By 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.
To date, more than 425 coral frames with nearly 30,000 fragments are being
planted and growing beautifully around the resort’s underwater environment
since the initiative was established in 2020.
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 Calophylluminophyllum, 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.