Nestled among the pristine turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean lies the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. The resort is committed to preserving the natural beauty of the island for generations to come and has implemented a series of eco-initiatives to achieve this goal. In an effort to align with Marriott International’s “Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction”, and “Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy” initiatives, the resort has been dedicated to taking steps towards sustainable practices wherever possible.
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa’s coral propagation project is a shining example of its commitment to sustainability. In a stunning display of nature’s resilience, the resort has witnessed coral spawning’s, a testament to the success of its relocation and preservation efforts. Over 6,000 coral fragments from 15 different coral species rescued from Gulhi Falhu, have been given a second chance to thrive and have been transplanted on coral pyramids at the resort. The programme is a result of the property’s partnership with Reefscapers, a coral propagation organization appointed by the Maldivian Government, to protect the marine habitat and restore the coral reefs of the Maldives. Guests staying at the resort can participate in the ’Adopt A Coral’ program, a coral-fragment plantation initiative to restore reef habitats and produce new coral colonies.
The resort is also committed to reducing plastic waste via its innovative water bottling plant initiative. The hotel’s water bottling facility uses cutting-edge reverse osmosis technology to purify seawater, eliminating the need for water transportation from the mainland. The purified water is then bottled in reusable glass containers and made available to guests, reducing the number of plastic bottles used at the resort.
Absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide to decrease global warming, the lush island of the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is surrounded by an incredible array of over thirty species of plant life and home to 630 palm trees. From the tropical Coconut Tree to the fragrant Tulip Tree, no resources of nature are wasted as the tree’s fallen branches are used as building materials for boats and other purposes. As guests explore the resort, they can come across several trees that are not only beautiful, but also have significant cultural and medicinal value. The Ficus benghalensis, or Banyan Tree, is one such tree. Its large canopy provides shade from the hot sun and its bark, leaves, fruits, and latex are all used in traditional medicine. Another tree that can be found is the Ficus religiosa, also known as the sacred fig or bodhi tree. It has a lifespan of up to 1500 years and is considered sacred in Indian culture. The Calophyllum inophyllum, or tamanu tree, has versatile wood used for building boats and cabinets.
The one-of-a-kind outdoor gym in the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is a true embodiment of sustainability and innovation. Fitness enthusiasts can work up a sweat while treading lightly on the earth, thanks to the gym’s construction from recycled materials. With equipment crafted from the wood of fallen trees, every element of the gym tells a story of sustainability and eco-consciousness.
General Manager, Mohamed El Aghoury said: “At Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa, we are deeply committed to preserving the beauty and health of our ocean and island home. We also aim to continue driving these efforts and explore new ways to promote sustainability in our operations. ” Our sustainable initiatives are a testament to our commitment to reduce our impact on the environment and leave a positive legacy for future generations to enjoy.
The resort’s commitment to sustainability extends to its guests’ experiences, with the removal of all disposable plastic straws and stirrers and replacement by stylish paper alternatives. This aligns with Marriott International’s “Plastic Straw Initiative” and reflects the resort’s goal of reducing landfill waste by 45% and responsibly sourcing its top 10 product purchase categories by next year. To further assist in achieving this goal, the resort has implemented an initiative to replace the single use toiletry bottles with larger pump-topped bottles. The team at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is constantly finding new ways to reduce their environmental impact.
Cutting transfer times, the resort offers complimentary boat transfers to and from Male International Airport, a first for the Maldives and only a quick 15-minute journey to the resort. Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is leading the charge in sustainable tourism, setting an example for others to follow. With its coral propagation project, water bottling plant initiative, and eco-friendly initiatives, the resort is making a lasting impact and preserving the beauty of the Maldives for future generations to enjoy.
