Sustainability at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort
Sustainability & Community Engagement
At The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact and supporting the community in which we are located. Nestled in Baa Atoll, the Maldives' first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, our Green Globe Certified island resort stands as a beacon of environmental stewardship, where hospitality meets responsibility. Discover a comprehensive array of initiatives spanning from organic farming to marine conservation, and enjoy immersive experiences in nature while knowing your stay is responsibly managed.
In August 2024, we installed 650 solar panels, harnessing the abundant Maldivian sunshine. The initiative has further enhanced energy efficiency through our solar hot water system, which serves our staff accommodation and kitchen facilities, significantly reducing our reliance on traditional electricity sources.
Spanning 1,200 square meters, our thriving green space stands as a testament to our commitment to farm-to-table dining, where we cultivate an array of fresh produce. Through our regular harvests, we maintain a consistent supply of organic ingredients that enhance our guests’ dining experience while reducing our carbon footprint and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
This Maldives resort rebalances the environment to preserve its pristine, untouched charm. Like marine turtles, the wraparound shell allows us to design a double-roof structure that provides continuous natural ventilation, significantly improving comfort.
Our commitment to sustainability extends to the state-of-the-art bottled water plant, which features a comprehensive desalination and bottling process. This facility not only reduces carbon footprint by eliminating the need for imported water but also promotes the use of reusable glass bottles and biodegradable containers, with convenient self-refilling stations established throughout the staff areas.
In partnership with AQUA, our comprehensive marine conservation program encompasses several key initiatives. We conduct weekly marine biology presentations for young guests and implement strict no-touch and no-fin policies to protect our marine ecosystems. At Hanifaru Bay, we support responsible manta ray tourism in collaboration with the Manta Trust, contributing to ongoing research and conservation efforts.
We take pride in our ethical sourcing practices, implementing a strict cage-free egg policy and fostering partnerships with our local fishermen. Our commitment to local sourcing extends to procuring hydroponic vegetables and fruits from nearby agricultural islands, such as Anhenun Fushi and Aidoo, supporting local communities while reducing transportation-related emissions.
Lacquer work, known locally as Liyelaa Jehun, is a wood-carving and lacquer tradition unique to the Maldives. It is now only practiced by a few locals and is at risk of being lost forever. Guests are invited to join an interactive workshop with our local lacquer craftsmen to learn the art and help preserve one of the oldest traditional crafts in the Maldives.
In partnership with our Dive Center partners AQUA, this program offers guests a chance to thoughtfully immerse in the Maldivian way of living. Guests are invited to visit cultural and historical landmarks, family-run and small businesses, local markets, as well as community institutions and educational centers.
This experience takes guests around Miriandhoo Island to discover the area’s rich ecology, environmental significance, and cultural heritage. From guided walks on shaded coastal paths to visits to the resort's renewable energy system, water bottling plant, and composting system, guests have an opportunity to gain practical knowledge of the resort's sustainability practices.
Doing Good in Every Direction