There are about 1,190 coral islands scattered across the Maldives, and with more than 170 transformed into island tourist destinations, it is a fiercely contested market for luxury hotels and resorts.
As more resorts open up on the atolls, scattered across 90,000 square kilometres of this Indian Ocean nation, many are looking to reduce their environmental impact. A 45-minute seaplane ride from the capital Male, Alila Kothaifaru is one of these resorts and a place increasingly turning its focus to sustainable tourism.
With 44 beachside villas in the natural surroundings of lush coconut palms and dense vegetation, the resort's infinity pools peek out from behind tropical bushes onto powdery white sands. They are an invitation to unwind. Alternatively, guests can choose one of 36 overwater villas, each with a private pool and pontoon from which they can take a fresh morning plunge into the crystal clear, turquoise waters.
About 12 per cent of the Maldives is covered in mangroves, which are critical to the survival of healthy island ecosystems. In tune with these natural surroundings, Alila Kothaifaru boasts a simple, modern design and is developing sustainable methods to manage its power and waste.
Currently, 12 per cent is supplied by solar power, but that will double to 25 per cent once phase two of a solar power project is complete later this year. The resort has ambitions to one day be fully reliant on renewable energy. “The biggest impact we can make on positive environment measures is definitely though solar,” said Thomas Weber, the hotel’s general manager. “We are using less diesel, and desalinate seawater, filtering it to produce drinking water.”
Staff also continuously strengthen Alila's thriving house reef by replanting coral fragments grown in an island nursery to nurture the rich diversity of the surrounding marine ecosystem.
The perfect escape
While the pace of life in these beautiful surroundings is somewhat different to the hustle and bustle of the UAE, there is also an opportunity to experience the reality of island life.
Arriving at the island’s jetty, guests are greeted by the sounds of the bodu beru, the traditional Maldivian drum made of wood from a coconut tree. Travellers staying on the island can take up lessons. The ornate instruments are often played in tune to a dance of the same name – the Boduberu – during special celebrations.
It is not just drums that are crafted from felled palm trees. Coconuts are used elsewhere on the island. From making dishes, bowls and plates from their shells, to the twine and rope created from coconut husks – nothing goes to waste.
Another must-do for visitors is a cooking lesson, using locally cultivated ingredients. Kitchens are supplied with the freshest vegetables, herbs and spices homegrown on the island's small subsistence farm, reducing the need for imported food. Meanwhile, compost generated from food waste fertilises the spice garden, providing lemon grass, basil, chilli and rosemary as well as butternut squash, tomatoes and aubergine. A dedicated garden chef offers live cooking demonstrations to bring those ingredients to life, while guests dine outdoors in the garden's beautiful surroundings.
At beachside restaurant Seasalt, breakfast and dinner is served with a spectacular view out to the thriving reef that surrounds the resort. Every Sunday, guests can meet with local fishermen and take their pick from the catch of the day.
Alongside the hotel's green credentials, there is plenty of typical Maldivian luxury to enjoy but also a sense of simplicity that mirrors traditional life in the archipelago. From an afternoon spent painting an island sunset on to a coconut shell, to a game of beach petanque or boat cruise in search of wild dolphins that regularly patrol the surrounding waters – there is an enjoyable escape for any discerning traveller.
And for the ultimate in relaxation, Alila's treetop spa is the perfect spot to unwind in the tranquillity of the leafy canopy and enjoy a range of soothing aromatherapies and massages.
A blue economy
The marine ecosystem in this part of the world is threatened by some 860 metric tonnes of daily waste generated by the scores of hotels across the Maldives atolls, the majority of which is plastic.
Sustainable use of island resources is an important aspect of the ‘Blue Economy’ in the Maldives. It also encourages young people to learn about sustainable practices, like those used on Alila Kothaifaru, and provides jobs for local communities.
In keeping with this ethos, motorised water sports are banned, adding to the island's peace and tranquillity, while fireworks are restricted to cut down on pollution. Laundry operations are done during daylight to maximise solar energy, and an anaerobic digester recycles sewage to create reusable water for irrigation and cut down waste.
“We use reusable glass bottles and only work with suppliers who don't wrap everything in plastic, so there is less waste to manage,” said Weber, who has been working in the Maldives for nine years.
Retaining the islanders' cultural identity is a key facet of this resort, and how it engages with communities living nearby. In the Raa Atoll, nearby Maduvvaree is one of 88 local islands, home to 2,500 people. The island offers an insight into how local Maldivians go about their everyday lives, and is one place where Hyatt runs community support programmes.
Fishing is the main source of income, with 90 per cent of catches exported overseas. But it is not just the lure of a lucrative career at sea that offers opportunity. New avenues are opening up in hospitality and tourism. Local people trained at the Alila resort have furthered their careers in the wider Hyatt group around the world.
Abdulla Haleem is the principal of Maduvvaree school and says that much has changed since he was a boy, growing up in the Maldives. “Back then there were many trees and only a limited number of houses,” he said. “We didn't see any vehicles and would have to leave the island for work.” Today, roads and vehicles have come to the island, but growing tourism also provides more opportunities for those who want to stay here.
Changing climes
As one of the world's lowest lying countries, there is no escaping the fact that climate change is having a major impact on the lives of those living in the Maldives.
Sadha Mohamed, executive secretary at Alila said her generation heard warnings at an early age about the perilous future of the Maldives, due to rising seas and climate change.
“When I was in school we were told that in 20 years we will not be able to live here because of sea levels, but we are still here,” she said. “There's more understanding of these issues now, so we can try to prevent these kind of problems in the future.”
