Brennia Kottefaru
Whispers Of Peace In The Maldives
Ignite Adventure & Bliss In The Raa Atoll
Nestled in the untouched Raa Atoll of the Maldives, Brennia Kottefaru Resort is a palm-fringed island paradise blending on-land and over-water villas, offering an intimate escape amid the nation’s largest natural beach. Just minutes from Kottefaru Thila dive site, famed for its manta ray sightings, adventurers can easily access world-class scuba opportunities. Guests can also take the boat to the House Reef for snorkelling, where vibrant reefs and diverse marine life create thrilling underwater explorations.
Savour an inspired fusion of Eastern and Western cuisines at the resort’s multiple dining venues. For those seeking rejuvenation, unwind at the luxurious Spa Village, a tranquil sanctuary nestled on the island. The spa features signature therapies, alongside soothing massages and facials, sunrise yoga sessions on private decks and couples’ packages, culminating in an unforgettable Maldives experience that truly captivates the soul.
Raa Atoll
Dive Centre
4 Instructors
4 Languages
187 Rooms
Dive Excursions
Boat Trips
PADI Courses
Meet The Team
Owner
Marc Zaalberg
Find out moreOwner
Petra Hellmann
Find out moreBase Leader
Oliver Sandford
Find out moreMarc Zaalberg
Owner
From: New Zealand
Languages: German, English, basic French
Interests: Photography, sailing and golf
I started diving in 1986 in New Zealand and have been in the diving profession since 1990. Most of this time I have been working in the Maldives where I took up one of my greatest passions – underwater photography.
Petra Hellmann
Owner
From: Germany
Languages: German, English, Italian, French and Spanish
Interests: Golf, skiing, kitesurfing and sunsets
I started diving in Kenya in 1991. A year and a half later I did my instructor course in Cannes, France. Ever since then, I have been working for different dive centres in Kenya, Thailand, Cuba, Egypt, Ecuador and since 1994 in the Maldives.
Oliver Sandford
Base Leader
From: England
Languages: English
Interests: Movies, pizza, gym
I got my PADI Open Water Diver certificate in Egypt in 2002 and have been hooked on diving ever since. After completing my Instructor Development Course in 2004, I worked in Zanzibar, Honduras and Samoa, introducing people to the underwater world. I have also taught helicopter underwater escape training in Scotland.
Divemaster / Compressor Tender
Thaaris Adam – Tom
Find out moreDive Instructor
Mohamed Ishan
Find out moreDive Instructor
Francesca Soncini
Find out moreThaaris Adam – Tom
Divemaster / Compressor Tender
From: Maldives
Languages: Dhivehi and English
Interests: Beach volleyball, Bodu Beru drumming
Born in Raa Atoll, I grew up around the ocean – snorkeling and fishing. I joined Ocean Dimensions as a compressor tender and completed my Open Water course in 2019. In May 2024 I became a PADI Divemaster. My next goal is to become a PADI Instructor.
Mohamed Ishan
Dive Instructor
From: Maldives
Languages: Dhivehi and English
Interests: Diving, cars, gaming, anime and manga
I did my first dive in 2011 and instantly fell in love with it. A year later I became a divemaster, mainly working on safari boats around the Maldives. Last year I became an instructor and am now working towards becoming a PADI course director.
Francesca Soncini
Dive Instructor
From: Italy
Languages: Italian, Spanish, English and French
Interests: Asian food, friends, guitar, horror books
I have always had a passion for exploring the underwater world. Joining the team at Ocean Dimensions has allowed me to fulfil my dream of discovering the seventh continent beneath the waves.