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Banyan Tree Marine Lab: Home of conservation in Maldives for 19 years

Published

3 years ago

August 10, 2023

The inauguration of the Banyan Tree Marine Lab in 2004 marked a significant milestone as the first resort-based establishment in the Maldives dedicated to safeguard the natural environment and marine ecosystem.

Operating under the guiding philosophy of conservation, restoration, education, and research while catering to both Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru, formerly known as Angsana Ihuru, the pioneering Marine Lab has been instrumental in supporting essential fieldwork carried out by visiting experts.

Over time, the Marine Lab has expanded its role to become a leading advocate for sustainability initiatives conducted by both resorts, such as spreading awareness about marine conservation in local schools and nearby communities.

Marine Talk

The primary objective of the Marine Lab is to enlighten guests about the indigenous marine ecosystems. Through a weekly schedule of Marine Talk, lasting for 20-30 minutes, guests are educated on topics such as coral reefs, the current challenges they confront and proactive measures to safeguard them.

Citizen Science

Twice weekly, snorkelling sessions with the resident marine biologists are conducted to document various species and monitor local populations residing in the house reefs.

Within this process, the team meticulously record three distinct categories of marine life: megafauna, groupers, and butterflyfish. These encompass an array of captivating creatures, including reef sharks, nurse sharks, eagle rays, turtles, trevallys, peacock groupers, crown of thorns starfish, and racoon butterflyfish.

The presence and abundance of megafauna populations play a pivotal role as indicators of the overall marine ecosystem’s health. They offer insights into prey availability, water quality, and the overall ecological integrity of the area.

Groupers, unfortunately, have faced considerable decline in population due to overfishing, primarily driven by their high value in fish markets. Nonetheless, they serve a vital ecological function by controlling the populations of herbivorous fishes, thus preventing overgrazing of corals, and promoting reef recovery.

Butterflyfish, known as ‘bioindicators,’ have a symbiotic relationship with coral reefs. By closely monitoring their populations, the team gain valuable understanding of the impact of coral bleaching, pollution, and habitat degradation on the health and vitality of the reefs.

Reef Cleanup

Ensuring the cleanliness of the reef is crucial to enhance the survival prospects of corals and protect the overall reef ecosystem.

Two predators are actively removed – the crown of thorns starfish (COTS) and the pincushion starfish (PINS), both notorious for consuming coral polyps, resulting in significant coral loss throughout the reef.

These species are referred to as ‘corallivores’ due to their primary diet consisting of corals. The crown of thorns starfish can devour up to 75 square feet of corals annually, far surpassing the rate at which we can grow and replant corals.

Coral Nursery

At the Marine Lab, one of the major initiatives revolves around coral restoration, aiming to breathe new life into the reefs.

The coral rope nurseries offer a promising solution for giving a second chance to coral fragments that break off from the main structures. These fragments, also known as coral recruits, are carefully collected, and affixed to rope nurseries, which typically span 10 metres in length and 2 metres in width.

Experienced divers staying at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru are invited to join the resident marine biologists in this meaningful endeavour.

Electric Reef

To enhance the preservation and restoration of local biodiversity and coral reefs, three electric reefs have been implemented and strategically positioned across both islands. This innovative approach fuses technology with ecology, yielding more efficient conservation outcomes.

An electric reef comprises a sizeable metal framework linked to a low voltage power source, generating a localised electronic field that facilitates increased calcium deposition on the metal surface.

The Banyan Tree Foundation pioneered the integration of this technology into the Maldives’ reefs with the construction of the Barnacle in 1996, way before the Marine Lab was built.

Subsequently, the Necklace and the Lotus were put together in 1998 and 2001, respectively, further extending the network of electric reefs to amplify our conservation efforts.

Over the past 19 years, the Banyan Tree Marine Lab has been a beacon of conservation and sustainability in the Maldives,” said Nicholas Hardman, Regional Marine Lab Manager. “We are incredibly proud of the progress we have made in coral planting, protecting house reefs, and promoting eco-friendly practices. Our commitment to fostering environmental awareness through educational activities remains steadfast as we continue to inspire positive change in our guests and the wider community.”

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is a luxury barefoot tropical paradise at the heart of North Male’ Atoll, 25-minute away from Velana International Airport via speedboat. With 48 pool villas dotting around the island, privacy and relaxation can easily be attained. Stay at least 3 nights and save up to 20% off the best available rate, which includes daily breakfast and dinner, plus complimentary speedboat transfers and sunset cruise. Find out more about this offer via Stay More Pay Less | Banyan Tree.

Situated approximately two-minute away via speedboat from Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru lies Dhawa Ihuru, a distinct island retreat of its own with 45 villas, and dubbed as “one of the best house reefs” and “diver’s paradise” in the Maldives. Discover Ihuru Island and gained flexibility with its villa and breakfast offer via Dhawa Ihuru Maldives | Dhawa Hotels.

Be in the know. Explore more about living a “sustainability culture” or download the Marine Lab Information and Activity Guide.

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Avani+ Fares Maldives offers young guests football training with Martin Kelly

Published

11 hours ago

November 4, 2026

m@ldives

Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort will host an Exclusive Kids’ Football Camp featuring former Liverpool FC defender Martin Kelly from 15 to 18 November 2026, offering young football enthusiasts an opportunity to train with a former Premier League player.

The four-day programme is open to children aged five to 13 of all skill levels and will combine professional football coaching with recreational activities at the resort in Baa Atoll.

The event follows three football camps previously hosted by Avani+ Fares Maldives with former England and Liverpool FC striker Michael Owen, as the resort continues to develop sporting experiences for younger guests.

The upcoming camp will feature daily afternoon training sessions led by Kelly, alongside a welcome meet-and-greet, beach games, pool parties, FIFA tournaments and other recreational activities.

Each participant will receive an official football camp kit comprising two customised jerseys, shorts and socks. The programme will conclude with a closing ceremony, during which participants will receive medals and certificates.

“A football camp is about so much more than what happens on the pitch. It’s about helping young players enjoy the game, believe in themselves and learn how much they can achieve as part of a team,” Kelly said.

“I’m looking forward to sharing some of what I’ve learnt throughout my career and, most importantly, having fun with the kids in such an incredible setting.”

Kelly, a graduate of Liverpool FC’s academy, made 62 senior appearances for the club and was part of the squad that won the League Cup in 2012. He later continued his Premier League career with Crystal Palace, where he spent several seasons.

The football camp comes in a year when Avani+ Fares Maldives was recognised as Best Family Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards & Gala 2026.

Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, the resort offers a range of accommodation options for families, including Overwater Villas, Two-Bedroom Ocean View Pavilions and Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villas.

In addition to the football camp, guests can participate in activities such as house reef snorkelling, sunset fishing, watersports and beach recreation. The resort also offers activities for younger guests at AvaniKids, while wellness treatments are available at AvaniSpa.

The Exclusive Kids’ Football Camp will take place from 15 to 18 November 2026, with a participation fee of USD 399 per child.

A five-night accommodation package starts from USD 3,784 per room for two adults and one child staying in a Premium Ocean View Room.

The package includes accommodation, half-board dining, football camp participation for one child, seaplane transfers, and applicable taxes and service charges.

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CROSSROADS Maldives welcomes international padel stars for historic women’s tournament

Published

4 days ago

November 1, 2026

m@ldives

The Maldives is set for an electrifying sporting spectacle as CROSSROADS Maldives welcomes the country’s first FIP Silver Women’s Padel tournament, taking place from 5–8 November 2026 at SAii Lagoon Maldives. Organised in collaboration Asia Padel Events, the event brings international sporting excellence to paradise, with professional competition, exclusive masterclasses, and exciting opportunities for the public to experience the game firsthand.

The tournament will feature 26 international professional players, including eight athletes ranked among the world’s Top 100. Headlining the competition are Spanish padel stars Nuria Rodriguez (World No. 24) and Marta Talavan (World No. 36), alongside an impressive line-up featuring Finland’s No. 1 player Martina Minetti, UK’s No. 3 Rosie Pooley, an Italian national champion, European champions, Malaysia’s No. 1 player, and national team representatives from multiple countries.

Beyond the championship, CROSSROADS Maldives is opening the courts to everyone. From 5–8 November, padel enthusiasts can train alongside Nuria Rodriguez and Marta Talavan through exclusive masterclasses, available at USD 450 per day or USD 1,200 for the four-day experience. The programme includes:

Four hours of intensive training and matches daily, divided into two sessions.
An exclusive dinner with the professionals on 5 November.
Access to watch all FIP Silver Women’s Padel tournament matches.

For those seeking a personalised experience, exclusive training sessions with Finland’s No. 1 Martina Minetti and UK’s No. 3 Rosie Pooley will also be available from 2–4 November, offering one-on-one private coaching at USD 200 per hour, or an exciting one-hour matchplay session with two professionals at USD 400.

The tournament is open for everyone to watch, welcoming resort guests, Maldivian residents, expatriates, and visitors to witness world-class padel against the spectacular backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Masterclasses and private coaching sessions are likewise open to the public, with limited slots available.

As a multi-island lifestyle destination, CROSSROADS Maldives, home to SO/ Maldives, SAii Lagoon Maldives, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, and The Marina at CROSSROADS, continues to elevate the island experience through international sporting events, entertainment, and lifestyle programming that connect travellers with the local community.

This November, the CROSSROADS Maldives isn’t just one destination. It’s centre court.

Event Details

2–4 November | Private Training & Matchplay:

One-on-one training with international professionals: USD 200 per hour
One-hour matchplay with two professionals: USD 400

5–8 November | Padel Masterclasses:

Daily Pass: USD 450 per person
Four-Day Pass: USD 1,200 per person
Includes four hours of daily training and matches across two sessions, dinner with the professionals on 5 November, and access to watch tournament matches.

5–8 November | FIP Silver Women’s Padel Tournament (Open to spectators):

5 November: Round of 16
6 November: Quarterfinals
7 November: Semifinals
8 November: Championship Final

Venue: SAii Lagoon Maldives, CROSSROADS Maldives

Bookings & Enquiries: KoimalaandMaalimi@crossroadsmaldives.com

Masterclass packages exclude food and beverages beyond the stated dinner inclusion, accommodation, and transfers. Public access and participation are subject to event arrangements and availability.

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W Maldives welcomes Olympic badminton champion Wang Chi-Lin for exclusive coaching experience

Published

4 days ago

November 1, 2026

m@ldives

This December, W Maldives is set to elevate the island getaway experience as two-time Olympic badminton gold medalist Wang Chi-Lin takes up residence at the luxury private island resort from December 1 to 3, 2026. During his stay, the badminton icon will host a complimentary one-hour badminton coaching session for resort guests, adding an exciting sporting dimension to a tropical escape in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for families, groups of friends, and solo travellers.

A Taiwanese badminton player specialising in men’s and mixed doubles, Wang Chi-Lin is widely regarded as one of the sport’s biggest stars. He has earned global recognition through a remarkable career winning back-to-back Olympic gold medals in men’s doubles at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the Paris 2024 Olympics. Known for his dynamic playing style and relentless determination, Wang continues to inspire a new generation of athletes and badminton enthusiasts around the world.

Located in the heart of North Ari Atoll and reached via a scenic 25-minute seaplane journey from Malé, W Maldives is a private island playground where luxury, adventure, and vibrant island living come naturally. Guests can discover the resort’s award-winning house reef teeming with marine life, savour bold dining concepts, and recharge with wellness experiences designed to inspire every sense. Every stay embodies W Maldives’ signature spirit of energy, freedom, and unexpected discovery.

From snorkelling vibrant coral reefs and encountering nurse sharks to sunset cruises and relaxing by the water, guests can experience the many sides of island living at W Maldives. For those seeking even greater seclusion, Gaathafushi, the resort’s private castaway island, provides the perfect setting for bespoke experiences and private dining amid untouched natural beauty.

As part of this collaboration, W Maldives is also unveiling a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity through Marriott Bonvoy Moments, where members can bid on an Exclusive Badminton Coaching Experience with Olympic Champion Wang Chi-Lin paired with a four-night stay in a Premier Overwater One-Bedroom Villa from December 2 to 6, 2026.

“We are always looking for unexpected ways to bring together passion, play, and meaningful experiences for our guests,” said Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives. “Welcoming Wang Chi-Lin to W Maldives adds an exciting new dimension to the guest experience. Whether you’re passionate about badminton or simply looking for something unexpected during your island escape, this is the kind of once-in-a-lifetime moment that perfectly captures the energy, adventure, and sense of discovery we love creating at W Maldives.”

Package for the bid winner and one guest includes:

Four-night stay in a Premier Overwater One-Bedroom Villa
Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner with non-alcoholic beverages at select dining venues
A private one-hour badminton coaching session with Olympic Champion Wang Chi-Lin on the paddle court
An intimate sunset experience with drinks and canapés on Gaathafushi, W Maldives’ private castaway island
One 60-minute signature treatment per person at AWAY® Spa
Guided snorkelling at the resort’s award-winning house reef
Shared roundtrip seaplane transfers from Velana International Airport

Members can now bid on this once-in-a-lifetime experience from now through November 14, 2026 through Marriott Bonvoy Moments. For more information, visit www.wmaldives.com or contact reservations.wmaldives@whotels.com.