June
10
2010
By Greg Sacks
The Maldives are an archipelago of more than 1200 low-lying coral islands, of which only 200 are inhabited. This natural paradise has become a focal point for luxury tourism and environmental research—two pursuits that come together in perfect harmony at Soneva Gili.
When shopping around for a luxury property in the Maldives, expect to be overwhelmed by choice. In my mind, the best properties are true to their destination and embody that spirit and salience of place. At Soneva Gili you will find the highest standard of accommodation and service imaginable, as well as a place that is Maldivian in every way. The 45 villas are all perched over the pristine lagoon (no man-made beaches here) and leverage the wealth of space out here in the middle of the ocean—the villas are absolutely enormous and spaced far apart for privacy. The style is raw and organic—everything conceived and made by hand locally. For me this awareness and attention to detail is the apex of sophistication, but I understand that it's not for everyone. If you like your hotels bold and bombastic, you are best to look elsewhere (call me and I'll suggest some alternatives).
Soneva Gili is also at the forefront of sustainable tourism—not surprising in a country where the highest point is just 8m above sea level and the entire republic is under risk of extinction at the hands of global warming. Having consulted with the world's top environmental scientists and engineers, Soneva Gili delivers award winning service and standards with an acute awareness of the fragile environment in which it exists.
They produce their own water—desalinated, purified and remineralized—and provide it in glass bottles with ceramic stoppers. Food waste is turned into soil fertilizer and gas for cooking. Wood waste from the jungle or carpentry is turned into charcoal for the BBQ. Glass is crushed and used as construction material. Metal is collected and given to recycling companies outside of the Maldives to make money. Construction materials are carefully chosen from renewable resources and crafted by local artisans. Energy conservation measures have been integrated into the architectural design, and the buildings have been integrated into the native surroundings to minimize landscaping. A carbon tax of 2% is added to villa rates to offset flight-related emissions, and up to $80,000 a year is spent on social and environmental issues faced by the country and local communities.
Soneva Gili is the hopeful future of tourism in the Maldives, leading the way with a new definition of intelligent luxury.
Greg Sacks spent part of his honeymoon at Soneva Gili and found himself integrated into the environment there within minutes. Reintegration in Toronto proved significantly more difficult. If you'd like to see what Soneva Gili is all about for yourself, get in touch with Greg, or take a peek at our trip planning site.