Maldives resorts are at the forefront of pioneering sustainable practices

As the world’s lowest-lying nation, with most of its islands just a few feet above sea level, the Maldives’ nearly 1,200 islands are renowned for their breathtaking beaches and luxurious bungalows, but are also increasingly threatened by rising sea levels.

NASA reports suggest that by 2050, up to 80% of these islands could become uninhabitable due to climate change and rising ocean waters.

But sea level rise isn’t the only environmental challenge. With a steady influx of over 1.7 million tourists annually (pre-pandemic) and limited waste management infrastructure, the islands face significant waste disposal issues. The Maldives Tourism Board even urges visitors to take responsibility for their own non-biodegradable trash.

The Maldives’ precious coral reefs, a major attraction for divers and snorkelers, are also under threat. A 2016 study revealed that climate change-induced coral bleaching has damaged over 60% of the nation’s reefs.

James Ellsmoor, CEO of Island Innovation, points out that the thriving ocean ecosystem that attracts tourists must be preserved in order to sustain high-value tourism: “This healthy environment is a major draw for visitors, and its preservation is essential for maintaining tourism’s economic benefits,” says Ellsmoor, whose agency supports sustainable development goals in island destinations like the Maldives.

This nature-based tourism in the Maldives presents a paradox. While the industry generates critical income for the country’s 540,000 residents, it is often criticized for contributing to the environmental crisis. Maldives resorts are known for their high resource consumption, significant waste production, and reliance on carbon-heavy, long-haul flights to bring tourists in.

Consequently, many of the Maldives’ 150-plus luxury resorts aren’t just going green for the sake of image — experts argue that adopting sustainable practices is crucial for their long-term viability in a market that increasingly demands eco-conscious operations.

In fact, some resorts are finding that investments in clean energy not only benefit the environment but also improve their profitability in the long run.

“The high costs of importing fuel to power noisy, polluting generators become unjustifiable when compared to the much lower costs of solar, wind, and battery storage,” Ellsmoor explains.

Given the urgent economic and environmental stakes, the Maldivian government is implementing policies to drive sustainable tourism. These include a target for national carbon neutrality by 2030 and a ban on single-use plastics, effective from 2023.

Several resorts in the Maldives are taking the lead with innovative sustainability initiatives that are significantly reducing their environmental footprint, while demonstrating that luxury and eco-consciousness can coexist.

On-site recycling facilities

In the past, much of the nation’s waste was poorly handled, often burned in open pits or dumped into the sea, leading to air pollution, marine ecosystem damage, and waste washing up on shore. Fortunately, the government has introduced measures to address these issues.

Research indicates that tourists are the largest per capita contributors to waste in the Maldives. In response, some island resorts are implementing creative waste management solutions to tackle the problem.

Eco-innovative Soneva Resorts, which operates two properties in the Maldives, has implemented a comprehensive composting program and runs its own Eco Centro – a waste-processing facility that recycles around 90% of the resort’s plastic, aluminum, and glass waste.

Last year, Soneva introduced its Makers’ Place initiative at Soneva Fushi, where artisans creatively repurpose discarded materials into sellable art pieces, such as wall tiles and handcrafted glassware.

Meanwhile, Fairmont Maldives – striving to become the first zero-waste resort in the country – launched its Sustainability Lab earlier this year. This lab focuses on transforming ocean-retrieved plastic, glass, and aluminum waste into souvenirs and locally produced items, including turtle-shaped luggage tags and stationery for nearby schools.

The facility is set to become a regional recycling hub, serving the surrounding communities and focusing on educating local schoolchildren about the importance of recycling and environmental conservation.

Sam Dixon, sustainability manager and marine biologist at Fairmont Maldives, emphasizes the importance of the resort’s school partnerships: “We’re inspiring the next generation to take a deep interest in protecting the ecosystem and the marine life that calls it home,” says Dixon.

Solar energy installations

The Maldives, with its abundant sunshine, is well-positioned to harness renewable solar energy, a resource that more resorts are now exploring for sustainable energy solutions.

In 2018, Kudadoo Maldives Private Island became the first fully solar-powered resort in the country, thanks to the installation of nearly 1,000 solar panels on the rooftop of its ‘The Retreat’ – a hub for dining, wellness, and retail.

Other resorts that have implemented significant solar initiatives include Dusit Thani Maldives, where solar panels cover the roofs of key resort buildings; The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, which runs primarily on solar energy (with solar panels atop each guest villa); and LUX* South Ari Atoll, which boasts the world’s largest floating solar power plant at sea. The floating solar platforms also act as artificial reefs, supporting marine life.

It’s not just resorts making the switch to solar. Earlier this year, Gan International Airport announced its plans to become the first fully solar-powered airport in the Maldives.

‘Zero-Food-Mile’ dining

Due to limited local agriculture, most food in the Maldives is imported by air. To help offset the environmental impact of this carbon footprint, reduce packaging waste, and lower costs, several resorts have adopted ‘zero-food-mile’ practices by growing their own produce on-site.

Amilla, for example, has a wide array of sustainable dining initiatives, including not just typical herb and vegetable gardens, but also a banana plantation, hydroponic garden, mushroom hut, coconut processing facility, and even a ‘Cluckingham Palace’ chicken coop where guests can collect their own eggs.

Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, positions itself as a leader in ‘conscious cuisine,’ offering an on-site organic permaculture garden for guest foraging, zero-waste kitchens, plant-based dining options, and an in-house water-bottling facility.

At the Zero restaurant at Sun Island Resort & Spa, guests are treated to a nearly zero-food-mile dining experience, focusing on fresh produce grown in the resort’s garden and locally sourced seafood, all served in a treetop setting.

Guest conservation programs

With the Maldives facing significant environmental challenges, many travelers feel motivated to contribute and make a positive impact.

Marteyne van Well, regional general manager at Six Senses Laamu, explains that more and more visitors to the Maldives are seeking out resorts that prioritize sustainability and offer opportunities for conservation education and involvement.

“Travelers are increasingly interested in local experiences, wanting to feel they are giving back to the communities they visit,” says van Well. She notes that today, such sustainability initiatives are essential for attracting potential guests.

At Six Senses Laamu, guests have the unique opportunity to engage with the largest team of marine scientists in the country, as part of the resort’s Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI), a program that has successfully protected hundreds of sea turtles and manta rays, as well as over a million square feet of seagrass.

Resort guests can participate in various marine conservation activities, such as regular reef cleanups, weekly conservation lectures, guided snorkeling trips with marine biologists, and a junior marine biology program for kids.

Other notable resort-led conservation efforts include the Coco Collection, which operates two Maldives properties supporting the veterinarian-led ORP Marine Turtle Rescue Centre and a team of marine biologists focused on ocean restoration. Guests can take part in coral tree planting excursions, reef cleanups, and even assist in the rehabilitation of rescued turtles.

Gili Lankanfushi, on the other hand, will be launching a new Marine Biology Center later this year, featuring dedicated research space and an expanded coral regeneration program. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on reef cleaning and rehabilitation activities while learning about conservation alongside the resort’s marine biologists.

Ultimately, van Well says that as conscious consumerism rises, the role of resorts in the Maldives is to provide guests with “practical tips and little secrets for leading a more sustainable life that they can take home,” a takeaway that is deeply valued by visitors.