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3 Maldives resort to make your travel more meaningful
The Maldives is all about the sun, the sand, and the sea, right? Yes, and no.
It is a tropical paradise known for its luxurious and idyllic setting, pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and abundant marine life. Attracting visitors worldwide, it is a popular destination for honeymooners, beach lovers, and diving enthusiasts.
But besides all the glam and glory, the Maldives is also where you can embark on meaningful adventures and positively impact the local environment and communities.
In recent years, the Maldives has faced environmental challenges due to rising sea levels and coral bleaching. The government has been actively promoting sustainable tourism and protecting the fragile ecosystem.
You can be a part of responsible travel and sustainable tourism with these three resorts at the Maldives. They offer different eco-activities that can make your travel to the Maldives more meaningful and memorable.
Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa
Best for: animal and marine life lovers
The resort has partnered with its dive partner, Sub Oceanic, to produce a range of immersive conservation initiatives, led by the resort’s marine biologist. Through these programmes, you can learn about key environments that make up the Maldives’ delicate ecosystem. You’ll be awarded a certificate when you complete four out of six hands-on modules: Seagrass Hopper, Mangrove 101, Reef Explorer, Turtle Quest, Ray Bay, and Build A Coral Reef.
Your participation in the programmes will contribute to the ongoing research required to conserve and care for the delicate ecosystem. This includes identifying coral, turtles, rays and sharks, and monitoring their health over time.
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa
Best for: snorkelling and diving enthusiasts
In partnership with Reefscapers, the resort has a coral-fragment plantation activity that promotes reef habitats. Coral reefs are not only a beautiful sight, but they are also essential in providing food and protection for marine life. But due to climate change and rising sea temperatures, these coral reefs are losing their vibrancy to bleaching and are gradually deteriorating and dying.
By planting coral fragments on a frame, you are essentially aiding corals’ reproduction as they mature into new colonies in the resort’s lagoon. You can also snorkel to visit the underwater sites of the coral programme to see the marine life flourishing around these coral frames.
In addition, your participation in the coral-fragment plantation activity will provide employment for 250 local inhabitants on an island in Baa Atoll called Fulhadhoo, where the coral frames and designed and made.
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort
Best for: culture and traditions fanatics
The resort is offering Liye Laajehun (Maldivian lacquer handicraft) workshops with the help of local craftsmen, where you can try your hand at the intricate craft. Traditional arts and crafts, like wood carving, are on the verge of disappearance as industrialisation and diminished interest overtake the current society. The number of artisans who practise these traditional art forms is getting scarce.
But you can help keep such traditional art forms alive by joining the workshop, where you can observe the craftsmen work and work on your own lacquerware. This will help to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Liye Laajehun for future generations. You can also buy crafts and support the local economy.
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives will mark the festive season with a programme that combines charitable initiatives with its sustainability commitments. Guests will be invited to donate, run, paddle and plant in support of local community and environmental projects, alongside dining experiences that highlight Maldivian produce.
Under its World of Care commitments, the resort has adopted initiatives to improve the school experience for children at R. Maduvvari School on the neighbouring island and to protect the surrounding marine ecosystem. Participation in the season’s activities will contribute directly to these programmes.
From 25 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, guests may purchase wrapped gifts from a Christmas Charity Surprise Tree, with all proceeds directed to the resort’s charitable causes.
On 27 December 2025, Euro Divers will lead a coral-planting session within the house reef. The activity forms part of an ongoing conservation effort to strengthen reef resilience by increasing coral diversity through the careful planting of hardy coral fragments.
Seasalt restaurant will host a “Boat to Table” beachfront barbecue on 28 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. The buffet will feature seafood such as giant tuna sashimi, ceviche and grilled fish prepared from the day’s catch supplied by local fishermen, reflecting the resort’s focus on local sourcing and support for the Raa Atoll community.
A Charity Kayak Race will take place on 30 December 2025 and 5 January 2026. Entry will be by voluntary donation, with funds supporting enhancements at the R. Maduvvari pre-school.
On 2 January 2026, the programme will conclude with a Charity Island Fun Run around the island. Branded t-shirts will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the resort’s community initiatives.
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has received three titles at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, named Luxury Adults Only Resort, Luxury Island Resort, and Luxury Cultural Resort in the Indian Ocean.
The awards highlight the brand’s focus on locally rooted hospitality, with stays shaped by place, service and community. The resort presents Maldivian culture through curated experiences, pairing contemporary comforts with island traditions.
Positioned as an adults-only retreat, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo integrates culinary influences and cultural programming to offer guests a stay informed by the rhythm of local life and delivered with consistent service standards.
“These awards are a true reflection of our team’s passion for creating experiences that feel both local and memorable. Every detail, from the design to the service, is guided by the authenticity that defines Mercure. We are grateful to our guests for being part of this journey,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, honouring properties that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and celebrate diversity across the travel sector.
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has received three honours at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, securing titles for Best Luxury All-Inclusive Hotel, Best Luxury Wellness Hotel, and Best Luxury Family Hotel in the Indian Ocean.
The awards underscore the resort’s approach to experience-led hospitality, combining design, wellbeing and guest engagement. The recognition also reflects Pullman’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, which sit at the centre of the brand’s strategy.
Since opening, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has developed an all-inclusive offering that brings together adventure, wellness and a close connection to the natural environment. Its portfolio includes an underwater villa, wellness concepts and family-oriented experiences.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition at the 2025 World Luxury Awards. These awards celebrate the heart of what we do—creating inspiring moments for every guest, whether they come to reconnect, recharge, or simply play. This achievement belongs to our incredible team, whose passion and dedication make Pullman Maldives Maamutaa what it is today,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, highlighting hotels that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and demonstrate innovation in service and design.
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