The Nautilus has established several green initiatives, with our minds ever set on the care and preservation of our exceptional environment, and the future of our planet and its people.
With our ultra-luxe island resort perfectly located in the world-renowned Baa Atoll – a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – we have on our doorstep a constant reminder of the rich wonder of the natural world, of its beauty but also its fragility. Nature conservation is, therefore, something that all of us at The Nautilus take very seriously.
Many guests at The Nautilus share our values in caring for the environment. Therefore, we are taking this opportunity to highlight our green initiatives, and commitment to Mother Nature.
1. A Chemical-Free, Plastic-Free Paradise
On our pristine shores, we focus on replacing plastic with natural and certified sustainable products. Wherever possible, items are supplied unpackaged – or in recycled materials ¬– so that wastage is significantly reduced, with the refuse that is left then recycled.
What’s more, all of our cleaning and laundry products are ocean-approved and free from chemicals, and contaminants are prevented from entering the ocean, thanks to our specialised water and STP plant. In addition, to prevent unnecessary laundering and water usage, we only replace towels and bed linen as per guest specification, and not simply as a daily norm.
2. The Largest Living Wall in The Indian Ocean
20,000 indigenous dhun’gethi bushes make up the largest living wall in the Indian Ocean – a living wall we’re proud to call ours. Six metres high and 330 metres long, it serves a dual function: it offsets carbon emissions and provides a natural privacy screen for our guests, effortlessly incorporated into the private island resort’s design. And, as with all landscaping and gardens across the island, this attractive hedge puts no strain on our water resources; it is watered solely by rainfall and harvested grey water.
3. Coral Reef Rehabilitation and Marine Conservation
The coral reefs of the Maldives are among the world’s finest. These spectacular otherworldly structures comprise almost 200 species of rainbow-hued coral, and 75% of the world’s reef fish (not to mention myriad dolphins and sea turtles) call these waters home. In addition, coral reefs shelter the islands from rough seas and naturally reduce air pollution by absorbing carbon dioxide. Beyond playing such crucial roles within the ecosystem, these gorgeous reefs are one of the principle reasons that our archipelago is such a popular travel destination, and their preservation is thus critical not only in ecological terms, but also in terms of our local economy, where tourism is the largest sector.
Sadly, because reefs have been badly damaged by industrial activities, these marine marvels require much more than preservation; they require restoration through proactive initiatives where coral fragments are reattached to the reef. Coupled with reef rehabilitation is the equally important need to protect the rich diversity of marine creatures – and preserve their population numbers. As such, fishing in our house reef and lagoon is prohibited, and we also dedicate resources to our beloved sea turtles, who are carefully monitored while nesting and afterwards escorted safely back to the ocean.
4. Conscious Cuisine
While seafood is at the heart of Maldivian cuisine – and perfect for tropical holidays – it is vital that the sourcing of this delicacy is 100% sustainable and in total harmony with our treasured marine ecosystem. Fortunately, the Maldives’ traditional fishing methods are naturally ecologically friendly, with low-impact pole-and-line fishing favoured in these waters for centuries and boasting a myriad benefits, such as the prevention of overfishing and the support of local livelihoods. Accordingly, we buy our fish only from trusted fishermen who use these methods.
In addition, many of our vegetables and herbs are grown right here on our island, enabling us to reduce the carbon footprint necessitated by transport and to ensure we have the finest, freshest organic produce always at hand. Hibiscus, lemongrass, mint and chilli are just some of the home-grown ingredients we use in our delicious signature dishes.
Beyond the ongoing initiatives, we strive to continuously search for better alternatives to reduce our impact on the environment. With every action, we contribute to a more sustainable way of living and look forward to a better future as work together to protect the earth we live in.
For your next getaway, go green without compromising on the finer things in life. Get in touch at [email protected] to start creating a world of your own making.