Action
Coral reef restoration at Amaya Kuda Rah Maldives
Known internationally as one of the world’s best scuba diving destinations, Maldives has an abundance of dive sites with a unique underwater beauty to explore. The islands of the Maldives have consistently warm waters with outstanding visibility throughout the year, and consist of exhilarating dive sites such as vibrant thilas, exciting channels, coral-filled overhangs and fascinating wrecks.
Maldives’ world-renowned coral reefs play a fundamental role in food production, shoreline protection, and tourism revenue, but ocean plastic threatens the survival of shallow coral reefs. Preservation of the reefs has become more important than ever.
In 1998, a severe El Niño event resulted in unusually warm waters (3-4 °C) above normal. This caused a mass bleaching and die off of Maldivian coral reefs.
Just as recovery reached its peak, another El Niño hit. The 2015-2016 El Niño weather phenomena and associated sea surface temperature anomalies in 2016 caused one of the largest recorded episodes of mass bleaching in the Maldives. A subsequent survey of 71 sites across the Maldives conducted by IUCN found that 73 per cent of corals had undergone bleaching, indicating a severe bleaching event.
Being one of the new additions to the vast collection of resorts in the pristine South Ari Atoll, Amaya Kuda Rah Maldives had embarked on a project to restore the surrounding coral reef, which was also affected as a result of the 2016 El Niño. On acquiring the resort in mid-2016, Hayleys PLC of Sri Lanka realised the important role the island’s reef played in protecting the surrounding natural habitat. The resort partnered with Reefscapers Maldives, and commenced a coral conservation and regeneration project in March 2017.
“With the personal commitment and initiative taken by our Chairman towards this project, we introduced their artificial coral frame reef system, which have been placed successfully since the year 2001 in several resorts in Maldives. The shape of the frames reduced coral predation and sedimentation and provided a suitable substrate on to which coral could grow. In addition Reefscapers also conducts awareness training to the resort team during their visits to increase awareness and taking ownership as well on our commitment,” Michael Armstrong, the General Manager at Amaya Kuda Rah Maldives, said.
The coral frames are designed and made on the local island of Fulhadhoo in Baa atoll — a unique opportunity, started by Reefscapers Maldives, that provides employment for several local people and allows them to develop skills outside of traditional fishing. The transplantation process involves attaching coral fragments onto the metal frame, which grow and mature into new colonies. The fragments are collected from broken natural reef corals, and later harvested from own mature coral frames for the “second generation”.
In 2017, the first frames were placed on the north-east side of the reef, and the growth rate has been amazing! In just two-three weeks, the coral fragments have attached themselves onto the frame. Two months later, new coral growth was evident and fish had moved in.
Throughout the year, Amaya Kuda Rah Maldives’ on-property dive centre oversees the project. For every frame, the team at Divepoint Maldives follows a strict monitoring process, taking regular photographs of the coral growth, and identifying the marine life that starts to colonise the frames. By propagating the most successful species, the team is developing ever-more resistant coral offspring, better adapted to withstand higher sea water temperatures and so help the reefs in their fight against global warming.
“The positive impact of the project has been seen over the past couple of years in the surrounding reef, as well as for the guest experience whilst snorkelling, due to the increase in the number of several fish species brought on by the new coral habitat provided by the coral farm. The ongoing work will surely enhance the guest experience further by providing a better snorkelling experience of the reef surrounding the resort island,” Armstrong said.
Exactly two years since its inception in March 2017, the project has advanced into the second phase. With additional funding from Hayleys PLC and its subsidiary Amaya Resorts, more coral frames are being placed along the western side of the island, which will bring the number of frames submerged around the Kuda Rah island to over 70 in the coming months. The resort has plans to add even more frames to several other areas, including its main dive point and around the water villas.
The programme is also now open to sponsorship. Guests can choose the size of frame and, if they like, dedicate it to someone special or put their own name on it. The Divepoint team will build the personalised coral frame and add it to the reef ecosystem. Sponsors will receive bi-annual photo updates of their coral frame via Reefscapers’ website. Proceeds from each frame go into an environmental fund established by the resort to support its marine conservation research programmes and community initiatives.
Coral reefs are invaluable to the fishing and tourism industry — two major economic activities in the Maldives. They protect the shoreline from storm damage and help manage carbon dioxide levels. However, 60 per cent of the world’s coral reefs are estimated to be threatened due to human activity. The full extent of damage sustained by the 2016 El Niño is still unknown!
Artificial reef projects have become an invaluable tool for restoring reefs and nurturing the damaged reefs back to health. With its ambitious initiative, Amaya Kuda Rah Maldives is leading by example.
Eri Maldives is located within the waters of North Malé Atoll and is surrounded by a house reef accessible to both beginner and experienced divers. With four direct reef entry points and shore access, the resort offers opportunities for snorkelling, introductory dives and certified diving.
The house reef supports a range of marine life, including white-tip and black-tip reef sharks, nurse sharks, hawksbill turtles, mobula rays and spotted eagle rays, as well as schools of reef fish. The accessibility of the reef allows guests to explore the area over multiple days, providing opportunities to observe marine behaviour and habitats over time.
Turtle encounters
Hawksbill turtles are among the most frequently observed species on the reef. The resort’s dive team has identified 14 individual turtles, each recognised by shell patterns and physical features. These include turtles known as Rosie, Cara and Anna, which have been documented through repeated sightings.
The resort maintains records of these turtles, allowing returning guests to identify individuals over time. Guests may also contribute to this initiative by naming newly identified turtles that have not previously been recorded.
Manta ray season
From December to April, manta rays are known to visit cleaning stations at Bodu Hithi Thila, located approximately one hour by boat from the resort. During this period, ocean conditions support plankton flows that attract mantas to the area, where they can be observed feeding or visiting cleaning stations.
Night diving experiences
Night snorkelling and diving activities provide a different perspective on reef activity. Species such as reef sharks, trevallies, moray eels and nurse sharks become more active after dark, offering guests the opportunity to observe nocturnal marine behaviour.
At Eri Maldives, marine experiences form a central part of the guest offering, with the house reef providing consistent opportunities for exploration. The resort’s dive programme is designed to support repeated interaction with the marine environment, allowing guests to experience a range of underwater activity throughout their stay.
Accommodation is available in studio and beach villa categories, with full board packages offered for direct bookings, subject to availability.
Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort has announced another successful edition of the Sirru Icon Series, a week-long programme that brought international sporting energy, youth inspiration, and meaningful community connection to this private lagoon paradise.
Held from 27 March to 3 April, the initiative welcomed former Swedish professional footballer Marcus Allbäck, whose presence made the week truly exceptional for guests, young aspiring players, and the neighbouring island community. Marcus Allbäck is a celebrated former Swedish international striker, having played 74 games for his country, scoring 30 goals. He represented Sweden in three European Championships and two World Cups, and enjoyed a distinguished club career across Europe, including the Bundesliga, Serie A, the English Premier League, the Dutch Eredivisie, and the UEFA Champions League. Following his retirement, Marcus served as assistant coach for the Swedish national team for six years. Today, he continues to inspire the next generation of footballers, working as a player agent and advisor to help aspiring players achieve their dreams. His visit highlighted the power of sport not only as entertainment, but as a bridge for cultural exchange and social impact. This reflected the resort’s ongoing commitment to purposeful, community-centred initiatives.
Throughout the week, Marcus led a line-up of engaging activities, including friendly football matches with guests, dedicated junior football camps that fostered confidence and skill-building among young participants, and a memorable visit to a nearby local island. This local-island match stood out as a meaningful moment of connection, bringing the resort and community together through shared passion and friendly competition.
Guests also enjoyed an intimate Sirru Signature Sunset Cocktail, where they had the rare opportunity to meet Marcus in person, hear stories from his international career, and enjoy a relaxed, uplifting atmosphere against the backdrop of the resort’s iconic sunsets.
Programme Highlights:
- Friendly Football Matches–A fun and energetic opportunity for guests to play alongside an international football figure.
- Junior Football Camps –Inspiring sessions focused on youth development, teamwork, and confidence-building.
- Local Island Football Match – A memorable moment on the local island Milandhoo, celebrating the power of sport to bring resort guests and the local community together.
- Meet & Greet Sunset Cocktail – An exclusive experience offering direct interaction with Marcus and inspiring conversation.
The Sirru Icon Series reflects the resort’s dedication to creating exceptional experiences that go beyond traditional hospitality, pairing luxury with purpose and offering guests opportunities to connect, learn, and create lifelong memories.
This remarkable week marked an inspiring chapter of the Sirru Icon Series, with more unique programmes planned for the future to continue delivering immersive guest experiences at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort.
For further information and reservations, please visit sirrufenfushi.com or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.
A breathtaking moment beneath the Maldivian skies has earned international recognition, as Manta Sunset Wave, captured by award-winning underwater photographer Henley Spiers, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Environmental Photography Award 2026.
The image, taken during a diving retreat at Radisson Blu Resort Maldives, beautifully encapsulates the magic of the Maldives’ underwater world. Photographed in the waters of the South Ari Atoll during a evening excursion, the image captures the graceful movement of manta rays at sunset, an awe-inspiring reminder of the Maldives’ rich and diverse marine ecosystem.
As one of just 36 shortlisted works selected by an international panel of renowned nature, wildlife, and conservation photographers, Manta Sunset Wave will be featured in the Foundation’s 2026 international exhibition. The collection will debut in the Principality of Monaco before touring globally and will also be featured in a high-quality commemorative photobook, bringing these powerful visual stories to audiences around the world.
Beyond its visual splendour, the image highlights the importance of conservation photography in protecting fragile marine ecosystems. Through his work, Henley Spiers captures not only the wonder of the underwater world but also the urgent need to preserve it. His imagery serves as both inspiration and advocacy, encouraging a deeper connection with the ocean and a shared responsibility for its future.
A public vote is now open until 12 April 2026, and we warmly invite hospitality partners and the wider tourism community to support Henley Spiers in securing the public vote. By doing so, you will help showcase the Maldives’ rich and diverse marine life to a global audience and reinforce the importance of ocean conservation.
Henley Spiers and Radisson Blu Resort Maldives have previously collaborated on creative projects, with Henley serving as Creative Partner to document the resort’s exceptional diving experiences, including the remarkable presence of whale sharks in South Ari Atoll. This ongoing partnership continues to celebrate and protect one of the world’s most extraordinary underwater environments.
Guests at Radisson Blu Resort Maldives are immersed in this extraordinary marine environment, where encounters with manta rays, vibrant coral reefs, and even whale sharks are part of the experience. It is a destination where luxury and nature exist in harmony, offering unforgettable underwater journeys that leave a lasting impression.
To cast your vote, please follow this link.
-
Cooking1 week agoThe Standard, Maldives introduces Onda with Mediterranean-inspired menu
-
Family1 week agoJA Manafaru launches Easter programme with family-focused experiences
-
Cooking1 week agoThe Halcyon Private Isles Maldives announces Easter residency by Chef Dimitry Eremeev
-
Action7 days agoSix Senses Kanuhura participates in international COASTS Project on blue carbon ecosystems
-
Cooking7 days agoAnantara Veli Maldives continues Michelin guest chef series with female lineup
-
News1 week agoIfuru Island Maldives partners with Toddy to launch lifestyle collection
-
Awards1 week agoMandara Spa at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa receives global wellness award
-
Awards1 week agoCOLOURS OF OBLU marks triple win in global guest-driven awards