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Anantara takes holistic approach to reef protection in the Maldives
Maldives.net.mv – For over 15 years the team at Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas has been committed to protecting the local environment, communities and culture around each of its hotels and resorts whilst creating authentic, luxury travel experiences and indigenous adventures for modern travellers. With four luxury resorts in the Maldives – Anantara Kihavah Villas, Anantara Dhigu Resort, Anantara Veli Resort and Naladhu Maldives – guests can take their pick from some of the best locations and experiences in the Indian Ocean, including getting up close and personal with the local marine life and vibrant coral reefs, snorkelling with manta rays in a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, free diving with whale sharks or cruising the house reef 18 metres below the surface, just a few strokes out from the shoreline.
In line with the luxury hospitality brand’s philosophy that environmental responsibility begins at home, the Anantara team in the Maldives joined forces with marine biologists from Coral Reef CPR – conservationists, biologists and ecologists whose mission is to reduce threats and promote sustainable management and rehabilitation of reef ecosystems – in October 2015 to develop ways to protect the coral ahead of the anticipated environmental stresses of El Niño, a climate cycle that has a global impact on weather patterns.
Led by Chief Scientist, Dr. Andrew Bruckner, the pioneering five-year programme, Holistic Approach to Reef Protection or ‘HARP’, encompasses practical environmental protection and marine education with the goal of limiting potential damage to the reefs in the Maldives and ensuring the coral reefs continue to not only survive, but to thrive. As well as Anantara taking its responsibility to the local environment very seriously, the programme will also ensure that guests at each resort – as well as the local community – can continue to enjoy the spectacular world beneath the waterline for many years to come.
Corals in the Maldives
Extending across the expansive Laccadive Sea in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a country of atolls; small coral islands encircled by azure lagoons. Unique to the Maldives, luxury resorts are the sole occupants of each island, providing a truly private and unique experience. Coral reefs beneath the shimmering waters of the Maldives protect the pristine beaches and guard the crystal-clear lagoons. They also support an astounding array of tropical fish, crustaceans and bizarre-looking molluscs. But for all of its beauty and apparent resilience, coral is a sensitive organism, vulnerable to extreme weather, sudden environmental changes, the effects of global climate change, as well as outbreaks of coral predators.
Principal investigator and lead scientist with Coral Reef CPR, Dr. Andrew Bruckner, explains: “Some reefs in the Maldives are experiencing unusually high water temperatures which is causing coral bleaching. These coral animals contain symbiotic single-celled algae within their tissues, which provide the coral with up to 90% of its energy. Once stressed, the coral expels these algae, causing them to turn completely white. If algae loss is prolonged and the stress continues, corals can die. But it’s not all doom and gloom, when a coral turns white, it is not dead and if the stress-caused bleaching is not severe, coral can recover.”
Director of Conservation for Minor Hotels, John Roberts, elaborates further: “On their first visit in October 2015 the visiting marine biologists performed a major Crown of Thorns Starfish removal from the reefs surrounding Anantara resorts in South Male Atoll. In the process, the scientists helped save a great reef on Anantara Veli Resort, which is now also proving most resilient to current bleaching. As part of those efforts last year, Coral Reef CPR and Anantara have produced a manual to distribute throughout the country outlining best practice should there be another Crown of Thorns Starfish outbreak.”
Taking A Holistic Approach To Reef Protection (HARP)
In collaborating with leading experts in their fields for ground-breaking marine biology research, Anantara is pioneering the HARP programme. Currently all project work undertaken in the Maldives by Coral Reef CPR for HARP is funded by the Anantara initiative ‘Dollars For Deeds’, whereby Anantara guests are invited to donate one dollar for each night of their stay, which is then matched dollar for dollar by Minor Hotels. Dollars for Deeds funds raised in the Maldives are committed over the coming five years to three key focus areas: protection of marine and coastal environments; environmental education; and community welfare.
In January this year, Coral Reef CPR returned to the Maldives for the first of four monitoring phases throughout 2016. Ten monitoring stations were set up on coral reefs surrounding Anantara resorts in South Male Atoll and Baa Atoll, with the purpose of evaluating the water conditions and marine populations before, during and post 2016 El Niño phenomena. Already widely reported by international media across the globe as being the longest El Niño on record, during Coral Reef CPR’s second visit to the Maldives in April this year, promising results have been extracted from the monitoring stations, despite some alarming findings.
“Since the beginning of March, temperatures on the reef have exceeded 30°C and they remained above 31°C during April, reaching 32 – 33 °C in lagoonal environments,” explains Dr. Andrew Bruckner. “Under normal conditions, sea water temperatures should be 3-4 degrees cooler at depth but these high temperatures are extending beyond 35 metres depth. These high water temperatures are due to an unprecedented El Niño event which is now in its second year. Simultaneously the sea has been unusually calm which has allowed excessive levels of UV light radiation to penetrate the reefs.”
“Due to stressful conditions corals in some areas in the Maldives began to pale in colour at the beginning of April and several sensitive species bleached white. By mid-April between 60-80% of corals on the reef we were monitoring were fully bleached or a very light yellow in colour.
In certain shallow lagoonal environments bleaching was much more severe, and sensitive corals were affected. On a positive note, by the end of April temperatures on Baa Atoll had begun to decline and there was very little coral mortality on the outer reefs.”
SUPER CORALS
Through this research some surprising and exciting revelations have been discovered. Georgia Coward, Project Manager and Fishery Biologist with Coral Reef CPR said: “Although the level of bleaching is similar to that reported during previous El Niño events and is comparable to reports from other countries, we have observed a number of colonies of each species that have proven resistant to changing conditions, possibly by producing protective fluorescent pigments. Similarly certain colonies have not bleached at all despite being located adjacent to corals of the same species that bleached severely. We refer to these as “super corals” and feel that these may have adapted to elevated sea temperatures. Over the coming months we will be analysing extracts taken from the super corals and other coral species in laboratory conditions, as well as looking closely at the fish population reports surrounding them.”
SUSTAINABILITY
In line with Anantara’s commitment to sustainability and a result of the luxury hospitality brand’s ongoing conservation efforts including the HARP project, Anantara Kihavah Villas, Anantara Dhigu Resort, Anantara Veli Resort and Naladhu have all been awarded with Green Growth Certification, an assessment framework for the travel and tourism industy which consists of 37 criteria and 406 indicators. It is based on global standards and international conventions including the UN Global Compact and the UNEP Green Economy Principles.
FUTURE VISITS
Since 2011, guests staying at Anantara resorts in South Male Atoll and Baa Atoll have been able to leave a lasting legacy by participating in coral reef propagation programmes and contribute to the ongoing conservation effort by adopting a coral frame and planting it with the guidance of Anantara’s resident marine biologists. The HARP programme now builds on those initial efforts, with a high level scientific-based practical approach to reef assessment, regeneration and community science.
The third and fourth phases of the HARP Programme with Anantara involve creating a coral nursery to assist in the rehabilitation of degraded and damaged reefs. Through coral mariculture, when the scientists return in July and October 2016, small branches from the identified super corals will be extracted and propagated. Once matured, these corals will be transplanted back on to the reef.
During the visits from Coral Reef CPR scientists, guests at the Anantara resorts in both South Male Atoll and Baa Atoll can enhance their diving and snorkelling experiences by joining the marine biologists on their excursions, and participate in Anantara’s endeavours to keep the reefs healthy and vibrant for generations to enjoy.
Future visits from Dr. Andrew Bruckner, Georgia Coward and other Coral Reef CPR scientists are set for the end of July until mid-August 2016 and October 2016. To select your Anantara Dhigu, Anantara Veli, Anantara Kihavah Villas or Naladhu Maldives experience and to help play a part in the protection and regeneration of coral reefs in the Maldives, visit anantara.com
The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, by Hyatt bringing The Standard’s signature spirit to Hyatt, is getting ready for its next chapter with a series of enhancements designed to bring even more colour, character and ways to experience island life to the resort. Combining The Standard’s signature playful spirit with Hyatt’s renowned hospitality expertise and commitment to delivering exceptional luxury resort experiences, the resort is introducing refreshed villa interiors, new dining concepts, expanded family programming, upgraded recreational facilities and enhanced wellness offerings. Together, these developments reinforce a guest experience that is both unmistakably The Standard and elevated through Hyatt’s global standards of service and operational excellence.
Set on Huruvalhi Island in the Raa Atoll, the award-winning resort pairs bold design and an easy-going island energy with a thriving house reef, turquoise lagoons and plenty of reasons to get out on the water. Recognised with accolades including Best Beach Resort at the TTM Awards 2026 and Best Family Resort at the Global Destination Awards 2026, the upcoming enhancements build on that spirit, giving guests more ways to make the island their own — whether that means chasing the next adventure, lingering over a long lunch, getting creative with the kids or switching off somewhere above the lagoon.
A Fresh Look for the Villas
The resort’s beach and overwater villas will receive refreshed interiors, bringing a brighter, more contemporary feel while keeping the playful personality that makes The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives distinctly its own. Thoughtful design updates will create a renewed sense of comfort and connection to the island, with interiors that open naturally onto the surrounding blues, palms and tropical landscape. The result is less about traditional island luxury and more about having your own colourful, comfortable hideaway — somewhere to sleep, swim, play and, ideally, stay a little longer than planned.
More Ways for Little VIPs to Play
There will be even more for younger guests to discover, with expanded programming at Lil’ Shark Kids Club, an enhanced Art Hut, a new Outdoor Adventure Zone and a dedicated Teen Lounge game room. Designed with curiosity and creativity in mind, the new additions will give little travellers more opportunities to get hands-on with island life, from making and creating to getting outside and exploring. It is The Standard’s take on a kids’ club: playful rather than prescriptive, with plenty of room for young guests to make new friends, try something different and come home with stories of their own.
And while the kids are busy, parents can make the most of the resort’s restaurants, bars, beach, wellness experiences and everything else that makes spending a week on a private island feel like a very good idea.
A New Kind of Reset at The Standard Spa
Wellness at The Standard Spa is getting a little more interesting. The experience takes guests through a considered circuit of hydrotherapy, steam, infrared sauna, cold plunge and infinity pool, creating a personalised journey to reset, recharge and restore balance. Rather than simply adding new facilities, the enhanced concept brings them together as part of an immersive wellness experience designed to help guests move, pause, recharge and feel good.
Alongside the circuit, three personalised wellness journeys — Healing & Relaxation, Recovery & Reset, and Movement & Balance — give guests the freedom to choose what they need from their time at the spa. Whether it is slowing down, recovering after a day in the sun, getting the body moving or simply finding a better balance, each journey is designed around the experience rather than a one-size-fits-all treatment menu.
And because wellness at The Standard has never been about taking things too seriously, guests can embrace it in their own way. Start the day with sunrise yoga, enjoy an ocean-facing treatment, brave the cold plunge, move through the contrast circuit or simply spend a long afternoon doing absolutely nothing.
Set above the Indian Ocean, The Standard Spa is evolving into an overwater wellness centre where facilities, movement and personalised experiences come together — creating a new way to reconnect, recharge and, most importantly, feel good.
New Drink and Dine Venues
Expanding the resort’s culinary experiences, The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives will introduce an exclusive Chef’s Table dining experience, offering guests a more intimate and immersive way to connect with the destination through food. Set in a refined and interactive setting, the experience will showcase thoughtfully curated menus, seasonal ingredients, and creative culinary techniques, allowing guests to engage directly with the chefs while enjoying a personalised journey designed to celebrate flavour, craftsmanship, and storytelling.
Adding to the resort’s social scene, the all-new Castaway Bar, located on the picturesque standalone Baby Island in the middle of the Maldives ocean, will serve as a relaxed gathering spot ideal for enjoying spectacular sunsets or lingering over an after-dinner nightcap. Surrounded by pristine beaches and panoramic lagoon views, the venue will offer handcrafted cocktails, light bites and a laid-back atmosphere that celebrates the carefree spirit of island living. Meanwhile, the resort’s beloved beachfront dining venue, currently known as BBQ Shak, will be reintroduced as The Beach Grill. The refreshed concept will continue to showcase grilled specialities and fresh seafood while delivering an enhanced beachfront dining experience inspired by the beauty and flavours of the Maldives.
Pickleball, Anyone?
Adding another reason to get moving, The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives will introduce its first pickleball court, bringing one of the world’s fastest-growing sports to the island. Whether guests are seasoned players or picking up a paddle for the first time, the new court offers an easy-going way to stay active, rally with friends and embrace a little friendly competition — all with a tropical island backdrop. The addition complements the resort’s existing tennis court, giving racket sports enthusiasts even more ways to stay active during their island escape. Because at The Standard, working up a sweat can be just as much fun as cooling off afterwards.
“Great hotels should never stand still. The enhancements at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives are about evolving the experience while keeping the personality that makes the resort unmistakably The Standard. From refreshed villa interiors and new ways to play and unwind, to expanded programming for families and new wellness experiences, we’re creating more reasons for guests to connect with the island and with each other. It’s an exciting next chapter for Huruvalhi — one that brings a fresh sense of energy to the resort while staying true to its playful, social and wonderfully unconventional spirit,” said Amar Lalvani, President & Creative Director, Hyatt Lifestyle Group.
Set to launch in Q4 2026, the enhancements mark an exciting new chapter for the resort, bringing fresh energy, experiences and reasons to return to Huruvalhi while staying true to the playful, social spirit and distinctive island character of The Standard. Explore the resort and plan a stay for your family.
Click here to explore exclusive offers & plan your stay now.
This festive season, trade winter’s chill for sunlit shores, turquoise waters, and celebrations surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maldives. Set on the lush tropical island of Furanafushi, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa invites guests to embrace the holidays through its Festive Special Offer, a thoughtfully curated escape where exceptional dining, island adventures, and meaningful moments come together in paradise.
Available for stays from December 20, 2026, to January 10, 2027, the offer brings together the pleasures of a tropical getaway with the warmth of festive celebrations. Guests can enjoy up to 20% savings on room rates, full-board dining, complimentary shared speedboat transfers, and special privileges designed to make every moment of the holiday feel effortless.
Families can also enjoy added value, with children aged 11 and under staying and dining for free when sharing accommodation with their parents.
A Culinary Journey for Every Occasion
At Sheraton Maldives, the festive experience unfolds one memorable meal at a time. Mornings begin at Feast, where a generous buffet breakfast, freshly prepared juices, aromatic coffee, and a selection of teas set the tone for the day ahead. Lunch invites guests to explore a three- course à la carte selection at selected restaurants, with an enticing variety of Mediterranean, Indian, Mexican, and Asian-inspired flavors.
As the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, evenings offer a choice between a vibrant buffet dinner at Feast and a three-course à la carte experience at selected dining venues. To make the occasion even more special, adults receive up to USD 45 dining credit to discover the authentic Thai cuisine of Baan Thai or the refined seafood creations and ocean-to-table flavors of Sea Salt.
Island Adventures, Balanced with Moments of Indulgence
From the moment guests arrive, the holiday unfolds at an unhurried island pace. Complimentary shared speedboat transfers from Velana International Airport ensure a seamless journey to the resort, where days can be spent discovering the island’s natural beauty and embracing the spirit of adventure.
Guests can take to the lagoon on a kayak or paddleboard, explore vibrant marine life while snorkeling, or enjoy a friendly match on the tennis court. For moments of pure relaxation, Shine Spa for Sheraton offers 15% savings on selected treatments, inviting guests to slow down, recharge, and find their own sense of tropical tranquility.
Whether it is a family gathering beneath the palms, a romantic sunset shared over exceptional cuisine, or the simple pleasure of waking up to the ocean, every experience offers an opportunity to make the season truly personal.
Make This Festive Season Your Own
At Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, the holidays are more than a change of scenery. They are an invitation to reconnect, discover new experiences, and create traditions in a setting where the natural beauty of the Maldives meets the warmth of genuine hospitality.
Guests are invited to book their festive escape by November 15, 2026, and celebrate the season with sun-drenched days, memorable dining, and moments to treasure long after the holidays have passed.
For reservations and further information, email Sheraton.Maldives@sheraton.com or discover the offer here.
ELE|NA has been named Leading Wellness and Spa Brand at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, recognising the Maldives-based wellness brand’s contributions to the hospitality and wellness industry across the region.
The recognition comes as wellness continues to become an integral part of luxury hospitality, with ELE|NA working alongside resort partners to develop and operate wellness facilities that combine therapeutic experiences, trained professionals and operational expertise.
Guided by its Wellness Your Way™ philosophy, ELE|NA incorporates wellness into different aspects of the guest experience. Its six Pillars of Vitality – TouchFlow, ReFine, BodyFit, SoulVibe, SleepSync and FoodDelight – encompass therapeutic treatments, physical activity, emotional wellbeing, restorative sleep and nutrition. The framework allows individual resorts to develop wellness programmes tailored to their locations and guest preferences.
In addition to providing wellness experiences, ELE|NA works with hospitality partners on concept development, spa operations, therapist training and service delivery. Its operational model combines the individual characteristics of each resort with standardised systems and procedures aimed at maintaining service consistency across its properties.
Sustainability also forms part of the brand’s operations. All ELE|NA properties in the Maldives have received Platinum Sustainable Wellness Accreditation, recognising their approach to responsible spa operations, environmental management and community wellbeing.
The brand also invests in professional development through the ELE|NA Wellness Academy, which provides training programmes for therapists and wellness professionals. The academy combines traditional therapeutic practices, practical training and contemporary wellness knowledge to support professional development and strengthen service standards across the industry.
The recognition at SATA 2026 comes as ELE|NA continues to expand its operations beyond the Maldives, extending its wellness concepts and services into India, Nepal and other emerging hospitality destinations.
With wellness increasingly influencing travellers’ accommodation choices and holiday experiences, ELE|NA continues to focus on integrating wellness services into resort operations while supporting the development of trained professionals and sustainable practices within the hospitality sector.
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