Villa Le Corail, A Gran Meliá Hotel, the five-star seafront sanctuary on Vietnam’s central coast, has embarked on a meaningful project that will restore, rehabilitate and regenerate Nha Trang Bay’s coral reefs for many years to come.
In collaboration with Avatar, the Nha Trang-based sustainable educational tourism company founded by the resort’s owners, KDI Holdings, Villa Le Corail, A Gran Meliá Hotel is restoring thousands of square metres of coral on the resort’s shoreline. Due to the changing climate, once vibrant reefs in Nha Trang Bay have been degraded over the years and some have become overgrown by algae. Globally, it is estimated that 25 percent of all marine species are dependent on coral reefs at some point in their lifecycle, so this degradation has repercussions for the entire ocean.
Understanding the need to reverse this cycle of environmental decline, the teams at Avatar and Villa Le Corail, A Gran Meliá Hotel created a plan for the reefs’ revival. In coordination with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and SDG 14, “Life Below Water” in particular, a project was initiated that involves a combination of direct coral transplanting, gardening, propagation and other science-led measures, with the aim of re-establishing Nha Trang Bay’s coral reefs as vibrant havens of marine life.
Initiated in March 2023, the project is separated into a series of timelines and goals. Within three years of the start date, the resort hopes to restore reef aesthetics and provide opportunities for eco-tourism experiences close to the shore, and within three-to-five years, extended areas of reef are expected to be established, protecting the shoreline by reducing wave energy. From the fifth year onwards, the resort is hoping to rehabilitate a wide section of reef and restore natural conditions. In parallel with the practical action, a series of immersive activities, including coral talks, coral planting sessions and expert workshops are being hosted to educate and inspire all guests, including young people.
Excellent progress is being made. So far, 2,100 square metres of coral reef in the Avatar Coral Garden has been restored, and a further 2,000 square metres has been designated as a coral nursery. An additional 1,000 square metres of coast in front of the resort is actively being regenerated, with young corals set to be attached between now and the end of this year. Finally, a 1,500-square metre artificial reef has been created on the breakwater to protect this maturing area. Pleasingly, the marine biologists noted that the corals on these blossoming reefs are now showing signs of natural reproduction. As these corals continue to grow and bloom, they will develop into an amazing ecosystem that attracts tropical fish, sea turtles and many other important species, creating lasting benefits for Nha Trang Bay, the East Sea and beyond.
This initiative has been very well-received by the resort’s clientele. During their vacation, many visitors take the opportunity to participate in coral planting activities, which are often described as the highlight of their trip. One of the resort’s “Exceptional Experiences”, the Coral Discovery teaches guests how to attach new coral fragments to a reef – either in the coral nursery or at Tri Nguyen Island, which is accessible by yacht or catamaran. With two- or five-hour excursions available for all ages, these experiences let travellers foster a deeper connection with the environment. An estimated 300 young guests and local children also learned about coral conservation in special activities at the kids’ club.
“Coral propagation is just one aspect of the resort’s comprehensive ‘Travel for Good’ initiative. Waste reduction and recycling programmes, low-energy solutions and responsible sourcing policies are all helping to alleviate the property’s environmental impact and create benefits for the entire destination. Looking ahead, Villa Le Corail, A Gran Meliá Hotel is planning to restore a further 50,000 square metres of naturally degraded coral, while also growing 1,000 square metres of seagrass in its lagoon and planting 1,000 mangrove trees in a coastal forest. We understand that we still have a long way to go to achieve complete sustainability, but we are happy to be taking these important steps. This work will continue for many years to come,” said Ignacio Martin Manzano, Area Managing Director – Southeast Asia, Meliá Hotels International.
Gran Meliá is the most distinguished of all the Meliá Hotels International brands – a curated collection of luxurious hotels and resorts in the world’s most beautiful destinations. Each property represents the best of Spanish luxury hospitality and lets its discerning guests enjoy “A Life Well Lived”, expressed by a connection to the land, understated elegance, and respect for life’s simple pleasures.
Nestled directly on the shores of Nha Trang Bay and overlooking Fairy Mountain, Villa Le Corail, A Gran Meliá Hotel seamlessly blends the Gran Meliá brand’s five-star hospitality, Spanish style and personalised service with the charm, beauty and elegance of Vietnamese culture, all just 45 minutes’ drive from Cam Ranh International Airport.
