With sustainability high on the priority list for global travelers, 84% citing its importance according to Booking.com’s 2025 Travel & Sustainability Report, resorts across the world are stepping up to meet the demand for more responsible travel experiences. Reflecting this global shift, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, a luxury five-star resort located on the north-western tip of North Malé Atoll, has been awarded the internationally respected Green Globe Gold Certification for the year 2025.
The Green Globe Gold status is awarded to tourism establishments that have demonstrated five consecutive years of accredited sustainable operations, meeting rigorous standards across environmental, social, and economic practices. This milestone marks OBLU SELECT Sangeli’s fifth consecutive year of Green Globe certification, recognizing its long-standing commitment to sustainability and responsible hospitality in the Maldives.
The official certification was presented during a celebratory island ceremony by Babli Jahau, General Manager at NSURE Private Limited, who commended the resort’s exceptional efforts. “Green Globe Gold is a true mark of excellence,” Jahau stated. “OBLU SELECT Sangeli has shown a deep and ongoing commitment to safeguarding the delicate Maldivian ecosystem through team-wide collaboration and guest participation in meaningful sustainability initiatives.”
General Manager Jenni Hartatik highlighted how the resort has integrated sustainability into every aspect of its operations. “At OBLU SELECT Sangeli, sustainability is more than a policy, it’s a way of life. From coral restoration and marine education to glass water bottle usage and linen reuse reminders, each element is thoughtfully designed to enhance guest experiences while promoting eco-conscious living.”
At the heart of the resort’s achievements lies a robust and holistic sustainability strategy. This includes a wide-ranging environmental policy, responsible purchasing protocols, and landscaping practices that emphasize native flora and water conservation. A dedicated biodiversity framework ensures the protection of Sangeli’s distinctive island ecosystem, while ongoing efforts to reduce energy consumption and divert waste support the resort’s broader environmental goals.
Among its most impactful initiatives is the coral restoration project, which has successfully transplanted over 10,000 coral fragments using nursery and frame techniques. These efforts have helped the resort’s surrounding reefs show remarkable resilience, even in the face of recent coral bleaching events affecting the region. Complementing this initiative is an innovative ghost net upcycling program, where discarded fishing nets are repurposed into handmade bracelets sold to guests, with all proceeds directed toward supporting coral conservation.
To further raise awareness and engage guests in marine preservation, the Sangeli Muraka Project features a cutting-edge underwater camera that streams live footage from the coral garden directly into guest villas. This unique feature allows travelers to observe vibrant reef life without needing to snorkel or dive. The live feed is also used in the resort’s marine biology sessions and showcased at the Muraka Marine Centre, encouraging deeper understanding of and connection to ocean conservation.
Another key component of the resort’s sustainability approach is its on-site biogas plant, which processes up to 1,000 kilograms of kitchen waste each day. This waste-to-energy system produces methane gas that powers around 40% of the kitchen’s needs, with the composted byproduct enriching the resort’s landscaped areas, creating a closed-loop model of responsible waste management.
Beyond its sustainability credentials, OBLU SELECT Sangeli continues to deliver world-class hospitality under its Serenity Plan™, an all-inclusive concept offering exquisite dining, modern villa accommodations, and access to some of the Maldives’ most dynamic snorkeling and diving sites. Designed as a serene island getaway for both couples and families, the resort seamlessly blends natural beauty with eco-friendly luxury.
OBLU SELECT Sangeli’s Green Globe Gold Certification not only affirms its environmental stewardship but also positions it as a leading example of how luxury travel can coexist harmoniously with sustainability. It offers guests the opportunity to experience the Maldives responsibly, leaving only footprints in the sand and taking home memories of a truly conscientious escape.