What do you get when you put a conference in an Instagrammable location? You get high-quality engagement, great knowledge sharing, and a lot of recharging for attendees.

That was what I discovered when I had the opportunity to join the Visit Maldives Storytellers' Conference 2023, organised by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC). This event, which took place from 30 May to 2 June 2023, brought together 70 travel enthusiasts, content creators, and industry professionals from 20 countries around the globe to celebrate the art of storytelling in one of the world's most captivating destinations.

Related: 50 and glowing, Maldives tourism looks beyond the ‘Sunny Side of Life’

Celebrating the power of narratives

The Visit Maldives Storytellers' Conference 2023 was a one-of-a-kind gathering, where over 70 content creators, journalists, bloggers, and industry professionals united in an immersive experience to discover and share the wonders of this coveted travel destination. Held in the Maldives’ first integrated lifestyle destination – Crossroads Maldives – on 30 May, the event celebrated the captivating art of storytelling in the Sunny Side of Life.

The permanent marquee tent at Crossroads Maldives hosted 70 storytellers who immersed in captivating discussions on authentic narratives, sustainable tourism, and transformative travel experiences. Photo Credit: Cheryl Teo

The half-day conference was held on one of Crossroads Maldives' beaches, within the comfortable confines of an air-conditioned marquee tent. Resting on plush bean bags and sipping on freshly squeezed fruit juices, attendees listened intently to captivating discussions on sustainability, exhilarating travel adventures, and the tips for beguiling content creation.

Panel sessions boasted a lineup of influential speakers including Doug Lansky, renowned travel writer and tourism thought leader; Vikas Swarup, former Indian diplomat and author whose debut novel led to the Academy Award-winning film “Slumdog Millionaire”; as well as Maldivian experts on sustainability, Minister of Environment Climate Change and Technology Aminath Shauna; and Special Envoy for Climate Change Sabra Ibrahim Noordee.

Through interactive workshops following the conference, attendees had the opportunity to connect with the local culture, explore breathtaking landscapes, and learn how to craft narratives that truly showcased the essence of this remarkable destination.

"Sail the Seas of Time" workshop at Crossroads Maldives immersed participants in the ancient culture of the Maldives through dances, weaving, embroidery, storytelling, and traditional wish-making. Photo Credit: Cheryl Teo

Related: Maldives puts a new spin on MICE events with barefoot experiences

Bird’s eye view of paradise

The following day, after bidding farewell to Crossroads Maldives, participants were transported by speedboat back to Malé airport. Here, the conference group was divided into eight smaller clusters, each heading for a different island paradise. The trips offered an opportunity for participants to fully immerse in their respectively appointed regions, each with its own allure – Raa Atoll, Laamu Atoll, Ari Atoll, Vaavu Atoll, Haa Alifu and Haa Dhaalu Atolls, Kaafu Atoll, Addu Atoll, and Fuvahmulah.

I joined fellow adventurers from Australia, Norway, Italy, and the Maldives, accompanied by Suhaa Faheem, Visit Maldives’ assistant marketing coordinator, who doubled up as our tour guide and tour organiser, as we embarked on a breathtaking seaplane journey with Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA).

The view from Trans Maldivian Airways’ seaplane. Photo Credit: Cheryl Teo

As the seaplane soared above the glistening Maldivian waters, the panoramic view from above revealed the true splendour of this island nation – azure islands, like scattered jewels, adorned the vast expanse of the seascape, each promising its own unique charm and adventures waiting to be discovered.

After a 20-minute ride, our seaplane touched down at LUX* South Ari Atoll, a five-star resort whose overwater villas would be our accommodation for the next three days.

Overwater villas at LUX* South Ari Atoll. Photo Credit: Cheryl Teo

A sea of sustainability initiatives

LUX* South Ari Atoll, like the rest of the Maldives, shows a serious commitment to sustainability. The 4km resort has already rolled out a plethora of green initiatives, including floating solar panels, the use of recycled materials, a seawater desalination plant, and the complete elimination of single-use plastics.

The group carefully attaching coral fragments to a metal frame. Photo Credit: Cheryl Teo

During our stay, we engaged in a private coral planting workshop with a marine biologist and learned about the significance of coral conservation and actively contributed to the restoration efforts. The experience left us with a profound sense of connection to the delicate ecosystem at the resort’s doorstep.

An excursion to the neighbouring island of Dhigurah was a thrilling and eye-opening experience as we traversed the island on the back of a pickup track, immersing ourselves in the rugged beauty of the landscape.

Whale Shark Point, situated at the southern tip of Ari Atoll, is renowned globally as one of the best destinations to swim alongside whale sharks. Photo Credit: Ahmed Rishan / Instagram: @‌ahmed_rishaan

The highlight of the LUX* South Ari Atoll experience, no doubt, was the Whale Shark discovery trip. As we set off in search of these magnificent creatures on a boat, our guide briefed us on the dos and don’ts when encountering a whale shark. The sight of a whale shark, gracefully gliding through the azure waters, left us in awe. Snorkelling alongside these gentle giants was a profound and humbling experience, instilling within us a deep respect and appreciation for the beauty and fragility of marine life.

Relax, refresh and recharge

At LUX* South Ari Atoll, culinary and wellness experiences clearly take advantage of the tranquil environment. The group was treated to yoga sunrise sessions and a self-care workshop and pampering session at LUX* Me Spa, where we immersed ourselves in a holistic journey towards well-being surrounded by the crystal-clear blue lagoon and lavish tropical gardens. The therapists personalised each treatment using exclusive LUX* Me body and facial products, leaving us rejuvenated and refreshed.

The beach on LUX* South Ari Atoll. Photo Credit: Cheryl Teo

Each evening, the group was treated to fresh flavours that showcased the vibrant culinary offerings at the resort. In particular, the authentic Maldivian dinner at Senses brought locals from other islands to LUX* South Ari Atoll, providing us with an opportunity to sample the flavours of traditional and authentic Maldivian cuisine. It was a feast for the senses, as we savoured the vibrant flavours and connected with the community.

To cap off the evenings, we gathered under the starlit sky at Cinema Paradiso on Senses Beach, where we were transported into a world of cinematic magic amidst the tropical paradise.

Beyond borders and expectations

The LUX* South Ari Atoll team waving goodbye as our group boarded the seaplane back for Malé airport. Photo Credit: Cheryl Teo

I have to admit, the Maldives wasn't quite what I expected. As someone who had grown weary of the sun, sea and sand, I believed that once you've seen one beach destination, you've seen them all.

However, the Maldives presented an entirely different world. It defied my preconceived notions and revealed a tapestry of experiences that surpassed my imagination. It was a place where the beauty of the surroundings, the richness of the culture, and the sense of tranquility perfectly blended together to create a unique and enchanting paradise.

From the awe-inspiring encounters with marine life to the blissful pampering and the immersive cultural journey on Dhigurah island, each experience was thoughtfully curated to ensure lasting memories. This transformative experience served as a profound reminder that the world of travel holds boundless wonders, even in seemingly familiar realms like beach destinations.