BACKSHALL FAMILY BACK AT SIX SENSES LAAMU
We were pleased to welcome back Steve Backshall- a renowned explorer, wildlife presenter, conservationist and Helen Glover- British two-time Olympic, three-time world, and five-time European rowing champion. During their stay here, both the MUI team and our guests had many exciting adventures with the Backshall family.
Not even a day after they arrived at Six Senses Laamu, the entire Backshall family was treated to an incredibly rare and unforgettable snorkelling experience - surface feeding mantas!
Junior Marine Biology (JMB) is one of the most exciting activities we have here in the SHELL, where children learn how marine biologists do their research, and go into the ocean with one of our specialists to carry out hands-on research. But for one of this month's sessions, our JMB teacher was Steve himself! During a special class on Maldivian Megafauna, he worked his magic by showcasing his fascinating dolphin and whale research. By the end of his classroom session, he had captivated his audience of budding marine biologists with stories from his extensive field experience, inspiring our JMB kids to take their own first steps into science
There’s nothing quite like exploring the beautiful inner reefs in Laamu. Joining the MUI team on a snorkel boat as a special guide, Steve enhanced our guests' snorkelling experience by pointing out hidden creatures in the reef and explaining their roles and abilities they possess.
That very same evening, we were treated to a special informative and educational presentation at our arrival jetty by Steve, where he enthusiastically retraced his journey through the years as a conservationist. He vividly recounted his first ever experience with a shark and how that moment connecting with nature had forever changed his worldview. Steve shared how proud he was to be able to help the next generation, especially his children, to have similar life-changing encounters with the magnificent wildlife we have. This presentation was a wonderful reminder of how the work we do can shape the next generation of ocean guardians.
But the inspiring presentations didn’t stop there! The following evening, Helen Glover shared with us her incredible journey rising to a rowing champion. We heard how after two gold medals at the London and then Rio Olympics, Helen started a family. A few years later the mother of three began to consider a return to the sport when COVID lockdowns allowed her more time training on the rowing machine than expected. Motivated by wanting to be a role model for her children and other mothers, she successfully returned to compete in not one, but two, more Olympics! She is a huge inspiration to women and athletes alike.
Last year, the eldest son of the Backshall family completed his JMB program where he learned how to microfragment corals and placed them to grow in our Coral Cove. This time, he was able to complete their journey by planting the very same corals he nurtured back onto our reef. Logan was ecstatic to do this special science and stated he could not wait to see his corals one day grow large enough to be a home for other fish.