Meaningful Journeys: Exploring with Purpose at Marriott Bonvoy's Exquisite Resorts in the Maldives

Go no further if you want to practise sustainable dining even while you're in the middle of the ocean or if you want to stick to your diet regimen. By working with renowned vegan chef and champion of sustainable food, Chef Priyanka Naik, W Maldives is raising the bar for its culinary offerings. Together, they have developed a pop-up menu that will only be served at the resort until October 2023. The menu is sure to lure not only vegans but also non-vegans to give it a try with a focus on local and sustainably produced products, while retaining a sleek presentation and robust flavours true to the brand.

The opulent amusement park in North Ari Atoll has also teamed up with avant-garde Hong Kong swimsuit brand Mazu Resortwear to produce distinctive patterns with a strong message. The team's dedication to rescuing the ocean since 2021 is the inspiration for the limited edition swimsuit collection, which is made out of rescued plastic bottles. To decrease plastic waste, the resort also provides bathroom supplies in refillable bottles.

The beautiful Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, situated on a natural island, is surrounded by an amazing variety of over thirty species of plant life and is home to 630 palm trees, which absorb significant amounts of carbon dioxide to slow global warming. No natural resource is wasted, whether it be the fragrant Tulip Tree or the tropical Coconut Tree, since the tree's falling branches are used to construct boats and other items. A number of trees that are not only lovely but also have significant cultural and medicinal worth can be found by visitors as they tour the resort. One such tree is the Ficus benghalensis, also known as the Banyan Tree. In addition to its bark, leaves, fruits, and latex, which are all utilised in traditional medicine, this tree's broad canopy offers protection from the intense sun. The Ficus religiosa, sometimes referred to as the sacred fig or bodhi tree, is another tree that can be found. Up to 1500 years in life expectancy, it is revered in Indian culture. Building boats and cabinets can be done using the adaptable wood from the tamanu tree, Calophyllum inophyllum.

In an effort to promote reef ecosystems and produce new coral, the Adopt a Coral project at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa allows visitors to take part in the entertaining and engaging coral-fragment plantation exercise. The resort has partnered with Reefscapers, an organisation dedicated to coral propagation, which the Maldivian government designated as stewards of the coral colonies in the Gulhi Falhu lagoon that were planned for destruction as part of a reclamation project. The 250 locals, whose only previous source of work was fishing, now have access to an alternative enterprise thanks to the activity's experienced leadership and hands-on learning opportunities. A significant development in the resort's coral propagation project, which began in February 2020, was the observation of coral spawning. Almost 6,000 pieces of coral from 15 distinct species have been transplanted so far. Participants in the Adopt a Coral programme also get frequent information on the condition and development of the coral they planted to monitor its development.

As part of its sustainability effort, the resort also manages its own "water bottling plant initiative," which is committed to eliminating significant quantities of plastic bottles from the property. This project, which is a part of Marriott International's larger "Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Way" campaign, is a crucial part of the property's commitment to safeguarding and preserving its environment through regular operations. The five-star resort's one-of-a-kind outdoor gym is the epitome of creativity and sustainability. Because to the gym's use of recycled materials in its construction, fitness aficionados may burn off some energy while minimising their environmental impact. Each piece of exercise equipment, made from wood from downed trees, offers a tale of sustainability and environmental awareness.