In celebration of National Ocean Month, The Diplomat Beach Resort, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, has unveiled “The Heart of the Ocean”—a custom reef sculpture designed to support coral regeneration, marine biodiversity, and underwater exploration. But this isn’t just any reef. It’s a living, breathing, selfie-worthy installation that blends science, art, and sustainability in one seriously splashy initiative.
The Diplomat is the only hotel partner in this groundbreaking project, dubbed Guardians of the Reef, a collaborative conservation effort led by Ocean Rescue Alliance International (ORAI) and the City of Hollywood. Fifty reef structures, including 12 custom-designed sculptures and 38 marine habitat modules, were deployed just offshore—creating what’s being called an “underwater museum” for snorkelers, divers, and curious sea turtles alike.
And the centerpiece? A heart-shaped sculpture that looks like it belongs in Atlantis, crafted with marine-safe concrete and Coral Lok technology to encourage coral growth and marine life. Positioned just 10 to 15 feet underwater off Hollywood North Beach, this new reef is not only Instagrammable—it’s environmental.
“Today’s travelers want more than a tan—they want to leave a positive impact,” said Dean Lane, General Manager at The Diplomat. “By creating a destination that celebrates both marine beauty and sustainability, we’re supporting the local tourism economy while helping the ocean thrive.”
The project was made possible with support from the Hilton Global Foundation, which contributed $30,000, along with a $4,500 donation from The Diplomat itself—just one example of Hilton’s broader Travel with Purpose program, aimed at transforming travel into a global force for good.
Visitors to the reef will find more than coral—they’ll experience interactive QR codes, educational signage, and even underwater sculptures of sea deities and marine life. Think Poseidon meets eco-activism, with a side of snorkel gear.
“This is more than a sculpture—it’s a living legacy,” said Dr. Shelby Thomas, founder and CEO of ORAI. “The Heart of the Ocean represents love, resilience, and our shared duty to protect the sea.”
The Diplomat isn’t stopping at reef building. Guests can also sip their way to sustainability with the resort’s Cocktails for Corals program, sign their kids up for marine education at the on-site Kids Club, or book a dive excursion that lets them explore the reef firsthand.
Why It Matters (And Why You Should Book That Trip):
In an age when travel and environmental awareness are no longer mutually exclusive, The Diplomat Beach Resort is showing the hospitality industry how to make a real impact—literally and figuratively. With Florida’s coral reefs facing critical threats, initiatives like Guardians of the Reef are more than photo ops—they’re necessary.
And for travelers looking for eco-conscious getaways, Hollywood, Florida just became your next blue planet destination.
So yes, you can have your beachside cocktail and save the ocean, too. travelwithpurpose.hilton.com
