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Coral colonies of hope: Gili Lankanfushi leads in coral preservation
At Gili Lankanfushi, a special Coral lines Project has been initiated to recover coral reefs. By growing small fragments of coral on hanging ropes (lines) and then transplanting them to the house reef near One Palm Island, the resort hopes to see regeneration and aim to kick start the health of the house reef.
The Coral Lines Project started three years ago and currently holds around 7484 coral colonies. Small fragments of coral are constantly being added to the already growing population on 153 lines.
The vulnerable nature of coral populations mean that they undergo cycles of disturbance and recovery. Gili Lankanfushi’s house reef was affected by warmer waters created by the El Nino event in 2016 which bleached much of the corals. Yet, against all odds, most fragments in the coral lines nursery survived. They have also been faced with a Crown of Thorns (coral predators) outbreak this year and have still remained intact. In some cases, corals in the lines are no longer present on shallow reefs in the area.
“Now, is the perfect time to begin stage two of the coral restoration project by moving coral from the nursery to the house reef. Transplanting coral is a delicate procedure with a lot of trial and error,” a blogpost post by Gili Lankanfushi’s marine team read.
Josie beginning the process. PHOTO/ GILI LANKANFUSHI
They began slowly by creating a test site with a small number of coral colonies to ensure healthy corals would not be lost unnecessarily. A site with conditions not too dissimilar to the nursery was identified. The area had to be flat and solid, with no loose material and space for growth. It also had to be an area that is easily accessible for monitoring, but nowhere in danger of tampering or accidental damage.
The team chose a depth of eight metres in the middle of house reef drop off where they regularly snorkel. Another major concern was the Crown of Thorns Starfish; so the corals were placed in an area visited regularly by Harvey, the Ocean Paradise Dive Centre manager, who has been removing these starfish from the reef for months.
The next step, according to the team, was to cut the colonies from the lines in the nursery, and transport them in mesh bags in the water. They decided to use three different Acropora species to begin with as they are fast growing and like a lot of light and a moderate current.
Clare cutting the coral from the line. PHOTO/ GILI LANKANFUSHI
Once at the site, the area of algae was cleaned and the coral attached to ensure protection from extreme water movement. The team placed the coral an equal distance apart to allow quick growth and attached the coral using epoxy, which is a clay like cement. They were aware from previous studies that Miliput (epoxy clay) kills the part of the coral it is attached to; so small amounts of putty were placed at the base of the coral.
Once a week, for a total of six weeks, the marine team will measure growth and survivorship of the coral. They hope to replicate the test at different depths and locations to find a suitable site to start a larger restoration project. But major transplantation works will be put on hold until after the monsoon season.
“Due to the fragility of coral species, our rehabilitation plans are very flexible, and subject to a long monitoring period. We expect to adapt our approach and long term management to ensure we keep up with the changing environment of the reef,” the post read.
“Previous restoration plans have been hindered by external threats, so we are so excited to finally begin this project. We will be producing scientific data along the way which we hope will contribute to current coral reef rehabilitation knowledge.”
Attaching the colonies using epoxy. PHOTO/ GILI LANKANFUSHI
Despite the transplants working well so far, the marine team says they still have many question to answer in the future. Are the corals on the house reef still reproducing? As these corals survived the last bleaching, will they be more genetically suited to future hostile conditions?
“The answers to these questions are all just a work in progress and we will have to keep on watching and learning as we replant and monitor these corals over the next few years. As our house reef sustained a lot of mortality and the coral cover is low, we hope that this new project will help to rejuvenate the reef and raise awareness,” the team concluded their post.
Meanwhile, Gili Lankanfushi is gearing up for the opening of its long awaited Marine Biology Centre, with a new marine biologist joining the island resort. Its resident Marine Biologist and Environmental Officer Deborah Burn and her assistant Josie Chandler will be replaced by Clare Baranowski, who will start her term by opening the long awaited Marine Biology Centre on World Oceans Day, which falls on June 8.
Set on the private island of Lankanfushi in the North Male Atoll, Gili Lankanfushi Maldives is an intimate coral island in a sparkling lagoon, with jetties threading across the water out to spacious villa accommodations, where ultimate privacy can be found. This luxury resort is just a 20-minute speedboat ride from the main Velana International Airport.
At Gili Lankanfushi, an idyllic personal hideaway is one of 45 spacious, rustic overwater villas crafted from natural wood and glass. A palette of sparkling blues paints the horizon, the ocean stretching to infinity wherever on the island. The open design, with indoor and outdoor living space, allows guests the freedom to be themselves, the sound of the sea and warm breeze soothing all senses.
Royal Island has been named Best Dive Resort at the TTM Awards 2026, recognising an underwater experience shaped by one of the Maldives’ richest marine environments and a dive operation built around discovery, expertise and a genuine respect for the ocean.
Set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Royal Island sits surrounded by coral gardens, channels and thilas alive with reef fish, turtles, rays and sharks. Its location places some of the atoll’s most rewarding dive sites within easy reach, while the island’s own house reef makes the underwater world feel less like an excursion and more like an extension of the resort itself.
At the centre of it all is diveOceanus, Villa Resorts’ specialist diving brand. At Royal Island, the operation is remarkably comprehensive. Complete beginners can take their first breaths underwater through Discover Scuba Diving, while certified divers can progress through PADI courses all the way to Divemaster. Dedicated programmes extend to children, advanced and Nitrox diving, refresher courses and freediving, with private instructors and private dive boats available for those wanting a more individual experience.
The facilities make it easy to build diving into the rhythm of a stay. House reef and training dives run throughout the day alongside scheduled two-tank and afternoon boat dives, with night diving available by arrangement. A full range of equipment is available, including dive computers and underwater cameras, while certified Nitrox divers receive complimentary Nitrox fills. Freedivers are equally well catered for, with dedicated courses, coaching, equipment and open-water sessions.
Beyond diving, Royal Island is exceptionally placed for some of the Maldives’ great marine encounters. Hanifaru Bay is approximately 25 minutes away, where seasonal plankton blooms bring extraordinary gatherings of manta rays and, at times, whale sharks. As the season changes, diveOceanus also operates manta snorkelling journeys into neighbouring Raa Atoll, extending opportunities for encounters across much of the year.
That access comes with responsibility. Marine conservation has long been part of diveOceanus across Villa Resorts, with coral restoration programmes established at Villa Nautica, Villa Park and Royal Island alongside reef monitoring, clean-ups and guest education. At Royal Island, the team maintains coral nurseries in the lagoon and house reef and involves guests directly in coral planting and restoration. It has also led wider reef-cleaning initiatives alongside the Baa Atoll Council and Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, extending that work beyond the island itself.
What sets Royal Island apart is the completeness of the experience. The house reef, the wider Baa Atoll, the expertise and facilities of diveOceanus, and the conservation work happening quietly alongside it all create something deeper than a collection of good dive sites. The Best Dive Resort title recognises an island where life below the surface has always been central to the experience.
Dusit Thani Maldives has been named Best House Reefs at the TTM Awards 2026, recognising one of the resort’s most distinctive natural treasures and its exceptional underwater experience.
Presented as part of the TTM Awards & Gala 2026 at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 August, the annual awards recognise outstanding achievements across the Maldivian hospitality industry.
Set on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, Dusit Thani Maldives is surrounded by a 360-degree house reef, giving guests direct access to a rich underwater ecosystem just moments from the island’s shores. The reef is home to a diverse variety of marine life, including colourful tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks and rays, creating memorable opportunities for snorkelling and diving throughout the year.
To mark the win in true island style, the resort team took the award beneath the surface, capturing it among the coral and marine life that inspired the recognition.
“This award is particularly meaningful to us because our house reef is such an important part of the Dusit Thani Maldives experience. It is something our guests can discover almost from the moment they step into the water, and it reminds us every day how fortunate we are to call this extraordinary island home. This recognition belongs to our entire team and to everyone who continues to support, appreciate and help protect the natural environment around us,” said Jean-Louis Ripoche, Area General Manager – Maldives.
Located within Baa Atoll, a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve, the resort places the surrounding natural environment at the heart of the guest experience. Alongside snorkelling and diving, the resort undertakes regular reef and beach clean-ups and encourages guests to take part in activities aimed at protecting the marine environment.
The Best House Reefs recognition further reinforces Dusit Thani Maldives’ position as a destination where luxury island living and remarkable marine encounters come together naturally.
For more information or to experience the award-winning house reef at Dusit Thani Maldives, visit the resort’s official website.
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort has announced the return of former England striker and Ballon d’Or winner Michael Owen for a third Kids’ Football Camp, scheduled from 14 to 17 October 2026.
The four-day programme will be open to children aged five to 13 of all skill levels, with sessions combining football coaching, skills drills and games alongside beach activities and island experiences. The camp will conclude with a Grand Finale on 17 October, when participating children will receive medals and certificates.
Participation in the camp will be complimentary for guests staying at Avani+ Fares Maldives during the event period.
The October programme will mark Owen’s third football camp at the Baa Atoll resort and his second visit to the property this year, following an Easter edition held in late March and early April. The resort first introduced the programme in October 2025.
The inaugural camp ran from 20 to 23 October 2025, followed by a Grand Finale on 24 October. Owen led coaching sessions on the resort’s football pitch, with the programme designed to give young guests opportunities to learn from the former England international while focusing on football skills, teamwork and participation. The first edition was complimentary for eligible children staying at the resort.
Following the response to the first camp, Avani+ Fares brought Owen back for its Easter programme in 2026. More than 30 children and teenagers participated in the second edition, taking part in daily sessions led by Owen and assistant coaches. Training covered areas including dribbling, passing, positioning and teamwork, with sessions adapted for different ages and ability levels.
The second camp also formed part of a wider programme for families, incorporating activities for children and teenagers beyond the football pitch. Participants concluded the programme with certificates and medals, while opportunities were also provided for meet-and-greet sessions, autograph signings and photographs with Owen.
Owen won the Ballon d’Or in 2001 and represented England during an international career that included appearances at three FIFA World Cups. At club level, he played for Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Stoke City. His involvement in the Avani+ Fares programme has been centred on introducing younger players to football through training and activities within a resort holiday setting.
The third edition will retain the programme’s focus on children aged five to 13, combining coaching with recreational activities during the October school holiday period. According to the resort’s announcement, the camp will include expert coaching, drills for different skill levels, beach games and island adventures before the final session and awards ceremony on 17 October.
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort is located on Fares Island in Baa Atoll, within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and close to Hanifaru Bay. The property offers 176 rooms, pavilions, beach and overwater villas and residences, together with seven dining and bar venues. Its family facilities include AvaniKids, a Teens Club and Petit Bistro, a restaurant dedicated to younger guests.
The resort also provides access to snorkelling and diving on its house reef, alongside water sports, tennis, fitness and spa facilities. Avani+ Fares was named Best Beach Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards 2025, following its Best Dive Resort recognition in 2024.
The return of Owen for a third camp continues Avani+ Fares Maldives’ use of sports-led programmes as part of its family offering, bringing the former England striker back to Fares Island less than seven months after his previous camp.
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