Apart from being a home to luxury resort islands,
the Maldives is also a leader in sustainable travel
Perched in the Indian Ocean, between Sri Lanka and the equator, the Maldives consists of 26 groups of natural atolls and 1,192 coral islands spread over 90,000 square kilometers of ocean. Each atoll includes various islands, some of which are inhabited, some are private resort islands, and some are uninhabited. North Male Atoll and South Male Atoll can be reached by direct boat from Male International Airport, while the other islands are accessible by a seaplane.
There are many beautiful islands in the world, but the Maldives has always been unique. Viewed from a seaplane, the islands surrounded by turquoise lagoons are like pearls scattered across the azure sea, a beauty like no other. Unlike most resort islands where you lean against a mountain and face the sea in the front, in the Maldives, you are surrounded by the sea all around – there are villas built directly on the water with transparent glass floors, infinity pools connected to the sea, trailing beaches. So you will be completely embraced by the sea view, sea breeze, and sea water. This is also where the world’s luxury hotels gather and never stop opening new ones. Travelers come back again and again to find their next favorite place to stay.
Luxury new openings in the Maldives
Over the past three years, the pandemic has not prevented luxury hotels from continuing to set up in this dream island setting. A large number of stunning properties have opened, which are particularly attractive to Chinese travelers who have just been able to travel abroad.
Patina Maldives – an island of sustainability and arts
Inspired by modern travelers’ desire for individuality, Capella Hotel Group launched Patina, a lifestyle hotel brand designed to appeal to a new generation of travelers seeking a deep connection with themselves and the world around them. For its debut, Patina has chosen the Fari Islands in the Maldives.
The hotel interacts with guests through a series of carefully curated artwork. Upon entering the island, guests are greeted by the textile artwork “Home Deep Blue” – a six-meter wide tapestry that encompasses the colors of the ocean and tropical greenery, with a sense of movement and rhythm between light and shadow. Strolling outdoors, eight mirrored columns stand next to tall palm trees, drawing guests into them to immerse in the images of themselves and their surroundings and evoking a contemplative state. The artwork Memento rests quietly on the shore, overlooking the Maldivian waters with sunbathers. It is a large yet simple white concrete sculpture that guests can sit and meditate on or interact with.
Amarta, the centerpiece of the island’s art collection, is a new addition to the long-running Skyspaces series. From the inside, the open ceiling of the Skyspaces appears to be level with the sky, framing it with a layer of light that subtly alters guests’ perception of color, distance, shape and density.
“FLOW” is the hotel’s unique wellness and spa concept highlighting advanced sound healing, pure products from British natural fragrance brand Haeckels and plant-based vegan cuisine. The 1,500-square-meter spa features six double treatment suites designed with clean lines and warm wood tones. The pioneering IRIS sound immersion technology triggers active brain activity through audio, both to increase motivation and performance levels and to improve learning, which in turn enhances feelings of well-being and personal fulfillment. Facilities include a unique watsu pool for passive aquatic therapy, high and low impact workout classes, the services of highly trained consultants such as a posture expert and a sleep therapist, bio hacking, and the usage of curative and preventative remedies to achieve a calm mind and to restore balance. Footprints – the children’s educational activity centre – will keep the youngest guests engaged and entertained, both indoors and outdoors.
From a zero-waste kitchen and recycling ocean plastic to offering free diving lessons to children to foster respect for the environment in the next generation, this new luxury resort is fully committed to sustainability. The hotel has implemented a comprehensive coral proliferation program; entered into a strategic alliance with the Olive Ridley Project to assist injured sea turtles; created an organic sustainable eco-park on the island to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the supply chain by supplying fresh, homegrown ingredients to all departments; and developed plans to expand the Swimsol solar power plant with the goal of supplying 50% of the resort’s energy needs by 2030. All the hotel’s wood is FSC certified and comes from a 100% transparent supply chain.
JOALI BEING – immersive wellbeing journey with a new sense of “weightlessness”
Designed as a nature immersive wellbeing retreat, the first of its kind in the Maldives, JOALI BEING offers personalised transformative programmes, with the ultimate aim for guests to return home feeling renewed, uplifted and inspired, with a new sense of ‘weightlessness’. The retreat offers an array of wellbeing facilities and unique transformational spaces, including hydrotherapy, movement, and sound healing experiences.
AREKA opens doors to 39 thoughtfully designed treatment rooms and transformational spaces for fully immersive wellbeing experiences, beneficial scientific therapies, diagnostic services, learning programmes, and specialised therapeutic and alternative healing treatments.
Enter the Kaashi where the tradition of sanitas per aquas – healing through water is honored. Experience the cleansing powers of Russian Banya, the exhilaration of Aufguss Sauna or the blissful tranquillity of the Sensory Deprivation Room.
Follow the secluded palm-fringed trail to the sound therapy oasis, resonating with the natural rhythms of the island. The outdoor healing space – The Discovery Sound Path has been conceptualised by sound healing visionary and JOALI BEING collaborator Aurelio C. Hammer.
AKTAR, JOALI BEING’s herbology centre is inspired by the rich heritage of healing through the power of herbs. Address concerns around Mind, Skin, Microbiome and Energy with the resident herbologist, who specialises in preparing natural remedies using herbs, spices and essential oils.
Built according to biophilic design principles, the retreat evokes harmony and balance by eliminating negative vibrations and enhancing the energy flow of the landscape. Each of the 68 well-living spaces come with private pools and special inclusions, such as customised wellbeing-bar setups, meditative musical instruments and wellbeing games.
Moreover, JOALI BEING is home to one of three turtle conservation sanctuaries in the Maldives, developed in collaboration with the Olive Ridley Project. There is also a Reef Restoration Project and a coral nursery.
Soneva Jani Chapter 2 – a new chapter to renew the intelligent luxury and romance
Soneva Jani has always been a star of Maldivian resorts, synonymous with top-notch hospitality and unique experiences. Now, the stunning launch of Soneva Jani Chapter 2 announces the beginning of a new era of luxury vacation in the Maldives, with new overwater villas, dining concepts, wellness facilities, fun activities and more.
Set amidst a tranquil lagoon, the over-water villas each feature a spacious terrace and an infinity pool. The four-bedroom villas all come with private slides from the rooftop to the lagoon. The indoor sunken dining area features a glass floor, meaning you can enjoy your meal while watching the underwater world. And the one-touch sliding roof allows you to look up at the stars every night and escape into dreamland.
The resort is also breaking new ground in terms of food and beverage. Overseas Restaurant uses food material freshly harvested from the resort’s own organic garden or sustainably caught in the waters surrounding the resort. Diana Von Cranac is located directly in the organic garden and features traditional Southeast Asian and Indonesian recipes. So Primitive’s philosophy is based on the element of fire, with salt crust roasting and cooking in clay pots over a fire.
Soneva Soul is Soneva’s revolutionary wellness brand, which offers a unique wellness experience by combining ancient therapies and modern science to reconnect body, mind and spirit in an ultimate healing environment. Soneva Soul integrates resort spa services; fitness, sleep, yoga and meditation classes; wellness and lifestyle products; a global network of renowned wellness experts; and innovative medical services.
The resort designs a wide range of marine activities for guests, such as diving, stargazing, sunset cruises, island picnics, etc.
Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands – Kerry Hill’s all-water villa resort
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is located in the Fari Islands, known for their pristine white sandy beaches and abundant marine life, just 10 minutes from Male airport by water flight. Designed by Kerry Hill Architects, much of the resort’s design has been done by Kerry Hill during his lifetime, inspired by the waves, sea breeze and sunshine of the Maldives.
Designed in a minimalist style with light grey wood accents, the resort aims to maintain an understated balance with nature while always maximizing the view of the ocean. 100 villas are set over the water, with panoramic floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that open to reveal a private pool that is blending with the ocean in the distance, as if the ocean was in your own courtyard. Each guest will enjoy the 24/7 service of a dedicated aris meeha (personal butler).
The resort has created a dedicated “culinary island” with seven restaurants serving Japanese, Italian, Indian, Lebanese and Chinese cuisine.
Freestanding on the turquoise water, the Spa also features a circular design with a hollowed-out design in the center, connected to the land by a long trestle bridge. The circular design run through all corners of the resort – the children’s club, the private pool and even the sleeping beds.
The resort also has a commitment to sustainability: there are no plastic products; all villas are equipped with solar panels; and water is produced at the island’s purification plant. There is also a resident marine biologist on hand to introduce guests to the marine environment.
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives – The deepest atoll in Maldives and a unique treetop SPA
Park Hyatt took over the Alila hotel in Maldives in 2011. Now eleven years later, Alila finally returns to the Maldives in 2022 with the opening of Alila Kotafaru Maldives, a resort known for its unique location and innovative design.
Located in Raa Atoll, north of Male, away from the main island and surrounded by stunning coral reefs, this escape offers excellent snorkeling and diving conditions as one of the deepest atolls in the Maldives, while being adjacent to Hanifaru Bay UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Therefore, you can encounter a rich diversity of underwater life such as the largest number of manta rays and whale sharks in the entire Maldives.
Upon arrival on the island, warm staff will come to welcome you with champagne and show you around the resort. Any needs during your stay can be told to the exclusive butler. The resort follows Alila’s signature design style, using nature-friendly materials and soothing colors to create a unique space harmonizing with its surroundings. The beachfront villas face the ocean and are surrounded by greenery, with a private path that takes you directly from the villa to the beach. The overwater villas feature floor-to-ceiling windows that can be slide open to the sun deck and private pool.
Located directly above the tree canopy, the Alila Spa features four double treatment rooms with private bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows. The SPA menu boasts a modern interpretation of ancient healing techniques with pure, natural ingredients. In addition, guests can enjoy a daily yoga practice in the spa’s tranquil outdoor space and enjoy healthy meals and ginger tea on site.
Inspiration for sustainable travel
For most travelers today, sustainable travel is no longer just a preferred option, it’s a must. More than half of travelers say they will consider sustainable experiences more in their future travel planning. The Maldivian government has also been committed to promoting sustainable travel and has made numerous efforts to provide eco-friendly travel options, protect the ecosystem, support the local communities and educate travelers about sustainability. Today, there are many ways for travelers to embark on a sustainable trip to the Maldives beyond experiencing the luxury resort islands.
A trip to the Maldives is obviously not complete without snorkeling and diving. There is an abundance of marine lives under the water of Indian Ocean. Diving in the Maldives is based on the “see only, don’t touch” policy, which aims to better protect the coral reefs and marine life. However, sustainable-minded travelers can do even more. For example, use sunscreen that is harmless to the reefs; make sure the diving equipment is securely fastened to avoid leaving marks on the reef; don’t try to chase fish or get too close – otherwise you’re likely to disturb their feeding, mating, or even prevent them from avoiding predators.
Protect marine biodiversity by participating in the Coral Adoption Project. The adoption project works in the form that travelers who decide to adopt a coral will be given a frame where the carol will be put in. The travelers select frame and transplant the coral they like to their structure with the help of a marine biologist. The marine biologist will update the real-time pictures of the coral every three months, and travelers can keep track of the growth of their adopted coral online. This will be a very special souvenir. At the same time, making coral frames provides new job opportunities and a source of income for local residents.
Healthy eaters know the secrets of cooking with fresh organic ingredients. In the Maldives, farm-to-table is not just a culinary fad, it is a way of life and a diet that has been passed down from generation to generation. Most Maldivian resorts offer a wide range of plant-based, vegetarian, vegan and raw food recipes in their restaurants, prepared with local and organic ingredients to provide a healthy and sustainable dining experience and help reduce carbon emissions.
Spend a day in the capital city of Male and step into the lives of the locals. You can follow your guide through the characteristic buildings and explore the history and culture of Male; go to the food market to taste the local delicacies; learn about the world class education system; see the traditional Maldivian life; go to the fish market to see the fresh catch from the Indian Ocean …
Floating cities on the sea
The Maldives is the world’s lowest country in terms of altitude, so it is at risk of being submerged by the sea as global sea levels rise due to climate issues. Residents living on several large islands of Maldives can clearly feel that their islands are slowly “sinking”.
So, the local government began to study how to create a new living space at sea for the people since 2009. Until March last year, a specific feasibility project finally comes out:, to construct a “floating city” in the next ten years and move a portion of the population up there to live; and then gradually expand the scale of the “floating city”, until all residents can live there.
Each “floating city” is composed of many hexagonal floating modules of different sizes. Each module is a certain functional area. For example, residents’ houses on one module, hospitals and schools on another and resort facilities on another. Between the modules are wide waterways that must be traversed by boat. The periphery of the floating city is a breakwater composed of a circle of small islands to prevent waves from hitting the “floating city”, while leaving an exit for large ships to enter and exit.
The green concept is also shown in the process of building the floating city. Under the surface of the water of each floating module, coral frames will be installed to provide growth environment for coral. At the same time, the coral can also play the role of buffering waves, thus helping protect the floating city. In the floating city, boats will be the main means of transportation. Cars are forbidden to enter, only bicycles and electric vehicles can pass on the module.
If things go well, the first residents will move into the “floating city” in 2024.
