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The resort has its own 5 star PADI dive center and guests can indulge in scuba diving at one of the healthiest and diverse house reefs in the South Male atoll with glorious coral teeming with colorful fish and marine life.

Graham Kiy, General Manager at Jumeirah Vittaveli said, “We are delighted to be recognized for this prestigious award. Here at Jumeirah Vittaveli all our colleagues place such a high importance on working towards a more sustainable future, particularly in the Maldives, where it is essential to increase the awareness of sustainability and protecting the environment we live and work in.”

Jumeirah Vittaveli has a comprehensive Sustainability Management Plan.

Daily and monthly monitoring of all energy and water consumption is in place with targets set at a 3% reduction rate for this year. Energy saving initiatives include the purchase of energy efficient equipment when available, the installation of LED lighting throughout the property and timer controlled outdoor lighting. To further reduce electricity usage staff turn off meeting room lighting and equipment, and shut down back of house computers when not in use.

Water saving strategies have been implemented such as the installation of dual flush systems in all toilets and low flow kitchen faucets and showerheads. Guests are also encouraged to reuse bed linen and towels. In the resort’s gardens only native plants or drought resistant plants are grown in landscaped areas to minimize water use. In addition, any watering required occurs during early morning or evening to avoid water evaporation.

To reduce its carbon footprint the resort has its own in-house water bottling plant that saves approximately 100,000 plastic bottles a year. Eco-friendly products are preferred that have a minimum impact on the environment such as Fair Trade or eco-certified items. Biodegradable detergents are utilized and every wash only run when the washing machines have a full load. And to reduce wastage, items are bought in bulk while bathroom amenity dispensers are refilled minimizing the generation of plastic waste. Furthermore, fish suppliers use reusable containers provided by the resort and there are plans to implement this with produce suppliers in Male.

Jumeirah Vittaveli’s innovative sustainable communication tool is its Green Book where guests are educated on local history and culture as well as encouraged to take an active role in protecting the reef and the island’s eco-system. By refraining from stepping on coral or removing shells from the beach guests contribute to the survival of the surrounding fragile environment. Other social initiatives include tree planting, beach clean ups and participation in the Maldives National Coral Reef Monitoring Framework.

Through collaboration with regional suppliers and businesses the resort also contributes to the economy of neighboring islands. Jumeirah Vittaveli Maldives “buy green” to stimulate the market demand for green products and services. Local, organically grown fruit and vegetables sourced by the resort’s kitchens include watermelons, kullafilla (local lettuce), copi fiy (leafy greens), papayas and kurumba (coconuts). Freshly caught fish and lobster are also provided daily by fishermen. Finally, local culture is supported from arrival at the resort where indigenous drummers greet guests to Special Maldivian themed nights and the sale of local handicrafts.