Six Senses Laamu has been included in TIME Magazine’s “World’s Greatest Places of 2026” list, recognising destinations noted for their distinctive experiences, innovation, and positive global impact. The accolade highlights the resort’s environmental initiatives and its integration of sustainability within its operations in the Maldives.
Marteyne van Well, Regional General Manager, stated that the recognition reflects the ongoing efforts of the resort team and the local community to protect the atoll’s ecosystem.
Located in Laamu Atoll, the resort incorporates environmental research into the guest experience through the Sea Hub for Environmental Learning in Laamu (SHELL), a dedicated marine research facility. The resort has also established the Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI) in collaboration with various NGOs, contributing to reef restoration and marine research. Following the 2024 coral bleaching event, scientists released three million coral larvae from on-site laboratories onto damaged reefs and cloned vulnerable coral species to support ecosystem recovery.
The resort collaborates with organisations such as the Manta Trust, which has catalogued more than 150 manta rays in the region and uses the world’s first underwater contactless ultrasound scanner to monitor pregnant mantas, and the Olive Ridley Project, which runs sea turtle conservation programmes. Research into seagrass habitats has identified previously undocumented species and confirmed their importance as nurseries for reef fish.
Guests at Six Senses Laamu can engage with these initiatives through visits to the SHELL laboratories, participation in conservation activities, diving experiences with biologists, and specialty diving certifications focused on manta rays and reef ecosystems.
The resort offers overwater and beachfront villas constructed from sustainably sourced materials and remains the only five-star resort in Laamu Atoll. Its approach demonstrates how hospitality can support environmental research and conservation while providing an immersive island experience.
