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
Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, has been named Best Design Resort in the Maldives at the Global Destination Awards by World Fashion Channel, celebrating the resort’s distinctive approach to design, creativity and contemporary island living.
The award was announced at the Global Destination Awards ceremony in Moscow, an international luxury travel event bringing together leading hospitality professionals, international hotel brands, travel experts, celebrities and prominent travellers. The awards recognise outstanding destinations, hotels, resorts, restaurants and personalities shaping the global luxury travel landscape.
Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Finolhu is known for an aesthetic that deliberately departs from conventional interpretations of Maldivian luxury. The resort’s design, conceived by London-based design studio Muza Lab, brings together bold colours, expressive patterns, natural textures and playful details to create a contemporary interpretation of island life.
Across its 125 villas, restaurants, bars and social spaces, Finolhu’s visual identity is characterised by an eclectic mix of influences and a sense of individuality. From beachfront and overwater villas to the resort’s celebrated two-kilometre sandbank and the barefoot setting of Crab Shack, design is woven throughout the guest experience.
The recognition also reflects Finolhu’s wider identity as the Island Playground, where design is complemented by a year-round programme spanning art, gastronomy, wellness, sport and entertainment. Visiting artists and creative collaborations form an important part of this approach, allowing guests to engage with creativity through immersive experiences and encounters throughout their stay.
World Fashion Channel is an international lifestyle television network covering fashion, beauty, travel and luxury lifestyle, with an audience of more than 30 million viewers. The channel is distributed through major Russian cable and satellite operators, including MTS, Beeline and NTV-Plus, as well as across premium hotels, shopping destinations, luxury boutiques, restaurants, beauty salons and wellness clubs. It is also an official media partner of Moscow Fashion Week, Sochi Fashion Week and other major fashion and lifestyle events.
The Best Design Resort in the Maldives title adds to Finolhu’s growing portfolio of international recognition and reinforces the resort’s position as one of the Maldives’ most distinctive design-led destinations, where creativity, individuality and the natural beauty of Baa Atoll come together in an unmistakably playful island experience.
For more information and to learn more, visit finolhu.com.
This Chinese National Day holiday, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives invites all guests to embrace the natural rhythm of island life in the serene surroundings of Raa Atoll. From 1 to 7 October 2026, the resort will celebrate the season with a thoughtfully curated programme of dining and cultural experiences, complemented by its Half Board Special and the privacy of its signature Overwater Pool Villas.
Set within a naturally lush island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the resort offers the freedom to experience the holiday entirely at one’s own pace. Days might begin with breakfast overlooking the sea, continue with time in the lagoon or a quiet afternoon beside a private pool, and end over dinner beneath tropical skies.
The setting itself has earned international recognition for its distinctive design and visual appeal. Alila Kothaifaru Maldives was named among Trip.com’s Asia 100 – Instagrammable Hotels in both 2025 and 2026, while Trip.com’s 2026 ranking of Instagrammable Hotels in the Maldives places the resort at No. 3.
Overwater Living, the Alila Way
For travellers dreaming of the quintessential Maldives experience, the resort’s Overwater Pool Villas extend above the lagoon with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean.
The Lagoon Overwater Pool Villa, Ocean Overwater Pool Villa and Sunset Overwater Pool Villa each offer 125 square metres of contemporary indoor-outdoor living, with a private pool and the water always within sight. Whether waking to the changing colours of the lagoon or watching the sun descend from the privacy of the villa, the experience places the landscape at the centre of the stay.
For larger families and multi-generational groups, the resort also offers spacious multi-bedroom accommodation, including the Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villa and Boduge Residence, allowing extended families and friends to stay together while retaining their own sense of space.
“Golden Week is an occasion to come together, and we wanted the celebration on the island to feel both familiar and distinctly Alila. Guests can gather over steamed local reef fish with ginger and scallion, share the warmth of a hot pot evening, learn the art of dumpling making with Chef Amrit, or slow down over tea masterclasses and pairing rituals with Dilmah Tea. These experiences bring the spirit of the celebration into the rhythm of island life, while giving families and friends the freedom to enjoy their time together in their own way,” says Thomas Weber, General Manager of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives.
A Celebration Around the Table
Dining takes a central place in the celebrations, with a programme created especially for the week.
The programme begins on 1 October with a Dumpling Making Class with Chef Amrit, followed on 2 October by Flavors of the Golden Week, featuring steamed local reef fish with ginger and scallion. The weekend brings convivial Flavors of the East Hot Pot Nights, while Chinese-Flavored BBQ Skewer Night at Yakitori Bar adds another celebratory evening on 6 October. The programme culminates on 7 October with the Golden Week “Seasalt Night” Buffet Dinner.
Throughout the week, guests can also discover a series of tea experiences presented in collaboration with Dilmah Tea, including Tea Mini-Classes exploring wellness and health tips, Tea Masterclasses and Tastings, and evening Tea-Pairing Rituals — introducing a quieter ritual to the island celebrations.
Half Board, with the Freedom to Explore
Adding ease and flexibility to the stay, the resort’s Half Board Special brings breakfast and dinner into the rhythm of each day while leaving guests free to explore Alila Kothaifaru Maldives’ wider culinary landscape.
The plan includes daily breakfast at Seasalt and dinner at Seasalt, Pibati, Yakitori Bar or Umami, served as a three-course à la carte menu, excluding Teppanyaki. Guests wishing to dine at another venue receive a USD 75 food credit, applicable at participating experiences including Teppanyaki, The Shack and Dining Experiences, subject to availability. Premium and signature items may carry an additional charge.
This flexibility means no two evenings need feel the same: dinner might unfold over Japanese flavours at Umami, around the table at Seasalt, or somewhere entirely more secluded at The Shack, the resort’s private sand cay.
The Half Board Special is complemented by a collection of Alila Hospitalities, including welcome amenities, Spa Alila wellness activities, complimentary use of snorkelling equipment, daily poolside refreshments and access to Play Alila, the 24-hour Fitness Centre and Library. In-room reusable water bottles, Alila Living bath amenities, Villa Host service and resort-wide Wi-Fi are also included.
Island Days, Made Personal
Beyond the celebrations, the island invites guests to find their own rhythm. Snorkelling and diving reveal the marine environment of Raa Atoll, while Play Alila, outdoor games and padel tennis offer easy ways for families to spend time together.
For something slower, Spa Alila and island wellness experiences create space to reset, while Alila Moments connect guests more closely with Maldivian culture, nature and local traditions.
The programme has deliberately been designed with room for spontaneity. Complimentary experiences are woven between the culinary events, including dumpling making and scheduled tea activities, allowing guests to participate as much — or as little — as they wish. Selected activities require advance reservations, while dine-around credit is applicable to certain dining experiences.
An Island Celebration, Shaped Around You
From overwater mornings and private-pool afternoons to dumpling making, tea rituals and dinners overlooking the Indian Ocean, the week celebrates a simple luxury: time together, with the freedom to choose how it is spent.
For more information or to plan a Golden Week escape, visit www.alilakothaifarumaldives.com.
On 31 October, Reethi Faru Resort invites guests to discover a different side of the Maldives, as the island transforms into a tropical Halloween escape filled with family fun, creative costumes, music, themed dining and unforgettable island moments.
Set against the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Halloween at Reethi Faru brings together the playful spirit of the season with the natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere of a Maldivian island. From afternoon activities for younger guests to an evening costume celebration, the programme offers something for everyone.
Halloween Fun for Little Ones
The celebrations begin with a dedicated afternoon of Halloween fun for younger guests. Children can get into the spirit of the occasion with face painting, themed games and specially curated activities designed to encourage creativity, imagination and plenty of laughter.
Families are invited to embrace the occasion together, with little ones transforming into their favourite Halloween characters before enjoying an afternoon of playful island adventures.
A Night of Costumes, Music and Celebration
As the sun sets and the island takes on a different atmosphere, the celebrations continue with the Halloween Costume Party.
Guests are invited to dress up and join an evening of DJ music, dancing and Halloween entertainment, with the island providing a unique tropical setting for creative costumes and festive fun.
From mysterious characters to imaginative creations, the costume party brings guests together for an evening where the unexpected feels right at home in paradise.
A Halloween Feast with a Tropical Twist
Food is at the heart of every celebration, and Halloween at Reethi Faru is no exception.
The resort’s culinary team will create a specially themed Halloween buffet, featuring a selection of international and local flavours presented with a creative seasonal twist. From the buffet to the bar, the Halloween spirit continues with specially prepared Halloween cocktails, adding a playful finishing touch to the evening.
Halloween Under the Maldivian Sky
Celebrating Halloween in the Maldives offers a setting unlike any other.
As darkness falls, the sounds of the ocean replace the bustle of everyday life, while the moonlight reflects across the lagoon and the island’s tropical surroundings create an atmospheric backdrop for the evening’s celebrations.
This combination of Halloween tradition and Maldivian island life makes the experience at Reethi Faru distinctive. The result is a celebration that feels festive and familiar, yet entirely at home in paradise.
Whether travelling with family, enjoying a romantic escape or simply looking to experience the Maldives in a different way, guests can join the festivities and create their own Halloween memories on the island.
A Different Kind of Halloween
On 31 October, Reethi Faru Resort invites guests to leave the ordinary behind and experience Halloween where tropical island life meets the spirit of the season.
With creative activities, costumes, music, cuisine and the beauty of the Maldivian night providing the backdrop, Halloween at Reethi Faru offers a celebration that is playful, atmospheric and uniquely island-inspired.
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