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Sheraton Maldives takes lead in coral spawning research with Reefscapers

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Nestled on the serene and picturesque private island of Furanafushi in North Male Atoll, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has announced its integral involvement in advancing the field of coral spawning research. The esteemed resort is collaborating with Reefscapers, a distinguished Maldivian marine consultancy that specializes in the vital realm of coral restoration. Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, known for its commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the Maldives’ underwater world, is proud to play a pivotal role in supporting Reefscapers’ groundbreaking research endeavors.

This groundbreaking study which spans in two Atolls for two years, focuses on observing the spawning patterns of 22 species of Acropora corals, a genus highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

The research, led by Reefscapers’ marine biologists, has unveiled fascinating insights into the spawning behavior of Acropora corals in the region. The study reveals that the Maldives experiences two distinct spawning seasons throughout the year, with spawning events occurring over an extended period of eight months. The exact timing of spawning varies between species, with some corals spawning close to sunset and others later in the evening. Furthermore, the date of spawning differs between Atolls, with corals in North Male Atoll spawning earlier compared to Baa Atoll.

Coral restoration in the Maldives is of paramount importance for ecosystem recovery following previous declines due to rising ocean temperatures. Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is honored to contribute to the success of this research by providing a comprehensive venue and all the necessary resources for Reefscapers.

Kate Sheridan, the resort’s marine biologist and one of the key researchers, expresses her enthusiasm about the project, stating, “Studying the spawning patterns of Acropora corals is crucial for understanding their reproductive cycles and developing effective conservation strategies. The support of the resort has been significant in the success of this research, and we are excited about the positive impact it will have on coral restoration and research efforts in the region.”

The collaborative effort with Reefscapers signifies a commitment to marine conservation. General Manager of Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, Mohamed El Aghoury remarked, “We are proud to be part of a project that not only contributes to the scientific understanding of coral spawning but also aligns with our commitment to environmental sustainability. This research is a testament to the positive outcomes that can be achieved through collaboration between the hospitality sector and environmental experts.”

In its continued efforts towards sustainability, the resort recently celebrated its milestones of planting over 520 coral frames, and successfully restored more than 27,000 coral colonies. Aligning with Marriott International’s “Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction”, and “Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy” initiatives, guests who stay at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa can participate in Adopt A Coral, an interactive coral-fragment plantation activity to promote reef habitats.

Read the full research paper: https://peerj.com/articles/16315/

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Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa to stage 14th edition of Surfing Champions Trophy

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The Indian Ocean provides consistent surf conditions throughout the year, but each September, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa hosts the Surfing Champions Trophy at the Sultans break. The event is scheduled to return from 4 to 11 September 2026, bringing together professional surfers, guests and spectators.

Now in its 14th edition, the Surfing Champions Trophy is an invitation-only event featuring professional surfers competing across three board disciplines: single fin, twin fin and thruster. The competition takes place at Sultans, a reef break in North Malé Atoll, with Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa serving as the base for participants, officials and attending guests.

The line-up for the 2026 edition will be announced in stages in the coming months.

The event was first held in 2011, with Mark Occhilupo winning all three divisions and the Grand Champions Final. Since then, previous winners have included Damien Hardman (2012), Taylor Knox (2013), Dave Rastovich (2014), Shane Dorian (2015), Taj Burrow (2016, 2017 and 2024), Josh Kerr (2018 and 2019), Kelly Slater (2022), and Joel Parkinson (2023).

Over the years, the competition has also featured a range of international surfers, including Carissa Moore, Maya Gabeira, Tom Curren, Rob Machado, Layne Beachley, Bethany Hamilton, Mikey February, Jeremy Flores and Jadson Andre.

The 2025 edition saw Tahitian surfer Michel Bourez secure victory despite sustaining a hamstring injury during the event. He won both the thruster division and the Grand Champions Final, achieving the only perfect score of the competition in the closing moments of the final. Other participants included Owen Wright, Jesse Mendes, Craig Anderson and Maldivian wildcard Ismail Rasheed.

In parallel with the event, the resort offers the “Surf’s Up” package, which includes coaching sessions with Tropicsurf professionals, guided surf trips, daily yoga sessions, spa treatments, and accommodation with transfers. The package is available to guests seeking to participate in surf-related activities during the event period.

Updates on the 2026 competition, including participant announcements, will be released through official channels of the Surfing Champions Trophy and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa.

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JOALI brings England football legend Fara Williams to Maldives

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JOALI has announced a partnership with retired footballer Fara Williams, who will visit JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING this April to lead a series of football-related activities for guests and the local community.

Fara Williams is among the most capped players in English football history, with 172 international appearances for the England women’s national team. Over the course of her career, she represented clubs including Chelsea and Charlton Athletic, and captained Everton to victory in the Premier League Cup in 2008 and the FA Women’s Cup in 2010.

As part of the initiative, Williams will host a football workshop for girls from Dhuvaafaru Island on 11 April 2026. The session is intended to support the development of women’s football in the Maldives and reflects JOALI’s engagement with communities in Raa Atoll.

In addition, family-focused football sessions will be held for resort guests on 13 April at JOALI Maldives and on 17 April at JOALI BEING. These sessions will provide children and families with the opportunity to participate in football activities guided by Williams.

JOALI Maldives offers villas starting from USD 3,256 per night for two guests sharing a Water Villa with Pool on a bed and breakfast basis. At JOALI BEING, villas start from USD 3,162 per night for two guests sharing an Ocean Pool Villa on a bed and breakfast basis.

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Grand Park Kodhipparu to host lunar-themed experiences in May

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Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives has unveiled Moon Over Kodhipparu, a month-long programme of curated lunar-inspired experiences scheduled to take place throughout May 2026. Drawing on the natural rhythm of the moon, the resort invites guests to experience the Maldives through a series of immersive activities designed to foster connection to self, others, and the surrounding island environment.

Set against the Indian Ocean, the programme structures each significant lunar phase as a distinct experiential segment. The Flower Full Moon at the beginning of the month introduces a theme of renewal, with activities including guided sound healing sessions, sunset cruises that extend into moonlit lagoon journeys, and oceanfront dining experiences.

Midway through the month, the Super New Moon presents a contrasting focus on stillness and reflection. Guests are invited to participate in beachside wellness sessions, starlit cruises under dark skies, and night fishing experiences guided by the natural rhythm of the sea.

The programme concludes with the Blue Moon on 31 May, marked by a series of experiences centred on celebration and connection, including couples’ spa treatments, lagoon cruises, and curated dining experiences under moonlight.

In addition to these key lunar events, the programme runs throughout May with a range of experiences integrated into the resort offering. Evening options include private beach lounge settings illuminated by lanterns, alongside a selection of botanical cocktails reflecting the changing tones of the night sky. The resort also offers tailored private dining and proposal arrangements, as well as a Mother’s Day concept that enables guests to arrange personalised experiences for travelling family members.

The programme reflects a broader trend in luxury travel towards experience-led stays. At Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, this is reflected through the integration of wellness, dining, and ocean-based activities into a structured programme designed to create continuity across the guest experience.

Guests are able to access the programme through the resort’s “Night on Us” offer, available for bookings made until 30 April 2026. The offer includes two complimentary nights on a six-night stay, allowing guests additional time to engage with multiple phases of the programme. It is valid for stays through 31 October 2026.

Located approximately 20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives offers overwater villas, a house reef, and a range of curated experiences that reflect the natural and cultural setting of the Maldives.

Through Moon Over Kodhipparu, the resort continues to expand its experience offering by aligning guest activities with natural cycles and structured programming.

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