SIGN UP TO RECEIVE VIP ACCESS TO OUR TOP DEALS, COMPETITIONS & TRAVEL INSPIRATION
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE VIP ACCESS TO OUR TOP DEALS
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE VIP ACCESS TO OUR TOP DEALS, COMPETITIONS & TRAVEL INSPIRATION
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE VIP ACCESS TO OUR TOP DEALS
The Maldives is one of the most naturally beautiful destinations in the world, with its crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, swaying palms and thriving sealife. It's this incredible landscape that makes the destination perfect for honeymoons and romantic escapes. Lots of travellers are keen to experience the incredible landscapes of the Maldives without having too much of an environmental impact - hence the rise of eco-holidays and eco-resorts.
Lots of the popular resorts and hotels across the islands are committed to protecting the environment around the Indian Ocean atolls and reefs here, and there are plenty of options for any visitors looking to make a more eco-friendly choice.
The Maldives is the lowest country in the world, sitting at just 1.5m above sea level, on average. This means that the country's famous golden shores are at risk from rising sea levels. Similarly, the spectacular reefs here are also under threat from pollution and rising ocean temperatures.
Of course, it's not just the Maldives - sustainable tourism is a global effort and is something more and more travellers are taking into consideration when booking holidays. In order to protect all the incredible destinations around the world, many of the best hotels and resorts have implemented programmes and projects to make travel more sustainable.
Lots of people visit the Maldives for diving holidays, and lots of resorts will have their own house reef or diving lagoon for water sports enthusiasts. Protecting marine life is a huge priority for Maldives resorts, and many have dedicated marine biology centres in-resort focussing in particular on research towards protecting local native sealife including manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. At many of the best Maldives hotels you can attend classes and talks by an in-house marine biologist to learn more about this island paradise.
Another reason people visit the Maldives is for its famously pristine beaches of white sand and swaying palms. Lots of resorts also offer specific eco-friendly initiatives and events that travellers can take part in - from beach cleans to trips to maintain and grow a local coral reef. Plenty of resorts have a focus on sustainable travel and helping visitors to the Maldives minimise their impact on the environment. Some hotels have initiatives to reduce the use of plastic in packaging and cleaning processes. Many are now harnessing solar energy onsite, and countless restaurants across the archipelago have a focus on sustainable, local produce.
The Maldives might be known for its overwater villas, luxurious beach retreats and all-inclusive extras for honeymooners, but it is fast becoming renowned for its sustainable tourism too. We've picked out some of the top Maldives resorts that are doing amazing things for sustainability, eco-tourism and helping visitors be more green.
Meeru Island Resort & Spa runs a full programme of sustainability activities year-round, from using on-site water flow aerators to minimise consumption to operating a no single-use plastic policy. In addition to a range of water sports activities and excursions, the resort holds regular beach and island clean-ups, including a scuba dive to a nearby house reef.
With its overwater villas and decadent spa, you'd be forgiven for thinking Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is solely focused on luxury. However, the Baa Atoll resort is within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and is home to its own turtle rescue centre, where guests can learn about marine conservation and even volunteer to help care for rescued turtles. The resort also has a no tree cutting policy, and is part of the Coco Collection's sustained eco efforts.
Guests at Coco Bodu Hithi will be able to dine on incredible meals made from local organic produce, meet the resident marine biologist to learn about conservation, and even take part in a scuba diving trip to plant coral. The resort runs a citizen science project, during which visitors can document sharks, manta rays or sea turtles to help protect local marine life.
A true luxury resort - complete with a PADI dive centre, floodlit tennis court and world-famous spa, LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas offers five-star conservation efforts too. There's the in-resort marine biology centre, where guests can take part in tours with the conservation team to learn more about the island and help protect it. The resort has made the switch from plastic to paper straws and has even implemented floating solar panels to help reduce its carbon footprint.
If you're considering an eco-friendly escape in the Maldives, whether you're an eco-enthusiast or looking to dip your toes into sustainable travel then these resorts will be perfect for you. With an abundance of natural beauty, diverse experiences, and a commitment to preserving the Maldives' fragile ecosystems, you can truly embrace sustainability during your stay.
