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
Long before waterslides became a familiar sight at luxury resorts in the Maldives, Soneva introduced them to its overwater villas with a simple belief: luxury should never become so serious that it forgets how to play.
Since then, this sweeping curve over the Indian Ocean has become unmistakably Soneva and an invitation to let go. Now, it takes on a new form.
For Soneva × Jacob Felländer: Joy Takes Form, the Swedish contemporary artist transformed the iconic Soneva slide into a sculptural exploration of movement, freedom and imagination. Unveiled on 23 September at Slakthusområdet, Stockholm’s historic Meatpacking District, the installation took centre stage in a raw industrial space reinvented for one night. Friends of Soneva and longstanding guests came together for an evening of art, food and conversation, bringing the spirit of the islands to the city: slowing down, connecting and seeing the familiar differently.
The slide unfolds in layers, with three materials flowing into one another in a continuous movement through time. Raw, weathered metal holds the past, carrying the beauty of memories and moments that endure. The mirrored surface captures the present, alive with reflection, light and movement. The final layer opens towards the future, lighter, freer and filled with possibility.
Together, they are a reminder that joy is not fixed in time. It carries the past, comes alive in the present and moves towards everything still to come.
Celebrated chefs Adam Dahlberg and Albin Wessman created a menu inspired by the elemental character of the three islands: Earth, evoking the lush jungle of Soneva Fushi; Water, the luminous world of Soneva Jani; and Air, the remoteness of Soneva Secret. The final course was simply Whimsy.
The partnership reflects Bare Luxury, the evolved philosophy that removes the unnecessary to leave more room for what matters: wonder, curiosity, discovery and connection.
“The slide was never just a slide. It is a reminder that luxury should make us feel something,” said Neil Gallagher, Chief Executive Officer of Soneva. “By reimagining the slide through his artistic lens, Jacob has captured the sense of curiosity, freedom and joy that has always been at the heart of Soneva.”
“In today’s world, it’s increasingly important that we remember and develop what makes us distinctly human: imagination, intuition, empathy and our capacity for play. Art has a vital role in this,” said Jacob Felländer. “I’m excited about my ongoing collaboration with Soneva, a hospitality brand that truly understands the need to create space for curiosity, connection and possibility.”
Placing something born in the Maldives in the hands of a creative force brings it into a wider cultural conversation, connecting hospitality naturally with art, design and food.
The installation remains at Slakthusområdet until 31 December 2026. The creative exchange continues in the Maldives from 12 to 24 November 2026, when Felländer will be in residence at Soneva Fushi as a Soneva Star, leading workshops that encourage guests to explore their own creativity and intuition through experimentation and play.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been named Highly Commended for Best Long-Haul Family Stay in the Family Traveller Awards 2026, recognising the resort’s thoughtful approach to family and multigenerational travel, where considered design, generous space and experiences for every generation allow families to holiday together while enjoying the freedom to create their own time and space.
Organised by Family Traveller, the UK’s leading family travel publication, the awards attracted hundreds of entries across 19 categories. An independent panel of expert family travel journalists selected the finalists before thousands of public votes determined the winners and highly commended properties, announced at an awards ceremony in London on 11 September 2026.
Just 30 minutes by luxury speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili combines easy accessibility with an island experience thoughtfully designed for families. Its 75 private-pool villas and residences include spacious multi-bedroom Villas, Residences and Retreats particularly suited to extended and multigenerational stays. Individual bedrooms and living areas feature separate external entrances alongside internal connecting doors. This allows families to stay together while retaining a sense of privacy and independence – particularly useful for grandparents, parents, couples and older children travelling together.
For younger guests, Kuda Fiyo Kids Club offers its own expansive beach beside the island’s shallow lagoon, giving children space to explore while parents enjoy time of their own. With supervised outdoor adventures, creative activities, games and island discoveries, the programme encourages young guests to experience the island independently. The daily Kuda Villingili train ride has become a much-loved ritual for little explorers.
Family-friendly thinking continues throughout the island. The resort’s spectacular 150-metre swimming pool features dedicated shallow areas for younger swimmers, while the surrounding lagoon opens the door to kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and other ocean adventures.
Budding surfers can also take their first steps into the sport with certified surf instructors at Baby Chickens, the beginner-friendly section of the island’s renowned Surf Chickens break, where they can gradually build their confidence and skills in the ocean.
Older children and teenagers are equally considered, with tennis, padel, pickleball, futsal, volleyball, watersports, diving and other recreational experiences offering plenty of independence and adventure beyond the Kids Club years. Across eight distinctive restaurants, diverse cuisines provide something for every generation, with children under 12 dining complimentary, while parents can retreat to the overwater Spa or enjoy time of their own as younger guests explore the island.
This balance between togetherness and individuality lies at the heart of Kuda Villingili’s family experience. Families can share a villa without sacrificing privacy, pursue different experiences during the day, and come together again over dinner, beside the pool or for a Maldivian sunset – allowing each generation to experience the island in their own way.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, said: “We are incredibly proud to be Highly Commended for Best Long-Haul Family Stay by Family Traveller. At Kuda Villingili, we have always believed that a family holiday should give everyone the freedom to enjoy the island in their own way – whether that means children discovering new adventures, parents finding time to unwind, or several generations coming together to share memorable experiences. This recognition is a wonderful acknowledgement of our team and the experiences we strive to create for every family who stays with us.”
The accolade further highlights Kuda Villingili’s family-focused offering in the Maldives, where “Time and Space Redefined” takes on a special meaning: more time to reconnect, space for every generation, and experiences designed to become part of the family story.
For more information and reservations, visit www.kudavillingili.com or contact reservations@kudavillingili.com.
Following a planned period of island rehabilitation and enhancements, Cora Cora Maldives has officially reopened, welcoming guests back to its natural island paradise as scheduled.
Surrounded by the turquoise waters of Raa Atoll, the five-star Premium All-Inclusive resort has always celebrated the beauty and character of its natural setting. The temporary closure provided an opportunity to carry out essential improvements and refresh the island’s surroundings, reflecting the resort’s continued commitment to caring for its natural environment while enhancing the guest experience.
With the planned works completed, guests can once again enjoy the island’s white-sand beaches, lush tropical surroundings, and signature spirit of freedom. Reopening as scheduled also honours the commitment made to the resort’s valued travel trade partners, reflecting the trust and confidence built through its longstanding partnerships.
Vishen Mootoo , Commercial Director of Cora Cora Maldives, said: “Cora Cora Maldives is blessed with a beautiful natural island, and taking the time to care for it was an important investment in its future. This planned rehabilitation allowed us to address the needs of the island while further enhancing the experience we offer our guests. We are delighted to reopen exactly as planned and deliver on the commitment we made to our valued travel trade partners. Their trust and continued support throughout this period have meant a great deal to us, and we look forward to continuing our partnership as we welcome guests back to our island.”
The reopening comes at a particularly meaningful time as Cora Cora Maldives prepares to celebrate its fifth anniversary on 1 October 2026. Since opening in 2021, the resort has developed a distinctive approach to Maldivian hospitality through its Premium All-Inclusive offering, bringing together culinary discovery, cultural preservation, wellness, and experiences for all ages, while remaining committed to sustainability.
Five years on, the resort enters this milestone with renewed energy and a continued commitment to creating memorable experiences and meaningful connections. The anniversary is also an opportunity to celebrate the people, partnerships, and shared moments that have shaped its journey.
As Cora Cora Maldives begins its next chapter, it remains dedicated to preserving the beauty of its island home and delivering the heartfelt hospitality and sense of freedom that guests have come to know and love.
Paradise is calling. Again. It’s Freedom Time.
For more information and bookings, please visit the resort’s website.
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