News
Coral Reef Researchers launch IndieGoGo campaign to raise funds
Maldives.net.mv – Marine biology researchers at the KorallionLab Marine Station in the Maldives are studying declining coral reef populations and have launched an IndieGoGo campaign to raise funds to conduct this research.
Vavvaru Island in the Maldives is a prime location for the study of coral reef ecosystems. Marine biologists are hardly working at Korallionlab to study and promoting solutions to slow down or halt dominant coral reef populations declining and have launched an IndieGoGo campaign to raise money to help with research to preserve valuable coral reefs.
Coral reefs are beautiful and ecologically diverse ecosystems that are in danger of destruction due to a variety of causes, including exploitation, pollution and habitat destruction and from ocean temperature rise and acidification. Coral reefs are a vital part of the economic systems for millions of people as well as providing billions of dollars in tourism and pharmaceuticals as well as coast protection. Researchers at the KorallionLab in the Maldives in Lhayiyani Atoll have launched an IndieGoGo campaign at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/vavvaru-island-help-research to raise money for research and conservation efforts on these coral reefs. For more information on KorallionLab, see www.korallionlab.com
The money raised will be used to fund scientific trips by ten selected groups to spend 21 nights on Vavvaru Island conducting research. All research groups will be nominated by international universities and chosen by scientific collaborators affiliated with KorallionLab. Funds will pay for lodging, living expenses, travel and transfer costs.
Donors to the IndieGoGo campaign can choose to donate $5 with the sincere thanks of the team; $50 for their choice of a handmade cotton toy such as a turtle or octopus; $75 for a t-shirt and baseball cap with Korallionlab logo; $150 for eco-reef suncream; $250 for wooden handmade sunglasses; $500 for a wooden handmade watch; $1,000 for a voucher for select wines; $13,000 for a trip to Monaco; $25,000 for a trip to KorallionLab; and $35,000 for a family trip to KorallionLab. For more details on the perks associated with this IndieGoGo campaign, see the campaign page.
KorallionLab Marine Station opened in April 2013 and is dedicated to the study of coral research and other marine biology topics in the Maldives. KorallionLab is located on Vavvaru Island in the Lhayiyani Atoll in the Indian Ocean. It is open to Universities and scientific Associations especially focused on marine biology and coral reef studies.
Drink
Baros Maldives welcomes Italian winemaker Maria Stella for exclusive wine dinner
There is something special about discovering a place through its wines. This November, Baros Maldives invites guests to experience a taste of Tuscany with an exclusive wine dinner celebrating the heritage and craftsmanship of Poliziano, hosted by third-generation winemaker Maria Stella.
Set against the beautiful ocean backdrop of The Lighthouse Restaurant, the intimate evening will take place on Sunday 29 November 2026, at 7 pm, bringing together fine wines, thoughtfully prepared cuisine and the pleasure of sharing a table.
Founded in 1961 by Dino Carletti in Montepulciano, Tuscany, Poliziano has long been guided by a deep connection to its land and the traditions of its region. Its name reflects both its Tuscan home and a tribute to Renaissance poet Angelo Ambrogini, known as Poliziano. Over the decades, the winery has remained true to its origins, producing wines that speak of their landscape, heritage and the people behind them.
Leading the evening, Maria Stella will share the story of Poliziano through a selection of its wines, offering guests a personal perspective on the family’s winemaking heritage and the philosophy that continues to shape the estate.
Each wine will be accompanied by a specially created dinner course, with pairings designed to bring out the character of both the glass and the plate.
Limited to just 16 guests, the dinner is intended to be as much about the company and conversation as it is about the wines themselves. An evening to slow down, discover something new and enjoy the simple pleasure of good food and wine in wonderful surroundings.
The experience is priced at USD 235 per guest, inclusive of the specially curated dinner menu and wine pairings. Advance reservations are essential, with seating limited to 16 guests.
Event Details:
- Date: Sunday 29 November 2026
- Time: 7 pm
- Venue: The Lighthouse Restaurant, Baros Maldives
For booking enquiries, please contact reservations@baros.com or call +960 664 2672.
Food
Michelin-starred Chef Charles Coulombeau to host exclusive residency at V Villas Maldives at Mirihi
V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection will welcome Michelin-starred French chef Charles Coulombeau from 26 to 28 November 2026.
The three-day programme opens with sunset cocktails and canapés, followed by a fine dining evening at Muraka Restaurant and a special cooking class with the chef.
Coulombeau leads the kitchen at La Maison dans le Parc in Nancy, France, which holds one Michelin star. His cooking pairs modern French technique with influences from his time in Japan, bringing ingredients such as citrus and seaweed into dishes shaped by seasonal produce.
The culinary programme:
- Thursday, 26 November | Sunset cocktails and canapés. The programme opens with sunset cocktails and Michelin-inspired canapés, offering guests a first taste of the chef’s approach ahead of Friday’s fine dining event.
- Friday, 27 November | Fine dining at Muraka Restaurant. Coulombeau will present a special dinner at the resort’s overwater Muraka Restaurant, where guests can experience his modern French cooking overlooking the Indian Ocean.
- Saturday, 28 November | Special Cooking Class. Guests will have the opportunity to learn directly from Coulombeau and explore some of the techniques behind his cooking.
V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection offers an intimate island retreat in the Maldives, with beach and overwater accommodation, dining overlooking the ocean, and experiences on and beneath the water.
News
Dr Tridendra Shakya to lead wellness residency at Finolhu Maldives
Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, is set to welcome renowned wellness practitioner Dr Tridendra Shakya for an exclusive residency at Fehi Spa from 15 December 2026 to 31 January 2027. Set against the tranquil backdrop of the Maldives’ UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll, the residency invites guests to explore a more mindful approach to wellbeing through personalised treatments, traditional healing practices and restorative experiences.
Hailing from Kathmandu, Nepal, Dr Shakya brings 17 years of experience in naturopathy and holistic wellbeing, drawing upon ancient Eastern healing philosophies and contemporary wellness practices. His approach centres on understanding each individual’s needs, combining therapeutic techniques with lifestyle guidance to encourage relaxation, balance and a deeper connection between mind and body.
Throughout his seven-week residency, Dr Shakya will offer a carefully curated selection of therapies encompassing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture, reflexology, cupping, manipulative massage and therapeutic yoga. Personalised wellness consultations, incorporating pulse diagnosis alongside lifestyle and nutritional guidance, will allow guests to explore treatments tailored to their individual wellbeing goals.
Among the signature experiences is Yin & Pin, a combination of gentle passive stretching and acupuncture designed to encourage deep relaxation and release muscular tension. Acu-Massage brings together acupuncture, Marma point massage and traditional cupping techniques, while the Head to Toe Reviver draws upon the principles of reflexology to provide a restorative experience particularly suited to travellers seeking relaxation after a long journey.
The programme also explores the relationship between movement, breath and mindfulness. Therapeutic yoga sessions incorporate supportive postures, breathing exercises and meditation techniques adapted to individual needs. Guests can also discover Motion Meditation, blending the graceful movements of Tai Chi and Qi Gong with mindful breathing, or experience Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation practice that encourages profound relaxation and mental stillness.
For those seeking a more personalised wellness journey, the residency includes specialised experiences focusing on sleep, stress management, spinal care and traditional yogic cleansing practices. Each experience begins with an assessment, allowing Dr Shakya to tailor his approach to the guest’s individual preferences and wellbeing objectives.
The residency complements Finolhu’s existing wellness offering at Fehi Spa, where the island’s natural beauty provides an inviting setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. Surrounded by turquoise waters, powder-soft beaches and lush tropical vegetation, the resort offers an opportunity to step away from everyday routines and embrace a slower, more considered pace of life.
With its distinctive blend of barefoot luxury, contemporary design and immersive island experiences, Finolhu continues to introduce thoughtfully curated programmes that enrich the guest journey. Dr. Shakya’s residency adds a new dimension to the resort’s wellness offering, inviting guests to incorporate moments of restoration and self-discovery into their Maldivian escape.
Dr Tridendra Shakya’s residency will take place at Fehi Spa from 15 December 2026 to 31 January 2027. Complimentary initial consultations are available, with advance reservations recommended. For further information or reservations, guests may visit www.finolhu.com or contact stay@finolhu.com.
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