THE GRAND OPENING OF THE SHELL

On March 1, amidst great anticipation, Six Senses Laamu and the MUI team jointly celebrated the grand opening of their new marine centre - the SHELL, also known as The Sea Hub of Environmental Learning in Laamu.

This state-of-the-art facility, years in the making and after overcoming several delays, finally welcomed its first guests. The inauguration ceremony was attended by 150 esteemed guests from various sectors, including government officials, dignitaries, press, industry experts, and senior leadership from HPL Hotels & Resorts, along with Mr. Jacobs, the CEO of Six Senses. Gathered beneath the iconic Cadjen thatched roof, the SHELL was officially declared open by natural history presenter and explorer Steve Backshall, marking the beginning of a new era in marine conservation at Six Senses Laamu.

Designed to offer immersive educational experiences, the SHELL boasts multiple spaces dedicated to guest enlightenment. Its central exhibition space, known as the Glass Bottom Boat, features a high-resolution LED display floor and five educational viewing booths, offering guests a captivating glimpse into the underwater wonders of Laamu atoll. Crafted by Illuminate Productions in Singapore, this innovative gallery is a testament to the commitment of Six Senses Laamu to showcase and educate guests about the region's rich marine biodiversity.

Moreover, the SHELL serves as a hub for world-class researchers, reflecting MUI's ambitious vision for sustainable resource management in Laamu. Since its inception, the SHELL has hosted a diverse array of marine scientists and conservationists, including notable figures even including astronauts. Notable research initiatives include coral larval restoration, with thousands of baby corals from various species currently being nurtured at the facility, and sea turtle DNA analysis, contributing to a deeper understanding of the Maldivian sea turtle population.