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Baros Maldives expands sustainable tourism programmes with new marine environment hub

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Baros has recently launched a new online section aimed at raising awareness about the fragile marine environment, in addition to the island resort’s current sustainable tourism programmes. As the world celebrates Earth Day, Baros remains committed to promoting sustainable tourism, having been actively engaged in coral restoration and planting since 2006 to combat the adverse effects of rising water temperatures on corals.

Guests can participate in the coral restoration project by sponsoring coral frames, and the island resort employs a range of techniques to promote growth, including the use of nursery-like pools, suspended lines in the blue lagoon, the renowned Baros coral cubes and personalised frames with name tags and love messages. To date, 458 coral frames have been sponsored.

As part of its upcoming 50th anniversary celebrations later this year in December, the Divers Baros Maldives team, known as the “Baros Underwater Ambassadors,” has shared their favourite underwater stories, highlighting the island resort’s sustainability initiatives and other valuable insights.

The Baros underwater ambassadors are passionate about educating guests on good water practices and spreading knowledge on sustainable tourism through the newly launched information hub. The dedicated section features entertaining short stories that provide valuable knowledge in an educational and playful way, revolving around marine flora and fauna, characteristics of resident marine creatures such as the story of Finny, the resident black-tipped shark, and the natural order of things underwater.

The short stories generate awareness about the etiquettes of snorkelling and diving, and provide readers with insights on parallels with current sustainability movements such as circular economy efforts. The platform also includes practical tips for divers and snorkellers, such as diving slowly and avoiding touching the reef and marine creatures like Manta Rays, which helps preserve their habitats and ensure their survival.

The Baros underwater ambassadors present a diverse range of information on the fragile marine ecosystem, its interconnectedness, and the natural balance that can easily be disrupted due to human behaviour. Guests can read these stories and experiences on the Baros website under each Baros underwater ambassador’s profile, bringing with them a topic close to their hearts and lobbying for sustainable measures in the underwater world surrounding their topics.

At Baros, guests can explore these topics further with the underwater ambassadors while enjoying a range of marine activities, from coral cube planting to guided tours of snorkelling and diving at the world-class Baros house reef and other exclusive reefs teeming with rich marine life. The private island resort has also implemented eco-friendly practices to reduce its environmental impact, such as replacing plastic straws with paper straws, banning plastic bags, and using glass water and refreshment bottles that are reused for multiple fillings. Baros remains committed to continued progress in terms of sustainability, improving its services one step at a time.

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Sheraton Maldives Full Moon celebrates sixth anniversary of Reefscapers collaboration

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Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa marks the sixth anniversary of its partnership with Reefscapers on February 19, 2026, reaffirming its commitment to protecting and restoring the Maldives’ fragile reef ecosystems. Since launching the partnership in 2020, the resort and Reefscapers have worked together to restore coral habitats, support marine biodiversity, and engage guests in meaningful conservation experiences. The milestone also marks one year since the successful relocation of approximately five tons of coral to the resort’s house reefs — one of the partnership’s most significant conservation initiatives.

Over the past six years, the partnership has become a defining pillar of the resort’s sustainability journey, blending scientific restoration with purposeful guest engagement. To date, the initiative has resulted in the planting of 898 coral frames, supporting approximately 33,000 coral colonies now growing across the restoration sites. Through coral propagation, reef monitoring, and awareness programmes, these efforts continue to regenerate reef structures while deepening understanding of the essential role coral ecosystems play in sustaining marine life and protecting coastlines. Each thriving coral frame reflects a shared dedication to preserving the natural wonders that make the Maldives one of the world’s most extraordinary marine destinations.

“What makes this partnership special is seeing how small, consistent actions turn into real change underwater. Watching the relocated corals settle, survive, and begin to grow over the past year has been incredibly rewarding for us and the guests who return and witness how they’ve helped restore a living reef,” shares Katelyn, the resort’s Marine Biologist.

A defining achievement of the collaboration has been the coral relocation project, which carefully transferred coral colonies from Ras Malé, also known as the Maldives Eco City, to the resort’s dedicated restoration site, safeguarding them from potential threats linked to land reclamation activities in the Fushi Dhiggaru Lagoon. One year on, these corals continue to flourish beneath the surface, strengthening reef resilience and contributing to the long-term health of the surrounding ecosystem.

At the heart of the partnership lies the resort’s Adopt a Coral programme, part of the Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy initiative, which encourages guests to travel with intention through meaningful environmental experiences. Through this hands-on activity, visitors can adopt and name a coral frame while learning directly from marine experts about coral ecology and the importance of protecting marine habitats.

To deepen this connection beyond the stay, guests receive growth updates on their adopted corals every six months, allowing them to follow the progress of their living contribution to the reef. As these corals grow over time, they become enduring symbols of renewal and shared responsibility, transforming a holiday memory into a lasting environmental legacy, and reflecting how travel can positively support local ecosystems and communities.

“Our island is surrounded by a remarkable marine environment, and protecting it is a responsibility we take seriously. Our partnership with Reefscapers reflects our belief that hospitality should go hand in hand with stewardship. Seeing the reef restoration progress over the past six years, and the involvement of our guests and associates in that journey, makes this anniversary especially meaningful for all of us,” comments Greg Allan, General Manager of Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa.

Through its continued collaboration with Reefscapers, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa remains dedicated to advancing marine conservation while creating purposeful guest experiences rooted in sustainability, education, and connection to nature.

To discover more about the resort’s sustainability initiatives, join the Adopt a Coral programme, or plan a stay that supports reef conservation, visit sheratonmaldives.com or contact the reservations team at Sheraton.Maldives@sheraton.com.

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Sun Siyam Vilu Reef unveils expanded marine excursion portfolio

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Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Sun Siyam Privé Collection, has introduced an expanded portfolio of water-based experiences designed to showcase the natural environment and marine life of the surrounding atolls. The enhanced programme combines exploration, activity and moments of calm, offering guests new ways to experience the Maldives through curated ocean journeys and personalised excursions.

Building on established activities such as Jet Car rides, SeaBob adventures and windsurfing, the resort has expanded its watersports offering to include private speedboat journeys and bespoke marine experiences. These additions are tailored for small groups seeking intimate and meaningful encounters with the ocean.

Available daily from the resort’s Watersports Centre, the new private speedboat excursions provide a personalised way to explore the hidden marine sites of Dhaalu Atoll. Designed for one to four guests, each journey offers flexibility and individual attention. Guests may choose from four-hour, five-hour or full-day itineraries, all of which include a freshly prepared barbecue lunch. From coral gardens to secluded sandbanks, the excursions highlight the region’s diverse marine landscapes.

The programme’s centrepiece is the Full Day Adventure Trip, which offers an extended exploration of key marine locations. Highlights include the Coral Garden, known for its biodiversity and reef formations; Turtle Point, where sea turtles are frequently sighted; and Nurse Shark Point, which provides opportunities to observe nurse sharks in their natural environment. The experience concludes with a beachside lunch on a private sandbank, set against uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean.

For guests seeking a balance between activity and relaxation, the Waves of Adventure and Calmness experience combines a private two-hour snorkelling safari or Jet Ski safari with a full-body massage at the resort. The programme is designed to transition smoothly from ocean exploration to restorative island time, reflecting the relaxed pace that characterises Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.

As part of the Sun Siyam Privé Collection, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef continues to focus on personalised service and experiences rooted in the natural setting of the Maldives. Through its expanded watersports offering, the resort invites guests to engage with the marine environment while enjoying a sense of privacy, discovery and connection to the Maldivian seascape.

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Atmosphere Foundation launches annual dive training scholarship for Maldivians

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Atmosphere Foundation has launched a new annual scholarship programme that will sponsor 10 Maldivians each year to complete internationally recognised scuba diving training and professional development pathways, supporting youth career growth while strengthening the Maldivian workforce in tourism.

Designed to create clearer entry points into the industry and help Maldivians advance from foundational training to professional roles, the programme will provide sponsored candidates with access to a structured set of certifications that can lead to employment opportunities in resort dive centres, watersports operations, and marine excursions across the country.

The programme will support both beginners and those already working in the sector who want to progress further. By sponsoring these certifications, the initiative aims to help participants develop technical competence, safety capabilities and professional readiness—skills that are essential for career progression in dive and marine-related roles within the tourism industry.

To ensure the programme delivers direct long-term value to the Maldives, successful candidates will be required to work in the Maldives for a specified period after completing their course. This service commitment is intended to strengthen local capacity within the tourism workforce, help resorts access qualified Maldivian professionals, and support career continuity for young people entering the sector.

“Tourism is the Maldives’ greatest economic mainstay, and our future depends on ensuring Maldivians are represented across the industry—not only at entry level, but in specialist and leadership positions as well,” said Abdul Azeez Abdul Hakeem, Vice President of Atmosphere Foundation. “This programme is designed to remove barriers to training, equip young people with globally recognised qualifications, and support them to progress from the beginning of their careers to new heights. The service component also ensures that the skills gained remain in the Maldives and contribute to the development of our tourism workforce.”

Atmosphere Foundation continues to develop and support initiatives that contribute to community wellbeing and opportunity, with a focus on empowering youth, building skills, and creating sustainable pathways for Maldivians. The annual dive training sponsorship programme builds on the Foundation’s broader mission to deliver meaningful, practical support that helps individuals and communities thrive—while contributing to the long-term resilience of the national economy.

Further information on how to apply, programme partners and timelines will be announced soon through Atmosphere Foundation’s official channels.

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