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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
Dusit Thani Maldives has been named Best House Reefs at the TTM Awards 2026, recognising one of the resort’s most distinctive natural treasures and its exceptional underwater experience.
Presented as part of the TTM Awards & Gala 2026 at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 August, the annual awards recognise outstanding achievements across the Maldivian hospitality industry.
Set on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, Dusit Thani Maldives is surrounded by a 360-degree house reef, giving guests direct access to a rich underwater ecosystem just moments from the island’s shores. The reef is home to a diverse variety of marine life, including colourful tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks and rays, creating memorable opportunities for snorkelling and diving throughout the year.
To mark the win in true island style, the resort team took the award beneath the surface, capturing it among the coral and marine life that inspired the recognition.
“This award is particularly meaningful to us because our house reef is such an important part of the Dusit Thani Maldives experience. It is something our guests can discover almost from the moment they step into the water, and it reminds us every day how fortunate we are to call this extraordinary island home. This recognition belongs to our entire team and to everyone who continues to support, appreciate and help protect the natural environment around us,” said Jean-Louis Ripoche, Area General Manager – Maldives.
Located within Baa Atoll, a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve, the resort places the surrounding natural environment at the heart of the guest experience. Alongside snorkelling and diving, the resort undertakes regular reef and beach clean-ups and encourages guests to take part in activities aimed at protecting the marine environment.
The Best House Reefs recognition further reinforces Dusit Thani Maldives’ position as a destination where luxury island living and remarkable marine encounters come together naturally.
For more information or to experience the award-winning house reef at Dusit Thani Maldives, visit the resort’s official website.
As the Saudi National Day holiday approaches, the Maldives offers an irresistible invitation to slow down and reconnect with the people who matter most.
Just a short-haul journey from the Kingdom yet a world away from everyday life, its turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches, and private island settings provide the perfect backdrop for family gatherings, milestone celebrations, and well-deserved moments of relaxation. Whether traveling with children, extended family, close friends, or as a couple, guests can enjoy elevated stays defined by spacious villas, unparalleled privacy, bespoke experiences, world-class wellness, and thoughtful hospitality.
Across the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, each resort brings a unique perspective to island living, from contemporary architectural retreats and family-focused sanctuaries to marine adventures, cultural discoveries, and wellness-inspired escapes. Together, these extraordinary destinations showcase the many facets of the Maldives, inviting travellers to create unforgettable memories this Saudi National Day.
Private Island Sanctuaries for Meaningful Gatherings
Set within the stunning Fari Islands archipelago, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands combines contemporary architecture, personalised service, and island tranquility. Designed by renowned architect Kerry Hill, its spacious villas are complemented by private pools and expansive indoor-outdoor living. Families and groups can retreat to generous two-bedroom villas, while The Ritz-Carlton Estate, a private four-bedroom oceanfront residence, creates an impeccable setting for milestone celebrations and multi-generational escapes. Dedicated Aris Meeha island butlers curate every detail of the stay, while the extended Saudi National Day celebrations feature Saudi Flag Art, a Traditional Henna Atelier, an Arabian Delights Dinner, and an exclusive SUSHISAMBA Dubai pop-up at EAU Bar. Located 50 minutes from Malé by luxury speedboat, the resort invites guests to experience privacy, culture, and elevated island living in an extraordinary island setting.
Framed by rainforest foliage and white-sand beaches, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is one of the Maldives’ finest addresses for families seeking privacy, space, and exceptional service. Spacious two- and three-bedroom villas cater to multi-generational stays, while the newly reimagined Two-Bedroom Family Villa creates an inviting retreat for quality time together. For larger celebrations, the Caroline Astor Estate and the John Jacob Astor Estate, one of the Maldives’ largest overwater residences, deliver unparalleled space and exclusivity. Beyond the villa, guests can snorkel the vibrant house reef, embark on private yacht journeys aboard Norma, and renew mind and body at the award-winning Iridium Spa. At ALBA, international cuisine is complemented by Middle Eastern favourites, while the signature St. Regis Butler Service ensures every stay is tailored to individual preferences. The resort is reached via a scenic 45-minute seaplane journey from Malé.
A scenic 50-minute seaplane journey from Malé brings guests to JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, where families can reconnect through meaningful moments designed for every generation. Spacious Overwater Duplex Villas and Two-Bedroom Duplex Beach Villas with Pool combine privacy, comfort, and intuitive Thakuru personal butler service. Young travellers can spend their days at Family by JW™ Little Griffins Kids’ Club, one of the largest in the Maldives, with more than 100 engaging activities. Families can come together through cooking classes using fresh ingredients from the JW Garden, traditional Boduberu evenings, and rejuvenating treatments at Spa by JW. Complimentary bicycles allow guests to explore the island at a relaxed pace, taking in the beauty of their tropical surroundings.
Adventure and Ocean Discovery
Situated on in North Ari Atoll, W Maldives is a vibrant private island retreat where luxury and adventure go hand in hand. Renowned for its award-winning house reef and guided excursions to encounter nurse sharks in their natural habitat, the resort is a favourite among marine life enthusiasts. Its 77 newly refreshed beach and overwater villas feature private pools and generous indoor-outdoor living spaces, while the two-bedroom Oasis Beach Villa with Slide is ideal for families and groups. Guests can enjoy private beach barbecues, sunset cruises, and exclusive escapes to Gaathafushi, the resort’s private island, where bespoke dining and intimate celebrations unfold in complete seclusion. Accessible via a 25-minute seaplane journey from Velana International Airport, W Maldives delivers a spirited and contemporary take on island living.
Surrounded by a rare 360-degree lagoon in Lhaviyani Atoll, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa brings together the glamour of the French Riviera and the beauty of the Maldives. Families and groups can choose from spacious beach and overwater villas, while the Three-Bedroom Thilamaafushi Villa presents an expansive retreat for larger gatherings. Guests can snorkel alongside sea turtles year-round, visit the Marine Conservation Hub, harvest ingredients at The Greenhouse, and take part in creative activities from padel matches to art workshops. Afternoons come alive at the Au Soleil pool party, while evenings reveal a different kind of wonder. Located at 5° north of the equator, the resort is uniquely positioned for guided stargazing, where constellations from both hemispheres illuminate the night sky above the Indian Ocean.
Nestled within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is a wellness retreat surrounded by some of the Maldives’ richest marine ecosystems. Guests can discover more than 250 species of coral, seasonal manta ray aggregations, and unforgettable encounters with whale sharks. Spacious family beach and overwater villas foster privacy and relaxation, while the two-bedroom Heavenly Beach Residence serves as a luxurious sanctuary for larger groups. Wellness remains central to every stay, from the signature Heavenly® Bed and Sleep Well rituals to restorative yoga sessions, 24/7 access to the WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio, and healthy dining through the Eat Well menu. Whether exploring the underwater world or relaxing with loved ones, the resort inspires a sense of balance, renewal, and connection.
Effortless Island Escapes Within Easy Reach from Malé
Set on the natural island of Furanafushi, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa combines accessibility, authentic island charm, and family-friendly programming. Following a comprehensive resort-wide transformation, accommodations, dining venues and public spaces have been thoughtfully reimagined while preserving the island’s tropical character. Accommodation ranges from interconnecting guest rooms to spacious beachfront villas, including the Ocean Pool Villa with uninterrupted ocean views, a private plunge pool, and expansive indoor-outdoor living spaces. Days can be spent participating in the Adopt-a-Coral conservation initiative, enjoying Maldivian Journey cultural immersion, snorkelling, dolphin cruises, and nurse shark encounters. Beyond seven dining venues serving Mediterranean, Thai, and international cuisine, guests can savour destination dining experiences ranging from a leisurely Furanafushi Picnic to a romantic Sunset Dinner on the beach. Just 15 minutes by speedboat from Malé, Sheraton Maldives is one of the destination’s most convenient family escapes.
Located in Kaafu Atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort brings together residential-style luxury, cultural immersion, and family-friendly activities. Spacious two-bedroom beach and overwater villas, along with the three-bedroom Ocean Residence, create a sophisticated setting for families and groups. The Ocean Residence features a private gym, spa treatment room, and waterslide leading directly into the lagoon. Guests are welcomed by dedicated Safeeru ambassadors, while younger travellers can discover creativity and adventure at the Family by JW™ Kids’ Club. Adventures range from dolphin cruises and nurse shark snorkelling to culinary journeys across seven distinctive dining venues inspired by Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, South American, and Nikkei cuisine. Meaningful moments of connection and discovery bring families together, creating cherished memories to take home.
Marriott Bonvoy members can seamlessly earn and redeem points on stays and experiences at the resorts. To know more about the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of resorts in the Maldives, please visit marriott.com/maldives.
This autumn, Sirru Fen Fushi–Private Lagoon Resort invites guests to celebrate two of China’s most cherished annual traditions with the launch of Golden Autumn Escape, an immersive programme inspired by Golden Week and the Mid-Autumn Festival, taking place from 25 September to 10 October 2026.
Designed for couples, families and multigenerational travellers, the two-week celebration blends Chinese cultural inspiration with the natural beauty of the Maldives, offering an unforgettable collection of wellness experiences, culinary journeys, family activities, sustainability initiatives and ocean adventures.
Throughout the programme, guests can discover experiences curated to encourage connection, relaxation and celebration. Culinary highlights include The Golden Duck Soirée, Moonlight Hot Pot Experience, Wine & Sake Dinner, Imperial Seafood Feast, Lagoon Wine Tasting, and hands-on Dumpling Making and Sushi Making classes inspired by Asian flavours and traditions.
Families can enjoy a vibrant programme of creative activities including lantern making, Golden Cookie Art, treasure hunts, cupcake decorating, origami workshops and festive crafts, while guests of all ages are invited to take part in Mahjong sessions, canvas painting, coconut art, archery and a variety of sporting activities.
Surrounded by one of the Maldives’ largest natural lagoons and a thriving house reef, guests can also experience unforgettable marine adventures including nurse shark snorkelling, sunset dolphin cruises, turtle research, Coralarium discovery tours, coral planting, scuba experiences and private ocean excursions.
Adding another dimension to this year’s celebration is the exclusive wellness residency of internationally recognised holistic wellness consultant Dr Hetalkumar Doshi, founder of Energy Masters.
Throughout the Golden Autumn programme, Dr Doshi will lead a selection of immersive wellbeing experiences inspired by his holistic approach to health and the philosophy of the Five Elements. Guests can participate in guided Breathwork Meditation, Reiki Healing, Sunset Signature Flow Yoga, Sound Healing, Silent Walking Meditation, and Stress Relief Through Breath & Sound sessions, alongside personalised healing experiences and complimentary wellbeing consultations.
The residency reflects Sirru Fen Fushi’s ongoing commitment to offering transformative wellness experiences that nurture physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing while connecting guests with the tranquillity of the island.
In addition to wellness and cultural celebrations, sustainability remains at the heart of the programme. Guests are invited to participate in signature experiences including Coralarium Discovery Tours, Coral Planting, Sustainability Lab Tours, Turtle Tag Making and Ghost Net Bracelet Braiding, offering meaningful opportunities to contribute to marine conservation during their stay.
Speaking about the programme, Rudrojit Deb, General Manager, said: “Golden Week and the Mid-Autumn Festival are among the most significant celebrations for Chinese travellers, centred around family, gratitude and togetherness. Through Golden Autumn Escape, we wanted to create a programme that honours these traditions while showcasing the unique experiences that make Sirru Fen Fushi such a special destination. From exceptional dining and holistic wellness to marine adventures and sustainability experiences, every element has been thoughtfully designed to create meaningful moments for our guests.”
Golden Autumn Escape forms part of Sirru Fen Fushi’s continued focus on creating immersive seasonal experiences that combine authentic Maldivian hospitality with thoughtfully curated programming for international travellers.
The full programme runs from 25 September to 10 October 2026, with daily experiences taking place across the resort.
For further information and reservations, please visit the resort’s website or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.
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