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Four Seasons Maldives Landaa Giraavaru launches new Marine Discovery Centre
Four Seasons Maldives Resort at Landaa Giraavaru has opened a brand new Marine Discovery Centre, which has been completely reimagined, restructured and redesigned inside and out.
The new interactive state-of-the art tribute to the resort’s ocean conservation initiatives showcases the fish lab, turtle rehabilitation centre, Reefscapers coral rejuvenation programme and the Manta Trust research station – all within one of the most comprehensive oceanic research and education facilities in the Maldives.
A darkened spot lit interior gives an underwater feel to the indoor exhibition. Big screens, inspiring touch-activated Prezi presentations, and detailed wall displays cover topics such as drowning islands, coral reefs and fish breeding.
In addition, a large (108 cubic feet) aquarium, kids’ touch tank, video wall, naturally styled fish breeding tanks, and portholes into the inner workings of fish lab combine to create a truly immersive experience. Outside, glass fronted turtle tanks enable up close interactions with the inhabitants of the turtle rehabilitation centre.
Guests are invited to join orientation sessions or explore the Marine Discovery Centre at their leisure. They can also visit and help care for the injured turtles, assist the Reefscapers project by sponsoring and transplanting their own coral frame, and join a number of fascinating talks and wildlife snorkel safaris.
With more than 15 marine scientists and researchers working on conservation projects across the two resorts of Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru, Four Seasons is at the cutting edge – and caring heart – of ocean safeguarding in the Maldives.
Operating under the moniker ‘Marine Savers’, the team’s work extends to year-round research programmes, community outreach projects and guest education.
Key achievements include the transplantation of 300,000 coral fragments onto some 5,000 coral frames, the successful breeding of thousands of reef fish, the rescue and successful rehabilitation of 149 sea turtles, mostly injured by drifting ‘ghost’ nets, and the hosting of dozens of local school children on awareness days.
Having already collected and analysed thousands of photographs for the national Turtle ID database, the team is now also developing a new Dolphin ID project – using photos of dorsal fins to identify individuals seen regularly in local waters – already with very interesting results. Other ongoing work involves the support of The Manta Trust (the world’s leading manta ray charity), which began life at Landaa Giraavaru over a decade ago.
Last year saw two further notable highlights: firstly, the gathering of Maldivian ministers and their counterparts from Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Fiji, Mauritania, Senegal and Sri Lanka for a symposium dedicated to the safeguarding of shark and ray populations, and secondly, the ‘Flying Turtles’ project, which made Maldivian and European history with the transfer of four endangered Olive Ridley turtles – deemed ‘non-releasable’ by international standards – to a new forever home at Belgium’s Pairi Daiza Zoo, which is considered to be the finest in Europe.
Dubbed the ‘Flying Turtles’, Kerry, Zahiya, La Petite and Peggy were the first live turtles to fly overseas from the Maldives for conservation purposes and the first of their species to take up residence in a European facility.
Commenting on the completion of the new facility, Marine Discovery Centre Manager, Sebastien Stradal, said: “It’s great to be able to showcase our work in such an exciting way and to draw more attention to over a decade of pioneering conservation work. The ‘Flying Turtles’ event epitomised exactly what can be achieved by a dedicated effort to make a difference – something we hope the new Centre inspires in guests of all ages.”
More information and regular updates on the conservation efforts and projects at both Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa can be seen at the dedicated website www.marinesavers.com. Here, among other things, visitors can see the progress of their sponsored Reefscapers coral frames and catch up on the latest news and photos of the rescue turtles.
Nova Maldives will renew its partnership with PADI this September to co-host Project AWARE Week from 16 to 20 September 2026.
Organised by the resort’s marine team, the programme will give guests, from first-time snorkellers to experienced divers, opportunities to combine marine wildlife observation with practical conservation activities. The initiative is intended to turn time spent in the ocean into an educational experience while encouraging greater awareness of marine conservation.
This year’s AWARE Week coincides with PADI’s 60th anniversary and Nova Maldives’ fourth year of operation in South Ari Atoll. Now in its eighth global edition, PADI AWARE Week has developed into a citizen science movement within the diving community and has helped rescue more than 41,000 entangled marine animals to date.
Through its continued participation, Nova Maldives aims to encourage guests to become ocean advocates and remain engaged with marine conservation beyond their stay.
Guests staying at Nova during AWARE Week will be able to participate in a programme designed for different levels of ocean experience. Activities will include:
- Ocean immersion and storytelling: Sessions inspired by Blue Planet and other ocean documentaries, highlighting the diversity and vulnerability of marine life.
- Dive Against Debris: Underwater clean-up dives in the resort’s lagoon, during which participants will remove plastic and other waste before recording the findings in PADI AWARE’s global database.
- Whale shark snorkelling: Guided encounters that will allow guests to swim alongside whale sharks in the open waters of South Ari Atoll.
- Manta ray and turtle-spotting excursions: Guided boat trips to feeding and nesting areas where manta rays and turtles can be observed in their natural habitats.
- Coral restoration workshops: Practical sessions introducing guests to coral planting and the resort’s ongoing reef regeneration work.
“Some of the most meaningful work happens when you show up year after year. Four years into Nova’s story, we’ve learned that the health of the reef tells us a great deal about the impact we’re making, and that the guests who choose to return aren’t just here for the view,” said Abdulla Aboobakuru, General Manager of Nova Maldives.
“They’re here because Nova reflects something they already care about, including care for the ocean, a sense of community and a more thoughtful way of experiencing the places we visit. That’s what we hope Nova can inspire in new and returning guests alike: less a destination, more a calling.”
The resort’s marine conservation work continues throughout the year. Its coral nursery contains a growing collection of metal frames holding individually secured coral fragments, which are later transplanted onto the house reef. Guests are regularly invited to participate in the planting process, while the marine team monitors the young coral colonies as they develop.
Nova Maldives also maintains partnerships with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme and Manta Trust. The resort is accredited as a Responsible Manta Tourism Operator, with the partnerships supporting its year-round approach to marine conservation.
Renowned for its marine life and underwater experiences, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of Sun Siyam’s Privé Collection, has been named Best House Reef at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2026.
The award recognises the resort’s marine environment, which is accessible directly from its beaches and overwater villas. The annual TTM Awards and Gala brings together travel professionals and hoteliers from across the archipelago to recognise achievements within the Maldivian hospitality industry.
The island’s coral reef is home to marine species including resident sea turtles, reef sharks, tropical fish and eagle rays. Guests can explore the reef through guided excursions led by the resort’s resident marine experts, customised scuba-diving experiences and coral restoration initiatives designed to support the long-term preservation of the marine environment.
“Our reef is the living soul of Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, shaping every visitor’s journey from the moment they step into our turquoise lagoon,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager. “To be named the Maldives’ Best House Reef is an immense honour, strengthening our commitment to nurturing this remarkable marine sanctuary so our guests can keep discovering its quiet magic beneath the surface.”
Travellers seeking underwater experiences can book directly with the resort to access exclusive benefits and guided marine excursions.
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Privé Collection within the House of Siyam, has announced its festive programme, “Eutopia: The Infinite Bloom”, which will run from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027.
The seasonal programme features activities and experiences for guests of all ages. Dining will take centre stage with Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve gala dinners by the water, exclusive Chef’s Table experiences and seafood barbecues on the beach.
The evening entertainment programme will include live acoustic performances, island DJ sets, aerial dance shows and Maldivian cultural performances.
During the day, guests will be able to explore the resort’s lagoon through activities such as house reef snorkelling, sunset Jet Car rides and sandbank excursions. The Spa will offer wellness rituals and couples’ therapies, while younger guests can take part in gingerbread decorating, a fashion show and Santa’s arrival on the beach.
“Eutopia is our invitation to celebrate and embrace nature, meaningful moments, and the relaxed luxury that defines Sun Siyam Vilu Reef through our festivities,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager.
“From unforgettable ocean adventures to starlit beach celebrations, every experience has been thoughtfully designed to create lasting memories that will continue to flourish long after the season ends.”
The programme will culminate with a New Year’s Eve celebration on the beach on 31 December, featuring live music, midnight toasts and a fireworks display over the water.
The resort’s festive programme is available to view online, with bookings open for stays between 22 December 2026 and 7 January 2027.
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