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.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Awards
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives earns TUI Global Hotel Award recognition
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi showcases mixology collaboration during Easter programme
Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort hosted a two-day Behind the Bar experience as part of its Easter programme, bringing together contemporary mixology and craft-led guest experiences.
The event featured collaborations with Modernhaus, led by Bar Manager Upay Aldi, and The Cocktail Club, represented by Co-Founder Mirwansyah Bule, both from Indonesia. Over two evenings, guests were invited to engage with the bartenders’ techniques, flavour profiles and creative processes, with Modernhaus recognised among Asia’s 50 Best Bars.
The programme included a curated selection of cocktails prepared using ingredients such as cempaka-infused whisky, hibiscus ginger maple, wasabi spirit, jasmine peach, coconut chai milk, salted tamarind, yuzu whey, salted fino sherry, sake gomme, guava vodka, Thai tea liqueur and malic. The offerings reflected a combination of tropical elements and contemporary mixology methods.
The first evening took place at Kata, the resort’s Japanese-fusion restaurant, where the experience was set against sunset views over the lagoon. The second evening was held at Raha Market in a beachside setting, offering a more informal atmosphere while maintaining the focus on crafted cocktails.
The event formed part of Sirru Fen Fushi’s ongoing programming, which centres on curated guest experiences and collaborations with international talent in food and beverage.
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