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LUX* South Ari Atoll launches year-long ‘Beat the Plastic’ campaign
LUX* South Ari Atoll has launched an ambitious year-long plan to combat plastic pollution.
At a ceremony held at the resort’s multi purpose court Friday evening to kick start the initiative, reusable flasks were given to all team members to be used for drinking water. The flasks will replace the plastic water bottles used by the 350 plus employees at the resort.
Speaking at the ceremony, General Manager Jonas Amstad expressed hope that the resort would be completely plastic free within a year. Even achieving 50 percent of that ambitious target would be a huge milestone for the resort as well as to entire the tourism industry of the Maldives, he added.
“We’re here as guests. And as guests, we’ve to take care of the environment and leave it behind as it is for our future generations,” Jonas said.
“This will be a team effort. We can achieve it with the help of each and every member of our team. We’ll also welcome any initiatives that will help us achieve this goal. So, if you’ve any ideas, please do share them with us.”
General Manager Jonas Amstad distributes reusable flasks to team members. PHOTO/ LUX*
As part of the ambitious plan, Executive Housekeeper Amarajith Ranaweersingha unveiled a specially-made reusable garbage bag to be used by housekeeping staff. The bag, sewn in-house, will replace the 22,000 single-use plastic bags used per annum by the room attendants.
“We’re in the process of sewing these bags. Once we’ve enough bags, our housekeeping staff will entirely shift to these bags. Each bag will last five months,” Amarajith said.
Executive Housekeeper Amarajith Ranaweersingha (L) shows a specially-made reusable garbage bag to be used by housekeeping staff. PHOTO/ LUX*
Executive Chef Dave Minten also announced a plan to set up an organic vegetable farm on the island, in partnership with an international company. The hydroponic farming system would be built inside a 40-foot shipping container, and would produce about two to four tonnes of vegetables and herbs per year, he added.
“When we airlift a lot of expensive vegetables and herbs, they come in styrofoam boxes and with plastic wrapping. Our island farm will not only provide our guests with fresh farm-to-table dishes, but we’ll also be able to eliminate a lot of plastic,” Dave said.
Executive Chef Dave Minten announces plans to set up a vegetable farm on the island. PHOTO/ LUX*
Meanwhile, Director of Engineering Paul Smith Rose revealed an upcoming solar power project that aims to provide at least 30 percent of the resort’s energy from renewable sources by 2019. Installation of solar panels is expected to begin in December, with them up and running early next year, he added.
“Our plan is to produce over one megawatts of power from solar panels installed on the island as well from those floating in the sea. In the first phase, at least 500 kilowatts will be produced,” Paul said.
Regional Director of Training, Development and Quality Assurance Hussain Afeef speaks at the ceremony. PHOTO/ LUX*
Under the year-long plan, LUX* South Ari Atoll has also discontinued the use of single-use, plastic drinking straws. Guests are now served drinks without any straws; if they request for a straw, eco-friendly paper straws are provided instead of plastic.
While plastic is one of the most defining inventions of our time, its negative environmental impact is undeniable. Globally, 300 million tons of plastic are produced on an annual basis and around 8.8 million tons are dumped into the oceans.
The problem is found in every known ecosystem and at every level of the food chain. If current marine pollution trends continue, the oceans will contain more plastic than fish by the year 2050.
The latest initiative is amongst a number of green projects undertaken by LUX* South Ari Atoll. The resort teamed up with local telecom giant Dhiraagu last year to launch a campaign aimed at replacing all plastic bags used by staff members with reusable bags.
These green initiatives by LUX* South Ari Atoll are part of a wider commitment by parent company LUX* Resorts and Hotels.
The Mauritius based hotel chain was recently recognised for its voluntary commitment to invest in sustainable tourism projects, with flagship initiatives such as Tread Lightly by LUX* and Ray of Light by LUX* where it goes beyond legal compliance to protect the environment and uplift host communities.
Cutting-edge designer villas and world-class dining can be found only a 30-minute seaplane flight away from the main Velana International Airport, making LUX* South Ari Atoll one of the most exciting resorts in the Maldives.
With 187 private villas dotted at the water’s edge along four kilometres of powder fine beach or perched on stilts above a crystal clear lagoon, these spacious pavilions and villas bring an entirely original vibe of coastal, beach house chic to the Maldives.
Excellent eating and drinking is always a cut above the rest at LUX*, and at LUX* South Ari Atoll, there is authentic South East Asian street food in the Maldives’ only over-the-water gourmet night market and world-class Chinese cuisine at East, along with the Japanese restaurant Umami, which offers live teppanyaki and dazzling selection of sakés.
While the resort has a PADI-certified dive centre, two infinity pools, a floodlit tennis court, a fitness centre and a renowned spa which hosts a wellness concierge and a menu of indulgent treatments, what sets the property apart from its neighbours are surprises, or better known as #ReasonstogoLUX. Designed to create lasting memories for guests, these ‘reasons’ can range from island-roasted coffee in Café LUX* to impromptu movie screenings at cinema paradise and the chance to hang your wishes on the Tree of Wishes.
Six Senses Laamu has introduced 17 new overwater villas across four accommodation categories as part of a multi-year transformation programme aimed at upgrading guest accommodation and shared facilities at the resort.
The new villas feature expanded living spaces, redesigned interiors and additional amenities, while maintaining the resort’s focus on marine conservation and its surrounding natural environment.
The interiors incorporate a coastal colour palette featuring white and neutral tones alongside shades of blue inspired by the surrounding lagoon. Natural materials are used throughout the villas, including driftwood coffee tables, handcrafted hanging lamps and decorative features.
A notable design element is a textured surface pattern inspired by the structure of a turtle shell. The design references the hawksbill and green turtles found in the waters surrounding the resort, reflecting Six Senses Laamu’s marine conservation initiatives.
Each villa features panoramic windows overlooking the ocean, alongside indoor seating and dining spaces.
Outdoor amenities include an 18-square-metre private swimming pool, an overwater hammock, dining and lounge areas, and an upper deck offering views across the lagoon. The villas also feature bathtubs positioned to provide ocean views.
The four new accommodation categories are Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool, Laamu Water Villa Suite with Pool, Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool and Family Water Villa with Pool.
All four categories offer expanded interiors, dedicated seating and dining areas, additional wardrobe space and outdoor decks.
The Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool is designed to provide uninterrupted views of the ocean horizon.
The Family Water Villa with Pool is a new accommodation concept for Six Senses Laamu, featuring a separate children’s bedroom with an adjoining bathroom.
The family villas also include private pools and outdoor decks, providing shared recreational spaces alongside separate accommodation areas for children.
Families staying in the new villas can participate in the resort’s Junior Marine Biologist programme, which introduces younger guests to marine life and conservation activities.
The introduction of the new accommodation categories marks the first phase of a wider redevelopment programme at Six Senses Laamu.
The multi-year project will include further improvements to guest accommodation and shared facilities, while retaining the resort’s existing marine conservation programmes, house reef and environmental initiatives.
The 17 new villas will be available for stays from 6 December 2026, with rates starting from USD 2,185 for an Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool.
.Here Baa Atoll has received three awards at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026, including the title of World’s Best Luxury New Resort.
The private island retreat was also recognised as Best Luxury Private Island Resort in the Indian Ocean and Best Luxury Boutique Resort in the Maldives.
Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll comprises nine residences across two secluded islands, Somewhere and Nowhere. The resort focuses on providing private accommodation, personalised services and experiences tailored to individual guest preferences.
The recognition as World’s Best Luxury New Resort marks a significant achievement for the property, which has positioned itself within the ultra-luxury hospitality segment since its opening.
At Somewhere, the resort offers three- and four-bedroom residences combining beachfront accommodation with overwater architecture. The residences feature indoor and outdoor living spaces, private infinity pools and views of the Indian Ocean.
Guests are supported by dedicated Roohu hosts, who coordinate services and experiences according to individual requirements throughout their stay.
Nowhere Private Island offers an eight-bedroom private island accommodation option designed for families and groups seeking exclusive use of the facilities.
The island features a private cinema, spa, gym, swimming pool and dedicated dining and entertainment spaces. Guests can also arrange personalised culinary experiences and other activities during their stay.
The resort’s dining offerings include SAFAR Restaurant and private dining experiences tailored to guest preferences.
Marine excursions are also available aboard the resort’s private yacht, ASMAS, allowing guests to explore the surrounding waters and marine environment of Baa Atoll.
The resort operates under its Embrace the Now philosophy, which focuses on personalised experiences and allowing guests flexibility in how they spend their time on the islands.
The three awards add to several international recognitions received by .Here Baa Atoll in 2026.
These include its inclusion in the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List, two awards at the AHEAD Asia Awards, recognition in DestinAsian’s Luxe List and a place among the top resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.
The World Luxury Hotel Awards recognise hotels and resorts across various categories based on their luxury hospitality offerings, service standards, design and guest experiences.
The latest awards recognise .Here Baa Atoll’s accommodation, facilities and personalised hospitality services within the luxury tourism sector in the Maldives and the wider Indian Ocean region.
Milaidhoo Maldives’ overwater Serenity Spa has received the Best Hotel Spa award at the 2027 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, recognising the resort’s personalised wellness services and spa experiences.
The awards ceremony was held at The Montcalm Mayfair in London on Monday, 2 November 2026. Milaidhoo Maldives was represented by Georgie Westley, Corporate Director of Marketing and Communications at Versa Hospitality, alongside representatives from ROVE PR UK.
Located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Serenity Spa offers a range of wellness treatments and services in an overwater setting.
The spa provides personalised wellness programmes supported by an on-island wellbeing consultant, daily yoga classes and an extensive selection of treatments designed to meet individual guest requirements.
Guests can receive treatments at the overwater spa or in the privacy of their villas. The treatment menu includes massages, beauty therapies and specialised wellness treatments incorporating advanced technologies.
Among the technologies available at Serenity Spa are the LYMA Laser, Archedaway Cupping Therapy and M2T Blade. The spa also uses products from wellness and beauty brands including Natura Bissé, Aromatherapy Associates, Obsidian for Men and Margaret Dabbs.
Milaidhoo Maldives incorporates wellness into other aspects of its guest experience, including its culinary offerings. The resort’s approach includes meals prepared using fresh ingredients from its Chef’s Garden, alongside daily yoga sessions and activities centred on relaxation and wellbeing.
Paul van Frank, General Manager of Milaidhoo Maldives, said the award recognised the spa team’s commitment to delivering personalised services.
“We are incredibly proud of this recognition. Our Serenity Spa is a special part of the Milaidhoo experience and our team, the Milaidhoo Family, takes great care to ensure every guest receives the attention and personalisation they deserve. From expert treatments to the simple pleasure of taking time for yourself, we want guests to leave feeling refreshed and reconnected,” he said.
The recognition highlights Milaidhoo Maldives’ wellness offerings, which combine spa treatments, specialist therapies, personalised services and wellness-focused dining experiences.
The resort continues to incorporate wellness into its hospitality offering through its Serenity Spa, culinary programmes and recreational activities.
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