Action
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.
W Maldives has introduced the FIT Padel Court, a dynamic open-air sporting space that brings one of the world’s fastest-growingsports to the island in signature W style.
Set within the resort’s lush greenery, the FIT Padel Court is more than just a game. Designed as both a sporting arena and social hub, it welcomes beginners and seasoned players alike to rally, connect, and compete in an effortlessly vibrant setting. Open daily and availablefor private bookings, the court brings a fresh rhythm to island days, blending movement with moments that matter.
Elevating the experience further, the resort’s FIT team completed an intensive training with the Asia Pacific Padel Academy (APPA), the region’s leading institution for padel education and coach development. Designed to sharpen both technical precision and on-court strategy, the program ensures that every guest interaction is guided by knowledge, confidence, and an intuitive understanding of the game.
Led by a certified coach and national athlete, Karyn Emeralda, the training immersed the team in the fundamentals of technique, tactical play, and smart positioning, equipping them to deliver engaging, high-quality sessions tailored to every level. From first-time players discovering the sport to those looking to refine their edge, guests can now tap into beginner-friendly sessions and social matches designed to spark both skill and connection.
“Padel is more than a sport, it is a social movement, and we are excited to bring that energy to the island,” said Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives. “With the launch of the FIT Padel Court and a team trained to guide and inspire, we are creating an experience that is equal parts playful, dynamic, and elevated. It is about giving our guests new ways to move, connect and feel the pulse of the destination.”
As part of W Maldives’ ever-evolvingapproach to fitness and lifestyle, the FIT Padel Court reflects a broader commitment to experiences that are immersive, social, and distinctly of the moment. Here, every serve is set against a soundtrack of ocean waves, every match unfolds under Maldivianskies, and every guest is invited to play their way.
For those looking to extend the experience, the Original Wave maker package offers the perfect invitation to stay longer and dive deeper. With a minimum stay of four nights, the package includes seaplane transfers and a half-board meal plan for two adults, ensuring a seamless and elevated island getaway.
For more information, visit www.wmaldives.com or connect with the resort’s team at reservations.wmaldives@whotels.com.
In celebration of World Turtle Day, Canareef Resort Maldives hosted an impactful marine conservation awareness talk last evening at the resort’s Dhoaraa Bar. The interactive session drew a passionate crowd of guests and team members eager to learn about protecting the fragile marine ecosystems surrounding the island.
Located in the highly biodiverse Addu Atoll—a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve—Canareef Resort sits directly upon one of the most vital sea turtle habitats in the entire Indian Ocean region. The surrounding pristine waters are home to over 1,200 marine species, including two distinct, endangered residents: the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata).
During the presentation, the conservation talk highlighted the fundamentally different and crucial ecological roles these two species play on the same reef:
- Green Turtles serve as essential marine grazers, maintaining the health of seagrass beds. Their grazing promotes fresh seagrass growth, which absorbs carbon dioxide and acts as a vital nursery ground for juvenile fish. Without them, these essential seagrass beds can collapse.
- Hawksbill Turtles, recognised by their narrow, pointed beaks, feed predominantly on sea sponges. By keeping fast-growing sponge populations in check, they prevent them from smothering coral colonies, giving the reef the valuable space it needs to regenerate.
The talk also directly addressed the modern challenges facing sea turtle survival, including plastic pollution, accidental entanglement in fishing gear (bycatch), and light pollution. Marine experts reminded the audience that while sea turtles have successfully navigated the Earth’s oceans for over 100 million years—long before the Maldivian islands even formed—their future survival now rests heavily on human action.
To bridge the gap between awareness and everyday action, Canareef Resort shared a practical roadmap detailing how everyone can directly assist in local conservation efforts:
- In the Water: Swimmers and divers are advised to maintain a respectful three-meter distance from turtles, avoid flash photography, and never step on coral structures.
- On the Beach: Everyone is encouraged to keep beaches completely clear of personal items like sunloungers and bags at night so nesting turtles and hatchlings face no obstructions. Additionally, avoiding the use of torches on the beach after dark helps prevent confusing hatchlings as they navigate toward the ocean using the natural bright horizon.
- Active Reporting: Anyone on the island can support active tracking networks by reporting any distressed or entangled turtles directly to the resort’s reception or the Diverland dive centre team.
Canareef Resort Maldives continues to actively support regional environmental frameworks, highlighting the work of national turtle monitoring by the Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI) and regional protections like the Addu Biosphere rules. Through engaging educational sessions like the World Turtle Day talk, the resort reaffirms its commitment to sustainable tourism, preserving Addu Atoll’s breathtaking natural legacy for generations to come.
In celebration of three key events for marine conservation, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has announced its guest programme for World Reef Awareness Day, World Environment Day and World Oceans Day.
Taking place during the first week of June, guests are invited to participate in a week-long series of immersive experiences designed to foster meaningful engagement with marine conservation, sustainability, education and community connection. The programme features a diverse range of activities and experiences across the resort, developed in collaboration with the resort’s team and partners: The Manta Trust and Ocean Group. Through interactive sessions, wellness activities and conservation-focused initiatives, guests will have the opportunity to learn about, celebrate and support marine life while deepening their connection to the natural environment.
Family Activities and Entertainment
To mark World Reef Awareness Day on 1 June, the resort’s Planet Trekkers kids’ club will host an ocean-themed origami class in partnership with The Manta Trust for junior guests. InterContinental Maldives has been working with The Manta Trust since 2019, one of the world’s leading manta ray research organisations, to help achieve global conservation through research, education, and collaboration. After an educational day, families can gather in the Planet Trekkers garden for a screening of Finding Nemo under the stars.
Celebrations continue on 8 June, for World Oceans Day, with the Finding Nemo theme continuing to inspire interactive family activities across the island. Guests can take part in the Finding Nemo Expedition, an island-wide treasure hunt designed to engage participants in marine discovery and adventure. Younger guests will also be invited to enjoy ocean-themed cookie decorating and face-painting activities throughout the day.
Families can display their creativity in the Marine Animal Sandcastle Building Competition, which also incorporates a shoreline clean-up initiative to encourage environmental stewardship. Children participating will be celebrated and receive certificates and an Ocean Protector badge in recognition of their involvement and creativity in the Marine Animal Sandcastle Competition at the Ocean Guardians Ceremony. As the day draws to a close, guests can come together for a special screening of A Turtle’s Tale: Sammy’s Adventures, before heading to the pool bar for an Ocean Quiz, testing their knowledge of marine life and ocean conservation through a fun and interactive trivia challenge.
Ocean-Inspired Wellness Offerings
Throughout the three-day marine and environment-focused celebrations, guests can indulge in the 90-minute Ocean Bliss Ritual at the AVI Spa, a rejuvenating, ocean-inspired treatment designed to restore body and mind. The experience begins with a mineral-rich sea salt body scrub, followed by a detoxifying seaweed clay wrap, leaving skin feeling smooth, nourished and deeply refreshed. The AVI Spa draws inspiration from the Indian Ocean and is designed in natural harmony with its surroundings, making it a tranquil haven for relaxation, rejuvenation, and restoration.
Culinary Experiences
InterContinental Maldives will present an exclusive Ocean to Table dining experience curated by Chef Arun at the resort’s flagship Mediterranean restaurant, The Lighthouse. The refined, ocean-inspired culinary journey will highlight responsibly sourced seafood and vibrant island flavours, thoughtfully crafted to celebrate the beauty and sustainability of the Indian Ocean. Set against panoramic 360-degree views of the resort and surrounding turquoise waters, guests can savour the finest seasonal ingredients and locally inspired flavours in an unforgettable overwater dining setting. InterContinental Maldives also offers a variety of exceptional onsite dining experiences, including The Fish Market for fresh ocean flavours in a scenic setting, Café Umi for all-day dining excellence, and The Collective for relaxed yet delicious dishes. Guests seeking a more tranquil adults-only escape can unwind at The Retreat, while tropical cocktails and fine wines can be enjoyed at the Sunset Bar and the Wine Cellar.
Environment Initiatives
A key element of the programme is guest education and participation. There will be the opportunity to participate in a Coral Restoration Workshop, offering insight into the vital conservation work carried out by the Manta Trust to help restore coral reefs in the Maldives and beyond. The interactive session will provide a deeper understanding of reef preservation and the importance of protecting marine ecosystems for future generations.
As part of the resort’s sustainability initiatives, guests will be invited to give back to the island through a lagoon clean-up. The week will culminate with an educational interview session hosted by the Ocean Group, exploring sustainable fishing practices, and a commemorative cake-cutting ceremony with the Manta Trust, bringing guests and the resort community together in support of ocean awareness and conservation.
-
Culture1 week agoEid al-Adha at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort to feature Arabian BBQ and island experiences
-
News6 days agoAdaaran Select Hudhuranfushi’s Mandara Spa expands wellness offering with athlete-inspired recovery treatments
-
Family1 week agoJOALI BEING reimagines family travel through immersive summer experiences
-
News1 week agoChavana Spa introduces Hyperice recovery experiences at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives
-
News1 week agoAmilla Maldives expands spa programme with natural therapies expert residency
-
News1 week agoSunny Leone and family experience island adventures at The Standard, Maldives
-
Action7 days agoKuda Villingili Resort Maldives unveils surf-focused luxury escape for 2026
-
Awards6 days agoSun Siyam Iru Veli recognised with 10 honours at Life Saving Leadership Awards