Maldives is a beautiful destination for sure. But over time, the natural beauty of the country has been taking a hit due to mass tourism as well as climate change, making travellers think twice about how they spend their vacation in this beautiful destination. If you’re a traveller who wants to explore the Maldives while minimizing your impact on the environment, sustainable travel may be the perfect fit for you. From eco-lodges to responsible tourism practices, there are many ways to travel sustainably. Here are five destinations that offer both breathtaking scenery and a commitment to sustainability here in the Maldives.

Six senses Laamu

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Located in the southernmost portion of the central Maldives, Six Senses Laamu is known for its natural beauty and the incredible effort that the resort puts towards sustainable causes. 

One thing you absolutely cannot miss on a trip to Six Senses Laamu is the sustainability tour. Through this tour, guests get to experience the innovative efforts that the resort has put towards ensuring a greener future. Causes such as the Earth lab, the resort hub for self-sufficiency and zero waste are strongly highlighted throughout the resort. 

Additionally, Six Senses Laamu also strongly aims to produce more onsite while reducing emissions from long-distance transport. In addition to the efforts to produce zero waste and keep the resort as plastic-free as possible, Six Senses Laamu also puts in this effort on a community level by carrying out plastic-free initiatives in the Laamu Atoll community, where the resort is located.

Due to their hard work and effort towards making the Maldives and the resort, in general, a sustainable place that guests can enjoy without disrupting nature, Six Senses Laamu should be on your list of places to visit if you are an ecotourism lover!

Soneva

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Soneva is a brand known and loved by all travellers who visit the Maldives. The two outlets of Soneva in the Maldives: Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani are both heaven for anyone who wants to get in touch with nature on their vacation.

Most popular for their barefoot concept which encourages guests to enjoy the beauty of the island without the restriction of sandals or shoes. The Soneva sustainable goals literally go from A – Z as they have several measures in place to ensure that the brand is operating without causing too much harm to the fragile Maldivian environment, allowing for sustainable tourism development.

One of the biggest accomplishments for the resort has to be that they have been 100% carbon neutral since 2012! Additionally, the brand has also been practising the farm-to-table concept in all their resorts which not only means guests get fresh organic food but any scraps left behind are used as compost, reducing the overall amount of waste created on the island. It is no wonder that so many celebrities such as Dakota Johnson, Chrissy Teigan and Madonna have been spotted spending their vacation in the Soneva outlets!

Four Seasons Resort Maldives

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Baa Atoll is home to the beautiful Four Seasons Resort Maldives, where guests are invited to enjoy the true bliss of island life. While Four Seasons is a brand that is well-known worldwide, did you know that Four Seasons Maldives is one of the best spots to visit if you are looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly resort?

Not only does Four Seasons Maldives has one of the largest rooftop solar systems in the Maldives, which was installed in partnership with Swimsol but the resort has also been working alongside Earth Check as well as NOW Force for Good Alliance, both leaders in the sustainable industry. 

While Four Seasons may be a luxurious destination, their efforts towards educating the public and guests about ways to protect fragile nature are diverse. From their marine rehabilitation programs to protect and treat injured sea turtles to their effort towards using eco-friendly products throughout the resort, Four Seasons Maldives is a luxury travel spot which places their drive towards sustainability on the same level.

Villa Park Maldives 

Image @villapark.maldives

In recent years, Villa Resorts has been making the move towards being more sustainable and eco-friendly. With all the effort they have put in, along with their rebranding from Sun Island to Villa Park Maldives, the resort won a green award in January 2023, marking the resort as a top destination for sustainable travellers!

This eco-luxury resort won the award after its strong commitment towards saving energy and water, removing the usage of single-use plastic while also recycling and progressing towards carbon neutrality in the future. 

With the usage of organic pesticides, the team at Villa Park have managed to ensure that a wide variety of tropical fruits, vegetables and herbs are available at the restaurants. This not only allows guests to enjoy fresh meals but ensures the growth of a sustainable economy within the Atoll.

Also read: How to travel to Maldives on a budget

Sun Siyam Olhuveli

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We love a cottage-core lifestyle, and what is more cottage-core than the opportunity to visit a local farming island and experience the agricultural lifestyle first-hand?

At Sun Siyam Olhuveli, as one of their educational sustainability measures the resort offers guests the opportunity to visit one of the three nearby farm islands to learn more about the process behind how crops are produced locally. 

With the agriculture industry being the third-major industry in the Maldives, this initiative is a great way to encourage guests to learn about the importance of supporting small businesses and buying local. 

Sun Siyam Olhuveli highly encourages their guests to physically partake in conservation efforts such as coral binding and tree-planting, which is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while on vacation! 

Also Read: Creating Memories in Maldives with IM Studio

Patina Maldives, Fari Islands

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Opening in Q2 of 2021, Patina Maldives, Fari Islands have already marked their spot in the sustainable tourist destinations of the Maldives.

Not even two years into their opening, Patina Maldives, Fari Islands marked a historic moment as the first beneficiary of the first Green Loan in the Maldives. Additionally, Patina Maldives also received an EDGE Advance Certification, which is an international green building standard developed by IFC.

The secret behind these green solutions and accomplishment is surely the three main focuses of Patina Maldives which includes their ocean-first initiative, purveyors of conscious cuisine initiative as well as their efforts towards regenerating, renewing and reusing the property. 

Patina’s efforts towards tackling marine plastic pollution and implementing a comprehensive coral propagation program have made the resort a new standard-bearer when it comes to marine conservation in the Maldives. Additionally, the resort also puts in extra effort towards not only waste minimisation but strongly advocates the benefits of a plant-based diet through their on-island permaculture garden which produces organic fresh produce.

Whether it is the good food or the sustainable lifestyle on Patina Maldives, Fari Island, the destination is a favourite among many celebrities and travellers alike!

Your sustainable trip awaits you in the Maldives. Plan and book your trip with us and make the most out of your vacation!