Milestone Moment: Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Plants 9000th Coral Frame

Milestone Moment: Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Plants 9000th Coral Frame

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 9, 2025

In the pristine waters of the Maldives, where every wave tells a story, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives has marked a remarkable milestone by planting its 9000th coral frame—a major step forward in a journey that’s been healing the ocean for over 20 years.

The milestone, achieved in collaboration with Reefscapers, is part of one of the world’s most successful coral restoration projects, initiated after the devastating El Niño bleaching event of 1997-98. What began as a passionate idea from coastal oceanographer Thomas Le Berre has now flourished into a global conservation model.

Four Seasons’ support led to the development of a groundbreaking coral frame technique—now adopted worldwide—where coral fragments are attached to specially coated metal frames and planted on the seabed to encourage reef regeneration. Today, this project spans 3.05 acres of thriving artificial reef in the Indian Ocean.

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From its roots at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa, the coral propagation initiative has expanded into fully equipped Marine Discovery Centres, powered by 11 full-time marine biologists. Their work includes coral spawning research, sea turtle rehabilitation, and a Fish Lab aimed at reducing pressure on natural reefs by breeding ornamental reef fish in captivity.

The Maldives-based team continues to push boundaries with innovations like an AI-powered catamaran that improves monitoring efficiency. In fact, the largest coral restoration study to date—published in Nature Ecology & Evolution—was made possible through these cutting-edge efforts.

In the face of climate change, the project’s resilience is evident. When mass coral bleaching was forecasted in 2024, the Reefscapers teams acted swiftly, relocating 28,000 corals from shallow waters to deeper, cooler areas to protect them. These frames are built on nearby Fulhadhoo island, supporting the local economy through sustainable practices and community involvement.

“Our 9,000th coral frame is an uplifting milestone for us,” says Armando Kraenzlin, Regional Vice President and General Manager at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru. “We're witnessing the return of life—from small reef fish to turtles and eagle rays—restoring hope with every frame.”

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Education and outreach are vital components of the initiative. School visits to nearby islands and a marine biology internship for local youth foster a sense of custodianship. Guests too, can get hands-on through immersive reef building, kid-friendly programs at Kuda Huraa, and Marine Savers modules at Landaa Giraavaru for teens.

While Four Seasons sponsors several frames weekly, most are supported by guests, turning each visit into an opportunity to contribute to the ocean’s future. “Marine conservation is a shared responsibility,” Armando concludes. “We’re here to inspire, but it's the guests and young ocean stewards who will carry the mission forward.”

From vision to action, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives continues to show that sustainability is not just about preserving paradise—it’s about restoring it, one coral frame at a time.

To learn more, visit:
Four Seasons Maldives Sustainability


Raffles Udaipur Presents The Raffles Experience for Festive Getaways

Raffles Udaipur Presents The Raffles Experience for Festive Getaways

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 29, 2026

Raffles Udaipur is inviting guests to celebrate the festive season with The Raffles Experience, a curated offering that combines Rajasthan's cultural heritage, culinary experiences and opportunities for relaxation. Located on a 21-acre private island on Udai Sagar Lake, the resort offers a setting for festive gatherings and family holidays, complemented by exclusive privileges and experiences inspired by the traditions of Mewar.

The offering includes daily breakfast for two, 15% savings on food, beverages and spa treatments, and an INR 3,000 resort credit per room, per stay, redeemable across spa and food and beverage experiences. Guests can also experience the region's cultural traditions through an evening Aarti ceremony followed by cultural performances showcasing Rajasthan's heritage and local artistry.

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For those looking to unwind after a day of exploration, The Writers Bar and Long Bar offer a daily Happy Hour from 5 PM to 8 PM, featuring a Buy Two, Get One Complimentary offer on beverages.

The experience also includes a range of activities for guests of different ages and interests. These include yoga sessions, guided nature walks and pottery, along with access to the resort's Kids Zone. Children below six years of age can stay complimentary when accommodated on existing bedding. Flexible check-in and check-out arrangements are also available, subject to availability.

For guests interested in discovering the region's religious and cultural landmarks, Raffles Udaipur offers a private, chauffeur-driven luxury temple tour to Nathdwara Temple and Eklingji Temple. The experience offers an opportunity to explore two revered destinations while enjoying private transportation.

Commenting on the festive offering, Gurnoor Bindra, General Manager, Raffles Udaipur, said, “The festive season is a time for togetherness, cherished traditions and creating meaningful memories with loved ones. With The Raffles Experience, we bring together the cultural richness of Rajasthan and the warmth of our hospitality, from traditional evening rituals and culinary experiences to journeys into the region’s spiritual heritage, creating a memorable festive escape for our guests.”

With its combination of dining privileges, spa experiences, cultural performances and opportunities to explore Rajasthan's spiritual heritage, The Raffles Experience brings together different aspects of a festive holiday. Guests can enjoy time with family and friends while discovering the traditions and surroundings that shape the resort's setting.

Through this curated offering, Raffles Udaipur presents a festive getaway that combines luxury hospitality with regional culture, wellness and personalised experiences.

For reservations and further information, visit The Raffles Experience.


Fairmont Jaipur Introduces Festive Palace Escape for the Holiday Season

Fairmont Jaipur Introduces Festive Palace Escape for the Holiday Season

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 28, 2026

Fairmont Jaipur is welcoming the festive season with Festive Palace Escape, a seasonal stay package designed for guests looking to celebrate with family and friends. Set against the Aravalli Hills, the experience combines a palace stay, dining privileges and special savings, offering an opportunity to enjoy the festive period in a relaxed setting. Available for reservations until 31 December 2026, the package is designed around Fairmont Jaipur's philosophy, Make Special Happen, bringing together thoughtful hospitality, festive dining and time spent with loved ones.

The Festive Palace Escape includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, allowing guests to enjoy a leisurely stay with meals included throughout their visit. For families and groups travelling together, the offer also provides 30% savings on a second room, giving guests greater flexibility when planning a festive getaway. Adding to the dining experience, guests can enjoy 20% savings on food and soft beverages, offering more opportunities to explore the hotel's culinary offerings during their stay.

Located amid the scenic Aravalli Hills, Fairmont Jaipur provides a setting away from the bustle of city life. Its expansive surroundings, regal architecture and tranquil atmosphere create an inviting backdrop for guests looking to slow down, reconnect and spend quality time with family and friends during the holiday season.

The experience brings together the charm of a palace retreat and the pleasures of dining and relaxation. Whether planning a festive family holiday, a getaway with friends or a special stay to mark the season, guests can enjoy the hotel's setting alongside the privileges included in the package.

With its combination of accommodation, dining benefits and savings for guests travelling together, Festive Palace Escape offers another way to celebrate the season at Fairmont Jaipur. The package is available for reservations until 31 December 2026, inviting travellers to make the most of the festive period in Rajasthan.


Summit Hotels & Resorts to Open 17-Villa Retreat in Lachung, Sikkim

Summit Hotels & Resorts to Open 17-Villa Retreat in Lachung, Sikkim

By Hariharan U

Published on October 25, 2026

Summit Hotels & Resorts is set to expand its Signature Collection with a 17-villa retreat in Lachung, North Sikkim, scheduled to open in December 2026. The upcoming property will strengthen the company's premium hospitality portfolio in the Eastern Himalayas, with an emphasis on local architecture, cultural experiences and the region's natural landscape.

Located at an altitude of approximately 8,600 feet, Lachung is around 118 km from Gangtok and serves as a gateway to destinations including Yumthang Valley, Zero Point and Katao. The retreat will feature 17 villas inspired by traditional Sikkimese architecture, reflecting the area's cultural character and mountain setting.

Beyond accommodation, the property is expected to offer experiences that encourage guests to explore North Sikkim beyond conventional sightseeing. Planned activities include guided village walks, opportunities to discover Bhutia traditions and cuisine, visits to nearby orchards and monasteries, and excursions to alpine valleys. Seasonal experiences such as rhododendron viewing, winter snow excursions and stargazing are also being considered, subject to local conditions.

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Commenting on the development, Sumit Mitruka, CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said, “North Sikkim has considerable potential to develop beyond conventional sightseeing-led tourism. Lachung is already an important stop on the Yumthang and Zero Point circuit, but we believe there is an opportunity to encourage travellers to spend more time in the destination itself. With this retreat, we want to introduce a premium stay experience that draws on the region's architecture, culture and natural surroundings. We also see opportunities to work with local communities through employment, sourcing and destination experiences as tourism develops.”

The project comes amid renewed tourism interest in North Sikkim, supported by improved accessibility along the Lachung–Yumthang–Zero Point circuit. Known for its Himalayan scenery, rhododendron forests and traditional Bhutia settlements, Lachung offers opportunities to develop longer, nature-focused stays alongside established sightseeing itineraries.

The retreat will join Summit's Signature Collection, which includes Summit Norbu Ghang in Gangtok and Summit Rungkhung Village Resort in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh. The collection forms part of the company's wider strategy to develop premium, destination-focused hospitality across the Eastern Himalayas and other leisure markets in India.

With the Lachung project, Summit is looking to combine premium accommodation with local culture and nature-based experiences, while creating opportunities for community participation as tourism in North Sikkim evolves

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