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Coral conservation in Maldives with Constance Hotels
Ever wondered what’s going on underneath the sparkling Maldives ocean? From mammals to molluscs, the marine life that inhabits the Maldives water is diverse and is held together by oceans coral reefs.
These coral reefs provide an ecosystem for life underwater, protect coastal areas by reducing the power of waves hitting the coast, and provide a crucial source of income for millions of people.
Did you know that coral reefs are one of the most valuable ecosystems on the planet?
They are capable of producing half of the oxygen we breathe or creating the biggest structure made by living organisms that can be seen from space. Their complex tridimensional structure harbours the biggest amount of marine species per unit area when compared to other marine ecosystems.
It is like a small busy city where other animals and plants find shelter, food, or a partner to mate.
Coral reefs also support fishing and tourism industries, protect the shoreline and help fight climate change, among other key functions.
The most effective measure to safeguard these ecosystems and all the organisms that depend on them is the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs).
Besides, the development of coral restoration projects worldwide, like the one in Constance Moofushi, contributes to this regard at a local scale.
The coral restoration project at Constance Moofushi started at the end of 2017 in partnership with Reefscapers, the leading coral restoration company in the Maldives.
The target is to help restore the natural coral reefs surrounding the island by growing corals on iron frames. The type of growing form used for the project is the branching type. This type grows faster and it is easier to collect than the massive one.
The small coral pieces are attached to the bars of the frames with cable ties and generally start growing after a few weeks. In approximately three-years’ time, and if no major events disturb the corals (for instance, a wave of coral bleaching), the whole structure will be covered by colonies, which then become the new source for more coral planting.
The frame becomes part of the natural reef but pieces of colonies can also be detached from it and placed back onto the degraded reef.
Guests visiting the resort are the main sponsors of the project. Purchasing the frames and attaching the corals before placing them in the water. All this of course under the supervision of our resident marine biologist in charge of the conservation project.
The small monetary benefits of the project are reinvested. For instance, planting more frames into the sea, inviting specialists in the field to the resort or organising a coral conservation day for local kids.
Moreover, the project has also a small social component because the frames are constructed in a local island called Fulhadhoo in Baa atoll by fishermen. Currently, there are 135 frames in the water divided into two main areas: the drop-off and the arrival jetty.
Have you seen any of these coral restoration projects during your travels?
How long does it take for corals to recover?
When corals are stressed, for instance, if the temperature of the ocean rises, they can turn white (bleaching). The reason for this change is the loss of the microscopic algae living inside of them (zooxanthellae) due to the stressful conditions.
Zooxanthellae are not only responsible for the amazing colours of the corals but provide most of the food corals need to survive and grow. The survival of coral reefs depends on their resistance to bleaching, tolerance to survive a beaching event and the level of recovery they display.
Every coral colony has a different set of genes and is surrounded by different environmental factors; hence, it becomes very difficult to predict the outcome from a bleaching event.
Nowadays, the biggest problem is the increased frequency of bleaching events due to climate change, combined with other stressing factors such as ocean acidification or water pollution. If the stressor is removed in a short period, corals are potentially capable of uptaking new algae and survive.
But if the stressor stays for a long time, it becomes hard for corals to go back to normal and survive.
Even if they survive a bleaching event, the overall health and capacity of the reef to reproduce is hindered.
Some experts point out that after following a major bleaching event, it takes around 5-10 years for corals to fully recover.
But as mentioned above, this is quite difficult to predict and it can never be assured it will come back to the previous state.
It may be a long road ahead, but let’s do all we can to help these corals bloom back into their prime condition.
Does coral need sunlight to grow?
Many corals, including all the reef-building corals (those capable of creating the living limestone structures called coral reefs), have microscopic unicellular algae (like “small plants”, called zooxanthellae) living within their tissues in a very successful relationship know as symbiosis. Both organisms benefit from it, with the algae finding shelter in the body of the coral and the coral getting food and oxygen from the algae.
We must remember that all plants (including the algae) photosynthesise, a process by which they absorb carbon dioxide and nutrients to build up sugars and release oxygen.
Since algae need sunlight to do the photosynthesis and survive, we could say that indeed corals need light too. The most interesting fact is that the algae cover almost 70 per cent of the coral needs. Hence, without this relationship between them, there would be no coral reefs in the world.
This also explains why corals thrive in poor waters low in nutrients. Corals get the rest 30 per cent of the food by sieving seawater with their tentacles. We don’t know about you but our mind is blown!
What’s the rarest coral?
In 2010, during an underwater survey in the remote North Pacific, specifically in the Arno atoll in the Marshall Islands, scientists discovered what could be the world’s rarest coral.
It looked very similar to the critically endangered Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) of the Atlantic Ocean, but genetic analyses made clear it was the Pacific Elkhorn coral (Acropora rotumana).
This species had not been spotted in over 100 years and it could be the same once described in Fiji islands in 1898, but no reliable data was gathered at that time.
If you spot this coral, make sure you get a snap of it!
What’s the role of Constance Moofushi’s marine biologists?
The marine biologist at Constance Moofushi, Estrella Gonzalez Tapias, manages the coral restoration project, gives four talks a week on marine life in the Maldives with a focus on conservation (manta rays, sea turtles, whale sharks and coral reefs), leads twice a week “Introduction to Moofushi reef”, and a presentation on marine life of the surrounding reefs.
She also takes guests on guided snorkelling trips to spot as much marine life as possible, joins as many whale shark trips as possible to enhance the guest experience and answer questions. She is also always around to meet guests and exchange knowledge with them.
So be sure to ask her any marine questions you have!
Estrella and Constance Moofushi’s team are also working on a number of projects. These include starting their own sea turtle database, to study the cetacean population near Moofushi, publishing their own guide to the reefs with photographs or broaden the resort’s collaboration with local NGOs such as Olive Ridley Project or Manta Trust! Talk about a dream job!
Have you ever been part of a coral restoration project? Are you feeling inspired to explore more of the ocean?
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort has announced the return of former England striker and Ballon d’Or winner Michael Owen for a third Kids’ Football Camp, scheduled from 14 to 17 October 2026.
The four-day programme will be open to children aged five to 13 of all skill levels, with sessions combining football coaching, skills drills and games alongside beach activities and island experiences. The camp will conclude with a Grand Finale on 17 October, when participating children will receive medals and certificates.
Participation in the camp will be complimentary for guests staying at Avani+ Fares Maldives during the event period.
The October programme will mark Owen’s third football camp at the Baa Atoll resort and his second visit to the property this year, following an Easter edition held in late March and early April. The resort first introduced the programme in October 2025.
The inaugural camp ran from 20 to 23 October 2025, followed by a Grand Finale on 24 October. Owen led coaching sessions on the resort’s football pitch, with the programme designed to give young guests opportunities to learn from the former England international while focusing on football skills, teamwork and participation. The first edition was complimentary for eligible children staying at the resort.
Following the response to the first camp, Avani+ Fares brought Owen back for its Easter programme in 2026. More than 30 children and teenagers participated in the second edition, taking part in daily sessions led by Owen and assistant coaches. Training covered areas including dribbling, passing, positioning and teamwork, with sessions adapted for different ages and ability levels.
The second camp also formed part of a wider programme for families, incorporating activities for children and teenagers beyond the football pitch. Participants concluded the programme with certificates and medals, while opportunities were also provided for meet-and-greet sessions, autograph signings and photographs with Owen.
Owen won the Ballon d’Or in 2001 and represented England during an international career that included appearances at three FIFA World Cups. At club level, he played for Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Stoke City. His involvement in the Avani+ Fares programme has been centred on introducing younger players to football through training and activities within a resort holiday setting.
The third edition will retain the programme’s focus on children aged five to 13, combining coaching with recreational activities during the October school holiday period. According to the resort’s announcement, the camp will include expert coaching, drills for different skill levels, beach games and island adventures before the final session and awards ceremony on 17 October.
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort is located on Fares Island in Baa Atoll, within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and close to Hanifaru Bay. The property offers 176 rooms, pavilions, beach and overwater villas and residences, together with seven dining and bar venues. Its family facilities include AvaniKids, a Teens Club and Petit Bistro, a restaurant dedicated to younger guests.
The resort also provides access to snorkelling and diving on its house reef, alongside water sports, tennis, fitness and spa facilities. Avani+ Fares was named Best Beach Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards 2025, following its Best Dive Resort recognition in 2024.
The return of Owen for a third camp continues Avani+ Fares Maldives’ use of sports-led programmes as part of its family offering, bringing the former England striker back to Fares Island less than seven months after his previous camp.
Following the success of her 2025 freediving retreat at Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, eleven-time freediving world-record holder and ocean conservationist Hanli Prinsloo will return to Baa Atoll this September with an expanded programme across two Minor Hotels resorts.
Hanli will begin with a Family Freediving Retreat at Avani+ Fares Maldives from 7 to 10 September before continuing to NH Collection Maldives Reethi for Into the Blue, a four-night retreat running from 14 to 18 September. Together, the two experiences offer different ways to explore the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, from a playful introduction for families to a more immersive programme for beginners and experienced freedivers aged 16 and above.
At Avani+ Fares, Hanli will introduce parents and children to freediving through breathwork, floating, snorkelling, gentle duck dives and underwater games. The focus is not on depth or competition, but on helping families build confidence in the water, understand their breathing and experience the ocean together at a comfortable pace.
The Family Freediving Retreat will open the resort’s annual Ocean Aware Month, a September programme dedicated to marine discovery and conservation. Activities will include coral conservation and planting workshops, underwater photography and videography sessions, beach clean-ups and PADI speciality courses.
On 17 September, Avani+ Fares will celebrate World Manta Day with marine-inspired art workshops for all ages and snorkelling excursions to Hanifaru Bay, known for its seasonal gatherings of manta rays.
“Baa Atoll keeps calling us back,” said Hanli Prinsloo. “Following last year’s retreat at Avani+ Fares, I am excited to return with a full family programme and to continue the journey at NH Collection Maldives Reethi. At Avani+ Fares, we will make freediving playful and approachable for parents and children. At Reethi, guests will have more time to develop their skills through breathwork, training and exploration. Both retreats are about building confidence in the ocean and understanding why this remarkable environment deserves our care.”
In addition, Hanli will host the four-night Into the Blue retreat at NH Collection Maldives Reethi. Open to guests aged 16 and above who are comfortable swimming, the programme combines yoga, meditation and guided breathing with house reef snorkelling, rope freediving and drift dives. Beginners and experienced freedivers can train together while progressing at their own pace.
The retreat will also include an excursion to Hanifaru Bay, approximately 15 minutes from the resort. At Reethi, guests can continue exploring from the island’s house reef, which supports marine life including angelfish, clownfish, reef sharks and sea turtles.
The three-night Family Freediving Retreat at Avani+ Fares Maldives starts from USD 3,160 per person, based on single occupancy. The package includes accommodation, full board, return seaplane transfers and all retreat sessions. Ocean Aware Month activities are complimentary for resort guests, subject to availability.
The four-night Into the Blue retreat at NH Collection Maldives Reethi starts from USD 4,333 net per adult, inclusive of accommodation on full board, return seaplane transfers and the full retreat programme.
For details and reservations, visit world.nh-hotels.com/en/nh-collection-maldives-reethi, email reservations.nree@nhcollection.com or call +960 660 2626.
JOALI Maldives has announced two exclusive tennis residencies with Grand Slam champions Elena Rybakina and Ana Ivanović, bringing world-class tennis to the island across November and the festive season.
Designed for both adults and younger players, the residencies offer guests the rare opportunity to step onto the court with two of the sport’s most accomplished athletes through intimate clinics and camps that combine technique, confidence, discipline and the joy of the game.
Set within JOALI Maldives’ philosophy of Creative Living, the programme brings a dynamic sporting dimension to island life, creating meaningful opportunities for guests to learn directly from champions while enjoying a highly personalised experience in the Maldives.
Game. Set. Inspire. with Elena Rybakina | 17–23 November 2026
Wimbledon Champion and Australian Open Champion 2026 Elena Rybakina invites guests to experience the game through the eyes of a Grand Slam champion.
Known for her powerful serve, precision and calm determination, Elena made history as Kazakhstan’s first Grand Slam singles champion when she claimed the Wimbledon title in 2022, before adding the 2026 Australian Open title to her achievements. She also reached a career-high ranking of World No. 2 in women’s singles.
Through two exclusive workshops for adults and younger players, guests will have the rare opportunity to train alongside one of the world’s leading athletes while discovering the discipline, focus and joy behind championship-level tennis.
Play Like a Champion with Ana Ivanović | 22–27 December 2026
Former World No. 1 Ana Ivanović brings her passion for tennis and Grand Slam-winning legacy to JOALI Maldives for an exclusive festive-season residency. Celebrated for her powerful forehand, competitive spirit and elegant style of play, Ana captured the 2008 French Open title before becoming World No. 1 in women’s singles and earning global acclaim as a modern tennis icon.
Guests will be invited to share the court with Ana across two exclusive workshops. The 60-minute Tennis Clinic for adults, ages 16 and above, focuses on the techniques, strategy and discipline that shaped her career. The 60-minute Tennis Camp for children ages 4 to 15 offers a lively introduction to tennis, helping young players develop skills, build confidence and find their rhythm on court.
From November through the festive season, the two residencies bring together championship-level sport and JOALI Maldives’ distinctive approach to meaningful guest experiences. With programming created for adults and families alike, guests can discover tennis in an intimate island setting while learning directly from two Grand Slam champions.
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