Jumeirah Vittaveli has been re-certified by Green Globe for a third year running.

Jumeirah Vittaveli first achieved the Green Globe certification in 2015 and has since maintained the position.

Announcing the resort’s 2017 re-certification, the resort’s General Manager Amit Majumder said the team is dedicated to activities implemented since the resort’s opening in 2011, and have dedicated their time and energy to many CSR outreach programmes such as regular island and reef cleaning sessions which are hosted together with guests.

“As a globally recognised organisation, the certification by Green Globe validates our efforts when it comes to environmental initiatives. We aim to build a better future not only for our guests who consider this island their home away from home, but also for our colleagues for whom Jumeirah Vittaveli is their actual home,” he was quoted as saying, in a statement by the resort.

Majumder noted that the resort has installed new water dispensers and distributed free reusable water bottles to colleagues in an effort to move closer to being a plastic bottle free island in the near future.

“The addition of a resident marine biologist to our team has added educational and fun activities to our guest programme with the Junior Coral programme at the Kuda Koli Kids Club, and the Vittaveli Coral Restoration project,” he said.

Jumeirah Vittaveli said its Green Team has been active for a number of years, bringing sustainable innovations to their island home. In 2013, a water bottling plant was installed, providing mineralised drinking water to guests and colleagues and saving 70,000 plastic water bottles per year.

Jumeirah Vittaveli is well known for its superb marine environment and is dedicated to conserving this precious natural resource. The resort’s resident marine biologist surveys the local reefs and works on planting coral frames to support natural growth and counter-act the El Nino effect that leads to bleaching and coral dieback. Weekly reef biology presentations are also held for the education and enjoyment of resort guests. Topics include understanding the fragile coral reef environment in the Maldives, adverse effects of El Nino and the Coral Restoration programme. Children attending the Kids Club are also introduced to the basics of marine science, with a dedicated Junior Coral Rangers programme where fun activities educate on environmental protection.

According to the resort, community programmes are a key part of its sustainability management plan. In collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the resort is working on several initiatives including the possibility to build a holding station on the resort to receive injured turtles and then arrange onwards transfer to a full rescue centre with a veterinarian on site.

“Colleagues from Jumeirah Vittaveli also connect with island communities in their area with initiatives planned by the BOLI Committee (Building Our Lives Innovatively),” the statement read.

“Resort colleagues regularly visit surrounding islands for community outreach programmes and donation of essential equipment to schools, hospitals in Male and children’s homes. Recently a permanent collaboration was established with the Children’s Autism Centre in Hulhumale, an island next to the capital city of Male.”

An affiliate member of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Green Globe is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses.

Located a short 20-minute ride on board a luxurious motorised catamaran from capital, Jumeirah Vittaveli offers unmatched diversity, subtle luxury and personalised exploration, whether you are seeking a romantic getaway or an exotic destination for your family.

In addition to a recently launched Royal Residence, the resort comprises 89 villas and suites each with their own swimming pool and direct access to the beach or lagoon. The private and spacious villas are available with one or two bedrooms making them the ideal accommodation for both families and couples. Highlights are the free-standing Ocean Suites, located only a heartbeat away from the main island and accessible by complimentary boat service.