Water is a lifeline, shaping the beauty of the Maldives while sustaining life on its delicate islands. At Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives, where each resort is surrounded by the ocean, managing freshwater resources is both a responsibility and a commitment. In recognition of World Water Day, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives highlights its ongoing efforts to source, conserve, and reuse water sustainably, ensuring that these island destinations remain pristine for future generations.
Sourcing fresh water in the Maldives
As island resorts, the hospitality group hailing from Sri Lanka relies entirely on seawater desalination to provide fresh, clean water for daily operations. Desalination plants, which convert seawater into fresh water, are essential in providing a steady supply for the resorts, local communities, and industries. A reverse osmosis (RO) desalination process is used on many resort islands, including those in the Maldives. This process works by forcing seawater through a semi-permeable membrane, separating the salt and impurities to leave behind fresh water. On average, a single RO plant can produce between 1 to 2 million litres of fresh water daily, depending on the size of the plant. For resort islands, especially those with large operations, multiple plants may be required to meet the daily water demand.
The freshwater produced by these desalination plants is used for everything from guest accommodations and staff facilities to kitchen operations and landscaping. However, while desalination is a reliable method, it does come with environmental and energy concerns. The process of desalinating water can be energy-intensive, and managing the brine byproduct—highly concentrated saltwater—poses additional challenges for eco-friendly operations.
This is where sustainability becomes key. To ensure minimal impact on the surrounding environment, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts are investing in technologies that improve energy efficiency, such as high-efficiency pumps and advanced filtration systems. Regular maintenance and monitoring of the plants also help to reduce energy consumption while ensuring the desalination process runs smoothly.
Innovative water conservation initiatives
Beyond sourcing, conservation plays a vital role in the sustainability strategy. Across all resorts, routine leak inspections in guest villas, staff areas, and common facilities prevent unnecessary wastage. Flow restrictors and water-saving showerheads are installed in guest rooms, maintaining comfort while significantly reducing consumption. In public areas and kitchens, sensor-operated taps ensure water is used only when needed.
At Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives and Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, 100% of treated wastewater is recycled and repurposed for landscaping and organic farming, significantly reducing reliance on desalinated water. Treated greywater from guest areas, staff quarters, and kitchen operations is also redirected to nourish the island’s green spaces.
Raising awareness & refining practices
Sustainability thrives when everyone is involved. Through dedicated staff training programs, teams are encouraged to adopt water-efficient housekeeping, kitchen, and maintenance practices. In laundry and kitchen operations, batch washing techniques ensure that every cycle is maximised, eliminating unnecessary water use. Guests, too, are encouraged to be mindful of their consumption, with gentle reminders in rooms, including towel and linen cards, helping to reduce excess washing.
The commitment to responsible water use continues to evolve. As part of a future sustainability roadmap, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives is working towards enhancing rainwater harvesting, expanding awareness campaigns, and ensuring the sewage treatment plant (STP) operates at optimal capacity through regular performance monitoring. By refining processes and integrating new innovations, the goal is to further minimise environmental impact while continuing to deliver an exceptional guest experience.
On this World Water Day, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives reaffirms its dedication to preserving the Maldives’ most precious resource—one drop at a time. These water conservation efforts complement the brand’s wider environmental initiatives, from marine conservation to renewable energy integration. By safeguarding the Maldives’ delicate ecosystem, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts continues to offer guests an immersive island experience that remains in harmony with nature.
