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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
Today’s honeymooners are looking for more than candlelit dinners and flower-filled villas; they seek meaningful experiences and personalised adventures uniquely theirs. Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has quietly evolved its honeymoon approach to meet this new generation of luxury travellers, positioning the resort around the opportunity to create a completely individualised celebration.
Here are 10 ways Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is setting the benchmark for the modern romantic getaway.
1. Curate Your Own Honeymoon
Every couple brings a distinct dynamic to their celebration, and the Ultimate Honeymoon Signature Experience allows newlyweds total flexibility to co-create a stay around their individual style. A handwritten love letter can be placed in the villa before arrival, or the team can craft a tailored island treasure hunt woven around their personal journey. From an underwater commitment ceremony to a scenic seaplane flight over Noonu Atoll, each moment is chosen to fulfil their unique bucket list.
2. Personal Butlers That Anticipate Every Moment
The dedicated multilingual butler team creates quiet surprises and effortless magic throughout the stay, ensuring couples feel seamlessly cared for. They focus on small, unscripted gestures, noticing a preference for plant-based dishes or organic herbal smoothie at breakfast, arranging an impromptu cocktail setup on the beach, revealing quiet spots across the island to watch the sunset, or subtly decorating the villa with a guest’s favourite quote and wedding picture.
3. Creative Moments for Romance
To help honeymooners slow down and remain fully present, the resort turns island activities into intentional rituals. A morning might begin with a quiet Maldivian breakfast in the lagoon, feet in the water, followed by a snorkelling excursion along the reef of a deserted island. An evening might unfold as a private cinema screening of a favourite film aboard a traditional Dhoni, drifting gently across the lagoon. These shared moments deepen connection, transforming travel time into emotional anchors.
4. Private Sanctuaries for Unhurried Days
Designed as quiet sanctuaries for couples after months of celebration, the resort’s 221 villas offer secluded open-air living and an unhurried approach to island life. The Water Villa with Pool is perfect for floating champagne breakfasts served in complete privacy, tailored for long, relaxed mornings together. In the Sunset Horizon Water Villas with Pool, couples can unwind over a Sunset Aperitif at dusk, relaxing in their elegant over-water seating beside their private pool.
5. Sincere, Tasteful, and Sensory Culinary Moments
Dining together on honeymoon is about far more than just the cuisine; it is a sensory journey of discovering new flavours together. Sun Siyam Iru Fushi orchestrates a generous and refined culinary scene across 15 restaurants and bars, and features curated dinners deeply appreciated by epicureans. Moments range from intimate dinners bathed in the glow of hundreds of candles on the beach, with a private chef preparing a bespoke menu, to starlit seafood gatherings, interactive hotpots, and sommelier-guided wine tastings in The Cellar, further enriched by seasonal culinary residencies hosted by Michelin-starred chefs. As part of the 24-Hour Premium All Inclusive Dine Around, a selection of sixty-six fine wines and champagnes from around the world elevates the entire gastronomic experience.
6. Restorative Rituals, Side by Side
Few experiences are as quintessential to a honeymoon as a shared spa journey. Rather than a standard treatment menu, the Honeymoon Escape ritual inspired spa invites couples into an unhurried restorative journey featuring aromatic flower baths, organic botanical polishes, and soothing massage time together. For a deeper connection with the destination, therapies incorporate locally prepared coconut oil and fresh, exotic spices.
7. Immersive Maldivian Moments for the Curious Couple
Modern honeymooners seek far more than a beautiful backdrop; they look for a genuine, personal connection to place. Beyond its idyllic setting, the resort presents cultural encounters tailored to each couple’s taste. Guests can experience a Maldivian Roots dinner structured around their favoured local flavours, arrange an intimate cooking class, or explore island music and traditional craftsmanship. Each night, the in-villa Signature Turndown Journey is customised with touches of Maldivian heritage from hand-selected local delicacies to custom herbal infusions inspired by their day. In this way, every day spent on the island becomes a deeply personal celebration.
8. Discovering a New Passion Together
For couples eager to embrace a new adventure together, the calm, warm waters of Noonu Atoll provide a serene and safe environment for diving. Guided by the resort’s multilingual dive team, couples can discover the Maldives’ extraordinary marine life before capturing the memory with an underwater photograph at the iconic Nemo Garden heart installation.
9. Connecting with Nature
As one of the Maldives largest natural islands, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi boasts a mature canopy of native flora, winding pathways, and vibrant wildlife. Nature-loving couples can explore the island grounds with resident nature experts before planting their own mango, coconut or papaya tree to mark their honeymoon, a living piece of their story that grows on the island for years to come.
10. Quiet Gestures Woven into Your Stay
From arrival to departure, celebration is marked rather than expected amenities, but by genuine care. Softly lit in-villa bubble baths prepared after a long journey, bespoke welcome gifts from the executive chef, and thoughtful moments serve as continuous, quiet reminders of the warm and sincere Maldivian welcome.
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa has unveiled ŪRJĀ Naturopathy Island – the next evolution of holistic healing in the Maldives. Named after the Sanskrit word for vitality, ŪRJĀ is a wellness destination with a difference. Its programme balances naturopathic principles with scientific expertise, shifting the focus from surface-level relaxation to meaningful restoration.
ŪRJĀ was created with a clear intention: to move beyond the sameness of many modern spa experiences and offer something deeper. A space where ancient knowledge, natural healing and personal empowerment come together in harmony. Beyond buzzwords, trends and quick fixes, ŪRJĀ is designed for genuine, ongoing healing, not momentary escape.
Many treatments at ŪRJĀ feature AION A®, the powerful healing mineral discovered in an ancient Roman quarry in Würenlos, Switzerland by visionary Swiss naturopathic researcher Emma Kunz (1892–1963). Named it after the Greek for “without limitation”, AION A® supports detoxification, soothes inflammation, and encourages healing via positively charged ion exchange.
A Grounded Vision of Wellbeing
Rather than chasing the latest wellness protocol, ŪRJĀ takes a holistic path rooted in knowledge, education and integrity. In a world defined by stress, digital overwhelm and physical fatigue, it asks: what do guests truly need now?
The answer is timeless: Naturopathy, practicing for centuries what the modern world now calls ‘biohacking’, restores balance, supports natural healing, and guides enduring, sustainable habits.
Rooted in this philosophy, ŪRJĀ’s programmes unite nutrition, movement, detoxification and energetic realignment, for lasting wellbeing. The imparting of knowledge is central to the experience. Guests learn about the body’s innate intelligence, the importance of rhythm and nourishment, and how small, consistent changes can restore vitality. Diagnostics, consultations and personalised guidance empower them to return home with deeper understanding and practical tools for everyday wellbeing.
ŪRJĀ’s philosophy also recognises the growing need for stillness. In a world of constant stimulation, moments of silence and reflection become powerful therapeutic tools. Experiences encourage guests to reconnect with nature, their breath, and the peace found within.
ŪRJĀ invites guests to rediscover something simple yet profound: the body already knows how to heal. Sometimes it simply needs the right environment, guidance and silence to remember.
Naturally Inspired
Accessed from the Resort’s main jetty via a small Maldivian dhoni, ŪRJĀ offers a deep immersion in elemental rhythms – a living reflection of its ethos of vitality through nature. Over-water treatment suites, open-air rituals and the pulse of the surrounding ocean immerse guests in natural rejuvenation.
The spa’s pioneering approach centres on individualised wellness. At its heart are four core naturopathic pathways: Rest & Rebalance, Cleanse, Nourish, and Reconnect. Each pathway offers a collection of therapies and rituals to align mind, body, emotions and intellect, awakening self-healing. Every journey begins with an expert Naturopathic Consultation to craft a bespoke programme of therapeutic care. Optional micronutrient scans, iris diagnosis and postural mapping offer deeper insight into internal balance and vitality.
Signature treatments include Mud Therapy, Heliotherapy, Life-Force Healing, Magneto Therapy, and Sound Healing. Complementing these are Yoga Therapy, and traditional naturopathic practices such as fasting, acupuncture and full-body alignment rituals. Highlights include the ‘Vagus Reset’, a centring ritual that activates the vagus nerve, and the Night Spa Ritual, a celestial open-air experience aligned with the rhythms of the cosmos.
ŪRJĀ also offers specialised programmes guided by the team of onsite Naturopathic Doctors to address root causes of imbalance through therapies, coaching and nutrition. From Sleep Enhancement to Liver Detox and Joint Care, each is designed to restore and sustain lasting health.
Healing Geometry
ŪRJĀ’s approach is complemented by the work of visionary Swiss naturopath and artist Emma Kunz. Four Seasons has exclusive access to Kunz’s geometric drawings – believed to emit healing energy and reflect universal principles – which illustrate ŪRJĀ’s treatment menu.
VARU by Atmosphere has unveiled the Kaagé Progressive Maldivian Cookbook, bringing the flavours and culinary heritage of the Maldives to life through an immersive new experience. As part of the island experience, guests can enjoy private cooking masterclasses, offering a hands-on connection to authentic local flavours and the opportunity to take home the beautiful cookbook as a memento.
At Kaagé, the award-winning speciality restaurant, guests embark on a culinary journey through the history and traditions of the Maldivian islands. Time-honoured local recipes are paired with modern culinary techniques, allowing the distinctive flavours of the Maldives to be recreated in kitchens around the world.
Held on 20th August, the exclusive cookbook launch event brought together journalists, culinary influencers and resort guests, who joined the resort’s chef team for an interactive masterclass. The session explored local ingredients including skipjack tuna, coconut and fiery Scotch bonnet chillies, offering participants an authentic taste of Maldivian culinary traditions.
“These immersive cooking classes are now a permanent part of your resort experience. Kaagé is a tribute to the vibrant culinary identity of the Maldives,” says Maurice Van Den Bosch, General Manager at VARU by Atmosphere. “Through our cookbook and masterclasses, we invite you to connect deeply with island culture. We look forward to sharing these traditions with you.”
VARU by Atmosphere is a naturally Maldivian island escape in North Malé Atoll, just a 45-minute speedboat journey from Malé. Blending authentic Maldivian culture with contemporary elegance, the resort offers an intimate island experience centred around warm hospitality, vibrant dining, wellness and immersive experiences. From its distinctive overwater villas and unique overwater cellar to its island-inspired cuisine and commitment to sustainability, VARU by Atmosphere celebrates the essence of the Maldives while offering a refined and relaxed tropical retreat.
The Kaagé Progressive Maldivian Cookbook is available exclusively to participants of cooking masterclass. To discover more or reserve your spot, visit www.varu-atmosphere.com or contact reservations@varu-atmosphere.com.
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