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The Diplomat Beach Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, is proud to mark a major sustainability milestone with the unveiling of its custom reef sculpture, “The Heart of the Ocean,” as part of the Guardians of the Reef installation by Ocean Rescue Alliance International (ORAI), in partnership with the City of Hollywood.
As the only hotel partner in this marine conservation effort, The Diplomat supported the deployment of 50 reef structures—including 12 custom-designed sculptures and 38 habitat modules—off the coast of Hollywood Beach. This public-facing reef, designed to function as both an underwater museum and marine habitat, will be open to snorkelers and eco-tourists beginning June 2025.
“At The Diplomat, we noticed that today’s travelers care deeply about not only their stay but also leaving a positive impact on the destinations where they’re travelling,” said Dean Lane, general manager, The Diplomat. “We’re proud to sponsor this project and contribute a sculpture that both enhances the coastline and symbolizes our long-term commitment to our local environment and the greater Hollywood community. By helping to create a snorkel-friendly reef destination, we’re working to support Hollywood tourism and create a positive environmental impact the community will appreciate for years to come.”
The Diplomat’s participation was made possible by a $30,000 donation from the Hilton Global Foundation, Hilton’s philanthropic arm and a $4,500 direct contribution from the resort—reinforcing the hotel’s dedication to South Florida’s coastal health and Hilton’s greater Travel with Purpose, strategy to advance responsible travel and tourism globally. Through Travel with Purpose, Hilton seeks to create positive environmental and social impact across its operations, supply chain and communities. Travel with Purpose capitalizes on Hilton’s global scale to serve as an engine of opportunity in the communities in which it operates and is paving the way to a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry.
“At Hilton, we believe hospitality can be a powerful force for good, and we’re proud of The Diplomat Beach Resort’s leadership,” said Katherine Lugar, EVP, Corporate Affairs and President, Hilton Global Foundation. “This impressive project, in collaboration with partners like Ocean Rescue Alliance International, will enhance the guest experience while also creating meaningful, lasting impact for their communities.”
Crafted in partnership with The City of Hollywood and ORAI’s marine artists and biologists, the Heart of the Ocean sculpture embodies love, resilience, and regeneration. Constructed from marine-safe concrete and Coral Lok technology, it supports coral growth and offers a striking visual anchor for the reef trail. Described as a “living museum beneath the waves,” the trail features sculptures of marine life, ocean deities, and selfie stations, all placed in shallow water (10–15 feet deep) near North Beach Park, Harry Berry Park, and Keating Park. Interactive QR codes and educational signage enhance accessibility for locals and visitors.
This installation is one of several initiatives reinforcing the partnership. Additional guest experiences include the Cocktails for Corals program supporting reef restoration, marine education through the resort’s Kids Club, and upcoming dive excursions—each designed to engage guests in meaningful conservation during their stay.
“The Heart of the Ocean reef sculpture is more than a symbol—it’s a living legacy of love, resilience, and environmental stewardship,” said Dr. Shelby Thomas, Founder & CEO of Ocean Rescue Alliance International. “We are proud to partner with The Diplomat Beach Resort and the City of Hollywood to bring this vision to life beneath the waves. Together, we are transforming our coastlines through art and science, creating immersive underwater experiences that restore marine habitats and inspire the world to protect what we love.”- Dr. Shelby Thomas
The Guardians of the Reef deployment took place May 22–23, 2025 in collaboration with the City of Hollywood, Broward County, SeaKeepers International, and Making Waves Productions.
About The Diplomat Beach Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton:
The Diplomat Beach Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton is South Florida’s iconic beachfront destination located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale in Hollywood, Florida. This resort pairs breathtaking ocean and waterway views with exceptional design, amenities, and entertainment. This upscale property, organized around a striking glass tower linked to the beach by a series of dramatic pools and terraces, invites well-traveled couples and families to immerse themselves in elevated yet approachable luxury. From the grand atrium to the cantilevered upper pool deck, top-rated spa, and six dining experiences, every aspect of the resort ensures world-class beachfront service and facilities are beautifully within reach. Ideally located beachfront on a barrier island between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, The Diplomat Beach Resort, the centerpiece of South Florida, is just minutes from world-class shopping, recreation, sports world-class sporting venues, arts, culture, and scenery. The seaside Resort is sought out year-round to host indoor and outdoor wedding celebrations. From board meetings to large conventions, the beachfront convention center and resort has been repeatedly recognized as one of the top meeting resorts in the Americas, additionally holding stance as the largest flexible indoor/outdoor convention center and meeting space in the Western Hemisphere.
About Hilton Global Foundation:
The Hilton Global Foundation is Hilton’s primary international philanthropic arm. The Foundation is a nonprofit established in the U.S. and is a registered 501(c)3 charitable organization. The Foundation awards grants, in alignment with Hilton’s Travel with Purpose 2030 Goals, that have a positive impact on travel destinations around the world. Foundation grants are awarded throughout the year in accordance with tax and legal requirements. Learn more about the Hilton Global Foundation at HiltonGlobalFoundation.
About Ocean Rescue Alliance International: Ocean Rescue Alliance International (ORAI) is a 501(c)(3) marine conservation and restoration nonprofit organization that implements innovative technologies to restore our marine environments. Through the creation of artificial reefs designed to incorporate art, innovative designs, and safe materials, ORAI enhances marine habitats and provides unique diving locations worldwide. However, ORAI also strongly advocates that the main causes of habitat loss (local stressors and climate change) must be corrected to maximize restoration effectiveness. The artificial reefs serve as a targeted solution in the face of pressing marine habitat challenges, to increase coastal resiliency, expand ecosystem services and create lasting habitat for biodiverse marine organisms.
