Amilla Maldives, a naturally lush island resort, continues to set a high standard for sustainability in the luxury tourism sector. The resort has received a fourth consecutive Silver certification from EarthCheck, a globally recognized scientific benchmarking and certification body for travel and tourism. Additionally, Amilla Maldives has earned a place in the Forbes Travel Guide’s VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality 2025 programme, making it one of only five Maldivian resorts to achieve this distinction.
The Forbes Travel Guide VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality initiative, developed in collaboration with hotelier and sustainability advocate Hervé Houdré, is designed to establish best practices for eco-conscious and socially responsible hospitality. The initiative focuses on various sustainability pillars, including food and water waste reduction, sustainable amenities, recycling programs, energy efficiency, and community engagement. By joining this elite group, Amilla Maldives demonstrates its commitment to balancing environmental stewardship with world-class luxury experiences.
EarthCheck’s rigorous certification process further validates the resort’s efforts. The accreditation provides a science-based framework that helps travelers make informed decisions when choosing sustainable travel experiences. The resort’s ongoing achievements in reducing its ecological footprint set an example for the broader hospitality industry.
Amilla Maldives has introduced several new sustainability initiatives in 2024, aimed at enhancing guest experiences while reducing environmental impact. These include:
- Eco-friendly Amenities: The resort has partnered with sustainable brands such as 16-69 and Marie-Stella Maris to provide vegan-friendly, refillable luxury toiletries packaged in post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials. Guests are also encouraged to use reusable silicone Rolla Bottles, which they can take home as part of the resort’s effort to minimize single-use plastics.
- Marine Conservation Partnerships: In collaboration with the local NGO Atoll Marine Centre (AMC), Amilla Maldives actively contributes to coral restoration efforts. Guests are invited to participate in coral planting excursions alongside the resort’s Marine Biologist. The initiative also includes a coral frame adoption program, where guests receive regular updates on the growth of their coral structures.
- White-Tailed Tropicbird Conservation: A significant milestone was reached in 2024 when Amilla Maldives partnered with the University of Auckland to study the feeding and migratory behaviors of white-tailed tropicbirds. Using lightweight GPS tags and identification rings, researchers can now monitor these birds more effectively, contributing valuable data to global conservation efforts.
Amilla Maldives integrates sustainability into its culinary offerings through the Homegrown@Amilla and Homemade@Amilla programs. The resort grows a variety of fresh produce, including herbs, vegetables, and mushrooms, in its organic gardens. Additionally, a selection of homemade products such as yogurts, jams, pickles, probiotic sodas, and plant-based milks are prepared on-site, reducing reliance on imported goods and minimizing the resort’s carbon footprint.
These initiatives have yielded measurable results. In November 2024, the resort reported a 48.17% reduction in overall food waste compared to the previous year, along with a 37.5% decrease in food waste per guest. Additionally, the resort has significantly reduced paper consumption, cutting usage from 2,289 reams in 2023 to 1,505 reams in 2024 through digital solutions and eco-friendly alternatives.
Amilla Maldives also prioritizes social responsibility through community engagement programs. The resort has committed to conducting at least one community activity per month. In 2024, these efforts included:
- A clean-up drive on Kihaadhoo Beach and surrounding reefs.
- Supporting local artisans by providing them with opportunities to showcase and sell their crafts at the resort.
- Youth engagement, including hosting three local schools at the Amilla Football Academy.
- Environmental contributions, such as the donation of 1,740 palm trees to Kihadhoo and Maalhos islands.
Looking ahead, Amilla Maldives has ambitious sustainability goals for 2025. The resort plans to implement a food waste management system that converts waste into biogas for use in staff kitchens. Additionally, new glass upcycling projects will further minimize waste and promote a circular economy.
Amilla Maldives’ dedication to responsible tourism continues to earn global recognition, proving that luxury and sustainability can coexist. Through innovative eco-friendly initiatives, conservation efforts, and community engagement, the resort sets a benchmark for sustainable hospitality in the Maldives and beyond. As more travelers seek responsible travel options, Amilla Maldives stands as an inspiring example of how resorts can lead the way in preserving the planet while providing unforgettable experiences.
