If there’s one thing that comes to mind when you think about the Maldives, it’s luxury travel. But also surf. This Indian Ocean paradise features pristine waves and stunning island resorts perfect for solo surfers, honeymooning couples and families alike. Experienced surfers flock here for the renowned quality of waves found in the peak season, while beginners can enjoy the long, peeling rights and lefts that break gently across many spots.
The Maldives is no stranger when it comes to sustainable stays, with many of the newer resorts incorporating eco-friendly principles into their design and operation. For eco-conscious surfers, this means you can score epic waves and stay in unparalleled luxury, all while supporting local conservation efforts and community development projects.
Read on to discover five of the best sustainable Maldives resorts for surfers, all of which take luxury and unforgettable travel experiences to new heights.
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Soneva Fushi is a castaway resort that champions sustainability and has gained renown for its low-key luxury aesthetic and impressive green credentials. Guests are ensconced in thatched mansions dotted amidst the island's lush greenery, with interiors featuring recycled bamboo, eucalyptus wood and vibrant fabrics from Barefoot, a company that employs rural women in Sri Lanka. Even the surf school utilises upcycled equipment so guests can ride the secluded breaks guilt-free.
Every detail of the resort focuses on reducing its environmental impact, from recycling waste into stunning glass artworks to ensuring local and sustainable supply chains. This has allowed Soneva Fushi to achieve the remarkable feat of being a completely carbon-neutral operation, with 2% of room revenue dedicated to offsetting any remaining footprint.
This small fee has made a big impact, channeling crucial funds into the Soneva Foundation to support a diverse array of eco-friendly initiatives. From investing in carbon offset projects to pioneering chemical-free mosquito control, Soneva Fushi has walked the walk when it comes to minimising environmental harm.
As stewards of the Maldives’ fragile marine ecosystems, Soneva Fushi also partners with prominent NGOs to protect biodiversity in the surrounding waters and safeguard threatened marine species. The most ambitious ocean initiative to date by this sustainable Maldives resort is undoubtedly its annual coral propagation program, which regrows 150,000 corals to rehabilitate degraded reefs.
Aside from its sustainability practices, Soneva Fushi offers an escape from the stresses of modern life. Here, shoes are left at the door as guests step into a slower rhythm and disconnect from their devices. The resort's remote location, green philosophy and chic yet laidback aesthetic create the ultimate island retreat to relax, recharge and return to the world renewed.
When it comes to waves, Soneva Fushi offers eco-friendly surfing tours in the pristine Baa and Noonu Atolls. Their experienced local guides will take you on thrilling speedboat rides to reach secret surf breaks that most tourists never discover, all within 30 minutes from shore. The resort is proud to operate the world's first fully sustainable surfing program, providing top-quality surf gear made from recycled materials, rather than new plastics that pollute our oceans.
“Heaven on earth!” - Moath (read more reviews here)
Sustainable Maldives surf resorts
An overwater restaurant surrounded by coral reef at Soneva Jani in the Maldives (photo courtesy of Expedia)
A land of private islands, stilted mansions, and every conceivable shade of blue, Soneva Jani adds her weight to the family name of the Soneva brand in the stunning Noonu Atoll. Interconnected by an extensive network of elevated wooden walkways that wind through the lush foliage, the sprawling villas of this sustainable Maldives resort feature soaring thatched roofs, open-air living spaces, and expansive private decks with infinity pools and breathtaking ocean views. This is a sustainable surf vacation like no other.
With resident experts like marine biologists and astronomers on hand, you'll gain fascinating insights into the marine life below the surface and the celestial wonders above. Aside from its proximity to undiscovered surf breaks, Soneva Jani offers an endless array of activities for discerning travellers and non-surfing family members. You can dine on gourmet picnics on a deserted island, take in a movie at the outdoor cinema or explore the lush jungle interior.
With just 51 overwater villas and seven island residences, Soneva Jani maintains an exclusive atmosphere as one of the world’s lowest-density resorts. Each villa is designed for ultimate privacy and indulgence, providing guests with copious personal space both indoors and out. The overwater villas are particularly impressive, featuring multiple stories with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that provide 180-degree views of the mesmerizing seascape. Sliding doors open onto private pools and sundecks overlooking the translucent lagoon while inside, the villas exude simple elegance with high ceilings, creamy furnishings and intricate woodwork.
But let's talk about the waves. Within minutes of departing the resort by speedboat, the first curls of aquamarine begin to materialise on the horizon. Expect crowd-free lineups and a paradisiacal backdrop that dreams are made of. Best of all, you can ride the waves here with a clear conscience. All equipment is sustainably made from recycled materials, with Soneva operating the world's first completely eco-friendly surfing program.
"Heaven on earth with the best services, delicious food and amazing experiences.” - Marketa (read more reviews here)
Sustainable Maldives surf resorts
An eclectically decorated villa with a plunge pool at Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives (photo courtesy of Expedia)
This luxurious Maldives surf eco-resort is a shining example of sustainable tourism, seamlessly blending barefoot luxury with environmental stewardship. Guests arrive via a scenic 35-minute flight from Male and are immediately immersed in the tranquil beauty of this island paradise. Dotted with lush palm trees and surrounded by a house reef, the resort epitomises a back-to-nature experience.
That being said, the comforts of the 97 beach and water villas are anything but rustic. Thatched roofs and natural wood interiors blend effortlessly with modern amenities, ensuring the resort sits harmoniously within the environment. Many of the villas boast private infinity pools that extend out over the cerulean waters of the Indian Ocean.
Tropicsurf is the team behind wave-hunting at Six Senses Laamu and believes that surfing should be an accessible luxury for all who wish to ride the waves, not merely an extreme sport reserved for the young and daring. If you’re just starting out, they offer lessons focused on building confidence and skills gradually in a judgement-free environment (falling off is all part of the journey here). For those with disabilities, adaptive equipment and specialised training ensure surfing can still be an option. For hardcore surfers, Tropicsurf offers exclusive access to remote, world-class breaks known only by their seasoned guides.
Aside from access to incredible surf, what truly sets Six Senses Laamu apart is its comprehensive sustainability program. The resort is committed to protecting the fragile island ecosystem while benefiting the local community. Much of the produce comes straight from an on-site organic garden or nearby farms and fisheries, with the resort chefs crafting menus around seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Additionally, there are programs for reef restoration, sea turtle conservation and marine education to preserve the underwater world that surrounds the resort. Admirably, Six Senses has gone plastic-free and implements rigorous composting and recycling policies. Not only that but the resort runs on renewable energy from solar panels and desalination plants.
Thanks to these visionary initiatives, guests can rest assured that their stay supports sustainability in a destination known for its breathtaking natural splendour. Six Senses Laamu offers a blueprint for how luxury travel can safeguard the environment for generations to come. This is one eco-friendly Maldives resort not to miss.
"Impeccable service, breathtaking beauty, and attention to detail.” - Ima (read more reviews here)
Eco-friendly resorts in Maldives
A treehouse-inspired restaurant at the eco-friendly Niyama Resort in the Maldives (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Forming part of the remote Dhaalu Atoll, Niyama Resort is an award-winning tropical haven for discerning travellers seeking luxury and adventure. Its eco-friendly villas are perched atop the dazzling waters of the Indian Ocean, with shades of turquoise and cerulean blue stretching as far as the eye can see.
Guests at this sustainable Maldives resort enjoy exclusive access to exquisite coral reefs teeming with life, as well as world-renowned surf breaks just minutes away by boat. While the home break Vodi is regularly outstanding and just a short paddle away, nearby barreling right-handers Mauroofs and Hocus Pocus offer excellent options when Vodi is small. Basically, surfers staying at Niyama Resort are spoiled for choice.
Niyama is beautifully designed to provide a true luxury surfing experience, with unbeatable, personalised service catered to each guest. There are experiences for every type of traveller, from high-thrill water sports to blissfully relaxed days spent lounging on the beach or learning about Maldivian culture through immersive activities. Guests can also enjoy remarkable snorkelling and diving on untouched reefs, as well as wakeboarding, sailing and guided boat excursions.
When it comes to refuelling, this eco-friendly Maldives surf resort boasts seven distinct dining venues, including the world's first underwater restaurant located in a coral reef. All of the villas have private pools and open-air bathrooms, creating a luxurious oasis of privacy and tranquility. In summary, Niyama Resort provides a truly unparalleled tropical surfing retreat.
“An exceptional stay at an exceptional resort.” - Mohammed (read more reviews here)
Sustainable surf resorts in Maldives
An opulent villa with a private pool at Niyama Resort in the Maldives (photo courtesy of Expedia)
EQ Surf Retreat at Muli is a tropical oasis situated amidst the turquoise waters and powdery white sands of the Maldives. This hidden gem of a surfers' paradise perfectly blends sustainable living with luxury accommodations for the ultimate island getaway. This sustainable Maldives resort is much smaller than the others on our list and will appeal to those wanting a more intimate experience.
Guests can choose from nine one-of-a-kind bungalows, each decked out in upcycled vintage furnishings from the 70s, 80s and 90s that lend a retro yet chic aesthetic. Bamboo screens, rattan chairs, teak wood accents and bohemian textiles abound, creating a transportive atmosphere.
By day, riders of all levels can access prime breaks by land or take a 15-minute boat ride to surf at renowned spots surrounded by vibrant coral reefs. The on-site surf guides know the best waves on any given day and ensure guests have an epic session.
Back on shore, nourishing cuisine made from fresh, local ingredients replenishes surf-weary bodies while the sparkling infinity pool beckons. With complimentary use of snorkelling gear, stand-up paddleboards and more, there's no shortage of watersports and adventures.
By fostering sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship, EQ aims to protect the fragile island ecosystem in which it resides while providing a luxurious and mindful retreat dedicated to the surf lifestyle. The days drift by in a blissful rhythm of surf, nourishment and relaxation on this secluded slice of paradise.
Eco-friendly surf resorts in the Maldives
Waves break near the eco-friendly EQ Surf Retreat in the Maldives (photo courtesy of Expedia)