EXPERIENCE

Freediving Maldives

Entwined with the cultural heritage of the Maldives, freediving allows the adventurous to explore life beneath the waves, free of the restraints of scuba diving. Guests at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort can benefit from expert training at the Maldives’ first PADIcertified freediving centre.

Freediving instructor Antoine Perretti explains how to prepare and what to expect. “We try to achieve the lowest heart rate possible, so avoid consuming coffee and sugar or eating too much right before freediving. Yoga and meditation are perfect preparations,” he advises.

Participants first learn some theory, including breathing techniques, yoga movements and stretching to prepare for the dive. Next, you find out how long you can hold your breath while static and swimming in the pool. Finally, you head to the ocean.

“You can freedive as long as you want and as deep as you can, as long as you stay in the safe zone. However, you’ll be amazed by what you can see in the first 10m: turtles, sharks, rays, lots of different fish and corals. When you freedive you become part of their world.”

Rolex

The Oyster Perpetual Submariner is referred to as ‘the watch that unlocked the deep’. Launched in 1953, the same year as two other iconic diving watches, Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Barakuda and the Zodiac Sea Wolf, this watch was built on the technical mastery of the 1926 Oyster – the world’s first waterproof wristwatch – to take Rolex to the ocean’s depths. This latest generation remains faithful to the original.

Rolex Submariner Date, 41mm, with green (or black) rotatable bezel and solid-link Oystersteel bracelet, designed to be worn over a diving suit.

US$10,100 rolex.com

Audemars Piguet

The octagonal Royal Oak is the brand’s largest collection, with the Offshore Diver editions offering a sportier feel and the additional prominent pushpiece at the 10 o’clock position.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver, 42mm, is powered by a new movement, Calibre 4308, and viewed via glareproof sapphire crystal. This stunning timepiece is available in a variety of colours, including a distinctive soughtafter orange dial with Méga Tapisserie pattern, featuring white gold hour-markers and matching rubber strap.

Around US$26,000 audemarspiguet.com

Audemars Piguet’s Méga Tapisserie pattern.

Dior X Birkenstock

Tokio mule with greige nubuck calfskin upper embellished with adjustable back strap, reinforced toe in tonal rubber, cork sole, and sculpted rubble outsole with Dior Oblique and Bones motif. US$1,100 dior.com

RAG & BONE

Hollis cropped distressed Fair Isle wool-blend, relaxed turtleneck sweater. US$630 rag-bone.com

Chlo

Woody small leathertrimmed linen-canvas tote with colourful stitching. 26cm wide. US$1,100 chloe.com