Sustainability is the heartbeat of the Maldives, yet few leaders embody this commitment like Marteyne van Well. As Regional General Manager for Six Senses Maldives, Marteyne has spent nearly two decades championing the protection of the Indian Ocean. We sat down with her to discuss pioneering conservation, the power of local pride, and why seagrass is the unsung hero of the Maldivian ecosystem.
Pioneering Protection Across the Maldives
Six Senses has established a formidable presence in the region with two iconic properties.
Six Senses Laamu remains a secluded sanctuary as the only resort in its atoll, while
Six Senses Kanuhura brings this same ethos of barefoot luxury and environmental stewardship to the Lhaviyani Atoll.
"We have the good fortune of being pioneers in this space," Marteyne explains. "By setting high standards for how we manage our footprint, we have created models for marine protection that are now being replicated across the Maldives. Between our properties, we work with leading NGOs like The Manta Trust, Blue Marine Foundation, and the Olive Ridley Project to ensure our conservation work is grounded in rigorous science."
The Beauty of the Seagrass
One of the most visible successes at Laamu is the protection of seagrass meadows, a practice that informs the wider Six Senses approach to marine health. While many resorts historically removed seagrass for aesthetic reasons, Marteyne's team saw its true value.
![Six Senses Laamu overwater area]()
Six Senses Laamu overwater area
![Laamu Water Villa with Pool and seagrass]()
Laamu Water Villa with Pool and seagrass
"Nineteen years ago, the focus was often on why we should remove it. We changed the narrative to focus on what it brings," says Marteyne. "We invite guests to take part in 'citizen science' from their own villas. If they spot a turtle, ray, or shark from their deck, they mark it down for us. Suddenly, people aren't looking at the seagrass as an eyesore; they see it as a thriving habitat. It is common for guests to see five turtles just bobbing around while they have breakfast."
Connection Through Community
Sustainability at all Six Senses resorts extends beyond the water to the people who call the islands home. At Six Senses Laamu, the resort boasts an impressive average staff service length of over six years, with 68% of the team being local Maldivians.
"Our hosts have a deep affinity for these atolls," Marteyne notes. "There is immense pride here. Every day at Laamu, there is an activity for our guests, but there is also a daily activity for our hosts. Whether it is a football tournament or a reef clean-up on a neighbouring island, our team wants to be involved. They care about their home, and that passion is infectious for our guests. This level of local engagement is a hallmark of the Six Senses experience at both Laamu and Kanuhura."
The Shell: A Hub for Learning
A landmark achievement for the brand is the opening of The Shell, the Sea Hub of Environmental Learning in Laamu. Named in honour of Shelly, a brilliant marine biologist who was instrumental in the resort's early conservation efforts, the centre is a world-class facility for research and storytelling.
"The Shell grew every year in the planning stages," Marteyne recalls. "Now, it features a laboratory for official research, a theatre for presentations by world-renowned photographers, and interactive zones for children. It is so comprehensive that many guests visit three or four times and still find something new to learn."
![SHELL at sunset]()
SHELL at sunset
![Sustainability Hub - SHELL Blue Discovery Room]()
Sustainability Hub - SHELL Blue Discovery Room
Current projects at the hub include groundbreaking research into manta ray pregnancies. The team is currently testing the first contactless scanner to monitor pregnant mantas, with five pregnancies already confirmed.
A Message for the Future
When asked what gives her hope for the future of the Maldives, Marteyne points to the next generation. The Junior Marine Biology programme has seen over 50 graduates, many of whom leave with a lifelong commitment to the ocean.
"One of our first graduates recently messaged us to say he was doing a TED Talk on conservation," she shares. "It shows that every single person can make a difference. It starts with small choices, like swapping a single-use plastic bottle for a reusable jar. One person can spark a change that protects this beautiful environment for years to come."
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