Scattered like jewels across the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is made up of 1,190 coral islands – each a delicate ecosystem, each a postcard-perfect escape. But two islands stand out for more than their beauty.
Landaa Giraavaru, located on the edge of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is a hub of marine conservation and innovation. Kuda Huraa, just a short speedboat ride from Malé, blends traditional Maldivian design with a deep connection to local culture and community.
With a shared commitment to protecting the environment that draws travellers to their shores, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa are showing how luxury and environmental responsibility can coexist, guided by EarthCheck’s internationally recognised sustainability framework.
Surrounded by fragile coral reefs and reliant on finite island resources, these two properties understand that sustainability isn’t optional – it’s essential.
Four Seasons’ journey with EarthCheck began through a connection with the itmustbeNOW movement, which required independent sustainability certification. That initial step quickly evolved into a broader recognition of the value of third-party benchmarking, particularly when tailored to the unique challenges of operating in isolated, resource-constrained island settings.
“The Maldives presents a distinctive environment for resort operations,” says Faisal Ibrahim, Assistant Manager at the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru. “EarthCheck’s standard fits that context well – it’s practical, adaptable, and has helped us maintain a strong compliance culture.”
From the outset, the program was led by a cross-departmental team, including the General Manager and key department heads. Today, sustainability is embedded across operations: 90 per cent of items in the dive shop are either recycled or sustainably sourced; single-use plastics have been phased out in Food & Beverage; and procurement policies prioritise local, ethical suppliers.
In a sector known for high staff turnover, Four Seasons keeps sustainability front of mind through group-wide systems and consistent communication. Corporate-led webinars help align leaders across properties, while regular training and team discussions ensure sustainability remains part of the daily rhythm of resort life.
EarthCheck supports Four Seasons Resorts Maldives in benchmarking its performance against regional peers and global best practices. This includes a focus on key criteria such as:
This process has helped the resorts improve how they collect and use data, especially when it comes to managing waste. By measuring how much waste they produce and how much gets recycled, they have been able to spot problems and find better ways to cut down.
On top of the required benchmarks, the resorts have also chosen to track a few extra indicators through EarthCheck’s MyEarthCheck platform. These are tailored to suit their local environment and needs, including:
In 1998, a severe heatwave in the Maldives caused a mass coral bleaching event. In response, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives launched one of the country’s earliest large-scale coral restoration programs. Using frame-based propagation techniques, the resorts have planted more than 500,000 coral fragments across 9,000 frames since 2001, helping regenerate damaged reef areas and build long-term resilience.
The resorts’ Marine Discovery Centres are at the heart of this conservation work. In 2011, Landaa Giraavaru became home to the Maldives’ first sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation facility. More than 280 turtles have been treated and released to date. The centre also houses a fish-breeding lab focused on sustainable aquaculture – supporting both ecosystem health and alternative livelihoods for local communities.
Key conservation and innovation initiatives include:
Guests are encouraged to get involved through guided snorkelling trips, turtle releases and coral frame building workshops. These hands-on experiences not only offer a deeper connection to the marine environment but also contribute directly to ongoing conservation efforts.
Many of these activities are part of citizen science initiatives, where guests help collect data, monitor coral health or track sea turtle sightings. It is a meaningful way for travellers to give back to the ecosystems they have come to enjoy, creating memories and impact that last well beyond their stay.
“Our team aims to inspire guests, staff and the wider world to learn about our conservation initiatives,” Ibrahim says. “Through immersive experiences such as our marine education programs and hands-on restoration workshops, we strive to ignite a passion in those who visit the Marine Discovery Centre to make lasting impacts.”
Four Seasons also collaborates with local councils, schools and universities to strengthen marine conservation across the region. These partnerships support research, skills training and long-term knowledge-sharing.
Since 2001, the Four Seasons Apprenticeship Program has trained more than 850 young Maldivians. Many of these graduates have gone on to work at the resorts or at other top hotels around the country. The program helps create clear career pathways and builds leadership skills that benefit the wider region.
Guests are invited to experience Maldivian culture through weekly performances by traditional Boduberu drummers and live demonstrations from talented lacquerware artists. These are more than just performances. They are a way to celebrate and keep local traditions alive.
The resorts also work closely with nearby communities such as Thulaadhoo. This includes hosting school visits, buying handmade crafts to sell at the resorts, and involving local residents in education and outreach activities.
With more travellers seeking environmentally responsible experiences, Four Seasons is responding with offerings that blend luxury with purpose. Guests can take part in back-of-house sustainability tours, explore on-site herb gardens, or support long-term coral sponsorship programs. These experiences offer meaningful ways to connect with sustainability during their stay and create a lasting positive impact.
At a time when greenwashing is a growing concern, Four Seasons provides guests with transparency and confidence in their actions. The resorts’ commitment is backed by credible third-party certification, including EarthCheck Silver certification. They are now working towards Gold certification, which recognises properties that meet the EarthCheck Certified Standard for five consecutive years.
“EarthCheck certification sets us apart within the Four Seasons group,” says Faisal Ibrahim. “It reflects decades of commitment, and a belief that responsible travel should be both aspirational and achievable.”
For properties in fragile ecosystems, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives shows how sustainability can shape every aspect of operations. With clear data, a culture of accountability, and deep community ties, a resort can become more than a place to stay – it can become a living example of what’s possible.
Learn more about how the EarthCheck Certified program can help you deliver exceptional, sustainable travel experiences.
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