When Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa welcomes its first guests in September, it will mark the debut of Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts in one of the world’s most fascinating destinations. The 154-villa resort lies secluded in a southern pocket of Lhaviyani Atoll on the natural island of Thilamaafushi; an eco-conscious hideaway of indigenous flora and fauna surrounded by a shimmering lagoon and coral reefs teeming with marine life. To ensure that this biodiversity is not only preserved, but thrives, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is committed to environmental consciousness in line with Marriott International’s ‘Serve 360’ sustainability policy – with a range of pioneering programmes that promote a culture of best practice throughout resort operations:
Restoring and protecting the world’s greatest natural structures
Fringed by a vast lagoon, the coral reef that forms and surrounds the resort islands is one of the most complex ecosystems on earth. But the effects of global warming and rising sea temperatures are putting the coral in danger of bleaching. Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, in collaboration with its dive and watersports partner Sub Oceanic, is monitoring the condition of the reefs around the resort. A coral restoration programme was put in place during construction, involving resort owners, management, dive and watersports operators, and the local community. In addition, coral regeneration will be an important part of the resort’s experiential programme: Educational programmes will target different age groups to raise awareness of the importance of conservation among guests. Regeneration work of hard corals to date has already increased the number of marine life around the resort, particularly reef fish such as surgeonfish, damselfish, angelfish and more
"The Greenhouse": Fresh leafy vegetables from soil to plate
A significant step towards self-sufficiency, "The Greenhouse" is a semi-automated hydroponic system that produces fresh leafy vegetables for resort guests and consumption on neighbouring islands. Developed in conjunction with Singapore-based company Kok Fah Technology Farm, the 500 m² greenhouse uses a range of state-of-the-art technologies, including an automated irrigation system that captures and recycles rainwater. This produces clean vegetables that are free of pesticides, grown in a stress-free environment and particularly nutrient-rich through the use of peat moss. Various leafy vegetables, Maldivian chillies, tomatoes and herbs have already been successfully grown in "The Greenhouse" – the harvest target is about 30 kilograms daily and up to 11 tonnes of vegetables annually. Guests can also get involved: They are invited to do gardening in the greenhouse, and the vitamin-rich leafy vegetables come directly from soil to plate during cooking classes, microgreen planting for kids and culinary experiences such as "the “Harvest Table", a weekly supper club dining experience that spotlights hydroponic farming practices whilst enjoying imaginative dishes with a conscience.
Fresh drinking water from the ocean through reverse osmosis
The resort’s remote location presents a challenge when it comes to fresh water supply; the desalination plant overcomes this by converting seawater into drinking water. Through reverse osmosis, the purified water is available as still and carbonated (sparkling) water. The plant has two separate taps; one provides chilled still water, the other sparkling. The water is then transferred into Le Méridien brand reusable glass bottles to supply the rooms and restaurants. There are two complimentary bottles in each guest villa, which are refilled daily.
From waste to raw material: efficient recycling methods
Food waste is converted into compost in a state-of-the-art facility, which is used throughout the resort’s landscaping. The composting method is an automatic process of dehydration, and microbes decompose the food waste. In the process, the system is self-contained, releasing no odour or visible smoke. This method can compost up to 200 kilograms of waste per day. In addition, the resort uses a glass bottle crusher as part of its recycling and reduction strategy: When bottles are needed for hygiene and storage solutions and there is no alternative way to reuse them, they are crushed to reduce the volume. The ground glass powder can be reused in cement blocks and up cycled into the resort’s art classes.
Harnessing the power of the sun: 480-kilowatt solar panel system
Solar panels were installed on all roofs as well as on the back of the house, in addition to solar-powered lighting along guest walkways at night, helping to significantly reduce dependence on fossil fuels. A total of 1,500 solar panels were installed on the property (320wp per panel). The resort’s solar panel initiative is one of the largest in the Maldives, with a large percentage of the resort’s energy being supplied by solar power. The resort estimates a cost saving of 700 to 1,200 litres of diesel per day for the entire resort or approximately 438,000 litres per year.
The sustainability concept is also reflected in the resort design
Wherever possible, sustainable design practices were used throughout the construction of Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa. One of the most important design factors was to create a resort that does not seem detached from its geographical location, but rather blends naturally into its surroundings. The modern mid-century design is supported by clean lines and the use of new materials to create iconic designs. This idea, coupled with the use of renewable resources, is designed to communicate to guests why sustainable design is so important today and what can be done to contribute to it. Strategic airflow, combined with materials that are socially accessed, is incorporated into both the architecture and interior elements. The resort’s villas, for example, have artificial thatched roofs, as natural straw is flammable and harvested from nature every twelve to 18 months.
More information and reservations online at: www.lemeridienmaldives.com.
Information on Marriott International’s sustainability policy at:https://serve360.marriott.com/.