The most sustainable luxury villas in the Maldives

Gorgeous al-fresco space at Patina Maldives

The Beach Pool Villa at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands

Patina Maldives, Fari Islands is one of the most sustainable Maldives eco-friendly resorts, yet it never loses touch with the luxury side of things. It perfectly combines opulence with the importance of operating sustainably. Perhaps best of all, the resort thrives on teaching its guests the right ways of living eco-consciously for the sake of the planet.

Here are some of the eco-friendly steps Patina Maldives has taken:

• ‘Footprints’ kids club aims to teach the future generation all about living sustainably
• All of its programme activities are designed to inspire youngsters to take action 
• The ‘Fab Lab’ has a 3D printer where club members can create models made from recycled ocean plastics
• Uses solar panels to power the resort’s amenities and facilities 

Private sun loungers at Six Senses Laamu

Lagoon Beach Villa at Six Senses Laamu

Six Senses Laamu is located on its very own private island, so a stay here will immerse you in a precious and secluded part of the world. However, the resort wants you to take good care of the natural beauty you’ve come to visit.

You’re expected to look after the island’s fragile ecosystem by playing your part in the resort’s many eco-conscious initiatives.

Here are some of the sustainable steps Six Sense Laamu has taken:

• Zero-waste programmes 
• An onsite organic garden
• The banning of plastic bottles entirely
• The innovative Earth Lab conducts vital research used in local and worldwide conservation programmes
• An in-house marine team educates guests on how to interact with coral reefs without damaging its delicate ecosystem

Spectacular bathroom at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru

Sunset Water Villa at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru

Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru is another of the Maldives’ most eco-friendly resorts. Although it’s most known for its supreme luxuriousness, the resort is also big on sustainability. Thankfully it puts its position as a renowned and recognisable hotel name to good use. 

Here are some of the eco-friendly steps Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru has taken:

• Powered by one of the Maldives’ largest resort solar installations (around 3,105 solar panels in total)
• Banned plastic bottles and plastic straws
• Plastic waste is recycled into clothing 
• Partnered with a range of environmental agencies
• The resort’s very own marine biologists run conservation programmes including turtle rehabilitation and coral propagation 
• Committed to a mission to become completely carbon-neutral 

The Beach Pavilion at LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas

Beach Pavilion at LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas

Crowned as one of the most eco-friendly Maldives resorts, LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas is fully committed to protecting the environment that so many people travel there to experience. The resort may offer an abundance of water activities and excursions, but each one is carefully regulated to ensure no damage is caused to the marine life or coral that lives in the waters of Dhidhoofinolhu.

Here are some of the eco-friendly alterations LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas has made:

• In-house research team work hard to protect engaged species including whale sharks
• Operates renewable energy projects
• Reuses linen and bottles 
• Committed to a mission to become 100% carbon-neutral 

The eco-friendly Crusoe Villa at Soneva Fushi, Maldives

Crusoe Villa at Soneva Fushi

With Soneva Fushi located in the Maldives’ first UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, it’s no surprise how crucial sustainability is for the resort’s operations. As you walk around the resort’s grounds and make use of its various leisure facilities, you’ll notice how much thought they’ve put into highlighting the island’s beautiful but vulnerable environment – there’s a forest observatory tower, a world-class dive centre, and a beach designated for having sunset candlelit dinners. 

Here are some of the eco-friendly steps Soneva Fushi has taken:

• The use of locally-sourced produce
• An island herb and vegetable garden
• Onsite solar power plant
• Recycling and composting schemes
• Water reservoir to recycle clean and valuable rainwater

Awe-inspiring water villa at Soneva Jani, Maldives

One-Bedroom Retreat at Soneva Jani

Soneva Jani has become one of the most sustainable villas in the Maldives in recent years. Both the villas and leisure activities on offer are designed to have little to no impact on the island’s environment – which makes it that much sweeter to visit.
Here are some of the eco-friendly steps Soneva Jani has taken:

• Launched the world’s first 100% sustainable surfing programme
• Resort boutiques only sell socially and environmentally sustainable brands
• All brands must meet high ethical standards (cruelty-free, organic materials, etc).

What is the most sustainable resort in the Maldives?

Maldivian culture revolves around respectfully living alongside nature, not thoughtlessly consuming it – so most Maldives resorts have strong eco-conscious attitudes. 

From our own experience, one of the most eco-friendly Maldives resorts is Six Senses Laamu. It goes above and beyond with its sustainable operations and conservation programmes that protect the Maldives’ precious wildlife and ecosystem. Any travellers who are big on sustainable tourism will love this resort. 

Why is sustainability so important for the Maldives?

The Maldives aims to set an example for effective and achievable sustainable tourism. With just over 100 hotels and resorts all taking action to protect the Maldives’ natural attraction, sustainability has become a tourism draw in itself – eco-conscious travellers around the world now want to visit the Maldives to learn more about the country’s eco-friendly projects, schemes, and programmes in place.

Want to learn more about the Maldives’ eco-friendly resorts? Check out the full list of Maldives Resorts to see what one most suits your needs and preferences as eco-conscious travellers. 

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