Luxury Resort Operator Soneva Launches Sustainable Surf Program

Luxury resort operator Soneva is on a mission to show surfers their beloved sport can be pursued in a sustainable manner.

The company recently announced that it’s launching the world’s first fully sustainable surf program this May.

MORE Hotel & Resort

Dream Hotel Group Increases Group Commissions

After a Decade, NOLA's Historic Jung Hotel Re-Opens

Villas of Distinction Partners With Tammy Levent

So, what exactly does such a program entail?

Soneva said in a statement that it has discovered about two dozen less frequented surf locations throughout the Maldives that it hopes to help keep under the radar for years to come.

“So far, the Soneva team has discovered 13 surfing spots in the Baa Atoll and 11 in the Noonu Atoll, with hopes to uncover many more,” the company said. “Each of these locations is relatively unknown, meaning they are less traveled, uncrowded and secret - and these secret Soneva surfing spots will only be revealed to resort guests who book the surfing package, in order to keep them uncrowded and pristine for future guests.”

Yes, it may sound like a marketing strategy designed to attract surfers from around the world to some incredibly exclusive and pristine surfing locations, but Soneva Surf Manager Sunny Yang said in a statement the program is aimed at protecting these hidden gems.

"Our mission is to show surfers that sustainable surfing can be achieved without sacrificing the quality of the experience," Yang said in a statement.

Also noteworthy, the Soneva Surf program will use eco-friendly surfboards, leashes, fins rash guards, sunscreen, and board wax.

Soneva encourages guests who are interested in surfing to leave their personal equipment at home and use the eco-friendly brands carefully selected by the resort. The environmentally friendly surf products are also for sale at the resort.

Finally, as part of the program, Soneva will work with local communities to help support further growth and development of surfing across the Maldives in an effort to “encourage the younger generation to understand the power and vulnerability of their ocean home.”

The resort operator will be working with partners to help provide equipment, opportunities, and training for aspiring Maldivian surfers.

Soneva Surf will be offered at both of Soneva's Maldives properties, Soneva Fushi in the Baa Atoll and Soneva Jani in the Noonu Atoll.