The Maldives and its Eco-conscious Resorts
What kind of Maldivian Traveller are you?
This was the question on my mind before I set off to visit the Maldives, a destination that had been on my bucket list for as long as I could remember. With picturesque beaches and world-class diving, this tropical paradise promises an experience like no other. The Maldives hardly needs an introduction! It is a spectacular archipelago in the Indian Ocean, comprised of 26 Atolls and over 1,000 coral islands, known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and luxurious resorts.
But with so many incredible resorts to choose from, how do you find the right one? I was lucky to experience two amazing resorts, each with a unique vibe!
My adventure began at Malé International Airport, where I hopped on a seaplane to one of the Maldives’ northern gems, Dhonakulhi Island and the Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. As I sipped coffee and nibbled on snacks in the luxury lounge, watching seaplanes come and go, I could already feel my holiday experience settling in. The hour-long flight over shimmering Atolls was simply unforgettable!
Upon arrival, the warm smiles of the resort staff welcomed me and I could instantly feel the island’s welcoming energy. If you crave privacy, space and a deep connection with nature, then Hideaway Beach Resort is your ideal destination.
As I strolled through the lush greenery and tropical flora lined path, making me feel like I was living out my Moana fantasy. Many Maldivian islands are small enough to circle in 20-minutes, but Hideaway was spacious enough for leisurely bike rides and buggy adventures. Wandering along the verdant trails to my villa was like stepping into paradise. And let me tell you, arriving at a luxury villa elevated my entire experience!
On my first day, I tossed my fins into a basket, hopped on a bike, and set out to explore. Hideaway’s villas are some of the largest in the Maldives, complete with private pools and direct access to untouched beaches. They also have smaller Maldivian-style villas tucked away in palm groves, offering perfect solitude. Strolling along stretches of beach with no one in sight felt like my little slice of paradise. The staff were attentive yet discreet, like guardian angels there when needed, but they always respected my privacy.
Dining at Hideaway Beach Resort was a feast for the senses. Each meal was crafted from fresh, local ingredients and enjoyed with stunning ocean views. From seafood and coconut curries to sushi, Thai and Indian dishes…every bite felt like a taste of exotic bliss.
Though the resort was quiet and serene, there was no shortage of activities. From Padel and golf to thrilling water sports like jet skiing and kayaking, there was something for everyone. Snorkelling and diving opened up a new world, revealing the vibrant marine life that makes this destination special.
I was eager to explore the underwater world! With my mask and fins in hand, I dove into the sea, and from the very first glimpse. I knew it would be spectacular. Just off the island, Hideaway Beach Resort boasts a mesmerising deep channel with a coral wall bursting with marine life. Snorkelling along these walls, I swam alongside turtles, stingrays and friendly reef sharks. Each dive felt like stepping into a majestic underwater paradise. Scuba diving took the experience even further, allowing me to connect intimately with the ocean. As we hopped on the boat to visit nearby dive spots, I was blown away by how healthy and beautiful the corals were, teeming with life, including manta rays, sharks and turtles.
On my last day, we wrapped up the trip with a sunset cruise on a luxury yacht. As we sailed away from the island, sipping cocktails and soaking in the sunset, we were treated to a playful school of dolphins. This was a particularly magical way to end my stay!
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa are our champions of eco-friendly practices. They aim to preserve its stunning environment through a series of different initiatives. The resort uses solar energy to reduce its carbon footprint, bottles its own water to avoid plastic waste and supports local fishermen who employ sustainable methods. Guests are invited to enjoy fresh produce from the Chef’s garden and can join tree planting activities to aid reforestation. Coral care initiatives protect marine biodiversity, while natural materials like coconuts and driftwood are repurposed into crafts. Energy-efficient operations and efforts to minimise waste reflect the resort’s commitment to a greener future where luxury meets sustainability. You can learn more here.
Lily Beach Resort and Spa
Next, I was off to Lily Beach Resort, and I was excited for another seaplane ride…what a treat! Flying over the cigar-shaped island, I noticed it was more compact than Hideaway, with facilities spread out along the length of the island. Just 25-minutes from Malé in the South Ari Atoll, Lily Beach is renowned for its incredible marine life and scenic beauty.
From the moment I arrived, the atmosphere shifted. Guests mingled by the pool, families played on the beach and the atmosphere was lively and friendly. Lily Beach felt more social, like an all-inclusive paradise where everything is taken care of, including; gourmet dining, unlimited drinks, excursions and even spa treatments. If you’re looking for a vacation where your biggest concern is which cocktail to order next, this is your spot! Childcare services mean parents can relax while the kids embark on their own adventures. Evenings were filled with entertainment, live music and themed nights that made each night a memorable one.
Once again, I found myself in a gorgeous beach villa with a private pool and an open-plan bathroom, complete with a luxurious bathtub. I loved waking up each morning knowing I could stroll straight to the ocean for a refreshing swim to kick off my day. The island was compact enough to cross in 15-minutes, with stunning views around every corner.
No time to waste; it was time for scuba diving! The nearby reefs were rich with marine life, including manta rays and whale sharks. The house reef itself was captivating, wrapping around the island and creating an underwater haven accessible from the beach. I snorkelled and dove here, witnessing everything from turtles to rays and sharks, along with colourful fish. The vibrant house reef alone was worth the dive, but I was eager to venture further for a chance to see mantas and whale sharks.
On one dive, we reached a manta cleaning station and waited, holding our breath in suspense. Just when I thought we might miss them, they appeared! Manta rays glided gracefully above us like gentle giants. It was surreal; I felt both humbled and deeply grateful to be in their presence. Such beautiful animals and adventure not to be missed!
To maximize my chances of spotting more marine life, we joined a popular snorkelling tour to see mantas, whale sharks and dolphins. Just when I thought my trip couldn’t get any better, we saw mantas gliding below us while we snorkelled. We set off in search of whale sharks, navigating strong currents and big waves that made following any sighting a challenge. The first dive revealed nothing, but on the second there it was, a massive whale shark, minding their own business. I held my breath, in anticipation, watching this majestic creature move in slow motion. As the tour ended, dolphins appeared, dancing around the boat. It was a beautiful day!
Travel Matters would also like to acknowledge Lily Beach Resort & Spa’s efforts it places in sustainability. By implementing a variety of eco-friendly ingenuities, the resort is able to reduce its environmental impact. Key efforts include reducing single-use plastics by bottling their own water in glass containers and using paper straws. The resort also prioritises sourcing local fish caught using sustainable "Pole and Line" techniques to maintain fish populations.
Energy optimisation is another important focus. The resort uses energy-efficient appliances and recycles waste heat from generators to heat water. Additionally, the resort's dive team organises regular reef clean-ups and teaches environmental responsibility through PADI courses.
The Verdict: Which Resort is For You?
In the end, I cherished both resorts for different reasons. Hideaway Beach Resort felt like my own private paradise. This resort is an escape to soak in nature and explore without a crowd. Lily Beach Resort, on the other hand, was fun, lively and filled with activities that kept each day exciting. Both resorts offer exceptional beauty, luxury and remarkable experiences in the Maldives. It all comes down to what kind of traveller you are! Are you seeking tranquil relaxation or a vibrant, social escape?
Whichever you choose, the Maldives’ underwater paradise awaits! If you need help picking the perfect resort for your getaway, just reach out and make an Enquiry today! Travel Matters is always on hand to share their experiences.
(This blog has been written by Monika, Travel Matters’ Senior Travel Advisor. She visited the Maldives, with our travel partners Van Isacker Exclusive, in October 2024.)
