Best eco-friendly resorts in the Maldives

The heat wave engulfing all the continents in 2022 clearly indicates that our planet is changing dramatically. Thus, it’s more crucial now than ever to reduce our carbon footprint to leave a healthy world for future generations.

As travelers, we must alter our lifestyle to have minimal adverse effects on the environment. At the same time, organizations, from car manufacturers and the food industry to airlines and the hospitality business, must also be a part of this change.

In the Maldives, sustainability is of the utmost importance. Especially since climate change can be fatal for the island nation, one of the flattest countries in the world.

As a result, several resorts across the archipelago are taking essential steps towards a sustainable future. By minimizing waste, adopting eco-friendly practices, and working towards regenerating the environment, they are turning into pioneers, setting up an example for the world to follow.

So, when planning a holiday in this beautiful and distant part of the world, check out the best eco-friendly resorts in the Maldives for a luxurious and environmentally-sound holiday.

LUX* South Ari Atoll

LUX* South Ari Atoll is among the few much-celebrated eco-friendly resorts in the Maldives. The retreat is particularly famous for being an excellent location to spot whale sharks all year round. Moreover, it boasts a stunning lagoon and spectacular beaches that play host to iconic DJ-led parties. A stay at LUX* South Ari Atoll promises a fun-filled vacation with new adventures around every corner. 

Furthermore, awarded Green Global certification in 2018, the resort has been at the forefront of implementing revolutionary practices to help save the environment.

Eco-friendly practices

• LUX* South Ari Atoll is home to SolarSea, the world’s largest floating solar system. It involves placing solar panels that can withstand waves and salty water over the lagoon. Furthermore, the 12 solar platforms are on sandy seabed, not corals. The energy generated from the at-sea and rooftop solar panels helps power the villas. Interestingly, guests can access a “solar tracker” that tells them about the resort’s energy generation and subsequent diesel saved.
• The Marine Biology Center at the retreat is an institution that studies and safeguards the whale shark population. They also invest in coral regeneration and take guests out on eco-tours.
• Among other initiatives at LUX* are fish houses made using old bathtubs as well as the use of glass and bamboo fiber for bottles and cups.
• LUX* Ari Atoll is a vegan-friendly resort that also offers a zero-waste wedding concept to its guests.
• Additionally, the private island retreat has its own water plant and has made a conscious move from plastic to paper straws.

Anantara Kihava Maldives

Located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Anantara Kihava is a truly Insta-worthy resort, famous for its vibrant house reef. Offering 80 beach and overwater villas, the retreat has Maldives’ only overwater observatory.

Moreover, since the resort is purposely espousing sustainability, a vacation at Anantara Kihava is an opportunity to nestle in the lap of luxury, guilt-free.

Eco-friendly practices

• When building the villas on the island, it was made sure that the surrounding nature was not affected. As a result, there were no trees cut to make space.
• Anantara Kihava is home to the one-of-a-kind Nala Orchard Garden. Nala translates to “beautiful.” The garden has 1200 orchards across 25 varieties. Guests can roam freely here or take a guided tour to learn more about the plants and flowers.
• The resort has its own organic garden. The produce grown on the island is then used in the restaurants to prepare fresh and tasteful dishes.
• The retreat has a biomass system in place for food waste.
• Guests at Anantara can partake in their coral regeneration It includes planting coral frames and following up on their progress over time.
• The resort has an extensive solar power system in place, resulting in a 26% reduction in generator use.

Six Senses Laamu

Six Senses bathes in exclusivity as the only private island retreat in the Laamu Atoll. Offering 97 overwater and beach villas, it is one of the most eco-friendly resorts in the Maldives. Moreover, guests at Six Senses get to enjoy a cornucopia of sea-based activities, from snorkeling and surfing to diving and watersports.

Eco-friendly practices

• Among the primary environmentally-friendly initiatives at Six Senses include a ban on single-use plastic, recycling of solid waste, and an on-site herb and vegetable garden.
• The island protects and takes care of 670 plus resident sea turtles and over 130 manta rays that live in surrounding waters.
• Six Senses believes in community integration and is responsible for donating 97 water purification systems to nearby public islands.
• The resort is one of three to make in-house artisanal chocolates, saving on packaging.
• The on-site water filtration plant help stop the use of 6 million plastic water bottles a year.
• The award-winning MUI (Maldives Underwater Initiative) at Six Senses focuses on marine conservation. In it, the resort’s marine biology team works with several organizations such as The Manta Trust, Olive Ridley Project, and the Blue Marine Foundation.
• The resort also initiated #ProjectMaldivesSeagrass to protect seagrass, an important but overlooked part of the underwater ecosystem.
• Six Senses recently opened a new Marine Education Center to educate and for research. They also undertake sustainability tours to showcase all the eco-friendly measures taken by the resort.        

Four Seasons Resort Maldives

Situated in the protected Baa Atoll, Four Seasons Resort is a lavish property known for its luxuries and eco-friendliness. Guests on the island have access to four swimming pools, rejuvenating spa experiences, and some of the most vibrant aquatic life.

Eco-friendly practices

• Since 2020, the Four Seasons has been working with Earth Check and NOW Force for Good Alliance. Both the organizations are leaders in laboring towards creating a sustainable planet.
• The resort has had a marine center and biologist on-site for almost two decades. Its in-house conservation team is known as Marine Savers.
• The island manages mosquito control without using toxic pesticides. For this, it has been collaborating with Mosquito Lady Consulting since 2013.
• In 2018, Four Seasons partnered with Swimsol to install one of the largest rooftop solar systems in the Maldives. The 3105 solar panels help save up to 300,000 liters of diesel
• The island’s marine rehabilitation program works in several areas. Besides planting coral frames, they treat injured sea turtles, help identify sea life, and partake in manta ray research.
• The resort is now working towards reducing plastic waste, not just on the island but also on neighboring islands.
• Four Seasons uses DFSD products as amenities and merchandise. The DFSD designer team works with local artisans to create eco-friendly products.
• Furthermore, Four Seasons donates to the Felix Project and yearly sponsors the Baa Atoll Football Challenge.

Milaidhoo Island Resort

Nestled within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Milaidhoo Island Resort is an intimate and secluded retreat perfect for a tranquil holiday. Adding to the charms of the Green Globe certified resort are the various initiatives it has put in place to help keep the environment clean and healthy.  

Eco-friendly practices

• The wonderful part about staying at Milaidhoo is that it encourages its guests to participate in environmental conservation without imposing anything on them. So, if not requested otherwise, bed linens in villas go for a wash every three days. Moreover, guests have the option to re-use their towels.
• The resort further requests its guests to take back any plastic products as well as batteries when they return home.
• Wastewater on the island goes through filtration before being released into the ocean.
• Milaidhoo uses only eco-friendly products for cleaning common surfaces, villas, and the kitchen.
• The adopt-a-coral program at the resort is another inclusive initiative that allows guests to become a part of sustaining the surrounding environment.
• The resort works closely with agencies like Shark Watch and Manta Ray Project to keep an eye on the aquatic life, ensuring it stays out of danger.
• Moreover, the resident marine biologists identify the five species of turtles found nearby to provide information and keep track of their progress.

Gili Lankanfushi

A stay at the Gili Lankanfushi promises an unforgettable vacation at one of the top five-star eco-friendly resorts in the Maldives. Famous for its out-of-this-world well-appointed overwater villas, the resort pays undivided attention to environmental protection.     

Eco-friendly practices

• The private island’s buildings and villas are eco-friendly and unique, constructed using locally sourced natural woods like bamboo, teak, and palm.
• Placed in refillable earthen containers, the toiletries at Gili Lankanfushi are economical and help save the environment.
• The island’s desalination plant provides both still and sparkling water, served in glass bottles.
• The food at the resort primarily comes from local sources. Moreover, chefs mostly use pole-caught seafood and organic vegetables and herbs from the on-site garden.
• A fun excursion for guests at the retreat is the coral cleaning adventure. During the event, you learn more about aquatic life and how to safeguard the environment.
• Gili Lankanfushi recently collaborated with Earth Check to better understand the resort’s overall impact on its surroundings. This will help them make changes toward sustainability regularly.

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu

To relish in the rustic meets sophisticated luxury of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, you have to first take a 30-minute seaplane from Malé. However, its location in the southern parts of the Baa Atoll biosphere reserve is idyllic for a serene break in the tropics. That Coco Palm is among the leading eco-friendly resorts in the Maldives is a bonus one should not overlook.

Eco-friendly practices

• Sustainable by default, Coco Palm is the nesting site for Green Sea Turtles. As a result, they have a dedicated marine biologist who protects the eggs and then releases the babies into the sea. Guests, too, can partake in this magnificent natural event.
• Coco Palm is the only private resort with a resident veterinarian surgeon. They work in collaboration with the Olive Ridley Project to rehabilitate turtles.
• There is no fishing in the island’s lagoon, allowing aquatic life to flourish.
• The island has its own water filtration and glass bottling
• The resort does not use plastic bags and bottles. Moreover, they recycle materials like glass and aluminum.
• Coco Plam has an organic garden where chefs grow seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
• The resort’s marine biologists are forever working, from identifying resident turtles to conducting informative snorkeling tours for guests. Furthermore, they constantly work alongside Manta Trust and Shark Watch, updating information and conducting research.
• Guests at Coco Palm can take guided tours to public islands to help the local economy and learn about regional traditions.

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa

Located on the beautifully named Three Coconut Isle, Taj Exotica Maldives has one of the largest lagoons in the country. The retreat welcomes visitors from around the world to stay in its 64 spectacular ocean villas and suites. Sustainability is a critical aspect of their philosophy. As such, the Earth Check certified private resort continues to implement innovative eco-friendly initiatives that help protect its surroundings.

Eco-friendly practices

• The resort is only 15 minutes by speedboat from Malé Airport. Consequently, it reduces the overall carbon footprint of the guests by limiting travel time and mode.
• The resort has a self-developed sustainable laundry system that considerably reduces power consumption.
• Waste management on the island includes recycling various solid wastes, including metals and plastic.
• Rainwater harvesting is among the most significant accomplishments at Taj Exotica. It allows the resort to collect 896,000 liters of water per year.
• The retreat actively takes part in reef regeneration through the planting of corals.
• The water heating system in place is another feat in eco-friendliness, helping the resort save 109,500 liters of diesel every year.
• Furthermore, the resort hopes to continuously plant more endemic trees on the island to increase its green quotient further.

Soneva Jani

When you book a stay at Soneva Jani, you can expect the very best in experiential travel. From the 40-minute seaplane flight to the stunning Noonu Atoll to its low guest density promising seclusion and privacy, the resort is truly fabulous in every way possible. And while it promises some of the most extravagant overwater villas, it is also among the most eco-friendly resorts in the Maldives.

Eco-friendly practices

• Constructed using sustainable timber, the villas at Soneva Jani are as climate-friendly as they are lavish.
• The island hosts the world’s first “sustainable resort boutique.” At the shop, you can purchase organic clothes and accessories made by 25 select designers from across the globe.
• The resort’s “waste to wealth” program helps recycle 90% of the solid waste.
• Soneva Jani has an extensive fruit, vegetable, and herb garden on-site, providing organic produce with no carbon footprint.
• The island has a freshwater lake with mangroves.
• The marine biologists at the resort are eco-warriors responsible for protecting sea life, especially turtles. They also run a coral nursery.
• The most sustainable aspect of Soneva Jani is that it is a carbon-neutral resort. One that also takes into account guests’ flights.

Baros Maldives

A stay in Baros is a holiday in the most iconic private resort of the archipelago. Boasting 75 villas, immaculate service, and pristine white sandy beaches, it is nothing less than paradise on earth. Having undertaken several environmentally-friendly practices over time, Baros remains a destination of choice among international tourists. Moreover, since the island is close to Velana International Airport, you cut down on your carbon footprint by having to travel a shorter distance after arrival.   

Eco-friendly practices

• The resort’s coral transplantation program allows guests to adopt a coral frame. After returning home, they get updated with photos of its development. An informative excursion, planting a coral is one of the most romantic things to do in the Maldives.
• Baros has an educational program wherein interested visitors can learn about underwater life and its preservation.
• The staff at the resort organizes tours to nearby island villages and underwater expeditions to teach about the delicate nature of the surrounding ecology.
• The resort uses only biodegradable chemicals for cleaning.
• Baros has a unique heat-exchange system that helps heat bath water in villas as well as staff accommodations.
• Air-conditioning used in villas is CFC-free. Considering the hot and humid weather of the islands, air conditioners are an essential commodity in continuous use.
• Wastewater from around the island undergoes sanitization and is then used for watering plants.

N.B.: All the information in the article is correct as of the publication date. The prices mentioned, if any, are subject to change.