This July, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru reaffirm their long-standing commitment to protecting the Maldives through a month of conservation initiatives that inspire guests to become active stewards of the ocean.

Plastic Free July: Protecting the Maldives’ Blue Heart

As per UNDP, each year, the Maldives generates more than 43,000 tonnes of plastic waste – equivalent to the weight of approximately 215 blue whales and nearly 120 tons per day. For a country whose future depends on healthy oceans, reducing plastic pollution is essential to protecting marine biodiversity, and preserving the natural beauty that defines the Maldives.

Throughout July, guests are invited to take part in weekly Sunset Island Beach Cleans and Reef Cleans with our Marine Lab, helping remove marine plastic trash while learning about the importance of protecting the fragile coastal and reef ecosystems. The programme also includes a collaboration with a local sustainable NGO, showcasing how discarded plastic can be transformed into artwork, jewellery, and other meaningful products through creativity and circular design.

Shark Awareness Day: Why Sharks Matter

On 14 July, the resorts will mark Shark Awareness Day in collaboration with Miyaru, the Maldives’ leading shark research and conservation NGO. While sharks are often portrayed as dangerous, they are in fact among the ocean’s most important guardians.

By naturally regulating fish populations, sharks help keep coral reef ecosystems healthy and balanced. Without them, the delicate food chain can be disrupted, affecting everything from reef fish and coral health to the countless marine species that depend on these habitats. Healthy shark populations are also a sign of a thriving ocean—one that supports local fisheries, protects biodiversity, and sustains the world-renowned diving and snorkelling experiences that make the Maldives so unique.

Through engaging talks with Miyaru’s marine experts, guests will discover fascinating facts about Maldivian sharks, understand the challenges they face, and learn how conservation efforts are helping protect these often misunderstood guardians of healthy oceans.

Mangrove Conservation Day: 26 July

As part of Plastic Free July, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru will also celebrate the International Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on 26 July through a community mangrove planting and cleanup initiative with Huraa Council.

Mangroves are among the Maldives’ most valuable natural ecosystems, serving as nurseries for marine life, protecting coastlines from erosion, filtering pollutants, and strengthening resilience against climate change. Together with reef conservation and plastic reduction, the initiative reinforces the importance of protecting every part of the marine ecosystem—from the shoreline to the reef.

More than a month of activities, Plastic Free July reflects Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru’s enduring commitment to preserving the Maldives’ rich marine heritage – bringing together guests, local communities, and conservation partners to protect the ocean through collective action.

Every July, the diving world pauses to celebrate the women who have made the ocean their own. This year, Nova Maldives marks Women’s Dive Day with a three-day programme from 17 to 19 July 2026, brought to life by Zoona Naseem, the first Maldivian woman to qualify as a PADI Course Director, alongside Jenna Lehocki, the resort’s resident marine biologist.

Despite making up nearly 40% of divers worldwide, women still account for just 20% of PADI Pros, a gap that a 2025 peer-reviewed study attributes in part to the male-centric portrayal of the sport, with constraints that foster stigma and self-doubt that continue to create barriers for women at every level – a pattern that Nova is determined to help change.

A Weekend for Beginners & Avid Divers

True to Nova’s belief that the ocean belongs to everyone, the weekend will draw together resort guests and a group of participants from the neighbouring Dhangethi community for a shared journey into the water.

Guests and participants can embark on guided Discover Scuba dives and open water exploration led by Zoona, and an intimate fireside discussion joined by Jenna, where tales of the reef – memorable dives, marine encounters, and a shared wonder for the ocean, flow freely as the currents of the sea.

Guests and participants can embark on guided Discover Scuba dives or try dives led by Zoona, alongside open water exploration and enjoy an intimate fireside discussion hosted with both Jenna and Zoona — where tales of the reef flow freely: memorable dives, marine encounters, and a shared wonder for the ocean.

Zoona’s journey to becoming a PADI Course Director, and the first Maldivian woman to ever hold this title, is an inspiration for women seeking to carve out space in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Alongside her, Jenna brings a different but equally profound connection to the ocean: one built not in the pursuit of firsts, but in the patient, daily work of understanding and protecting the reef that Nova calls home.

“Growing up in the Maldives, the ocean was always there, but a seat at the table was not. I hope that every woman who enters the water this July leaves knowing that it was always hers to claim,” said Zoona.

Drawing on her lived experience from working with stakeholders from within the marine research sector and in hospitality, Jenna added – “Living and working on this island, you come to understand the reef not just as a place to dive, but as something that breathes and changes with the seasons. Sharing that with people, whether they are first-time snorkellers or seasoned divers, is the part of this work that never gets old.”

“There is something about the ocean that has always belonged to women. Its depth, its quiet power, its ability to hold everything at once. Women’s Dive Day is a celebration of every woman who has ever felt called to the water, and our commitment to making sure every woman who wants to experience that, whether for the first time or the hundredth, has every opportunity to do so.” said Abdulla Aboobakur, General Manager of Nova Maldives.

A Setting Unlike Any Other

Nestled on a natural island within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), the largest marine biodiversity reserve in the region, diving is one of the things that consistently draws travellers from around the world to the island. With 35 dive sites on its doorstep, and whale sharks and manta rays a quiet, year-round presence in the waters beyond its shore. Guests here do not simply visit the ocean, they can observe and truly live alongside it.

An active coral nursery sits at the heart of Nova’s marine offering, where seafarers are warmly invited to take part in coral planting to contribute to the reef’s ongoing restoration. The resort also holds a long-term partnership with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), to run educational and conservation-focused experiences for researchers, local school pupils, and the wider community throughout the year.

For those seeking a more introspective connection with the sea, Nova also offers a unique Wellness Diving experiences, one that introduces mindfulness with marine exploration through floating meditation, buoyancy workshops, underwater yoga, and breathwork. Research has found that recreational diving can be more effective at reducing stress and boosting mental wellbeing than other sports, with the slow, controlled breathing required underwater naturally stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, evoking a sense of deep calm that so many divers describe as unlike anything they have found on land.

The water is waiting. Join Nova Maldives for Women’s Dive Day from £301/night in a villa on Full Board Plus basis. Visit nova-maldives.com to find out more.

Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort has announced a new collaboration with rrreefs to introduce an innovative 3D-printed clay reef installation within the resort’s surrounding lagoon – a meaningful step in the resort’s continued commitment to marine conservation and regenerative travel experiences in the Maldives.

Supported by Edelweiss and help alliance, both part of the Lufthansa Group, the project combines advanced reef restoration technology with nature-inspired design to help foster coral regeneration, encourage marine biodiversity and support the long-term resilience of fragile reef ecosystems.

The installation features 13 flower-shaped clay reef structures named Theyra Maa, meaning ‘13 Flowers’ in Dhivehi, symbolising renewal, growth and the flourishing of marine life within the resort’s lagoon ecosystem.

Brought to life through the expertise of the rrreefs team, including Co-Founder Josephine Graf, Head of Production Mauro Bischoff and Marine Ecologist Dr. Julia Spaet, alongside Dr. Gerrit Nanninga, a Research Fellow at the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, the installation is their collective vision which combines innovative design, scientific research and a shared passion for protecting and restoring coral reef ecosystems for future generations.

“We designed the Theyra Maa reef structures using durable and sustainable materials, with fired terracotta clay as the primary component, complemented by steel and a minimal amount of concrete to ensure structural integrity,” said Mauro Bischoff, the visionary behind the project.

He added, “Every element of the design has been carefully considered to support coral growth. The flower-inspired forms create gentle water movement around the structures, helping coral larvae settle more effectively. The 3D-printed clay also features a unique microstructure with tiny cavities between each layer, providing sheltered spaces where young coral larvae can attach and grow while being protected from predators. Achieving the right level of porosity in the clay is equally important, as it encourages the formation of beneficial biofilms that support coral settlement while helping maintain a healthy balance within the surrounding ecosystem.”

Crafted from natural clay using state-of-the-art 3D-printing technology, the reef structures have been thoughtfully designed to emulate the complexity of natural coral habitats. Over time, the installation is expected to provide a nurturing environment for coral fragments, reef fish and marine life to flourish, contributing to the restoration of vibrant underwater ecosystems surrounding the island resort.

“This partnership with rrreefs is particularly exciting as it marks the organisation’s first direct collaboration with a resort, bringing together shared values and a genuine passion for ocean conservation. The Theyra Maa installation is a truly unique project, combining innovative reef restoration technology with meaningful environmental action. Opportunities like this are still relatively rare, and we are proud to work alongside rrreefs and our partners to support coral reef recovery and strengthen the resilience of our coastal ecosystems for future generations,” said Oriana Migliaccio, Resident Marine Biologist at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort.

Nestled within the turquoise waters of South Malé Atoll, Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort has long championed environmentally conscious hospitality, creating immersive guest experiences that celebrate and protect the natural beauty of the Maldives.

“At Anantara, we believe luxury and sustainability should exist in harmony,” said Jason Kruse, Complex General Manager at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort. “Our partnership with rrreefs reflects our ongoing dedication to preserving the marine environment that makes the Maldives so extraordinary. Through innovation, collaboration and purposeful action, we hope to inspire greater awareness and lasting positive impact beneath the surface.”

rrreefs brings together marine science, engineering and regenerative design to create scalable reef restoration systems tailored to vulnerable coastal environments.

“The inspiration behind rrreefs comes from a deep passion for the ocean and a determination to take meaningful action against the rapid decline of coral reefs, which are among the first ecosystems at risk from climate change,” said Josephine Graf, Co-Founder of rrreefs. “Through projects like Theyra Maa, we aim to support reef resilience and regeneration while raising awareness of the urgent need to protect our marine environments. Together with Anantara Dhigu and Edelweiss Air, we are creating a project that not only supports coral reef regeneration, but also demonstrates the power of cross-industry partnerships in protecting our oceans for future generations.”

As sponsor of the initiative, Edelweiss together with help alliance, continue to support sustainability-focused projects across its destination network, reinforcing a shared vision for more responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.

“Protecting natural ecosystems and creating educational opportunities are closely connected. Through this project, we support not only the restoration of coral reefs but also environmental education and sustainable future prospects for local communities, especially young people. Together with our partners, we want to contribute to lasting positive change for both people and nature,” said Anja Trestl, Corporate Development Manager at Edelweiss.

The Theyra Maa installation forms part of Anantara Dhigu’s broader sustainability journey, offering guests at the resort and its neighbouring sister properties, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort and Naladhu Private Island Maldives the opportunity to connect more deeply with the destination while contributing to the preservation of one of the world’s most precious marine environments.