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Outrigger Konotta Maldives appoints Amelia Cody as resident marine biologist
Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort has appointed Amelia Cody as its resident marine biologist.
A marine biology graduate from Newcastle University in the UK, Amelia joins Outrigger from a resort in north of Maldives where she managed its coral rehabilitation programme.
In 2018, she worked with the Maldivian Whale Shark Research Program (MWSRP). She has also given weekly presentations and workshops for local children, volunteers and adults about marine issues such as the importance of understanding megafauna behaviour to sustain populations and the increasing instance of plastics in the ocean.
Here she shares scientific insights on marine ecosystems in the Maldives and what guests curious about the underwater world can discover and do to help while staying with Outrigger:
How did you first get interested in the sea and marine ecology?
At the age of seven I swam with dolphins in Portugal. From this encounter my mind was in awe of the underwater world. I learnt to dive at 11. Being able to explore the underwater world, to be submersed within the marine environmental was – and still is – the best feeling ever. My passion and love of sharks was developed through my strong feelings of how misunderstood they are.
What were your first impressions of Konotta and the house reef there?
Arriving at Konotta was like arriving at a secluded desert island in the middle of the ocean. The island is idyllic and peaceful. With a shoreline of 0.5km this tiny island is remarkably rich and full of marine life on its house reef. In the first week alone I saw the resident guitar shark, nurse shark and cow-tail ray. We have many reef fish, resident turtles and schools of snapper and jackfish.
What interesting marine life is there around Konotta that snorkelers and divers can easily see?
The Konotta house reef is highly diverse. We have around 15 resident reef sharks (blacktip, white tip and grey reef). We have a resident nurse shark by the water villas on the sloping reef, plus a guitar shark – don’t worry, all of them are safe to swim with. We also have resident turtles, both hawksbill and green turtles. The Konotta reef has eagle, whiptail and cowtail rays, a variety of reef fish, many bio-eroders, parrot fish, pairs of butterfly fish, unicorn fish, large schools of bait fish, jackfish and tuna, to name but a few.
How is Outrigger’s OZONE coral conservation programme on Konotta going?
Part of Outrigger’s ZONE globally (OZONE), the Konotta Restoration Project is very well established. We have 24 coral frames within the nursery. Each month coral frame planting events are advertised for guests and hosts at Konotta. I also give weekly marine talks to guests to update them about the project and the progress of all 24 frames.
What can guests do who want to help the marine environment while staying at Outrigger?
We have regular Dive Against Debris events where guests can help remove debris from the house reef at Konotta. We remove any garbage from the water and separate materials for recycling or waste disposal. Guests are also welcome to help with our monthly Desert Island Clean-up events in which we take away the debris washed up on a nearby island. We have monthly coral frame planting as part of our Konotta Restoration Project. Guests are given a briefing on coral biology and restoration methods we use to help coral regrowth. I give weekly presentations on the various marine subjects including coral restoration, ocean pollution, shark and turtle biology and marine life in the Maldives.
What new or different things do you plan to offer guests on Konotta at Best Dives Maldives?
We are providing monthly Dive Against Debris events. These create awareness and educate guests and hosts about ocean pollution and management methods. I am offering a variety of marine talks to guests depending on what they wish to learn about. They can experience coral frame building on land without getting wet.
What can you do for families with young children staying at Outrigger?
There are lots of activities to take part in for families and young children. Depending on the exact age of the children and their comfort level in the water. We have guided house reef snorkelling where they can spot different fishes that I have briefed them about. We have tours of the house reef where families can stay dry and enjoy the wonders of the underwater world from inside a semi-submersible. We also have dolphin quest, a relaxing cruise to spot dolphins in and around the atoll.
What was your experience in Caribbean like?
Studying and working in Caribbean was amazing. I completed an overseas research project as part of my 3rd year dissertation in 2016 working in the Bahamas at Cape Eleuthera Institute. In 2018, I also worked for Operation Wallacea as a Site Manager and Coral Reef Ecology Lecturer on a marine project in Dominica. The daily interaction with students passionate about the ocean was so rewarding.
How much of a problem is coral bleaching in the Maldives?
Coral bleaching is a growing problem here in the Maldives and worldwide. With more instances of prolonged increase sea temperatures, we are seeing more stress and more bleaching in shallow water corals. A mixture of both natural and anthropogenic factors are contributing to global warming and increasing sea surface temperatures
In the world of marine biology, who is your biggest inspiration? Why?
I am inspired by Michel Scholl and Guy Stevens. Both are marine scientists increasing ocean awareness through their organisations, SaveOurSeas and Manta Trust. They have inspired me and supported me. In the last five years, I have also been in continuous contact with Terence Bully who created Blue Ocean Watch, which focuses on research and education of global marine issues. Witnessing his determination, positivity, and continuous hard work motivates me each day in Konotta.
The private island of Konotta is located 340 kilometres to the south of capital Male, and is conveniently accessible via a 55-minute flight from the main Velana International Airport to Kaadedhdhoo Airport followed by a scenic 30-minute journey on a luxurious private yacht.
The award-winning Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort offers guests the largest average villa sizes in the Maldives. Comprising 29 Beach Pool Villas, 21 Ocean Pool Villas, two Lagoon Pool Villas and the three-bedroom Grand Konotta Villa, the resort offers a complete sense of privacy and intimate luxury.
Captivate your senses with innovative dining concepts, the Navasana Spa, and high-end facilities. In between your diving lesson and massage, indulge in sumptuous Maldivian cuisine or a glass of white Burgundy in one of the resort’s restaurants or the comfort of your villa. As the sun sets, sample Japanese single malts at the Teppan bar whilst drinking in endless ocean views.
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands will welcome Indian chef and restaurateur Atul Kochhar for a culinary residency from 7 to 9 November 2026, coinciding with Diwali.
Kochhar, the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star, will bring the culinary approach of his London restaurant, Kanishka by Atul Kochhar, to Helios. The residency will present his contemporary interpretation of India’s regional cuisines, drawing on the traditions and influences that have shaped his cooking.
Rooted in Kochhar’s connection to India, the menu will combine regional flavours with contemporary techniques and carefully selected ingredients. It will reflect his approach to developing Indian cuisine while retaining its cultural foundations.
With more than 30 years in the industry, Kochhar has built an international reputation for his contribution to Indian dining. He received his first Michelin star in 2001, followed by another in 2007. His culinary philosophy brings together India’s regional diversity, traditional cooking practices and contemporary methods.
At Patina Maldives, this philosophy will be interpreted through the resort’s Indian Ocean setting and the multicultural character of the Fari Islands. The residency will give Kochhar an opportunity to adapt his culinary identity to the island and the Diwali celebrations, creating an experience shaped by the occasion and its surroundings.
Kochhar leads the Atul Kochhar Hospitality Group, whose portfolio includes Kanishka in Mayfair, Vaasu and Sindhu in Marlow, Riwaz in Beaconsfield, Masalchi in Wembley Park, Indian Essence in Petts Wood and Essence in Tunbridge Wells.
The residency forms part of Patina Maldives’ culinary programme, which connects guests with different cultures, perspectives and creative disciplines. Through Kochhar’s cooking, guests will have an opportunity to explore India’s regional food traditions and celebrate Diwali through shared dining experiences.
Baros Maldives will welcome guests for its festive season from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, with a programme centred on the island’s natural surroundings, Maldivian heritage and a series of culinary, marine and cultural experiences.
The programme will combine Christmas and New Year traditions with activities inspired by island life, including ocean excursions, local cultural experiences, festive dining and wellbeing sessions.
The season will begin with a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, followed by a series of activities introducing guests to festive traditions and Maldivian culture. These will include a Christmas cookie workshop, an Ocean, Coconut & Spice cooking class, a Maldivian Heritage Evening and an Island Christmas Market.
Marine experiences will remain a central part of the festive programme. Guests will be able to join a Sunrise Nooma sailing experience, take part in fishing trips at sunrise or twilight, explore the house reef with the resort’s marine team or join a dolphin-watching cruise.
Private yacht excursions, visits to local islands and trips to Malé will also be available for guests wishing to explore beyond the resort.
Baros Maldives will also offer a series of culinary experiences throughout the festive period. These will include a Sake Pairing Dinner, a Great Gatsby-themed five-course dinner and a Champagne Dinner inspired by the Seven Seas.
Other dining experiences will include a Butcher’s Block buffet, an Omakase tasting lunch and a Master Chef Tuna Carving Show & Tasting. Guests will also be able to take part in wine discovery experiences, cocktail-making sessions and an Island Crafted Cocktails programme.
On Christmas Eve, guests will gather at The Lighthouse for a cocktail reception before continuing to Lime for the Christmas Eve Gala Dinner.
Christmas Day will feature breakfast, festive activities and time for guests to enjoy the beach, lagoon and other island experiences with family and friends.
New Year’s Eve celebrations will begin with a cocktail reception, followed by a Gala Dinner, live entertainment and the countdown to 2027.
New Year’s Day will start with a celebratory brunch, followed by a selection of wellbeing and dining experiences. These will include a beachfront degustation dinner accompanied by live violin and saxophone performances.
Younger guests will also have a dedicated programme of festive activities, including mocktail-making, Christmas cookie workshops and island-based activities designed for families and children.
Throughout the season, Baros Maldives will host live music, marine presentations, yoga and meditation sessions alongside its wider programme of dining, recreation and ocean experiences.
The festive programme is intended to reflect the character of Baros Maldives by combining Christmas and New Year celebrations with the island’s marine environment, culinary offering and Maldivian culture.
From 21 December 2026 to 1 January 2027, Niva Kuramathi will mark the festive season with “A Tropical Festive Season”, a programme of dining, entertainment, outdoor activities and family experiences shaped around the island setting.
The programme will make use of Kuramathi’s natural surroundings, including its house reef and sandbank, alongside its 12 restaurants and seven bars.
The festivities will begin on the evening of 21 December with a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the sandbank. Guests will be welcomed with drinks and live music at sunset, followed later in the evening by a traditional Bodu Beru performance.
On 28 and 29 December, the resort will host a traditional Maldivian Market, featuring Bodu Beru drumming, a folklore parade and locally made artisanal crafts.
Christmas Eve festivities
Christmas Eve celebrations will begin on the sandbank at sunset, with welcome drinks and Christmas carols. Santa Claus and his elves will also make an appearance before guests gather for a gala buffet dinner.
The evening will conclude with an outdoor screening of a classic Christmas film under the stars.
Countdown to 2027
New Year’s Eve celebrations will begin at sunset with cocktails on the sandbank.
A gala dinner will then be served across Farivalhu, Malaafaiy and Haruge restaurants before the countdown to 2027. Fireworks will mark the arrival of the New Year, while live music and DJ performances will continue at Fung Bar and Sand Bar.
Festive activities
Throughout the festive period, Niva Kuramathi will offer a programme of recreational, culinary and entertainment activities.
Guests will be able to take part in moonlit yoga sessions on the sandbank, sand sculpting, Sip & Paint evenings for couples and fire dance performances.
Sporting activities will include beach volleyball, a football match between the Niva Kuramathi team and guests, as well as kayak, pedal boat and stand-up paddleboard races.
The entertainment programme will also include wine tastings, karaoke, music trivia, live music and DJ evenings.
Cooking classes will be held at Kobe, where guests will be able to take part in sessions centred around the restaurant’s open kitchen experience.
The festive programme is designed to allow guests to participate in scheduled activities while also having the option to spend time at leisure.
The season will conclude on 1 January 2027 with a late-morning brunch and the first house reef dive of the year.
Festive programme for children
Bageecha Kids Club will host a separate festive programme for younger guests, combining recreation, creative activities and environmental learning.
Activities will include treasure hunts, splash pad games, cookie-making, arts and crafts, eco workshops, nature exploration, holiday films, karaoke, bracelet-making and gardening in the resort’s hydroponic garden.
Children will also be able to take part in scavenger hunts, mini-Olympic games, yoga and disco dancing, as well as shared lunches and dinners with other young guests.
On Christmas Eve, the programme will begin with a family photograph session, followed by gingerbread house decorating, writing letters to Santa, a palm-leaf handicraft workshop and outdoor games.
Christmas morning will feature a pyjama party with musical games and pool activities. Later in the day, families will gather at Athiri Deck to welcome Santa Claus, who will distribute gifts to children.
New Year’s Eve activities for younger guests will take place during the afternoon, with music and games around the pool followed by a children’s disco as part of the resort’s final celebrations of 2026.
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