EXPLORE
TASTE
REFLECT
CREATE
developed a conservation programme
that allows guests to learn about the
marine environment through a number
of activities. “We have active, handson activities such as coral planting,
and passive activities such as the
turtle head start programme,” says
Steve Newman, PhD, group director of
conservation and director of Banyan
Tree Marine Labs Maldives.
The Citizen Scientist Programme
starts with a brief educational talk
at the Marine Centre, describing the
work being carried out at Angsana
Ihuru. Snorkellers and divers are then
given waterproof guides to take with
them during their trip, filled with the
collected data used to monitor the
health of the local reefs.
When you are done counting fish,
you can help build the reefs. Angsana
Ihuru’s already ahead of the game in
encouraging coral growth, with its
award-winning Barnacle and Necklace
projects, but guests can also break a
sweat and help repopulate the reefs
around the two resorts.
It’s called coral transplanting, and
anyone can do it. Coral transplanting
involves taking pieces of a particular
species of hard coral, using waterfriendly cement that ‘glues’ the pieces
of coral onto a barren rock or other
suitable type of frame.
Coral transplanting is easy, fun,
good for the environment, and even
if you’re not feeling particularly
water-frisky on a certain day, you can
participate. It's also an activity that you
are unlikely to be able to experience
anywhere else. “We have changed
the coral planting activity this year,
adopting coral frames, which has
proven popular as anyone can plant on
a metal frame in water shallow enough
to kneel in,” says Newman. This has
proven to be a big hit. “We get many
repeat guests who visit the island to see
how their coral gardens are doing, and
we have some gardens that have been
sponsored by families.”
ANGSANA IHURU,
MALDIVES
The Angsana Ihuru boasts
spectacular views of the
Indian Ocean and offers
exhilarating water sports
activities. Beginners and
advanced scuba divers
can explore the vibrant
house reef around the
resort, while non-divers
can go sports fishing or
have fun tubing.
B A N YA N T R E E
PHUKET
Bordered by the
Andaman Sea, Banyan
Tree Phuket offers
a luxurious tropical
getaway. The elegant
resort is situated near a
pristine three-kilometre
beach, making for an
ideal location for
thrilling water sports
such as wakeboarding
and windsurfing.
B A N YA N T R E E
SAMUI
This secluded Thai
paradise where water
meets sky is a great
weekend escape. The
island of Koh Samui is
famous for its colourful
marine life and clear
waters, making it an
ideal spot for avid divers.
Stand up paddle boarding
(SUP) and kayaking are
complimentary here.
ANGSANA
B A L A C L AVA
MAURITIUS
U N D E R T H E B A N YA N T R E E
PHOTOS: JODY MACDONALD (MAIN, SAILBOAT)
Situated on the shores
of Turtle Bay, with warm
turquoise waters and
protected lagoons, this is
a beautiful idyll. Angsana
Balaclava Mauritius
offers snorkelling and
paragliding for the
energetic and pic