The Top 5 Sustainable Resorts in the Maldives

Located in the Indian Ocean, you’ll find a lush chain of islands surrounded by turquoise waves. A bounty of whale sharks, manta rays, hammerheads, and fish swim in the waters off the archipelago’s coast. And over-the-water bungalows invite guests to escape into a veritable Garden of Eden … if Eden was heavy on white sandy beaches and warm coastal waters.

Welcome to the Maldives. Known for luxurious accommodations and pristine natural settings, these islands will bewitch you. Sadly, they also prove especially vulnerable to climate change. As the flattest nation on Earth, rising ocean levels seriously threaten the Maldives. This makes traveling sustainably more crucial than ever.
Fortunately, you’ll find incredible resorts on the islands, which combine the best in luxury with the latest in sustainability. Ready to find out more? Here’s our list of the top five sustainable resorts in the Maldives.

1. Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi

Look no further than the award-winning Fairmont Maldives for the finest in luxury and sustainability. Situated in Shaviyani Atoll in the Northern Maldives, it contains the nation’s largest resort lagoons. The picturesque natural beauty doesn’t end there.

This luxurious resort is unbeatable, from its pristine sand beaches, which glow white like pearls, to its mesmerizing (and endless) azure waters. But what about sustainability? From the moment you arrive at the resort, you’ll be impressed by its focus on the environment.

For example, airport transfers take place via electric car. And the resort takes great pride in the reef off its coast, teaming with more than 350 different fish species! This reef spans more than five and a half miles and remains a treasure carefully maintained by an award-winning department of marine biology.

What are some other perks of the location? A coral regeneration project and underwater art installation all in one, the Coralarium. Tours of the Sustainability Lab are available for those interested in learning more about marine biology. The lab includes custom machinery that transforms plastic waste into souvenirs, including turtle-shaped key chains.

2. Kudadoo Private Island Maldives

Does it get posher than a private island? If you’ve ever wanted to languish away on a family vacay soaking up the sun and the luxurious amenities that A-listers enjoy, Kudadoo Private Island Maldives is your ticket. It’s the ultimate getaway, located in Lhaviyani Atoll in the Northern Maldives.

Best of all, you don’t have to feel guilty about your environmental footprint when it comes to this incredible property. Not only does Kudadoo place a premium on sustainability, but it’s been a trailblazer in eco-friendly resorts for years. In fact, it was the first resort in the islands to install solar panels. Today, the property is powered entirely by the sun!

What else can you expect from this resort? Airy, spacious accommodations that have sustainability built into every facet of their design. From the material used to construct the structure to Kudadoo’s solar-panel-lined roof and bamboo straws, your traveler’s footprint is diminished through attention to detail. This also includes the eco-friendly products you’ll find in each bathroom.

Moreover, the resort’s restaurants serve up locally caught seafood and fish. If you’re looking for privacy, luxury, and sustainability all rolled into one, make Kudadoo your home base for international adventure.

3. Soneva Fushi

Barefoot luxury abounds at Soneva Fushi. Coupled with this, you’ll find innovative initiatives with an eco-friendly focus. For example, the resort is a pioneer in sustainable surfing worldwide. How does this work? All the equipment is environmentally safe and made from recycled material.

During your stay, savor the best farm-to-table vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, and herbs. Two expansive organic gardens on the property supply these fresh ingredients. But the focus on eco-tourism doesn’t end there.

The resort’s Eco Centro Waste to Wealth Centre takes recycling to the next level. The organization sorts, recycles, and reuses island waste, transforming it into fun treasures and memorabilia. When you choose to stay in one of the resort’s villas, you’ll receive complimentary nights and breakfast or half board, depending on the season.

Want to find out more about planning the perfect stay at Soneva Fushi? We’re here to help. Schedule a call to get the ball rolling on your next great vacation.

4. Six Senses Laamu

If you’re after a stay in the Southern Maldives, Six Senses Laamu is an excellent option. Situated in the Laamu Atoll, the resort offers a Sustainability Tour where you’ll see firsthand the property’s Earth Lab experimentation and innovation.

This facility is the resort’s base of operations for zero waste and self-sufficiency. This translates into reduced emissions from long-distance transportation thanks to more onsite production.

What else do we love about this resort? For starters, its non-motorized water sports highlight the resort’s commitment to the health of the environment and surrounding marine life.

Six Senses’ restaurants serve the best in locally grown cuisine originating at the resort’s garden and other gardens within the island chain. Our fave? Leaf, the resort’s signature dining hotspot.

5. Amilla Maldives

In the Central Western Maldives on the Baa Atoll, you’ll find an idyllic escape, Amilla Maldives. The island is lush and verdant, providing a jungle vibe that will transport you a million miles from the stressors and worries of daily life.

Everything at this lovely resort comes with an emphasis on sustainability, from handmade soaps to glass bottles instead of plastic. Amilla also manufactures clothing and beach bags using ocean-bound plastic.

Besides pioneering options for tackling plastic waste, Amilla also focuses on waste management and energy reduction. The island benefits from 35 sustainability initiatives, including coral propagation and solar energy. They also greatly emphasize the conservation of manta rays, sea turtles, white-tailed tropic birds, and more.

Like the other resorts on this list, fork-to-table dining is a must at Amilla. So, whether you’re eating an omelet made with eggs from Cluckingham Palace or mushrooms cultivated at the Mushroom Hut, rest assured your carbon footprint has been significantly reduced.

Sustainable Resorts in the Maldives

In recent years, a growing number of travelers have committed to vacationing at sustainable resorts. The five resorts listed above take this effort to the next level. Enveloped in the natural beauty of the Maldives, you’ll also find new inspiration for conserving the pristine and untouched wonders of the world.

We can help you design the perfect itinerary that gives back to local communities and upholds conservation efforts worldwide. We’ve got the local connections and travel know-how to ensure you enjoy a luxury Maldives hotel that combines independent exploration, hands-on experiences, and eco-friendly tours. Discover why we’re the top pick for families looking for meaningful family adventures.

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