LUX* South Ari Atoll has received Green Globe certification for the first time.

The Maldives resort joins seven other properties in Mauritius based LUX* Resorts and Hotels’ portfolio that have been awarded the inaugural certification by Green Globe.

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. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe is based in California, US and is represented in over 83 countries.

“The successful certification means our sustainable development strategy initiated years ago is on the right track. It also illustrates the devotion of all our team members to offer quality service while remaining true to LUX* values and ethics, staying committed to good governance, social responsibility, environmental consciousness, promoting equal opportunity alongside respect for human rights,” Paul Jones, Chief Executive Officer of LUX* Resorts and Hotels, was quoted in a statement, as saying.

Good governance, transparency and accountability are at the centre of sustainable development strategy of LUX* and this ensures concrete, measurable actions reported publicly in the LUX* GRI Standards Integrated Annual Reports. External Assurance vouches for the accuracy of all published information. LUX* is part of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Gold Community, shaping the future of International integrated reporting Standards.

LUX* South Ari Atoll is equipped with an on-site Marine Biology Centre to study and protect the native whale shark population. The marine biologist, recognised as a specialist on whale shark protection by Maldivian authorities, educates guests on eco tours and supports ongoing scientific research. Centre staff are integral to removing ghost nets from the sea, which are deadly to many aquatic creatures and have created an artificial reef to support marine life.

The centre supports the Olive Ridley Project (Marine Conservation Charity), Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (Marine Conservation Charity), Manta Trust (Marine Conservation Charity) and Shark Watch Maldives.

LUX* South Ari Atoll has also launched an ambitious year-long plan to combat plastic pollution.

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.