News
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
Soneva Fushi in the Maldives has won the Excellence in Sustainable Childcare award at the Luxury Childcare Association (LCA) Awards 2026, recognising the resort’s approach to incorporating environmental education and sustainability into experiences for younger guests.
The award was among five categories announced by the association following a voting process held last month. The awards recognise luxury hotels and resorts that provide childcare facilities, programmes and family experiences, with winners selected through votes cast by families, guests and industry leaders.
Located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi received the recognition for The Den, its children’s club, where activities are designed to introduce younger guests to environmental responsibility through play and learning.
The programme includes tree planting, environmental scavenger hunts, nature-inspired arts and crafts, and recycled paper-making. Children can also visit the resort’s Eco Centro, where waste materials are separated, composted, reused or transformed into new products.
Beyond The Den, the resort offers guided nature walks, marine conservation activities and opportunities to learn about the island’s wildlife. These experiences aim to help children develop an understanding of the natural environment and the importance of conservation.
The Excellence in Sustainable Childcare category recognises properties that integrate environmental responsibility into their childcare programmes, encouraging young guests to develop respect for nature through practical activities and everyday experiences.
Soneva Fushi was the only resort in the Maldives among the five category winners announced for 2026.
Other winners included JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa in Greece, which received the Excellence in Children’s Programming award, and The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa in Mauritius, which won Excellence in Family Experiences.
Paradisus by Meliá Bali in Indonesia received the Excellence in Childcare Facilities award, while MarBella, part of the Mar-Bella Collection in Greece, won Excellence in Baby & Toddler Care.
The 2026 awards follow the association’s inaugural awards in 2025. The five categories were developed to recognise different aspects of family hospitality, including childcare facilities, programming, environmental responsibility and services for younger children.
The Luxury Childcare Association is a membership organisation that accredits luxury hotels and resorts providing professional childcare services and family experiences. Its membership includes more than 70 properties, with the association promoting standards in childcare safety, professionalism and guest experiences across the luxury hospitality sector.
Perched above the crystal-clear lagoon, The Standard Spa at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, by Hyatt serves as the resort’s overwater wellness centre, where transformative wellbeing experiences are inspired by the natural rhythms of island life. Surrounded by endless shades of blue and gentle ocean breezes, the spa is designed as a haven for restoration, movement, and mindfulness, inviting guests to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and embrace a renewed sense of balance while immersed in the beauty of the Maldives.
The wellness philosophy at The Standard Spa is thoughtfully centred around three core pillars: Recovery & Reset, Balance & Movement, and Relaxation & Healing, creating a holistic framework that nurtures both physical vitality and mental wellbeing.
Recovery & Reset focuses on restoring the body and replenishing energy through experiences designed to ease physical fatigue, support muscle recovery, and encourage overall rejuvenation. At the heart of this pillar is the spa’s newly introduced Contrast Therapy Circuit, a guided wellness experience featuring alternating hot and cold therapies including a steam room, sauna, cold plunge pools, cold-water bucket therapy, warm showers, and dedicated relaxation spaces (including an infinity pool) overlooking the crystal blue colours of a shallow water lagoon which extends to the Maldives ocean. Rooted in time-honoured wellness traditions, the circuit promotes circulation, recovery, and a revitalised sense of wellbeing.
Balance & Movement celebrates mindful movement as an essential component of holistic health. Guests can participate in private or group yoga sessions, guided stretching, personalised wellness activities designed to strengthen the connection between body and mind. For those seeking a more active approach to wellbeing, the wellness team can also curate experiences incorporating private tennis coaching, recognising the sport’s natural synergy with movement, coordination, focus, and overall physical vitality. Personal fitness studio, cardio and strength training are also available in the resort’s fitness centre. This pillar encourages guests to cultivate strength, flexibility, and mindfulness while embracing an active lifestyle during their island escape.
Relaxation & Healing invites guests to pause, unwind, and nurture inner calm through treatments inspired by both ancient healing traditions and contemporary wellness practices. Signature experiences range from therapeutic massages and hammam rituals to body scrubs, body wraps, facials, and sound healing therapies, each carefully designed to promote deep relaxation, emotional balance, and a renewed sense of harmony.
Further elevating the spa’s wellness offering, The Standard Spa has introduced a collection of multi-experience wellness journeys, allowing guests to personalise their path to wellbeing by combining treatments from each of the three pillars. Designed as immersive three-day programmes, these curated experiences create a balanced wellness flow tailored to individual goals, whether focused on recovery, movement, relaxation, or a combination of all three. The flagship Journey to Ultimate Bliss delivers a comprehensive wellness experience featuring Contrast Therapy, private yoga or tennis sessions, and restorative healing treatments, while the Self-Discovery Journey provides an accessible introduction to holistic wellbeing through group wellness activities complemented by signature spa therapies. Guests seeking a more focused escape can also indulge in specialised experiences such as the Awakening and Serenity Signature Rituals, or enjoy dedicated couples’ experiences including the Romantic Couple Ritual and Starlight Couple Massage, each thoughtfully crafted to foster relaxation, connection, and renewal.
Complementing every wellness journey is access to Tonic Lounge, the spa’s adults-only swim-up bar and relaxation space overlooking the lagoon. Here, guests can continue their wellbeing experience with a thoughtfully crafted wellness beverage menu of fresh juices, herbal infusions, and healthy tonics designed to nourish the body from within and give your health an extra boost. Available to guests enjoying spa treatments and wellness journeys, Tonic Lounge provides the perfect setting to relax, refuel, and savour mindful dining in a tranquil overwater environment.
“Wellness continues to play an increasingly important role in the way our guests travel,” said Justin Swart, General Manager of The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, by Hyatt. “At The Standard Spa, we have created experiences that go beyond traditional spa treatments by combining recovery, movement, nourishment, and healing into a truly holistic wellness offering. Whether guests embark on one of our curated wellness journeys, experience the Contrast Therapy Circuit, enjoy a healthy meal at Tonic Lounge, or simply take time to disconnect and unwind, our goal is to help them leave feeling restored, energised, and fully present throughout their stay.”
With its refreshed wellness philosophy, curated healing journeys, and immersive overwater experiences, The Standard Spa reaffirms The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives’ commitment to creating meaningful moments of wellbeing, inviting guests to reconnect, recharge, and discover balance in one of the world’s most captivating island destinations.
For reservations and enquiries, please contact the resort at mv.reservations@standardhotels.com or visit the resort’s website.
Cooking
Gili Lankanfushi Executive Chef Hari releases plant-based cookbook celebrating sustainable cuisine
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives has announced that Plant to Plate: Vegan Recipes from Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, the debut cookbook from Executive Chef Harinath Govindaraj, has officially been published and is now available. Published by St James’s House, the beautifully curated coffee-table book marks Chef Hari’s 20th year at the award-winning resort and celebrates his vibrant approach to plant-based cuisine.
Now available to purchase online via the Gili Lankanfushi Maldives website and on the island, Plant to Plate allows guests and food lovers alike to recreate a taste of Gili at home. More than a cookbook, it is a reflection of Chef Hari’s philosophy of simple, mindful cooking, encouraging readers to embrace seasonal ingredients, fresh herbs and the joy of creating nourishing meals from nature’s bounty.
Featuring more than 60 recipes spanning breakfasts, starters, soups, salads, mains, desserts and signature drinks, the collection showcases Chef Hari’s wellness-led approach to food. Highlights include Rainbow Root Ceviche, Gili Garden Green Gazpacho, Teriyaki Tofu Steak with Coriander Sticky Rice, Pan-Seared Radish Scallops, Roasted Green Cauliflower with Zesty Couscous and Caramel Pistachio Silk Cheesecake, alongside treasured family recipes inspired by his South Indian heritage.
“Plant to Plate is about making beautiful, wholesome food accessible to everyone,” says Chef Harinath Govindaraj. “The recipes are designed to be practical, flexible and easy to recreate at home using fresh, seasonal ingredients. I want readers to feel confident in the kitchen and to understand that some of the most memorable dishes come from the simplest ingredients.”
A much-loved figure at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, Chef Hari has spent the past two decades helping shape the resort’s culinary identity. Born in southern India, his passion for cooking began at an early age and has evolved into a distinctive style centred around sustainability, wellness and plant-based dining. Today, he oversees the island’s flourishing organic garden, growing herbs, fruits and vegetables used throughout the resort’s restaurants and menus.
Throughout the book, Chef Hari challenges traditional perceptions of vegan cuisine, transforming radishes into scallops, tofu into flavour-packed steaks and root vegetables into vibrant ceviches. His inventive recipes demonstrate how plant-based cooking can be every bit as satisfying, creative and indulgent as more conventional dishes.
Rodrigo Buanafina, General Manager of Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, comments: “Seeing Plant to Plate in print is a proud moment for everyone at Gili Lankanfushi. Chef Hari has shaped the culinary identity of the island for two decades, and this beautiful book captures his creativity, his passion for sustainability and the generosity he shows to every guest who sits at his table. Knowing that a portion of the proceeds will support the Cancer Society of Maldives makes it all the more special. It is a wonderful way for guests, old and new, to take a taste of the Gili experience home with them.”
Katie Nicholl, international broadcaster and author of the cookbook, comments: “To be clear, this is not just a book for vegans, it is a book for anyone who loves food, is passionate about healthy eating and is curious about blending new tastes and flavours and creating something truly spectacular. There is no end to Chef Hari’s creativity, he can create a tastebud tingling masala ‘steak’ from tofu, pan seared ‘scallops’ out of radishes… This is a book to inspire and surprise you and teach us all that vegan food can be creative, exciting and above all, delicious.”
Featuring stunning photography by acclaimed photographer Mel Yates, Plant to Plate combines evocative imagery of island life with easy-to-follow recipes designed for delicious and healthy everyday living. The result is a visually striking keepsake that transports readers to the shores of Gili Lankanfushi with every turn of the page.
Plant to Plate Vegan Recipes from Gili Lankanfushi Maldives is now available for $129 USD with 25% of the profits going towards Cancer Society of Maldives (CSM). Sample recipes are available on request. Order your copy here.
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