W Maldives Teams Up with MARS Sustainable Solutions to

Reviving the Vibrant Reef Life of the Maldives

The W Maldives resort is set to embark on an ambitious coral restoration initiative in partnership with MARS Sustainable Solutions. This collaboration aims to replant 6,000 coral fragments, covering over 400 square meters of reef, making it one of the largest coral restoration efforts in the Maldives.

The Scale and Significance of the Restoration

Scheduled to launch on 25 October 2025, this project marks the second-largest single deployment of MARS' Reef Star technology in the Maldives. It targets the resort’s renowned house reef, an ecosystem highly praised by divers and snorkelers for its rich biodiversity.

Understanding the Reef Star System

MARS Sustainable Solutions brings over 15 years of experience in global reef restoration. Their innovative Reef Star system uses a hexagonal structure coated with coral sand, fostering a solid platform for coral growth and reef community regeneration. This approach has yielded impressive results worldwide, including a coral cover increase from less than 5% to over 70% at one of their flagship sites.

Why Coral Restoration Matters for Tourism

Coral reefs are not just natural wonders but also cornerstones of marine biodiversity that attract tourists globally. With more than half of the world’s coral reefs having vanished in the last three decades, preserving these underwater landscapes safeguards the natural heritage that draws visitors to island destinations like the Maldives.

For resorts and tourism services, maintaining healthy reefs guarantees that guests continue to enjoy snorkeling, diving, and other water activities that define the island experience. Hence, coral restoration directly benefits the tourism sector by sustaining the attractions that make these destinations unique.

Project Partners and Community Involvement

The project will include contributions from a local NGO providing ecological expertise and community perspectives to guide the restoration work. Additionally, Kaushiik Subramaniam, an award-winning wildlife filmmaker and conservation biologist, will document the project, further raising awareness of ocean stewardship.

Key People Behind the Initiative

Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives – emphasizes the reef as a living force inspiring the resort’s ethos.
Kate Janetski, Marine Program Lead, MARS Sustainable Solutions – highlights the importance of partnerships in science-driven reef restoration.

Sustainability at the Core of W Maldives’ Strategy

This coral restoration effort is part of a broader sustainability framework at W Maldives, which includes plans for solar energy adoption and biogas facilities. These initiatives reveal the resort’s commitment to environmental responsibility, extending beyond luxury hospitality to protect the surrounding ecosystem.

Guests interested in supporting these efforts can opt for the Stay, Dine, and Fly package, offering seamless travel with roundtrip seaplane transfers, breakfasts, and dinners included.