How do you pick when you can choose from endless azure blue waters and stunning private pools? Do you choose a private villa above the ocean as fishes lazily swim about right under your feet or do you go with a private villa where you can lounge on a sun deck and take a dip in the cerulean sea? That’s the thing about Maldives, you simply don’t have to pick. You can get all of this and more. So how do you choose where to go? If you’ve been mindful of the environment, these Maldives resorts that are sustainable are the right choice. Here are our picks.
Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani
Obviously the property is right up there in gathering major environment-loving points because it is located on Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Here, you will find complimentary bicycles to take you around, an observatory to take in the magic of the skies, an open air cinema and much more. The dining experiences at Soneva Fushi are unparalleled and even the most discerning food connoisseur will find something they love. Flying Sauces, one of the restaurants here, allows you to zip line across to indulge in their menu. And adrenaline rush and gourmet food? Count us in. But that’s not all. The dining options are catered to various tastes and preferences. At Out Of The Blue, you can tuck into robustly flavoured Asian food which also includes a Robata grill. The Shades Of Green and Fresh In The Garden restaurants offer fresh, healthy fare that’s literally farm to table. The Carne Diem Grill by Dharshan is your go to for smoky flavours of meat and seafood. Once Upon a Table is where there is no menu, yes, you heard that right. This is the chef’s playground and you just have to sit back relax as the chef whips up delicious courses for you. Mihiree Mithaa is for when you’re feeling particularly ravenous. The elaborate buffet set up features everything from salads and fruits to ice cream and chocolate rooms. At,Out of the Sea, the rustic seaside shack, treat your palate to fresh seafood, Mediterranean flavours, wok-fried dishes and tapas-inspired light bites.
You could also go over to Soneva Jani, a resort where wellness is the mantra. The Soneva Soul experience is a new, transformative wellness concept that blends thousands of years of ancient healing wisdom with the latest science and innovation. Based on the concept of ‘lifestyle evolution’, this is a comprehensive wellness experience where therapists, medical experts and wellness specialists curate personalised wellness experiences. The wellness menu at Soneva Soul features two divergent schools of thought – ancient rituals and healing practises including Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine – mixed with treatment innovations such as cryotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and ozone therapy. This is no ordinary spa – it is tucked away in a rainforest where the sounds of nature add to the calmness. This is an entire complex comprises treatment rooms, a Watsu pool, a spa beach and much more. Besides this, there is an emphasis on movement as well- sign yourself up for a yoga session, or an aquatic fitness session.
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
This stunning property sits right next to a natural reef, one that’s teeming with sea life and perfect to spot a sting ray gently cruising by or a clown fish aka Nemo. This JW Marriott property prides itself on being sustainable, and this means that single-use plastic isn’t used here, local guides with insider knowledge take you around for your excursions and the sprawling acres of the resort feature lots and lots of palm tress gently swaying in the breeze. If you’re looking to escape the chaos of city life, this Maldives resort if the perfect getaway.At JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, the Thakuru team is always available to provide assistance, including to create a personalized itinerary during your stay. They can recommend activities, dining options, and even what you need to do to spot the dolphins. You can also indulge in cuisines from across the world including Japanese delights, Italian indulgences and much more.
Kudadoo Maldives
Taking luxury to the next level is the Kudadoo Maldives resort.The entire island is taken up by this property. Here, you can get access to dining experiences unlike any other, get yourself some private diving lessons and indulge in spa treatments that make you feel like you’re a walking on clouds. Here’s why this property makes it to our sustainable list – the entire resort is solar powered.
Winner of several travel awards, this Maldives resort offers restoring spa experiences including a Himalayan Salt room, a cheese and wine cellar featuring the best from around the world and a chance to get your adrenaline pumping with the water sporting activities. The culinary fare here takes your taste buds on a journey around the world. The resort also has the world’s largest all-glass undersea restaurant serving contemporary cuisine and with breath-taking views of the coral reef.
Vakkaru Maldives
The Vakkaru Maldives resort is the perfect escape to the tropical environs. It is located in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll, making it a favourite with those looking to travel sustainably. This property actively works on reducing food wastage, recycling bins are available to all guests, the toiletries do not feature single use plastic – there’s plenty to love here.
Romance is in the air here and this tropical paradise is idyllic for a wedding. With sunsets in the background and white sands under your feet, this is just the location to say ‘I do.’ Vakkaru has romance at every corner and your guides can help arrange a private dinner for you to reconnect or even help you plan the perfect proposal.
Patina Maldives
You couldn’t possibly pick a Maldives resort that’s more calming than the Patina. Like all resorts, this one is located on the beach but it’s how they are working on being sustainable that caught our eye. The food here is locally sourced, significantly bringing down the carbon footprint. The property used LED bulbs throughout, and invests in local sustainability projects. A win-win.
Designed with the active traveller in mind, the Patina resort has a range of options for those looking to keep fit while in Maldives. Travellers can perfect their serve at the tennis court, test their reflexes with a game of table tennis and even challenge friends to a round of billiards.
The Nautilus
The Nautilus is a Maldives resort on an island that boasts of a coral reef where you are likely to spot manta rays. Of course, you can also choose to canoe around on the turquoise waters, or try your hand at snorkeling. Some of the rooms here feature glass floors so you can watch marine life go about their day even as you sitting sipping a refreshing cocktail.
At Nautilus, you leave the rules at the door. A bohemian space, there’s no one to tell you you can’t be sipping champagne in bed. There are no dress codes here, you can dress as you please and time is what you make of it. The menus are fluid so if you feel like seafood at breakfast, that can be arranged. Impromptu journeys, customised spa treatments, the world is your oyster here.
