Asian resort and spa operator Banyan Tree Holdings – which operates the Angsana brand – has unveiled its second Marine Lab on the southern shores of the Maldives at the Angsana Resort & Spa Velavaru.

The Velavaru Marine Lab is dedicated to marine conservation at the resort and is structured as a research facility, focused on further education and the safeguarding of the diversity within the Maldivian reefs and oceans.

The lab is also intended to introduce resort and spa guests to the importance of marine conservation and actively encourages them to become involved in the discovery, protection and conservation of local marine wildlife and corals.

During their stay, guests will be able to participate in periodic reef cleaning efforts, while complimentary marine biology classes will be held twice a week, alongside guided snorkelling safaris from the resort.

In May, Banyan Tree Holdings, announced a 30 per cent increase in revenue to US$104.9m (78.02m euro, £52.8m) and a 12 per cent increase in profit after taxation to US$19.6m (14.6m euro, £9.9m), largely driven by hotel investment and property sales segments.

Its most recent opening was the Banyan Tree Al Areen in Bahrain this April. In the next few quarters, it has plans to launch three new Banyan Tree spas and seven Angsana spas.