of marine life. The sheer magnitude of what exists just beneath the surface always humbles me.” This pivotal moment, masterfully guided by the TGI Maldives team, marked the transition from apprehension to adventure.

The Pillars of Confidence

Every journalist, whether a novice or certified, was unanimous in their praise for the instructors from TGI Maldives. Their professionalism, patience, and personalized approach were the bedrock upon which the women built their newfound confidence.

Ivana Bednářová, who was diving for the first time since a surgery that left her deaf in one ear, was particularly grateful for the attentive care she received. “I was a bit nervous about how my body would respond. But the dive team at Helengeli was incredibly professional, and they really took care of me.” She dived with Trey, who “was amazing. He held my hand, kept checking on me, and asked constantly if I was okay, especially because of my ear condition. That level of care gave me complete peace of mind.”

Camilla Rocca found a kindred spirit in her Italian instructor, Greta. “I was incredibly lucky to be paired with an Italian instructor, Greta. She was kind, sensitive, and extremely helpful. Having her with me made me feel safe—I knew I could trust her completely.”

The instructors’ ability to demystify the process was key for Míra Németi. “I was really afraid, but even after the theory class, I already felt so much calmer. They explained every single detail—what would happen, what to expect, how to react—so we felt completely prepared. Without that level of explanation and support, I don’t think I could have done it.”

Irina Buchnaya’s instructor, Martina, provided the emotional support she needed to believe in herself. “My instructor, Martina, held my hand and reassured me constantly: “We’re in this together. Don’t worry. Just listen to your body, reconnect with yourself.” She made me feel safe and empowered.”

Even certified divers benefited from the team’s expertise. Akansha Maker praised the team’s depth of experience. “The team at TGI Maldives was fantastic. You can sense the professionalism and depth of experience in each instructor. A special shoutout to Ajay Antony, who guided me through my Nitrox certification during this trip—he was an absolute professional to dive with. Calm, clear, and confidence-inspiring.” Tola Rybicka’s guide, Made, was from a nearby island and knew the reef intimately. “He knows the reef incredibly well—I showed him photos of what I was looking for, and he took me straight to the coral wall I was hoping to find. Underwater, he’s calm and confident, which makes it easy to relax and enjoy the dive.”

Helengeli’s Underwater Garden

With their fears calmed and confidence soaring, the journalists were finally able to immerse themselves in the legendary ecosystem of the Helengeli house reef. Their encounters were nothing short of magical. Akansha, who was on her fifth trip to the Maldives, stated definitively, “I can confidently say I’ve never seen a more vibrant house reef at a hotel property. The reef at Helengeli is truly alive—accessible, thriving, and teeming with life. It’s the perfect gateway for anyone looking to dive into marine biodiversity, especially first-timers.”

Tola Rybicka, a diver with a passion for soft corals, found exactly what she was looking for. “There’s a wall of soft coral that’s glowing with blue and yellow hues—it’s absolutely stunning. That wall is something I’ll always remember from this trip.” She also found beauty in the effortless drift of the current. “It gently carries you along—you don’t even have to kick. You’re just floating, drifting, watching life unfold around you.”

For many, the encounters with larger marine life were awe-inspiring. Ivana Bednářová recalled a particularly graceful moment: “today we encountered two turtles and we ended up swimming with them. As our photographer said, it felt like we were dancing with them.” Akansha had her own profound connection with a turtle. “Swimming alongside a hawksbill turtle for nearly 25 minutes. It felt like we were companions in the ocean—completely at ease with each other. It was an older turtle, and I couldn’t help but wonder how many decades it had survived in these waters. That quiet connection left a lasting imprint on me.”

Sharks, often a source of primal fear, became a symbol of majestic beauty. Míra Németi, who was once terrified of them, had a complete change of heart. “I’ve always been terrified of sharks, but the moment I saw them and they swam away, I wasn’t afraid at all—it was just magical.” Camilla Rocca’s fear transformed into reverence during a powerful face-to-face encounter. “The moment I saw a shark. We looked into each other’s eyes—it came toward me, and I swam toward it. There was excitement and fear at the same time. But when it turned and swam away, I felt amazed and honoured to have met it.”

Akansha’s experience with sharks was on another level entirely. “One of the most unforgettable moments was during a 30-metre dive in search of sharks at Helengili Thila. At one point, around 30 sharks circled us while a pack of stingrays glided above like a flock of birds. Because we were so deep, it felt like watching them soar across the sky—it was otherworldly.”

The Spirit of PADI Women’s Dive Day

This was more than just a diving trip; it was a celebration of female strength and community. Giuseppe D’Amato, Founder and Managing Director of TGI Maldives, spoke to the long-term vision behind the event. “TGI Maldives has been at the forefront of scuba in the Maldives for over 40 years training the first two female dive instructors in the country as well as first female PADI Staff Instructor Development Course graduate. As a progressive thought-leading dive centre business, since launching in 1983, the team has been addressing the imbalance of men to women divers in this region of the world. Thanks to PADI Women’s Dive Day we are proud to host this celebration at OBLU NATURE Helengeli. We are still only in our second year officially celebrating the PADI initiative, but I personally believe next year will be even bigger and better, thanks to the dedicated support from our team, PADI, and importantly, the island team.”

The PADI Women’s Dive Day initiative created a space where women could be vulnerable, courageous, and mutually supportive. Irina Buchnaya spoke to the importance of challenging stereotypes. “Diving is often seen as a male-dominated activity. But initiatives like this… introduce women to scuba diving in such a supportive and empowering way. And this kind of community shows that there’s no competition—just support, sisterhood, and shared courage.”

The shared experience forged a powerful bond. “It was amazing to see how, despite our different countries and backgrounds, we were all feeling the same things,” said Míra Németi. Camilla Rocca agreed, “Despite our different cultures and languages, we shared the same emotions and experiences. That connection made everything even more powerful.”

The participants also discovered the meditative quality of diving. “Scuba diving is like a form of meditation,” Camilla observed. “Underwater, you focus on your breathing, your movements, and the marine life around you. You forget everything else.” This seamless blend of high-adventure and deep relaxation was a hallmark of the OBLU experience. “They go hand in hand,” noted Ivana Bednářová. Akansha agreed, “This resort strikes the perfect balance between serenity and thrill. The reef is incomparable, and the diving is some of the best I’ve experienced. Yet, after each dive, I found immense peace in the wellness offerings—from the spa treatments to the quiet luxury of the island. It’s a full-circle kind of healing.”

OBLU NATURE Helengeli General Manager Alain Trefois added, “The biggest attraction to Helengeli island is by far the house reef and incredible diving spots within close proximity. Thanks to TGI Maldives and PADI, we are the only resort known in the Maldives to offer this special month-long celebration which offers discounts on diving and wellness experiences. I wish to thank my island team, all of whom went the extra mile to ensure an amazing month of activities. Additional thanks need to be shared with the team from ELE|NA spa, who provided discounts on special treatments and wellness classes as part of the overall experience. This celebration in July has transformed Helengeli island into an attractive hub where solo female travellers can enjoy the best of the Maldives as well as indulge in wellbeing, all whilst learning to scuba dive or level up on a PADI certification course.”

A Newfound Voice for the Ocean

The journey left an indelible mark on each journalist, not only as a personal achievement but also in their role as storytellers and environmental advocates. Camilla Rocca was struck by a simple yet profound lesson in conservation. “Our guide said not to use too much [anti-fog liquid] so we wouldn’t waste or pollute the ocean. That tiny reminder made me think about how even small actions can have an impact.” Akansha echoed this sentiment, stating, “Absolutely. Every dive reminds me of how delicate these ecosystems are. In the Maldives especially, the corals need more attention and love. This trip reinforced my belief that the ocean is not just a playground—it’s a sacred space we must protect.”

For Míra Németi, the most powerful story was one of personal victory. “The feeling of coming up from my first dive. That moment when you surface, and your instructor… is proud of you, and you’re proud of yourself. You feel like you’ve conquered something.”

The final, resounding message from the group was one of passionate encouragement for other women. “It’s much, much less scary than it seems. Just try it,” urged Míra. Ivana Bednářová’s advice was simple and profound: “We only live once, and life is too short not to try something beautiful like scuba diving.” Akansha’s message was deeply personal and encouraging: “I understand the hesitation—I’ve been there myself. But diving has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Underwater, it’s just you and your breath. It forces you to be present, to let go. It’s a divine, grounding experience that I believe every woman (every human, really) should try at least once. It changes you—in all the right ways.”

Perhaps Irina Buchnaya summed it up best, echoing the words of her instructor, “First, breathe. You can do it. You’re more capable than you think.”

The PADI Women’s Dive Day event at OBLU NATURE Helengeli was a resounding success, a testament to the idea that adventure travel can be both thrilling and deeply healing. It was a week where fears were shed like weights, where a vibrant underwater world was revealed, and where six women from six different nations found a common language in the silent, majestic world of the ocean. They came as journalists to tell a story, and they left as divers, becoming part of the story themselves—a story of courage, connection, and the transformative power of taking the plunge.