Dazzling white sand, endless blue skies and lagoons
a shade of turquoise you can't quite believe. Nowhere
does tropical paradise like the Maldives. But beyond the
seascapes, spas and secluded overwater bungalows, its
luxury resorts are keeping sustainability firmly in mind.
From hands-on coral regeneration to zero-waste kitchen
gardens, here are some of our top picks for a luxury stay
without a trace.
Huvafen Fushi
Complete with a fabulous dining scene and the world's
first and only underwater spa, heavenly
Huvafen Fushi combines timeless luxury, utmost privacy and
personalised service with a careful consideration for the
environment. Indigenous plants are dotted around the
resort, ingredients are sourced only from sustainable
local suppliers, and they're constantly working to use
more efficient energy.
Want to do your bit to help preserve the beautiful coral
reef that surrounds the resort? You can adopt, name
and help plant your own coral, which will then thrive
in the carefully protected nursery. And when it comes
to people, Huvafen Fushi hosts the Dream Journey
apprenticeship programme, giving young locals chance
to gain work experience in hospitality.
![View of resort]()
Aerial Island View of Huvafen Fushi
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
Set on a paradise island in the Baa Atoll UNESCO
Biosphere Reserve, this luxury resort is surrounded by
white sand beaches, untouched jungle and crystal-clear
lagoons - which Four Seasons are working hard to
protect.
Led by a team of passionate marine biologists,
the Marine Discovery Centre invites wildlife lovers of all
ages to learn more about the underwater world. Guests
can plant their own coral reef, learn about fish breeding
and help rehabilitate injured sea turtles. Environmentally
minded teens can embark on new Trainee Marine
Biologist modules - and there's a magical 'Manta-onCall' service that whisks you straight out by speedboat to
snorkel with any manta rays sighted in nearby waters.
![Aerial view of resort]()
Aerial View of Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
The second Four Seasons resort in the Maldives is
tucked away on a private, lushly planted coral island
and styled to resemble a charming local village.
Having joined forces with the Maldivian Sea Turtle
Conservation Programme, the resort is home to its very
own Hatchling Rehabilitation Pools, where weaker
baby turtles are cared for in the hope they can return to
the wild. But that's not all, though. Coral transplanting,
turtle tracking and dolphin surveillance are also regular
activities at the resort - and you're invited to get
involved. Even the youngest eco-warriors can plant
corals and feed baby turtles through the incredible
children's club.
![Staff member and child looking after a turtle]()
Turtle Rehabilitation at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
Soneva Fushi
It's often easy to forget that the postcard-perfect
Maldives is facing a very modern threat in the form of
plastic litter. To help combat this,
Soneva Fushi has
partnered with three neighbouring island communities
and international NGO Common Seas, to provide
a plan for how all Maldivian islands can eliminate
single-use plastic, introduce recycling and inspire the
next generations to protect the ocean in the future.
You can take a trip to the island of Maalhos to see the
sustainability initiative in action, visiting the pioneering
'Eco-Centro' complex that aims to introduce creative
new ways of waste management to end the hazardous
open burning of waste.
![Aerial view of Soneva Fushi island]()
Aerial View of Soneva Fushi
One&Only Reethi Rah
Translating to 'beautiful island' in Dhivehi,
One&Only Reethi Rah is home to no less than twelve private
beaches and an array of five-star facilities. But joining
its passion for luxury is a dedication to sustainability
- both in terms of nature and local culture.
Initiatives include embracing plant-based cuisine, employing and
training people from the community, and taking care of
the area's (super-cute) sea turtles. You can even head
to the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Centre to chat to the
experts and get involved.
![View of restaurant and sea]()
Tapasaki Restaurant at One&Only Reethi Rah
Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences
Found within a UNESCO-listed World Biosphere
Reserve, this luxurious island retreat is dedicated to
conserving its patch of natural paradise - through
reduction of packaging, coral regeneration and ethical
purchasing.
Reducing food miles and maximising
freshness, the Homegrown@Amilla initiative strives
to grow as many ingredients as possible across the
resort's organic gardens. There's also the charming
'Cluckingham Palace', where guests can visit to collect
free range eggs for breakfast.
![Aerial view of pool and sea]()
Aerial View of Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
Set across three islands, this tropical paradise
takes an eco-friendly approach to pure luxury.
After embracing the seven distinguished restaurants and
uniquely designed spa, you can learn more about
the area's natural wonders with the exclusive JeanMichel Cousteau´s Ambassadors of the Environment
programme. It includes a variety of exciting experiences
that both enrich your stay and help the environment
- from guided snorkelling and coral regeneration to
sustainably sourced cookery classes. Little ones are
also encouraged to get involved, with daily-changing
activities centred around the four pillars of land, water,
environmental responsibility and culture.
![Aerial view of resort]()
Aerial View of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
COMO Maalifushi
This luxuriously low-key COMO sanctuary is set in
the tranquil and relatively undeveloped Thaa Atoll.
And to keep it pristine for years to come, the resort is
doing all it can do minimise its footprint. We're talking
managing energy consumption, sourcing sustainably,
and encouraging guests to get involved with their
conservation efforts.
You can join the in-house marine
biologist for a guided snorkelling tour of the coral reef
or sponsor a new frame of coral to help this magical
marine environment thrive.
![View of beach and swimming pool]()
View of COMO Maalifushi Resort
If you'd like to experience sustainable living in the Maldives first-hand, please contact our
Luxury Travel Specialists to discuss planning your luxury break.