LUX* South Ari Atoll has become the first ever resort to join the Maldives Association of Tourism Professionals (ATP) in its campaign to ban single-use plastic in the Maldives.

Considered one of the leading sustainable resorts in the Maldives, LUX* South Ari Atoll already has a ban on single-use plastic straws and bags throughout the resort, as well as plastic bottles in the guest areas. The resort plans to ban all single-use plastics by the end of 2019, including all plastics bottles even in the staff area.

“We are proud to be the first resort to partner with ATP and we appreciate their support and commendable work across the Maldives in pledging to ban single-use plastics. This is so important to Maldives as a powerful tourism destination,” Jonas Amstad, General Manager at LUX* South Ari Atoll, said.

ATP notes the support received by the team at LUX* South Ari Atoll, especially that of the Regional Director of Training, Development and Quality Afeef Hussain, who has assured that LUX* will continue to minimise its carbon footprints.

The latest green initiative by LUX* South Ari Atoll follows a recent launch of 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.