Best eco resorts in Maldives: 18 eco-friendly hotels

Sustainability is becoming a trend: more and more travelers choose eco-hotels that care about the environment and their reputation. The luxurious Maldives have long joined the eco-movement. Many resorts adhere to the highest eco-standards, using resources rationally and respecting the environment. Fashionable resorts use the latest eco-technologies and support eco-projects to help protect the turquoise of the Indian Ocean and its inhabitants.

Ecotourism originated in the Maldives back in the 70s with the opening of the first Kurumba Maldives hotel. Now in the Maldives there are more than a hundred resort islands scattered in various atolls. And all of them, to one degree or another, are involved in protecting the environment. If earlier the Maldives authorities sold the islands, now they lease them out for a long-term lease, setting the condition to take care of nature. And they shift part of the responsibility for the well-being of the islands onto the owners of the resorts. For example, more than 20% of the island's territory cannot be built up: it is important to preserve the island's ecosystem in its original form. This is how the eco-friendly overwater villas appeared, towering over the lagoons on stilts. The islands have become completely autonomous , and hotels are investing in electricity generation, desalination, water supply and sanitation systems, trying to minimize the impact on coral reefs.

Kurumba Maldives

1. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

An ecological philosophy is the basis of the hotel's work. The resort was built on the site of a former coconut plantation. Since they wanted to leave the island virgin and untouched already during the construction, not a single tree was cut down during the construction. Paths on the island wind between a canopy of wide leaves of palm trees and tropical plants. Some trees have become part of the interior of the villas, fitting into the overall look. Try not to use motorized watercraft so as not to destroy corals. And a marine biologist is working on their restoration.

Even the dishes are made from organic vegetables that are grown directly on the island.

Location: Kihava-Huravali Island, Baa Atoll. The journey will take 30 minutes by seaplane from Male.

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

2. One & Only Reethi Rah

One of the most luxurious resorts in the Maldives, of course, cares about the environment. This is the island of celebrities and oligarchs, located in an incredibly beautiful corner of the fabulous Maldives!

The resort has its own plant for desalination, wastewater treatment, power plant.

Location: Reethi-Ra Island, North Male Atoll. The road by seaplane will take 15 minutes, by boat - 50 minutes.

One & Only Reethi Rah

3. Gili Lankanfushi

The main principle of life on the island is no shoes no news. On the island, it is not recommended to walk in shoes in order to completely immerse yourself in relaxation. And guests are greeted by "Friday" - a personal butler. The eco-resort has limited the use of plastic: even the rooms are decorated with recycled wood, and the rooms offer organic toiletries in ceramic containers. The bed frames are made from recycled teak and the lampshades are woven from recycled wire mesh. A special desalination plant provides guests with water.

Location: North Male Atoll, 20 minutes by speedboat.

Gili Lankanfushi

4. Soneva Fushi

Luxurious eco resort with fantastic villas with water slides. The resort has won international awards for its environmental initiatives more than once. On the island, the principle of wasteless use prevails: everything is composted and reused. Wastewater problems were solved with the help of filtration ponds. Purified water is used to irrigate vegetation. All villas are built using recycled wood and is used in the interior handmade fabric imported from Sri L Anki. The island has a nursery for stingrays and a feeding station. They also take care of the turtle population. The resort uses vegetables and fruits that have been grown here: for this, more than one hectare was allocated for vegetation. There are solar panels on the rooftops of residential buildings.

Location: Kunfunadu Island, Baa Atoll. The journey will take half an hour by seaplane or 20 minutes by domestic airplane, then up to 15 minutes by boat.

Soneva Fushi

5. Baros Maldives

A 5-star boutique hotel and a dream island where nature is respected. One of the first hotels to appear in the Maldives. The oldest resort in the Maldives has 75 villas. A romantic island with beautiful infinity pools nestled in tropical greenery. The resort takes care of the ecosystem. Use biodegradable chistyasch and e means installed LED lights. The water is purified and reused. The heat exchange system is used to heat the water.

Location: North Malé atoll. Speedboat transfers take 25 minutes.

Baros Maldives

6. Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

The Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa hotel complex was built from scratch, with the goal of preserving the natural environment of the island during construction. This hotel can be said to have pioneered sustainable design in the Maldives. It is located on the largest atoll in the country, on a green tropical island. The water, electricity and fuel consumption is closely monitored. D A cooking buy ecological products. They use exclusively environmentally friendly and natural materials. The villas are built using pressed bamboo. It is also used for flooring throughout the hotel. In the bathroom, instead of plastic, guests will find cosmetic accessories in ceramic containers. Even the plastic straws have disappeared from the hotel and have already been replaced with paper ones. Water sports activities related to motor vehicles are prohibited near the hotel. But they offer trips on traditional dhoni boats.

The Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is always monitoring the condition of coral reefs.

Location: Hadahaa island, Gaafu Alifu atoll. Domestic flight takes 60-100 minutes to Kooddoo Domestic Airport. Further half an hour by speedboat.

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

7. Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts

Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts are a chain of 5 hotels, located on Maldives. All resorts use energy saving technologies and solar panels. There is no plastic in the resort: only glass bottles. Even plastic straws are prohibited. Guests are taught to have a conscious attitude to nature

• Book a villa in The OZEN.
• Reserve a villa in Atmosphere Kanifushi.
• Book a villa in OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli.
• Book your villa at OBLU Select Sangeli.
• Book a villa in VARU by Atmosphere.

Atmosphere Kanifushi

8. LUX* South Ari Atoll

The world's largest solar panels on water are located on this island. The eco-concept has pushed the resort towards many interesting eco-initiatives. For example, the hotel has its own marine biological center, which deals with the study and protection of whale sharks. Guests are offered eco-tours. The hotel has received the Green Globe certification as the best eco-resort in the Maldives 2019.

Location: South Ari Atoll, Didophinolu Island, one of the longest islands in the atoll. The seaplane flight will take 25 minutes. You can also fly from Male to Maamigili Airport (20 minutes) and then 10 minutes by boat.

LUX* South Ari Atoll

9. Milaidhoo Island Maldives

A tiny tropical slice of paradise in a UNESCO reserve. The resort uses a modern water supply system and a purification station. For this, only environmentally friendly products are used. There is a coral regeneration program: guests can help with the planting of corals and watch their growth online. Due to the proximity to Hanifaru Bay, from June to November you can swim with the huge manta rays that have chosen this place. And meet whale sharks. A place where you can enjoy the white sands, unspoiled nature and high service.

Location: Milaidhoo Island, Baa Atoll, reachable in 35 minutes by seaplane from Male International Airport. Another option - 30 minutes domestic flight to the airport Dharavandhoo and 15-minute ride by speedboat.

Milaidhoo Island Maldives

10. Grand Park Kodhipparu

A luxurious 5-star hotel that has received the Green Globe Award for Sustainability and Eco-Performance. Plastic straws were replaced by straws from biodegradable paper or reusable stainless steel straws. There is a water bottling plant on the island, and all environmental information is displayed on the main monitor. The resort employs a marine biologist to help preserve the reef and protect marine life. Eco-campaigns are constantly held: for example, cleaning reefs or planting trees.

Location: Kodhipparu Island, North Male Atoll. Transfer from Male takes 20 minutes by speedboat.

Grand Park Kodhipparu

11. Constance Moofushi и Constance Halaveli

Thanks to romantic villas and gorgeous beaches, this eco-hotel and this chain are adored by newlyweds and couples in love. Resort worries about ecology and constantly gives new eco projects. Luxury eco calving and has already received, and many awards, for example  is the Gold Member Certification Green Globe. Corals are planted on the islands and guests are invited to join the process of restoring the biodiversity of the underwater Maldives.

• Book a villa in Constance Halaveli (North Ari Atoll, 20 minutes by seaplane or 1 hour 45 minutes by boat).
• Book a villa in Constance Moofushi (South Ari Atoll, 30 minutes by seaplane).

Constance Moofushi

12. Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu

A gorgeous resort with overwater bungalows laid out and leaf-shaped. It is a nesting place for rare birds and a habitat for sea turtles. The hotel staff is involved in a program to protect them. The hotel has special equipment to help rescue and rehabilitate injured turtles. A plant for the production of drinking water and filling in glass containers was built at the resort. There is a comprehensive program for the disposal and recycling of waste. And restaurant dishes are prepared from the crop harvested directly on the island.

Location: Baa Atoll, Dunikolu Island. Seaplane takes 30 minutes.

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu

13. Reethi Beach Resort

The hotel with neat wooden houses is constantly being improved, becoming more environmentally friendly. The island collects rainwater and reuses it. And for irrigation of plants, purified water is used. The resort has completely abandoned plastic: they prefer glass containers. The use of disposable straws and bags is prohibited. The resort is attentive to underwater life: they regularly monitor the condition of the coral reef.

Location: Baa Atoll, Fonimagudo Island. Transfer from Male by seaplane will take 35 minutes. Optional local airline flight to Dharavandhoo Airport (20 minutes in the sky) and 15 minutes by speedboat.

Reethi Beach Resort

14. Kuramathi Island

The boutique hotel is waging a war on plastic: it is banned on the island. A desalination plant and a re-treatment system help purify the water to keep the beaches pristine. By the way, there is a hydroponic garden where vegetables and fruits are grown using solar energy.

The resort has been researching coral reefs and taking care of a coral nursery for over 30 years. Guests are offered fun activities with a marine biologist.

Location: Rasdhoo Atoll, seaplane flight takes 20 minutes.

Kuramathi Island

15. Six Senses Laamu

The famous resort island is known as a pioneer in sustainable development. The resort got an amazing place: one of the few in the North Atoll where you can meet manta rays. Right here, in the resort, is the center for the study of the beauties of manta rays. And guests can explore the underwater world together with a biologist.

Location: Olhuveli Island, Laamu Atoll. The road will take up to an hour. First 35 minutes by domestic plane to Kadhdhoo Airport, then 15 minutes by speedboat.

Six Senses Laamu

16. Soneva Jani

An eco friendly resort with chic water villas and fun water slides. The resort uses only organic and recycled materials and products. Even in the hotel's boutiques, only brands that share the resort's eco-philosophy and quality standards are sold.

Location: Medhufaru Island, Noonu Atoll. The transfer will take 40 minutes by seaplane.

Soneva Jani

17. Four Seasons Maldives at Kuda Huraa

The resort appeared in 2011 and became a kind of headquarters to rescue Maldives turtles. It is home to 5 out of 7 species, including the rare green turtles. Resort guests can participate in their protection and watch as grown-up babies are released into the ocean. Dolphins and reef sharks can often be seen near the hotel.

Green tropical vegetation, use of exclusively ecological materials distinguish the resort as an eco-friendly resort.

Location: North Male Atoll, Kuda Huraa Island. The road will take half an hour by speedboat.

Four Seasons Maldives at Kuda Huraa

18. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

By coral reefs that are home to manta rays, whale sharks, dolphins and sea turtles. A tropical paradise is spread over two islands with a white beach and crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean.

The villas are made of natural materials with wood trim and have original elements of national decor. The pride of the hotel is the underwater restaurant Ithaa Undersea, which is located at a depth of 5 meters, near a coral reef.

Location: South Ari Atoll, Rangalifinolhu and Rangali islands. 30 minutes seaplane or 20 minutes on a domestic flight and then boat.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

The Maldives is one of the most beautiful corners of the planet. The resorts are concerned about the preservation of the pristine beauty of the reefs. And, of course, about the comfort and safety of their guests.