Elite Traveler Spring 2021

FRAME IT MALDIVES

The Maldives is at the top of many travelers’ bucket lists, and even if you’ve visited before, the paradisiacal archipelago has likely captured your heart. However, beneath the pristine exterior is a devastating fact: more than 60% of the coral reefs have been severely bleached due to climate change and natural disasters like El Niño. This has a huge impact on the marine life that abides in the azure waters: The coral reefs are key feeding and breeding grounds, and are the reason why the Maldivian waters are home to such a unique and exotic array of marine life. Now, guests at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi can help by adopting a coral frame during their stay. The coral frames are built using broken coral fragments that have been found on local reefs. They are then rehabilitated in the property’s coral nursery and left to grow and regain their health. Not only does this help to preserve coral reefs, but also provides an alternative income to the Fulhadhoo Island people who construct the frames. See your adopted coral in the resort’s house reef by going on a Seadoo snorkeling expedition, or zip through the waters on a Seabob — you can rent a Paralenz underwater camera and capture your journey. Best for Making a difference to the Maldivian underwater kingdom From $1,675 per night; coral frame adoption $175 per frame. Contact Etienne Dalançon, general manager, +960 400 0300, mleon.hotel@waldorfastoria.com, waldorfastoria.hilton.com