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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
Six spa destinations operated by Mandara Spa in the Maldives have been recognised in the TOP 100 Spas of the World 2026 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, marking a significant milestone for the international spa and wellness brand and its hospitality partners.
The recognition spans six properties across four hospitality groups: Mandara Spa at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, and Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi; Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives; Th.ari Spa by Mandara at NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi; and Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura.
From secluded island retreats to contemporary urban hospitality, the six destinations reflect the diversity of wellness experiences across the Maldives. Each is shaped by its unique setting and character, while sharing a commitment to attentive service, therapeutic expertise, and genuine guest care. Beyond the awards themselves, this collective achievement celebrates the dedication of the spa teams and the enduring hospitality partnerships that have helped shape Mandara Spa’s presence in the Maldives.
Wellness in the Maldives is shaped as much by the character of a destination as by the treatments it offers. Mandara Spa’s long-standing collaboration with Adaaran Resorts reflects this diversity across three distinctive properties. At Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, the spa complements an intimate luxury island experience, while Adaaran Select Meedhupparu offers a restorative balance to the resort’s activities and experiences. Meanwhile, Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, known for its surfing and vibrant island atmosphere, provides guests with an opportunity to unwind after days spent exploring the surrounding waters.
At Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, Mandara Spa draws on traditional healing practices to offer moments of relaxation within the resort’s tropical surroundings. Th.ari Spa by Mandara at NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi brings a contemporary perspective to wellness, combining therapeutic traditions with tailored care that reflects the resort’s relaxed and modern character. In contrast, Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura brings the brand’s approach to the heart of Malé, offering hotel guests and visitors a place to recharge amid the energy of the capital.
Across all six properties, Mandara Spa’s approach extends beyond a single spa concept. Each experience is shaped by its surroundings, the identity of its hospitality partner, and the expectations of its guests. By combining its therapeutic heritage with an understanding of individual destinations, the brand creates wellness experiences that feel connected to their settings while maintaining a shared commitment to attentive service.
While the six spas differ in location and experience, their success is shaped by the people who bring each wellness journey to life and the guests who place their trust in Mandara Spa. Across the Maldives, therapists, spa managers, and operational teams work together to create experiences that feel welcoming, thoughtful, and attentive to individual needs. Equally important are the guests who continue to choose Mandara Spa as part of their travels, whose confidence and appreciation inspire the teams to uphold the standards of care that define the brand.
This commitment extends throughout the guest experience, from maintaining service standards to working closely with resort teams to ensure thoughtful and consistent care. The recognition offers an opportunity to acknowledge these collective efforts while expressing sincere gratitude to the guests and hospitality partners whose continued trust has supported Mandara Spa’s journey in the Maldives.
“Having six of our spas recognised in the same year is a proud moment for everyone at Mandara Spa. This achievement reflects the dedication of our therapists and spa teams, who bring genuine care and professionalism to every guest experience. We are especially grateful to our guests for the trust they place in us and for allowing us to be part of their wellness journeys. Our sincere appreciation also goes to our hospitality partners at Adaaran Resorts, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, NOOE Maldives, and Barceló Hotel Group for their continued support and collaboration. It is a privilege to share this recognition with everyone who has contributed to our journey in the Maldives,” said Trent Munday, Mandara Spa.
Through each of these partnerships, Mandara Spa has brought its spa management expertise to properties with distinct identities and guest expectations. While every collaboration has its own history and character, they share a common understanding of the importance of wellness within the wider hospitality experience. By working closely with hotel and resort teams, Mandara Spa develops offerings that reflect the individuality of each destination while drawing on its experience in spa operations and service delivery.
Beyond the treatments themselves, successful spa operations depend on thoughtful planning, skilled teams, and a close understanding of each property’s hospitality environment. This includes developing wellness concepts, supporting therapist development, and maintaining the standards that allow each spa to operate consistently within its resort or hotel environment. Across the six recognised destinations, these efforts demonstrate how thoughtfully integrated wellness can enrich the guest experience and contribute to the distinctive character of each property.
As Mandara Spa celebrates this milestone, the recognition also highlights the brand’s enduring commitment to wellness, rooted in the rich healing traditions of Asia. Across six distinct destinations, each spa brings together time-honoured therapies, skilled practitioners, and thoughtful service to create meaningful moments of relaxation and renewal. This shared achievement reflects Mandara Spa’s dedication to honouring its heritage while continuing to evolve its wellness experiences, supported by the people and hospitality partnerships that have shaped its journey in the Maldives.
One of the Maldives’ most celebrated surf destinations, Lohis, is making waves beyond the surfing world as Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi hosts a landmark all-female surf retreat, bringing together 40 women for eight days of surfing, adventure, wellness and meaningful connections.
Taking place from 11 to 18 October, the exclusive surfing experience, organised by renowned surf coach and SurferElle founder Elle Sampiere, marks an exciting new chapter for Lohis, showcasing not only the exceptional quality of its waves but also its growing appeal as a destination where world-class surfing meets extraordinary island living. For this special gathering, the iconic Lohis lineup has been dedicated to the female surfing community, creating an environment where participants can challenge themselves, share experiences and build friendships against the breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Ocean.
Lohis: Where the World’s Surfers Come for More Than Just Waves
Situated along the edge of Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi in North Malé Atoll, Lohis has earned an international reputation for its celebrated left-hand reef break, attracting passionate surfers from around the world.
What makes Lohis truly distinctive, however, extends beyond the wave itself.
Few surf destinations offer the opportunity to wake up on a tropical island, walk directly from your accommodation to an internationally recognised surf break and enjoy the comforts of an all-inclusive resort between sessions. At Lohis, surfing is not simply an excursion. It is part of everyday island life. With access managed through a limited number of surf passes, capped at 45 registered surfers per day under the resort’s standard surf management programme, Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi offers a carefully managed surfing experience that distinguishes it from many of the world’s more crowded surf destinations.
The resort also provides access to several celebrated breaks across North Malé Atoll through organised surf excursions, offering visiting surfers the opportunity to explore the diversity of waves that has made the Maldives a sought-after destination on the international surfing map.Just a short speedboat journey from Velana International Airport, this unique combination of exceptional surfing, accessibility, natural beauty and relaxed island hospitality reinforces Lohis’ position among the world’s most distinctive surf resort experiences.
A New Wave of Women Redefining Surf Travel
The SurferElle gathering brings a powerful new dimension to Lohis’ established surfing heritage.Throughout the eight-day retreat, participants are embracing a programme that extends well beyond the surf lineup, with professional coaching, yoga, wellness experiences, snorkeling, diving, fishing and island excursions creating opportunities for adventure, relaxation and personal discovery.
More importantly, the gathering reflects a growing movement within international surf culture: women seeking experiences that combine the thrill of the ocean with genuine connection, confidence and a sense of belonging.
The exclusive female surfing environment encourages participants to support one another, develop their abilities and enjoy the freedom of surfing alongside women who share their passion.
Against the turquoise waters and tropical scenery of the Maldives, the event demonstrates how a surf holiday can evolve into something more meaningful, an experience that inspires long after the final wave.
Connecting International Surf Culture with the Maldives
Beyond the international attention surrounding the gathering, the retreat also places importance on fostering connections with the emerging community of Maldivian female surfers.
By celebrating women’s participation in surfing and encouraging engagement between visiting surfers and the local community, the initiative highlights the potential for surf tourism to create opportunities for cultural exchange, inspiration and greater visibility for women in ocean sports.
It is a reflection of how the Maldives can continue to evolve as a surf destination, not only through the quality of its waves, but through the people, experiences and communities that shape its identity.
More Than a Wave. A Destination That Stays With You.
For Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi, the SurferElle gathering represents more than a special event. It demonstrates the destination’s ability to bring together the very best elements of surf travel: celebrated waves, a carefully managed surf environment, exceptional island surroundings and experiences that create lasting emotional connections.From early-morning sessions at Lohis to relaxed afternoons overlooking the Indian Ocean, the resort offers a distinctive rhythm of life where adventure and relaxation exist naturally side by side.As the gathering continues, Lohis is demonstrating that its greatest appeal lies not only in the waves surfers travel across the world to experience, but also in the memories, friendships and sense of community created around them.
At Lohis, the wave brings people together. The island makes the experience unforgettable.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Maldives, Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi is an all-inclusive island resort renowned for its natural tropical beauty, relaxed hospitality and direct access to the internationally celebrated Lohis Surf Break.
With a dedicated surf management programme, access to nearby surfing destinations, a range of accommodation options, dining experiences, wellness facilities and island activities, the resort offers a distinctive combination of world-class surfing and immersive Maldivian island living.
In a destination celebrated for its extraordinary private island retreats, .Here Baa Atoll introduces a different perspective on luxury with the opening of Nowhere Private Island, completing its visionary two-island concept in the Maldives. Set within the pristine surroundings of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, the arrival of Nowhere marks the final chapter in the creation of one of the Maldives’ most intimate ultra-luxury retreats, where just nine extraordinary residences are spread across two islands connected by a natural sandbank.
The opening follows the debut of Somewhere in December 2025, bringing together two contrasting yet complementary worlds. Somewhere, home to seven expansive beachfront and overwater residences, celebrates the pleasures of connection, discovery and shared experiences. Nowhere, by contrast, is an invitation to retreat entirely, offering the rare privilege of an island reserved exclusively for one group of guests. Together, they bring to life .Here’s defining philosophy, the Art of Duality, where the freedom to embrace vibrant island living or complete seclusion exists within a single destination.
A Private Island, Entirely Your Own
Conceived as a sanctuary of absolute privacy, Nowhere Private Island is home to just two extraordinary residences, collectively offering eight bedrooms and more than 3,300 square metres of living space. Reserved together as a single private island experience, the residences accommodate up to 24 guests, making Nowhere an exceptional setting for multigenerational families, intimate celebrations and discerning travellers seeking a world entirely their own.
The five-bedroom Presidential Residence, spanning approximately 2,399 square metres, forms the centrepiece of the island. Beyond its expansive living and entertaining spaces, the residence features a private cinema, fitness studio, sauna, steam room and dedicated wellness facilities. Complementing it is the three-bedroom Lagoon Residence, offering a further 930 square metres of beautifully considered living space overlooking the turquoise waters of Baa Atoll.
Throughout the island, generous indoor and outdoor spaces flow effortlessly into one another, creating an atmosphere of quiet sophistication. Private pools, expansive terraces and uninterrupted ocean views invite guests to experience the Maldives at their own pace, whether gathering for a leisurely afternoon or finding moments of solitude against the endless horizon.
Architecture in Harmony with Nature
The architectural identity of Nowhere reflects a philosophy of quiet grandeur, where space, proportion and the surrounding landscape take precedence over ornamentation. Conceived by Singapore-based Kulör Group, with interiors by internationally acclaimed design studio Muza Lab and architectural contributions from Topo Design Studio, the island offers a thoughtful interpretation of contemporary tropical living.
Expansive volumes, natural materials and restrained architectural lines create a seamless relationship between the residences and their surroundings. Within, a sophisticated palette of soft, earthy tones, tactile finishes and layered textures draws inspiration from the island’s natural beauty, allowing light, water and landscape to become integral elements of the design.
This sensitivity extends to the island’s environmental approach. Situated within one of the world’s most remarkable marine ecosystems, the development has been guided by careful consideration of the natural setting, from the positioning of structures to the selection of materials and the integration of architecture into the landscape. The result is a retreat that feels distinctly contemporary while remaining deeply connected to its Maldivian surroundings.
A World of Personalised Experiences
At Nowhere, the experience of luxury is shaped entirely around the individual. Each stay is supported by .Here’s signature Roohu service, with dedicated butlers anticipating every detail and curating experiences around guests’ personal preferences. From seamless arrivals at the island’s private jetty to thoughtfully orchestrated celebrations, the emphasis remains on intuitive hospitality that is both highly personalised and discreet.
Dining follows the same philosophy of freedom and flexibility. An on-demand private chef creates bespoke culinary experiences, whether an intimate dinner beneath the stars, a leisurely family gathering on a private terrace or a specially curated menu served within the residences. Around-the-clock in-residence dining and personalised mixology ensure that every occasion unfolds effortlessly.
For those wishing to explore beyond their private sanctuary, .Here’s signature overwater restaurant, SAFAR, presents a world-influenced culinary journey under the direction of Executive Chef Georgios Vasilopoulos. Fresh seafood, seasonal ingredients and fire-led preparations from the Josper Grill form the foundation of a menu inspired by flavours from across the globe. At SAFAR Bar, handcrafted cocktails evoke the spirit of travel and discovery, offering another perspective on the destination’s distinctive dining experience.
Wellness in Complete Seclusion
Wellness at Nowhere is equally intimate. Exclusively available to guests residing on the private island, Fehi Wellness offers a tranquil setting for personalised treatments, restorative rituals and mindful experiences. With a dedicated couples treatment room and yoga chamber, the space has been conceived as an extension of the island’s philosophy, encouraging guests to disconnect from the demands of everyday life and reconnect with themselves and their surroundings.
Whether through a private wellness ritual, a sunrise yoga session or simply the freedom to enjoy uninterrupted time in nature, the experience is defined by an unhurried approach to wellbeing.
Two Islands, Endless Possibilities
While Nowhere offers the ultimate expression of seclusion, the wider .Here experience is designed around freedom of choice. Guests can move between the privacy of Nowhere and the more social atmosphere of Somewhere, enjoying the distinctive experiences of both islands.
The experience extends further through complimentary access to the dining venues, wellness offerings and leisure experiences of neighbouring Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort. Celebrated for its vibrant island spirit, diverse culinary experiences and iconic two-kilometre sandbank, Finolhu offers an energetic complement to .Here’s understated sophistication.
With the completion of Nowhere Private Island, .Here Baa Atoll brings its original vision to life: a destination where extraordinary scale is matched by an exceptionally limited number of residences, and where the greatest luxury lies in the freedom to choose how time is spent.
In a world increasingly defined by constant connection, .Here offers something altogether more elusive: the space to be present, the freedom to be elsewhere and the rare possibility of being Somewhere and Nowhere at once.
For more information, please visit the resort’s website.
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