TIME Magazine has named Six Senses Laamu to its prestigious “World’s Greatest Places of 2026” list, recognizing destinations that offer extraordinary experiences, innovation, and meaningful impact around the globe. The accolade highlights the resort’s pioneering marine conservation initiatives and its immersive approach to sustainability-driven luxury in the Maldives.

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“Being recognized by TIME as one of the world’s greatest places is an incredible honor for our team,” said Marteyne van Well, Regional General Manager. “Our vision has always been to demonstrate that hospitality and meaningful environmental stewardship can coexist. This accolade celebrates the dedication of our entire resort team, and local community who work every day to protect Laamu’s remarkable ecosystem.”

Situated in the remote Laamu Atoll, Six Senses Laamu is distinguished by its integration of environmental research into the guest experience. Central to this effort is the Sea Hub for Environmental Learning in Laamu (SHELL), a purpose-built marine research center that hosts resident NGOs and one of the world’s most ambitious resort-based conservation programs.

Through the creation of the Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI) in collaboration with different NGOs, the resort has played a key role in reef restoration and marine research across the atoll. Following the global coral bleaching event of 2024, scientists released three million coral larvae grown in on-site laboratories onto damaged reefs while cloning vulnerable coral species to support ecosystem recovery.

The resort also supports groundbreaking research initiatives across the Laamu Atoll. The Manta Trust has catalogued more than 150 individual manta rays in the region and utilizes the world’s first underwater contactless ultrasound scanner to monitor pregnant mantas, while the Olive Ridley Project leads critical sea turtle conservation programs. Ongoing seagrass research has also identified previously undocumented species and confirmed these ecosystems as vital nurseries for reef fish.

A defining element of Six Senses Laamu is how these scientific initiatives are woven directly into the guest experience. Visitors can explore the laboratories and galleries at SHELL, participate in marine conservation initiatives, dive alongside working biologists, and earn specialty diving certifications focused on manta rays and reef ecosystems.

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Surrounded by turquoise waters, Six Senses Laamu features overwater and beachfront villas built with sustainably sourced materials and is the only five-star resort in Laamu Atoll, Maldives. The resort continues to serve as a model for how hospitality can support scientific discovery and long-term environmental protection while delivering unforgettable guest experiences.