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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
A certain memoir once sent a generation in search of itself through pasta, prayer and a love story, the hunger for good food, inner calm and a little romance still runs as deep as ever Eri Maldives is reframing the formula for today’s couples, with two places set at the table.
This February, the North Malé Atoll hideaway unveils Eat, Play, Love from 12–16 February 2027,, made for couples and kindred spirits ready to trade the prix-fixe-and-roses routine for lingering meals, saltwater adventures and spontaneous moments worth keeping. The programme is built less around a place than a state of mind, in step with Booking.com’s 2027 Travel Predictions, which found that 81% of global travellers would now choose a holiday primarily by how they want to feel, rather than where they want to go.
Eat: The Way to the Heart
Valentine’s night proper belongs to A Valentine’s Feast, a five-course aphrodisiac menu served on 14 February with a glass of sparkling wine, at the kind of leisurely pace that makes phones feel optional. For something more tucked away, Dinner Beneath the Stars lays a table under a wide-open sky, opening with a signature cocktail and ending with a villa turndown.
Between courses, Sips for Two takes over the bar at Sip & Dip, pouring jumbo Valentine cocktails and swoon-worthy infusions made for sharing, best ordered with two straws and no rush.
Play: Making Waves
For pairs whose love language is quality time spent slightly out of breath, the reef does the matchmaking. Dive in Together is a guided scuba session for two, equipment included, an easy first step beneath the surface for newcomers and seasoned swimmers alike, with underwater camera for hire to capture that first shared descent.
Thrill-seekers can take the fast lane with Chase the Blue, a jet ski dash to a secluded reef followed by a guided snorkel, with photo kit and extra reef time for those not quite done with the water.
Love: Slow Hours and Soft Landings
As afternoon tips into evening, Love at Golden Hour carries lovebirds across the lagoon with sparkling wine in hand and a mellow soundtrack, while the sky pulls off what no filter ever could.
Physical touch takes centre stage at EsKape Spa with In the Ocean’s Rhythm, a 90-minute side-by-side ritual inspired by the tide’s ebb and flow, using sweeping palm strokes and bespoke aromatherapy oils to quieten busy minds. For those wanting the best for both, An Island Ritual for Two fills the hours from late afternoon to nightfall, carrying the calm of a shared massage into a dusk cruise and an intimate dinner, before a villa turndown closes the night.
Partners booking two massages also leave with a parting gift: A Lasting Touch, a complimentary massage oil or essential oil that keeps the spa-day glow alive long after the tan fades.
The Main Character Edit
For those after the full rom-com arc without lifting a finger, The Perfect Day for Love strings every chapter together: a private breakfast, a spa interlude, a twilight sail and a Champagne supper with live music, with a personal photographer capturing enough content for a relationship hard launch, or a camera roll to revisit on the next anniversary. In the end, the itinerary is just the frame; the real story is everything in between. That, above all, is what the island makes room for at Eri.
Rooms start from £321 per night on a Full Board basis when booking directly. All experiences run daily from 12–16 February 2027 unless stated otherwise, some requiring reservations at least six hours ahead.
As November unfolds over the Indian Ocean, the spirit of Thailand’s Loy Krathong comes to life across the Maldives. Celebrated through the symbolic floating of decorated offerings on water, the centuries-old festival is a time for gratitude, reflection and new beginnings. This year, Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives brings the occasion to its four island resorts, where Thai heritage meets the distinctive character of each destination through cultural celebrations, culinary experiences and island festivities on 24 and 25 November.
The celebrations begin with creativity and discovery at Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, where, on 24 and 25 November, guests are invited to explore the art of traditional krathong making, learning about the symbolism behind these delicate floating arrangements. From colourful workshops and festive games to beachside challenges, the programme brings families together through cultural discovery and friendly competition. As daylight gives way to evening, an outdoor cinema experience beneath the stars adds another dimension to the island celebrations.
For families seeking a more immersive cultural experience, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives sets the scene on 24 November with a festive parade, hands-on krathong-making workshops and a special floating ceremony along its signature lazy river. The sight of handmade krathongs drifting along the water offers a memorable interpretation of the festival’s most cherished tradition. Thai culture continues to take centre stage through an evening of traditional dance and a specially curated Thai buffet, while distinctive culinary offerings at Suan Bua bring the flavours and traditions of Thailand to the island. The celebrations continue on 25 November with further creative workshops and a family movie evening beneath the night sky.
Further south, the celebrations take on a more intimate character at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection, on 24 and 25 November. Inspired by the artistry and culinary heritage of Thailand, the programme brings together lantern-making, an authentic Thai dining experience at Suan Bua and an opportunity to discover traditional cooking techniques alongside the resort’s master chef. Throughout both days, SPA Cenvaree adds a wellness dimension to the occasion, inviting guests to make time for personal renewal.
Meanwhile, on 25 November, the spirit of Loy Krathong finds an adults-only expression at Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives. The celebrations bring together traditional krathong craftsmanship, Thai culinary discovery and an evening of beachfront festivities. The Thai Kin Khao beachfront buffet at Azure Beach features authentic Thai specialities and live cooking stations, complemented by an evening programme of cultural performances and cherished Thai rituals. A Northern Thai candlelight dance, a Muay Thai cultural showcase and a traditional dance procession set the scene for the symbolic floating of krathongs, followed by a traditional Bai Sri Su Kwan blessing ceremony offering wishes for happiness, prosperity and good fortune.
Though each island brings its own character to the occasion, the meaning behind the celebrations remains shared. From the gentle movement of krathongs across the water to the flavours, artistry and rituals of Thai culture, Loy Krathong offers an opportunity to pause, reflect and welcome new beginnings. In the Maldives, these traditions find a distinctive island setting, bringing the spirit of Thailand to life across Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives.
The glow of charcoal beside the beach; Mediterranean seafood against the blues of the Indian Ocean. From 13–23 January 2027, Atmosphere Core’s Fire: Smoke: Soul brings back Chef Pasquale Palamaro of Michelin-starred Indaco at Regina Isabella, Ischia, Italy to the Maldives. Across VARU by Atmosphere, OBLU SELECT Sangeli and OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, he joins the resident Executive Chefs in a meeting of Mediterranean technique and Maldivian ingredients.
“Food has a wonderful way of bringing people and cultures together. With Fire : Smoke : Soul, Chef Pasquale Palamaro and our Executive Chefs share their craft, ideas and personalities through the flavours, ingredients and traditions of the Maldives. Ultimately, we want our guests to leave with more than a great meal. We want them to remember the people they met, the stories they discovered and the moments they shared around the table,” says Anupam Banerjee, Vice President – Food & Beverage, Atmosphere Core.
Continuing the exchange established through Mediterranean Soul, Maldivian Heart in 2025, this series pairs Palamaro’s affinity with seafood and island produce with each restaurant’s distinct character. Cooking classes offer guests a closer encounter with the craft; Four Hands dinners bring the chefs together as equal culinary partners.
“Every destination has its own culinary identity, shaped by its ingredients and traditions. Returning to the Maldives gives me the opportunity to continue this exchange, explore new expressions of Mediterranean cooking and create alongside the talented resident chefs,” says Chef Pasquale Palamaro.
VARU by Atmosphere | Embers, Seafood and Shades of Blue
At VARU, the journey moves between the warmth of Charcoal’s beachside grill and the Mediterranean seafood sensibility of NÜ. Embers, aroma and the open evening air set the tone at Charcoal; at NÜ, the sea becomes the thread connecting two island kitchens. Named for the Dhivehi word for blue, NÜ finds a poetic counterpart in Indaco, whose name evokes the indigo of the sea at twilight.
Alongside Executive Chef Ajaya Kumar Sahoo, Palamaro will explore responsibly sourced seafood, Mediterranean technique and the interplay of fire and smoke. The programme opens with a GM Cocktail on 13 January, followed by dinner at Charcoal on 14 January, then a cooking class and Four Hands Dinner at NÜ on 15 January.
OBLU SELECT Sangeli | Fire Beside the Lagoon
At Sangeli’s Just Grill, lagoon-side dining gives the collaboration a convivial rhythm. Mediterranean craftsmanship meets the immediacy of the grill in a setting that pairs culinary precision with the ease of island life. Palamaro joins Executive Chef Ravindra for this chapter, beginning with a Cocktail with the General Manager on 17 January and dinner at Just Grill on 18 January. A cooking class and Four Hands Dinner, both at Just Grill, follow on 19 January.
OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO | Smoke, Sea and Island Hospitality
The final chapter unfolds at Helengeli’s Just Grill, where Mediterranean flavours meet an island setting defined by warmth and an unhurried sense of welcome. Working with Executive Chef Anirudh Deshpande, Palamaro brings the series to a close through fire, smoke and shared craft. A GM Cocktail on 21 January leads into dinner at Just Grill on 22 January, with a cooking class and the concluding Four Hands Dinner at Just Grill on 23 January.
The Details That Give Dining Its Depth
The series places equal emphasis on what reaches the plate and the thought behind it: responsibly sourced catch, traceable ingredients, hyperlocal produce where available and circular kitchen practices designed to reduce food waste. Seasonal vegetables receive the same creative attention as seafood and grills, while considered wine and alcohol-free pairings, personal interaction with the chefs and each resort’s live band add further texture to the evenings.
Beyond the guest experience, the exchange of techniques and perspectives is intended to endure within the kitchens, enriching the cooking long after the final dinner.
For travellers who seek a destination through its food, Fire: Smoke: Soul offers a different way to experience the Maldives: through the character of an ingredient, the glow of an ember and the conversation between two island traditions. Three settings, each with its own identity; a shared belief that the most memorable tables have a story to tell. This January, guests are invited to discover the stories, flavours and creativity behind Fire, Smoke, & Soul at Atmosphere Core resorts.
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