Coral reefs are one of the most majestic ecosystems on our planet; however, they are critically impacted by climate change. Since the 1980s, we’ve lost 30 to 50 percent of tropical coral reefs, and scientists indicate we could lose 90 percent of all coral by 2050.
Reefs are not just beautiful; they have an outsized impact on the health of the ocean. “Reefs cover about 1% of the ocean floor, a relatively small percentage when you consider our vast blue planet, but they account for 25% of the ocean’s biodiversity,” states Tom Moore, coral restoration lead at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
One way to help is to choose hotels actively working to restore local coral populations during your travels. Here are a few notable accommodations making a significant impact.
Iberostar Selection Bávaro – Dominican Republic
Coral restoration is more than providing a pretty place to snorkel for guests. Megan Morikawa, Ph.D., Iberostar’s Global Sustainability Director, emphasizes the importance of coral health. “I was convinced that the coral nurseries would be beneficial for tourism, and indeed, they are. Yet, upon reviewing our clientele, less than 5% of them engage in diving or underwater activities,” she explains.
To connect more guests with coral health, Iberostar created an on-land coral lab, serving as a genetic bank for coral and a testing lab to understand bleaching events. This facility is open to visitors, aiming to raise awareness about the value of coral. Moreover, their underwater nursery houses thousands of corals across 95 distinct structures.
Iberostar’s commitment goes beyond hospitality: in 2019, they eliminated single-use plastics from their rooms and emphasized collaboration with sustainable fisheries. By 2030, they aim to achieve waste-free operations, net-zero emissions, and exclusively serve responsibly sourced seafood.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru – Maldives
The Maldives have faced significant bleaching events, with reports indicating that between 60 to 90 percent of their reefs were affected from 2014 to 2017, according to CNN.
Through the Banyan Tree Global Foundation, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has employed marine biologists to safeguard coral reefs. Since 2004, a marine lab has served as both a research facility for scientists and an educational resource for local schools and community members.
Guests at Vabbinfaru can engage with the coral nursery alongside staff or participate in activities such as planting coral or cleaning sponges off coral fragments as part of a hands-on approach to restoration. The resort also pursues other sustainable initiatives, aiming to plant 2,000 trees annually and eliminate single-use plastics entirely. Their work includes restoring mangroves and documenting local shark populations to assess the impact of the nation’s ban on shark hunting.
Banyan Tree’s efforts extend to other Maldives locations, including three additional coral nursery sites, accommodating up to 1,000 coral fragments. Recently, they began planting the fragments along local reefs, fostering healthy colonies.
Kimpton Angler’s South Beach – Florida
Instead of managing reef restoration internally, Kimpton Angler’s South Beach opted for a partnership with the University of Miami’s coral restoration lab to adopt “Angler’s Reef.” Over the past two years, the coral has flourished, growing larger than a basketball.
This hotel is among the few that actively contribute to restoring US coral reefs. Through collaboration with the university and local guides, guests can join citizen science dive or snorkel trips to learn about the challenges corals face.
Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya – Playa del Carmen, Mexico
For travelers seeking hands-on experiences, Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya offers guests a chance to kayak to a reef, learn from a coral expert, and participate in planting new coral colonies through their “Guardians of the Reef” program.
Located near Playa del Carmen, this initiative is part of a broader commitment to ecological sustainability, including measures like replacing plastic straws with avocado seed straws, treating wastewater, and supporting marine wildlife, like sea turtles. The resort received a 99% score from the Rainforest Alliance, and the entire Mayakoba area recently achieved the highest level of certification for Touristic Environmental Quality from the Mexican government.
Round Hill Hotel and Villas – Jamaica
Located west of Montego Bay, the luxury Round Hill Hotel and Villas has been dedicated to growing and planting coral reefs since 2015. Their mission goes beyond creating picturesque spots for visitors; they also aim to enhance fishing quality for local fishermen, starting with healthy coral ecosystems.
To date, Round Hill has successfully planted 4,000 corals, aiming for 5,000. They focus on temperature-tolerant species that can endure bleaching events in the future. Guests can witness these efforts through complimentary glass-bottom boat tours or while swimming in their surf bay.
