Maldives Luxury Resort Introduces Innovative ‘Sustainability Lab’ to Tackle Waste

Visit the website of any luxury resort in the Maldives, and you’ll often find an entire section dedicated to sustainability efforts and its eco-friendly initiatives.

The terminology is far from typical tourism buzzwords – phrases like waste management, soil preservation, and solar energy production might not immediately conjure images of pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.

But the Maldives is no ordinary destination. As the world’s lowest-lying nation, it is made up of 99% water, with over 1,000 islands scattered across 90,000 square kilometers of ocean.

Most of the country’s 160-plus resorts are located on private islands, making it essential for these properties to go above and beyond in minimizing their environmental footprint on the Maldives’ delicate ecosystem.

Do tourists really care about a resort’s sustainability efforts?

More and more, the answer is ‘yes,’ says marine biologist Samuel Dixon, who has been part of the team at the Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi since its inception over five years ago.

As the sustainability manager for this luxury resort, Dixon oversees all eco-driven initiatives at the 120-villa property, from safeguarding its 9-kilometer-long house reef to implementing advanced energy-saving measures.

“We are witnessing a significant increase in eco-conscious travelers, especially within the luxury tourism sector,” he shares with Dinogo.

“I’ve observed a growing interest in the various environmental efforts we’re undertaking, whether it’s coral restoration, turtle conservation, recycling, or our energy and solar initiatives. The fact that so many guests are engaging and asking about these topics is music to my ears, as it indicates we’re moving toward a future where sustainable hospitality is in high demand.”

Dixon led the installation of a new facility at the resort, the Sustainability Lab, giving guests a close-up look at one of the Maldives’ biggest environmental challenges – plastic waste.

Opened in early 2022, this is the first facility of its kind in the country. Located just steps from the resort’s arrival dock, it’s housed in a structure made from upcycled shipping containers and is equipped with specialized machinery that transforms plastic waste into unique souvenirs, furniture, and supplies for local schools.

The lab also repurposes ‘ghost nets’ – discarded fishing nets that are particularly dangerous to sea turtles – by weaving them into bracelets and luggage tags.

A tour of the lab is an eye-opening experience. Shelves are lined with large bins filled with tiny plastic fragments in a variety of colors, waiting to be fed into industrial machines that melt them down into new shapes. The majority of the waste is blue, primarily from plastic water bottle caps.

Dixon explains that the plastic waste comes from various sources, including packaging from weekly food deliveries, as well as waste collected from neighboring hotels and local schools.

Naturally, the ocean offers an endless supply of materials.

“Sadly, that’s the gift the ocean continues to give us every single day,” he remarks.

“Each morning, we’re removing between three to five kilograms of waste just from this resort alone. About one to two kilograms of that is plastic. We also make trips to other uninhabited islands to collect more,” he adds.

The collected plastic is first washed to remove any dirt or contaminants. Then, it’s shredded into small pellets that can be repurposed in two main ways. One method uses an extruder, which melts the plastic and molds it into shapes like souvenir turtles, carabiner hooks, and school rulers.

Another process uses a press to flatten the plastic into sheets that can be used like wood,” says Dixon. The resort’s carpenters transform it into custom furniture, which guests can order and have shipped to their homes.

While the volume of plastic being processed is modest in the larger context, Dixon emphasizes the importance of raising awareness among visitors about the challenges Maldives faces, while actively collaborating with local communities to tackle these issues.

“What’s truly remarkable about introducing this initiative within the hospitality industry, particularly in a paradise like the Maldives, is that it puts the issue front and center for guests,” he explains.

“Guests aren’t just hearing about the hotel’s efforts to recycle plastic – they can actually see it happening. They can witness it, visualize it, and even become part of the process. We try to make it as engaging and enjoyable as possible,” he adds.

Thanks to these efforts, the Sustainability Lab stands out as one of the few places on the resort island where guests will encounter plastic waste.

There are no plastic water bottles on-site – only glass. Each guest receives a reusable water bottle that they can refill at various water stations across the island and take home as a keepsake. Even the toothpaste in the dental kits comes in eco-friendly paper packaging.

Underwater art installation serves as both a stunning piece of art and an artificial reef.

Another area within the resort dedicated to conservation is the Coralarium, located just offshore from the main beach.

This large metal sculpture also functions as a coral garden, providing a habitat for local marine life, which guests can explore by snorkeling.

“The Coralarium is designed to be both an educational hub and a conservation center,” says Dixon. “It’s constructed entirely from pH-neutral materials, ensuring it’s harmless to marine life and free of any toxic pollutants. The structure mimics the hard surface of a coral reef, allowing coral polyps to settle during mass spawning events, effectively encouraging natural coral growth.”

He explains that it’s essentially an artificial reef, but one that also supports live coral growth.

“Around 120 species of fish have already made it their home, turning it into a thriving mini-habitat for marine life, which is a great sight to share with our guests.”

‘Hidden Water Island’

True to its name, the Fairmont Maldives is situated on the island affectionately called 'Secret Water Island.'

At the back of the island lies the resort’s 9-kilometer house reef, teeming with over 400 species of marine life. Easily accessible from shore, visitors can explore the vibrant underwater world with just a snorkel set. Those visiting between December and April may also be lucky enough to witness the seasonal manta ray migration.

For those who prefer to stay dry, the island’s rich marine life is visible without even dipping into the water.

At Kata, the resort’s Japanese restaurant, guests can watch large reef sharks glide through the waters below the restaurant’s stilts, accompanied by schools of colorful fish. A similar spectacle unfolds nightly at Azure, the resort’s seafood dining venue.

Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi offers a range of overwater villas in various sizes, as well as beachside options for those who prefer the sand. Guests can choose from sunrise villas overlooking the house reef or sunset villas across from the Coralarium. There are also tented villas for those seeking a more immersive nature experience.

The resort features a wide selection of spa treatments, a host of water sports, and exciting excursions, as well as a top-tier kids’ club. Young visitors can engage with the resort’s conservation initiatives through the Generation Sea program, which includes educational tours of the Sustainability Lab and Coralarium.

For sustainability manager Dixon, witnessing both children and adults show an interest in these often-overlooked environmental issues has been deeply rewarding.

“Looking at how we’ve transformed the resort into a more sustainable environment, I feel incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished here,” Dixon shares.