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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
In a world where true luxury is measured by the moments that linger, THE OZEN COLLECTION has once again proven its mastery. The brand claimed top honours at the 33rd World Travel Awards, cementing its position as a global leader in luxury hospitality. From the turquoise waters of the Maldives to the world stage, its commitment to refined elegance, personalised service, and sustainable innovation was celebrated by industry peers and discerning travellers alike.
OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI was awarded ‘Maldives’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa’ for the fourth consecutive year, a remarkable achievement that underscores the resort’s unwavering dedication to ultra-luxury hospitality. The crown jewel of the resort, the Royal RESERVE, spans 3,000 square metres and features a private beach, sprawling pool, personal spa treatment room with dedicated therapists, and lavishly appointed living spaces. Guests enjoy exclusive privileges including 24-hour private butler service, a personal chef, and direct lagoon access with panoramic Indian Ocean views. The signature RESERVE Experience™ ensures every desire is anticipated and fulfilled with discreet precision.
“This extraordinary recognition celebrates our passionate pursuit of crafting unforgettable journeys,” says General Manager Abnash Kumar. “To be honoured for four consecutive years fills us with immense joy and strengthens our commitment to perfecting the art of meaningful luxury.”
OZEN LIFE MAADHOO was honoured with ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Villa Resort’ for the second time, having previously won the same category in 2024. The resort’s acclaimed INDULGENCE™ Plan continues to set the standard for comprehensive luxury, offering guests unlimited access to gourmet dining across seven restaurants, premium beverages, curated excursions, and signature spa journeys, all seamlessly included. The iconic underwater restaurant M6m, the first of its kind in the South Malé Atoll, provides a breathtaking setting for unforgettable dining experiences.
“This award is a testament to the dedication of our entire team,” shares General Manager Mei P. Pun. “Every aspect of OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is designed to offer a genuine connection to the beauty and culture of the Maldives.”
These latest accolades add to an impressive collection of recent honours. Both resorts were named among the top ten percent of hotels worldwide in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025, with OZEN LIFE MAADHOO securing a coveted place in the ‘Best of the Best’ category, reserved for the top one percent of hospitality providers globally. The collection also earned JOINT GOLD for ‘Best All-Inclusive Hotel for Families’ at the inaugural Junior Travel Awards 2026. OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI’s ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa was nominated as Maldives’ Best Wellness Retreat at the World Spa Awards 2025, while OZEN LIFE MAADHOO’s sustainability leadership has been validated by three consecutive years of Green Globe Certification.
As THE OZEN COLLECTION continues to expand its award-winning hospitality beyond the Maldives, with upcoming properties in India including OZEN MANSION KOLKATA, OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR, and OZEN PRIVADO GOA, these recognitions reaffirm the brand’s position at the forefront of luxury hospitality, where refined elegance meets genuine connection and environmental responsibility.
Discover award-winning luxury at THE OZEN COLLECTION. Whether you seek the profound privacy of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI or the vibrant energy of OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, your perfect island story awaits.
News
InterContinental Maldives marks brand’s 80th anniversary with Michelin-starred culinary collaboration
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort will mark InterContinental’s 80th anniversary with a rare four-hands culinary collaboration, in partnership with InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort and its Michelin-starred restaurant La Maison 1888. Taking place from 18 to 20 November at The Lighthouse restaurant, the three-night guest dinner series will bring together the creative talent behind two of InterContinental’s most distinctive resort destinations for an elevated celebration of travel, gastronomy and cultural connection.
Set against the turquoise waters of Raa Atoll in the Maldives, the collaboration will transform The Lighthouse into a stage for an intimate culinary journey shaped by flavours from the island of Maamunagau and the forested cliffs of Vietnam’s Son Tra Peninsula. Across three evenings, guests will experience a refined menu, pairing the contemporary French-style cuisine of La Maison 1888, Central Vietnam’s only One Michelin star restaurant, with the fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavours of The Lighthouse.
The series will see the culinary team from La Maison 1888 travel from Vietnam to the Maldives to collaborate with Chef Arun Sivasankaran, Executive Chef of InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, and his team. Bringing more than 20 years of experience across luxury hotels and island resorts, Chef Arun will lend his ingredient-led approach, refined technique and deep understanding of destination dining to a limited-edition menu. La Maison 1888’s Chef de Cuisine, Jean-Louis Angulo, will bring his classical fine-dining expertise to the island, shaped by training at some of the world’s most famous hotels.
At The Lighthouse, guests will be invited to settle into an elegant dinner with panoramic views over the Indian Ocean. The menu will spotlight refined technique, premium seasonal ingredients, ocean-led flavours and thoughtful pairings. The setting, known for its 360-degree vistas and overwater location, provides an atmospheric backdrop for a collaboration designed to appeal to discerning travellers seeking immersive culinary moments within a luxury island setting.
The upcoming dinner series highlights the connection between two landmark InterContinental resorts during the brand’s 80th year, inviting guests to travel between destinations through taste, storytelling and shared craftsmanship.
“This exciting collaboration is a celebration of the InterContinental spirit: bringing cultures, people and experiences together in beautiful destinations. We are delighted to welcome the team from InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort to The Lighthouse, to create an experience that reflects the elegance of both resorts and the culinary ambition our guests seek when they travel,” said Reinhold Johann, General Manager InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort.
Available for three nights only (18, 19, 20 November 2026), the guest dinner series will be hosted at The Lighthouse at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort. Reservations are required, with further menu details and booking information to be announced soon.
For inquiries and reservations, please visit maldives.intercontinental.com/twelve-pearls-of-the-ocean or email reservations.icmaldives@ihg.com.
There are few images more closely associated with the Maldives than a villa suspended above a turquoise lagoon. For travellers dreaming of the islands, the water villa has become an icon in its own right, a private place above the sea, where mornings begin with the sound of water and the lagoon is just a few steps away.
Against this backdrop, Baros Maldives has been named Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Resort 2026 at the World Travel Awards, recognising its distinctive collection of overwater villas and the experience they offer above and within the lagoon.
At Baros, life over the water is wonderfully simple. The Water Villas are designed around a close connection with the sea, each with its own private deck and direct access to the lagoon. From here, guests can slip into the water for an early morning swim, snorkel across the reef or simply sit back and watch the changing colours of the Indian Ocean.
For those seeking a little more space and a private pool, the Water Pool Villas bring together the best of both worlds.
At 126 square metres, each villa offers generous space and privacy, with a private pool overlooking the lagoon and the sea stretching endlessly beyond.
But perhaps what makes the Baros water villa experience truly distinctive is what lies beneath.
Baros is a small island and its house reef is remarkably close to the Water Villas. Within minutes of leaving the villa, guests can find themselves among coral gardens and tropical marine life, discovering the underwater world that has always been at the heart of Baros. Overwater living is not simply about being above the sea, it is about being immersed in it.
It is this effortless connection between villa, lagoon and reef that makes the Water Villas at Baros so special. The setting is spectacular, but the experience is unhurried and deeply personal: barefoot mornings, afternoons spent in the water and evenings watching the sun disappear into the horizon.
The award was presented by the World Travel Awards, one of the travel industry’s most established international awards programmes, recognising excellence across hotels, resorts and travel businesses worldwide through votes from travel professionals and the public.
“We are very pleased to receive this award,” says Ibrahim Faisal, Sales Manager at Baros Maldives. “The water villas have always been an important part of the Baros experience and we are proud to see them recognised in such a competitive destination. The setting speaks for itself, but it is our team who bring the experience to life and make each stay memorable for our guests.”
At Baros, there is no need to look far for the sea. It is beneath your feet, beyond your deck and all around the island.
And perhaps that is the enduring appeal of a Baros Water Villa: the luxury of having the Indian Ocean as your backyard, your swimming pool and your view.
Life here remains intentionally uncomplicated. A small island to explore barefoot, a reef just moments away, a villa above the lagoon and time to simply enjoy being here.
For booking enquiries, please contact reservations@baros.com or call +960 664 2672.
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