"The coral guardian program at Velaa is one of many urgent reef-restoration projects taking place at resorts across this nation of 1,192 tiny islands. In the Maldives, coral is everything. It supports the fish that people eat. It protects beaches from erosion. It’s the very ground underfoot — and the foundation of the economy. Guests can engage in activities such as scuba diving to observe reef restoration efforts." - Betsy Andrews Betsy Andrews Betsy Andrews is an award-winning journalist with over two decades of experience writing about food, drink, and travel. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, The Wall St