As one of the first nations to raise the alarm on climate change and advocate for global action, the Maldives has long stood at the forefront of environmental stewardship. At The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives – tucked into the pristine Raa Atoll – the team embraces this legacy with pride and purpose, taking its role as caretaker of this fragile paradise seriously. The resort’s newest sustainability initiatives demonstrate a continued commitment to innovation, responsibility and leadership in eco-conscious hospitality.

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Brewing a Better Future

The Standard Huruvalhi Maldives is proud to be the first resort in the country to introduce a revolutionary capsule-free coffee system now featured in all guest villas. This groundbreaking technology uses ground coffee pressed into compostable balls entirely free of aluminum and plastic that break down naturally in garden soil within weeks. It is a small shift with big impact. By eliminating thousands of single-use capsules every year, the resort is cutting a major source of non-biodegradable waste while enhancing the guest experience with high-quality, guilt-free coffee.

It's more than a convenience. It is a clear example of how luxury hospitality can adopt smart and scalable solutions that respect the environment. In alignment with this move, all takeaway packaging at the resort has also been transitioned to 100 percent paper-based materials, fully eliminating single-use plastics from food service operations and reinforcing a long-term commitment to sustainability across every touchpoint.

“This initiative removes an estimated 25,000 capsules annually from our waste stream – a significant reduction in non-biodegradable garbage and a bold shift toward more circular, sustainable practices” said Justin Swart, General Manager. “As the first resort in the Maldives to adopt this system, we’re not just serving better coffee – we’re setting a new standard for how luxury and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”

“Every small change we make — whether in the villas, the laundry, or the products we use — is a step toward protecting this beautiful island we call home” said Ismail Moosa, Executive Housekeeper. “It’s not just about sustainability; it’s about leaving the Maldives just as pristine for future generations to experience and cherish”

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Pushing The Standard even further

Sustainability at The Standard Huruvalhi Maldives is not a fixed goal but an evolving mission. With more innovations already underway, the resort continues to find new ways to reduce its environmental impact while elevating the guest experience. Each initiative, from eliminating plastics to generating solar power and sourcing locally, reflects a broader ambition to define what responsible luxury means in the Maldives today and in the years ahead.

Powering paradise with the sun

The resort recently installed a solar photovoltaic system that is already delivering significant results. The 365 kW system has, to date, generated 1,241,169 kWh of renewable energy, reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 1,237 tons, and saved an estimated 335,451 liters of diesel. With a real-time diesel offset of 1.65 liters per minute, the system meaningfully reduces the resort’s reliance on fossil fuels and reinforces its drive toward a carbon-conscious future.

Culinary sustainability in action

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Extending sustainability from the rooftop to the kitchen, the culinary team has launched a range of eco- forward practices, including a dedicated plant-based menu at Joos Café that champions both wellness and environmental consciousness. Weekly zero-waste buffet days allow guests to enjoy thoughtfully planned meals that minimize waste through precise portioning and creative repurposing. Meanwhile, team members are served delicious zero-waste lunches three times per week in the canteen, cultivating a culture of mindful consumption across the board.

Bottling better choices

Further advancing its sustainability efforts, the resort has also implemented an in-house water bottling plant, replacing plastic bottles with elegant, refillable glass ones. This system reduces plastic waste, simplifies logistics, and enhances the guest experience, all while supporting long-term environmental goals without compromising on quality or style.

Sourcing smarter, together

Underpinning these efforts is a finely tuned procurement strategy. By prioritizing ingredients like reef fish, octopus, lobsters, kopifai leaves and screwpine from local sources, the resort supports nearby fishing and farming communities while lowering its transport-related emissions. Strict adherence to Maldivian fishing regulations – such as ensuring lobsters under 0.8 feet are not purchased – safeguards marine ecosystems and promotes sustainable harvesting.

“Whether it’s reducing plastic, switching to solar, or completely rethinking something as simple as a cup of coffee, we are committed to doing the right thing,” said Justin Swart, General Manager. “Our guests expect more, and so do we.”

For more information about The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, please visit https://www.standardhotels.com/maldives/properties/huruvalhi.