World-Record Freediver Hanli Prinsloo Returns to Maldives for Two Ocean Retreats

03 August, 2026

There is something about the ocean that invites us to slow down, breathe deeper, and experience the world differently. This September, the Maldives becomes the stage for an extraordinary underwater journey as eleven-time freediving world-record holder and ocean conservationist Hanli Prinsloo returns to Baa Atoll for two exclusive ocean retreats.

Following the success of her 2025 freediving retreat at Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, Prinsloo is expanding her programme across two Minor Hotels resorts—offering travellers a rare opportunity to learn from one of the world’s most accomplished freedivers in one of the planet’s most spectacular marine environments.

Whether you are a parent hoping to introduce your children to the ocean or an adult seeking a deeper connection with the underwater world, here is everything you need to know about Hanli Prinsloo’s 2026 Maldives retreats.

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Who Is Hanli Prinsloo?

Hanli Prinsloo is a South African freediver, speaker, writer, and ocean conservationist. She is the founder and executive director of I AM WATER, an ocean conservation trust dedicated to protecting the world’s oceans through human experience.

During her competitive years, Prinsloo broke eleven South African freediving records and was the first South African to hold all six freediving records simultaneously. Her background includes over thirteen years of competitive freediving, documentary filmmaking, and acting. She has also coached elite athletes, including the South African Springbok Sevens rugby team.

But Prinsloo’s story is not just about records. Her journey from competitive freediver to ocean conservationist was catalysed by a profound encounter with dolphins in Mozambique while teaching a freediving course. That experience inspired her to found I AM WATER and dedicate her life to sharing the ocean with others and protecting what she loves.

“When something we love is threatened, we act.” — Hanli Prinsloo

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The Retreats: Two Experiences, One Mission

Prinsloo will lead two distinct retreats in September 2026, each designed to help participants build confidence in the ocean and understand why this remarkable environment deserves our care.

1. Family Freediving Retreat at Avani+ Fares Maldives

Dates: 7–10 September 2026

This three-night retreat is designed for parents and children to discover freediving together through breathwork, floating, snorkelling, gentle duck dives, and underwater games.

“At Avani+ Fares, we will make freediving playful and approachable for parents and children.” — Hanli Prinsloo

The focus is not on depth or competition, but on helping families build confidence in the water, understand their breathing, and experience the ocean together at a comfortable pace.

Retreat Highlights:

• Daily yoga and breathwork sessions

• Progressive freediving coaching

• Guided excursion to Hanifaru Bay

• Group sunset storytelling dinners

Price: From USD 3,160 per person (single occupancy), including accommodation, full board, return seaplane transfers, and all retreat sessions

2. Into the Blue Retreat at NH Collection Maldives Reethi

Dates: 14–18 September 2026

This four-night immersive retreat is open to guests aged 16 and above who are comfortable swimming. The programme combines yoga, meditation, and guided breathing with house reef snorkelling, rope freediving, and drift dives.

“At Reethi, guests will have more time to develop their skills through breathwork, training and exploration.” — Hanli Prinsloo

Intimate Format: Limited to just 12 participants, allowing for a more personal and connected retreat experience.

Retreat Highlights:

• Daily yoga, breathwork, and meditation led by Hanli Prinsloo

• Intimate small-group freediving coaching

• House reef snorkelling

• Rope freediving sessions

• Drift dives

• A manta experience at Hanifaru Bay

Price: From USD 4,333 net per adult, inclusive of accommodation on full board, return seaplane transfers, and the full retreat programme

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Baa Atoll: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Both retreats take place within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, one of the Maldives’ most remarkable marine environments.

Hanifaru Bay: The Manta Ray Capital

A highlight of both retreats is an excursion to Hanifaru Bay, approximately 15 minutes from the resorts. This protected bay is home to the world’s largest seasonal gathering of manta rays. Guests have the opportunity to observe up to 200 mantas cyclone-feeding in the protected waters.

World Manta Day Celebration

On 17 September, Avani+ Fares will celebrate World Manta Day with marine-inspired art workshops for all ages and snorkelling excursions to Hanifaru Bay.

Rich Marine Life

Beyond manta rays, the Baa Atoll’s waters support a dazzling array of marine life. At NH Collection Maldives Reethi, guests can explore the island’s house reef, home to angelfish, clownfish, reef sharks, and sea turtles.

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Ocean Aware Month: A September of Marine Discovery

The Family Freediving Retreat opens the resort’s annual Ocean Aware Month, a September programme dedicated to marine discovery and conservation.

What’s On During Ocean Aware Month?

• Coral conservation and planting workshops

• Underwater photography and videography sessions

• Beach clean-ups

• PADI speciality courses

• Complimentary Breathwork & Freediving Workshops (4–5 hours) hosted by Hanli Prinsloo for in-house guests throughout the month

• ‘Sea. Sand. Sky’ Photo & Video Workshops covering underwater camera work, drone aerial storytelling, smartphone beach photography, and mobile video editing

Ocean Aware Month activities are complimentary for resort guests, subject to availability.

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Why Attend a Hanli Prinsloo Retreat?

Learn from a World Record Holder

With over thirteen years of competitive freediving experience and eleven national records, Hanli Prinsloo brings unparalleled expertise to every session.

Connect with the Ocean

Prinsloo’s retreats are not just about technique—they are about building a deeper relationship with the ocean. Her I AM WATER Foundation focuses on “Ocean Conservation Through Human Experience”.

Suitable for All Levels

Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced freediver, the retreats are designed to help you progress at your own pace.

Small-Group Attention

With limited spots—just 12 participants for the Into the Blue retreat—you receive personalised coaching and attention.

A Life-Changing Experience

As Prinsloo herself puts it: “Both retreats are about building confidence in the ocean and understanding why this remarkable environment deserves our care.”

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How to Book

Avani+ Fares Maldives (Family Freediving Retreat)

• Website: avanihotels.com/en/fares-maldives

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone: +960 660 1660

NH Collection Maldives Reethi (Into the Blue Retreat)

• Website: world.nh-hotels.com/en/nh-collection-maldives-reethi

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone: +960 660 2626

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need freediving experience to attend?
A: No. The Family Retreat is designed for complete beginners, and the Into the Blue retreat welcomes both beginners and experienced freedivers.

Q: What is the minimum age?
A: The Family Retreat is open to families with children of all ages (under parental supervision). The Into the Blue retreat requires participants to be aged 16 and above.

Q: Do I need to be able to swim?
A: Yes. Participants should be comfortable swimming.

Q: What is included in the package?
A: Both packages include accommodation, full board, return seaplane transfers, and all retreat sessions.

Q: Can I join the Breathwork & Freediving Workshops without booking the retreat?
A: Yes. Hanli Prinsloo will offer complimentary 4-to-5-hour Breathwork & Freediving Workshops for in-house guests at Avani+ Fares throughout September.

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Final Thoughts

Hanli Prinsloo’s return to the Maldives this September represents a rare opportunity to learn from one of the world’s most accomplished freedivers in one of the planet’s most extraordinary marine environments.

Whether you are a family looking to introduce your children to the wonders of the ocean or an adult seeking a transformative underwater experience, these retreats offer something truly special.

As Prinsloo says: “Baa Atoll keeps calling us back.” Perhaps it is calling you, too.

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