SUN ISLAND AWARDED MALDIVES LEADING GREEN RESORT IN THE WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS

Villa Hotels & Resorts eco-luxury resort, Sun Island Resort & Spa has been awarded the Maldives Leading Green Resort in the Indian Ocean category at the 29th annual World Travel Awards gala ceremony held in Nairobi, Kenya. Recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of excellence in the tourism industry, the prestigious environmental award is a testament to Sun Island’s sustainable way of life and forward-thinking environmental and ocean conservation initiatives.

Eco barefoot living and a care for the natural environment is woven throughout Sun Island, one of the largest Maldives resorts which lays claim to 1.6KM of pristine sugar white beach studded with coconut palms. Set in the Southern tip of South Ari Atoll, within proximity to the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), the luscious environment provides more than 20,000 coconuts per month and is home to thriving biodiversity and marine life. Nestled by the Indian Ocean, the spacious beach retreat offers guests an abundance of unprecedented privacy to reconnect with nature in luxurious open-air living spaces that flow in harmony with the tropical surroundings.

Sun Island has demonstrated unwavering commitment towards saving energy and water, removal of single use plastics, recycling, and progressing towards carbon neutrality. The eco-friendly resort generates solar energy with over 2,400 solar panels supplying clean renewable energy and drastically helping to reduce the carbon footprint: further affirming the resorts best practices of environmental sustainability in alignment with the prestigious Green-Key certification.

In keeping with a green approach to living, organic vegetables and herbs are grown in thriving botanical gardens, which are picked and served across the variety of restaurants including the signature garden to fork restaurant, Zero, perched high above in the tree top canopy. In addition to the fertile environment, the island is also home to various migratory birds which take shelter within the dense vegetation on the island. Moreover, because of the natural beauty of the island and continued commitment to preserve the fragile ecosystem, Sun Island was recently awarded Leading Sustainable Honeymoon Resort in the Marie Claire UK Sustainability awards.

Protecting the natural ecology of the island and creating a positive impact for the future of the planet are core values and practices at Villa Hotels & Resorts. Sun Island General Manager, Abdulla Fathhey explains the importance of thinking ahead for future generations with regards to protecting and preserving the natural environment at Sun Island.

“The fertile environment we have now at Sun Island is a result of the previous generations. It is very important that when we plant a seed, we should not expect immediate benefits. Rather we must think about planting for the future generation, which will contribute towards a sustainable environment and help reduce the carbon footprint long term. It is our responsibility to educate the younger generation and highlight the importance of taking care of the natural environment for the future of the Maldives and of our planet.”

– Abdulla Fathhey, General Manger, Sun Island Resort & Spa

Eco-conscious travelers are invited to get involved and support the resort’s sustainable initiatives by adopting the eco practices in place, including recycling, saving energy, washing linen only when required, and joining the lagoon and sandbank clean-ups led by the diveOceanus dive center. The opportunity to contribute to conservation activities presents guests with a deeper connection to the rich Maldivian nature.

About Villa Hotels & Resorts

Villa Hotels & Resorts collection of award-winning resorts in the Maldives archipelago includes the adventurous and family-friendly Sun Island Resort & Spa, the All-Inclusive Premium Royal Island Resort & Spa located in the protected waters of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the romantic and luxurious Paradise Island Resort & Spa. Created exclusively for the adventure and luxury market, Villa Hotels & Resorts mission is to create breathtaking moments, extraordinary journeys and lead with exceptional hospitality in each of the iconic islands located in stunning atolls in the Indian Ocean. Celebrated for their spectacular natural beauty, signature experiences and personalized exploration, Villa Hotels & Resorts invite guests to live the adventure with unlimited activities, innovative experiences and authentic culinary journeys for the soul. Discover magical island locations to celebrate life and create unforgettable moments with loved ones on the ultimate barefoot island adventure. More information about Villa Hotels & Resorts is available at www.villahotels.com.