By Sandra Johnson
More and more, hotels and resorts are making an effort to do their part for the environment. The lovely Soneva Gili resort in the Maldives is no exception. In fact, this Six Senses hotel has taken going Green a step further by instilling several environmentally-friendly initiatives. The resort aims “to create innovative and enlightening experiences that rejuvenate our guests’ love of SLOW LIFE.” SLOW LIFE stands for SUSTAINABLE – LOCAL – ORGANIC – WHOLESOME LEARNING – INSPIRING – FUN – EXPERIENCES.
Sea water is desalinated through a reverse-osmosis mechanism for drinking and bathing purposes, and is heated by solar energy. The hotel uses laundry detergent that is environmentally friendly. Recycling and composting programs are also in place. Soneva Gili has its own organic vegetable garden, from where ninety percent of the lettuce consumed at the resort is grown. Many other wonderful vegetables are produced in the ever-expanding garden are also enjoyed by guests. Local non-endangered species of fish are caught fresh daily. Therefore, transportation and refrigeration are not required. You won’t find any rainforest teak, coral, or turtle shells used for building or decorative purposes here. What you will find is a coral garden, where baby corals are harvested and replanted on the local reefs to replace those damaged by the extreme water temperatures in prior years. New and used items, such as linens and clothing, are donated to a local orphanage. The orphans are also taught useful life skills to ensure they have a brighter future.
Staff members are required to undergo a “Green Module” on an annual basis, and, for guests, environmental awareness is created through displays, management action and supporting programs. “Knowing what the resort does and what the resort could do to protect the environment and to keep it unspoiled is the first step to minimize environmental damage.”
More information on Soneva Gili’s Environmental and Social responsibility can be found at: http://www.sixsenses.com/soneva-gili/Environment/Environmental-Responsibility.php
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