7 Best Luxury Sustainable Resorts in the Maldives
- Rachel Evers
- Aug 30, 2021
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 2, 2021
More travelers than ever before are interested in responsible, eco-friendly travel. The good news? You don't have to give up luxury accommodations in the interests of sustainability.
The Maldives is without a doubt one of the most beautiful travel destinations in the world, with picture-perfect blue waters, white sand beaches, and hundreds of tiny coral islands. With a wide range of wellness and water activities, the Maldives naturally beckon to the discerning luxury traveler.
Here are seven resorts in the Maldives that are proving that it's possible to enjoy a luxury experience responsibly.
1. Baros Maldives
Romantic, Elegant, Serene
The Baros Maldives has been welcoming luxury travelers for nearly 50 years, and has perfected the combination of luxury, relaxation, and sustainability that is expected today. Located on a private island in the North Male Atoll, ringed by a living reef, Baros Maldives can be reached by speedboat only 25 minutes after leaving the airport. This resort features gorgeous villas perched over the peaceful waters or nestled discreetly under the jungle canopy.
But this resort is so much more than just a romantic destination, as their commitment to the natural environment shows. Their sustainable initiatives include installing LED lights, using biodegradable cleaning products, recycling water for garden irrigation, using a heat-exchange system to heat bath water, as well as CFC-free air conditioning. Baros also offers world-class diving at more than 30 dive sights and they established the first eco-dive center in the Maldives. Snorkeling excursions are guided by their resident marine biologist, or they offer tours to local villages and uninhabited islands.
2. LUX* South Ari Atoll
Adventurous, Modern, Upscale
Only 25 minutes by seaplane from the airport, LUX* South Ari Atoll is the only resort located on the island Dhidhoofinolhu, one of the largest islands in the Maldives. With a wide array of water-sports (such as jet-surfing, flyboarding, hoverboarding, and snorkelling - not to mention the 5-star PADI dive centre), LUX* is a premier destination for travelers seeking adventurous activities, while also offering an expansive range of dining options, a kids club, and a spa.
Home to several resident whale sharks, LUX* is not only working to implement long-term conservation initiatives for these endangered animals, but has proved their commitment to protecting this tropical paradise. They also operate renewable energy and water saving measures. The LUX* brand has committed to offsetting 100% of carbon emissions, and LUX* South Ari Atoll aims to utilize roof space in order to run fully on solar power, which efforts have earned them the Travelife Gold Certification for sustainable tourism efforts.
3. Six Senses Laamu
Barefoot Luxury, Remote, Natural
Located on a secluded, private island in the stunning Laamu Atoll, Six Senses Laamu is a truly luxurious paradise featuring overwater villas with glass bathtubs, beach villas nestled into the jungle canopy for ultimate privacy, private pools, and personal butlers. In addition to their water activities and their spa, which offers some of the best trained therapists in the Maldives, Six Senses Laamu offers organic dining sourced from their very own organic garden located right below the restaurant. The wine cellar with its 21-foot tall wine tower offers tastings and degustation dinners, while the organic restaurant offers meals made with fresh garden ingredients or daily line-caught fish dishes.
Six Senses Laamu clearly respects the local communities and ecosystems, placing sustainability firmly at the center of their focus. Take a Sustainability Tour at their Earth Lab to see firsthand their innovative work to become self-sufficient and reduce waste, or dive beneath the turquoise waters to visit the resident manta rays and learn more from the in-house Marine Team, the largest of its kind in the Maldives. Not only does Six Senses Laamu work to protect its ocean inhabitants, the resort is also committed to having a positive impact on the local island communities with plastic free initiatives and education.
4. Soneva Fushi
Boutique, Relaxed, Intimate
One of the best casual luxury resorts in the Maldives, Soneva Fushi is located on an expansive, remote island in the Baa Atoll and has worked hard to maintain the island's natural state so that a stay at this resort truly feels like journeying through a lush jungle. Tucked inside a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi features some of the largest beachfront villas in the Maldives, an observatory, an underground wine cellar, a treetop restaurant, outdoor cinema, and even a Champagne Bar perched over the reef for enticing coral views.
Soneva Fushi's slow, relaxed feel continues into its ethos of sustainability, from the organic garden and mushroom house to their on-site solar power plant. The resort recycles or composts most of their waste and makes use of an on-site water reservoir to recycle and reuse rainwater. They even repurpose the wine, beer, and liquor bottles from the resort's bars into upcycled tableware and artworks at their glass-making studio.
5. Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru
Upscale, Private, Rejuvenating
Situated on its own private island inside the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve within the Baa Atoll, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru is known for its supreme luxury. Lavish overwater villas and beachfront bungalows feature private infinity pools, and the resort also features the only Olympic-size infinity pool in the Maldives. Experience relaxation and healing at the award-winning spa and Ayurvedic retreat or snorkel with the resident manta rays in perfect blue waters, or spend the day island-hopping aboard a luxury dive boat.
The Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru is also serious about sustainability with a mission to become carbon-neutral. The resort has eliminated plastic straws and water bottles and also has one of the Maldives' largest resort-based solar installations. The resort employs ten full-time marine biologists and runs programs for turtle rehabilitation, manta research, anemone mapping, and coral propogation, along with other conservation and research programs.
6. Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu
Tranquil, Authentic, Romantic
Located in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is a peaceful paradise on a lush island. The atmosphere of the resort is casual and Maldivian-inspired with a focus on creating tranquil spaces for relaxation, well-being, and beautiful scenery. Home to incredible reefs and vibrant marine life, this resort offers a luxurious underwater experience for new and experienced divers alike. Onshore, enjoy the benefits of Ayurvedic-inspired treatments and a truly unique spa experience, including the option to have in-villa spa treatments.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is one of the Maldives' most eco-friendly resorts, with a special focus on endangered sea turtles and marine conservation. Home to the Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, the resort rescues and rehabilitates sea turtles injured by fishing nets in the ocean and provides a safe nesting site for turtles as well as holding turtle release programs to increase the chance of survival for sea turtle babies. Alongside these efforts, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu also has organic gardens, waste management and recycling programs, on-site drinkable water production, and a glass-bottling plant.
7. Gili Lankanfushi
Natural, Romantic, Barefoot Luxury
The beautiful Gili Lankanfushi is a tropical oasis designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, providing an all-encompassing luxurious experience. For those seeking a supremely private escape, eight of the over-water villas are accessible only by boat, providing ultimate serenity and relaxation. Enjoy world-class restaurants or private dining options, along with an underground wine cellar, cheese room, and chocolate cave. Relax at the spa or take part in the free yoga sessions before taking a dip in the crystal clear waters. This resort also provides a personal butler for each guest to anticipate your every desire.
Named the most eco-friendly hotel in the world in 2017, Gili Lankanfushi continues to put sustainability at the forefront in order to protect the fragile marine ecosystem and allow the natural paradise to thrive. Their eco-friendly initiatives include minimizing plastics, reducing waste, and conserving energy. They also maintain an organic herb and vegetable garden to supply their restaurants. Their new marine biology center, Gili Veshi, is both a research facility and educational experience for guests, and marine biologists oversee the Coral Lines Project to rehabilitate coral reefs. The resort recently launched a new 'Powered by Plants' program, a series of plant-based offerings and nature-based experiences, including plant-based meals, a vegan cooking class, plant-based in-room amenities, and a guided snorkel with a marine biologist, among other perks.
