One of the core values of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas is local sensitivity, global sensibility. This means addressing worldwide problems at a local level.
Six Senses Laamu, the only resort run in Maldives by Six Senses, thrives at being part of the local community, and supports sustainable development in its native atoll through public works projects and education programmes. Eku Eky means together in the local language of Dhivehi and as no one can succeed entirely alone, we must do it eku eky.
The Marine and Sustainability Teams at Six Senses Laamu aim to teach young people about their surrounding environment, so that they may appreciate it and become inspired to protect it.
Encouraged by the words of Nelson Mandela, who said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” the Laamu Marine and Environmental Education Programme was conducted in two local schools. It consisted of eight lessons covering topics, including atoll formation, coral reefs, invertebrates and fish, marine megafauna, fisheries and marine protected areas, climate change and waste management. Each lesson demonstrated key concepts using presentations, videos, worksheets, outdoor activities, games, crafts and field trips. In total, 39 students completed the programme.
Last year also saw the inception of the Eku Eky programme, which was launched to build stronger relationships between the resort and the local community. Representatives from all 11 island councils and all 13 schools in Laamu atoll were invited to the resort quarterly to discuss sustainable development and future partnerships. Everyone was enthusiastic about driving marine conservation initiatives and working together towards sustainable development in the atoll. Some of the major focuses include clean, reliable drinking water and the reduction of single-use plastic bottles and bags.
The marine team then visited the 11 islands in the atoll, conducting sessions that targeted three specific audiences.
First, a visit to the school to conduct a condensed version of the yearlong education programme for school children in grades six to 10. Next, a meeting with the island council members to discuss development projects. Finally, an open community forum to convey the research being done at the resort, as well as give people a platform to ask questions and brainstorm ideas. Some initiatives that have come from this programme include reducing use of single-use plastics and inspiring students to enter the fields of conservation and marine biology.
At the annual Maldives Travel Awards 2017, Six Senses Laamu won Leading CSR Programme for outstanding performance and achievement in corporate social responsibility.
Six Senses Laamu is the only resort located in the Laamu atoll, which lies in the southern part of the Maldives. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the resort prides itself on its commitment to sustainable operations and development as outlined by Agenda 21 and Green Globe Benchmarking.
At Six Senses Laamu, most of the villas and facilities are built overwater. However, beach villas and on-land dining is an option. All villas offer a sense of privacy and seclusion, with an amazing view to the Ocean and Maldivian nature.
Six Senses Laamu offers a wide range of dining options, with cuisines from around the world, a swimming pool with a sunken bar, an ice cream parlour, an overwater wine cellar and a signature Chill bar. Many activities, excursions and options are available for everyone to enjoy, both overwater and underwater, in addition to the Six Senses Spa.