Since 1992, the Green Globe Organization has been committed to a more sustainable tourism and leisure industry. Among other things, the company supports hotels in achieving their sustainability goals, reducing their environmental impact and using resources efficiently. It also promotes environmentally conscious and socially responsible business practices. Anyone seeking certification must also meet the Green Globe Standard. This comprises 44 criteria with over 380 sub-items.

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Since the organization was founded, over 600 hotels, restaurants and tourism companies in 80 countries around the world have met these criteria. There have only been six Maldives resorts with Green Globe certification so far. Now the VARU by Atmosphere joins the ranks of sustainable destinations in the Indian Ocean.

VARU by Atmosphere
Varu by Atmosphere Madivaru, 20050, Maldives
Tel: +960 400-0700
Web: varu-atmosphere.com
Price: Doubles from € 780

Diverse measures

The five-star resort achieved an impressive 86 percent on the Green Globe scale. Mei P Pun, General Manager of VARU by Atmosphere, says: "Sustainability is at the core of our philosophy 'Joy of Giving' and we believe in real, impactful change. Our aim is to provide our guests with an enjoyable stay while respecting the local environment and community." One such measure, for example, is the creation of a coral garden to preserve biodiversity.

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The resort strives to further minimize the impact of its operations on the island's ecosystem. For example, 99% of the lighting is energy-efficient LED lighting, energy comes from solar panels, there's a paperless check-in process, the resort's own kitchen garden and many measures to avoid plastic waste. For instance, the water bottling plant saves more than 100,000 plastic bottles every year. Grey water is used for irrigation and local produce is preferred in the kitchen. The company also participates in reef cleaning campaigns and works with leading recycling companies.

A clear conscience

If guests would like to support the Maldives resort with Green Globe certification in its efforts, they can, for example, opt out of daily towel changes. It's also possible to take part in clean ups. However, the commitment of VARU by Atmosphere also goes beyond externally visible measures. For example, together with an orphanage, it recently organized a special party for 90 children as part of Give Back Day. Maldivian youths are introduced toemployment opportunities in the hospitality industry and during the pandemic, the resort provided essential supplies for the locals.

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Mei explains: "While it's important to set goals, I also believe that the initiatives should be educational, entertaining and purposeful for both guests and colleagues. We hope that our efforts can bring about real change and become the standard of tomorrow." When guests choose a Maldives resort with Green Globe certification, they also experience the wonderful feeling of being able to go on a vacation with a green conscience. It's luxury within luxury, so to speak.

VARU by Atmosphere
Varu by Atmosphere Madivaru, 20050, Maldives
Tel: +960 400-0700
Web: varu-atmosphere.com
Price: Doubles from € 780

Read more: Green Globe certification: sustainability for tourism