The Maldives is home to several luxurious resorts that are actively involved in eco-projects, allowing visitors to fully connect with their surroundings while also supporting efforts to rebuild and conserve the archipelago’s natural ecosystem and heritage. This comes as no surprise; sustainability has become an increasingly important factor in the minds of today’s travellers, who tend to seek out eco-friendly options in all aspects of their travel.
Here are some of the best resorts in the Maldives that are leading the charge towards a more sustainable future.
Located in one of the most untouched atolls in the Maldives, Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi has a thorough understanding of the need to preserve and protect the natural resources surrounding the island. The resort’s Sustainability Lab – the first of its kind in the archipelago – is a centre for education and regeneration where specialized machinery turns plastic waste into bespoke souvenirs and creative furniture essential products for local schools. Fairmont Maldives also houses the Coralarium, the world’s first and only coral regeneration project in the form of an underwater art installation, designed to imitate the coral’s natural formation and provide a home for an abundance of marine life.
Moreover, by harnessing the power of the sun by installing a 1MW of solar panels and they are looking to install another in the lagoon to become one of the largest solar producers in the Maldives. To minimize the need for single-use plastics, the on-site Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant produces custom potable water for their guests and team. Fairmont Maldives is also the first Fairmont property in the world to achieve the coveted Green Globe Certification for its various noteworthy sustainability initiatives.
Soneva Fushi is an unparalleled paradise of barefoot, sustainable luxury. The resort practices a principle of minimal waste, composting and reusing all materials across the board, and has won numerous international accolades for its initiatives. Soneva Fushi has implemented filtration ponds to address wastewater issues, use locally-grown vegetables and fruits by cultivating over one hectare of land, and have placed solar panels on the rooftops of some residential buildings. The resort also has a nursery for stingrays, a feeding station, and a program to protect the turtle population.
The Soneva Foundation supports projects that have a positive impact on the environment, society, and economy through impact investing and carbon finance. The foundation also partnered with organizations to establish a large coral nursery using Mineral Accretion Technology and works with local communities in the Maldives on waste management through the project Soneva Namoona.
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, a 50-villa resort located in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, shows its commitment to environmental and social sustainability and has partnered with EarthCheck to monitor and improve its performance. It has also received Gold certification from EarthCheck and Green Globe for its sustainable practices.
The resort prioritizes employing and empowering local residents and sourcing local and fair-trade products and services. The resort has established a committee of elected “Hyatt Thrive Ambassadors” to represent local communities and work towards mutually beneficial sustainable development projects. Water, electricity and fuel consumption on Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa are closely monitored, along with the use of exclusively environmentally friendly and natural materials in its architectural design.
LUX* South Ari Atoll is more than just a visually stunning resort, it is a resort with a purpose. It has been recognized for its sustainability efforts, having earned the Green Globe certification. The resort features an on-site Marine Biology Centre, which not only educates guests about eco-tours, but also supports scientific research and actively works to protect the local whale shark population and restore coral reefs. To further its sustainability efforts, LUX* South Ari Atoll launched Energy Saving Solar, a partnership with Swimsol GmbH to generate electricity from sunlight, and the Solar Sea project, which uses floating photovoltaic panels in the lagoon to increase energy capacity. Additionally, the resort is creating Fish Houses from recycled bathtubs for various fish species and has committed to switching from plastic to paper straws as part of a wider effort to reduce ocean waste.
In June of last year, LUX* South Ari Atoll welcomed Porrima, the world’s first solar-powered vessel, in a partnership with Blue Odyssey. This marked the vessel’s first entry into the Maldives. The Porrima Foundation, which manages the vessel, complements high-tech development strategies with a commitment to preserving and regenerating nature.
Kudadoo Maldives is a luxury destination that is also environmentally conscious. The chic architecture of the island is built from sustainably sourced materials and solar panels on the rooftop in a design masterpiece that powers the entire resort.
The eco-consciousness goes beyond the shores and into the ocean as they work closely with Manta Trust and Olive Ridley Project, helping their research and conservation efforts with manta rays and sea turtles and have a thriving coral nursery project looked after by the in-house marine biologists. Being in a fragile environment, the island has an intimate understanding of the importance of preserving and protecting nature for the future and puts a big emphasis on social responsibility toward local communities as well. While being sustainable from the outset o be in sync with nature, Kudadoo Island actively raises awareness to inspire others to do the same.
