Search
Close this search box.

Soneva Fushi Launches Makers’ Place: A Carbon Neutral Recycling Studio That Transforms Waste Into Works of Art

Soneva Makers’ Place
Soneva Fushi launched Makers’ Place, a fully carbon-neutral island studio that will recycle waste plastic and aluminium into works of art.

Soneva Fushi, the Maldives’ original barefoot luxury resort, has revealed a ground-breaking new addition to its portfolio of sustainable innovations. Makers’ Place is a fully carbon-neutral island studio that will recycle waste plastic and aluminium into works of art, as well as practical objects and building materials.

The Makers’ Place studio was built in collaboration with British artist Alexander James Hamilton, founder of the Distil Ennui Studio™, whose practice spans sculpture, painting, photography, film, lighting and installation.

An advocate for sustainability at a community, island and governmental level for over 35 years and a passionate ambassador for the ‘3 Rs’ (reduce, re-use, recycle), his art engages with the broader public sphere through interventions within natural landscapes and civic spaces alike, arts education, policy-making, issues of sustainability and ecocide.

Image: Soneva

Makers’ Place has been built from the ground up by Hamilton and his team, with hand-fabricated machinery and processes tailored to the facility’s unique island setting. With major soft drinks brands singled out as some of the world’s worst polluters, the studio aims to tackle the huge volumes of discarded plastic bottles and aluminium cans that choke the oceans, are burned in toxic fires or are dumped in landfill sites each year.

Within its first three days of operation, the studio processed 15,000 aluminium cans alone, creating a better end life for these once-discarded, unwanted materials, and removing them from the fragile ecosystem.

Makers’ Place will invite artists and guests to unleash their creativity, as well as engaging with the wider community through the Soneva Namoona initiative, a collaboration between Soneva and its neighbouring islands in the Baa Atoll to eliminate ocean plastics, promote better waste management and create a more sustainable future for the Maldives and beyond.

Image: Soneva

The bespoke facility includes a closed-loop wash station to handle the final cleaning stage of the materials, which uses an innovative two-stage filtration system using granular media and coconut charcoal produced on-site, a highly effective natural filter. Unlike standard recycling facilities which are extremely water-intensive, this efficient filtration system enables Makers’ Place to reuse its water over many months – a world’s first.

The system also uses a modified exhaust system to capture harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon emissions when heating plastic or melting shredded aluminium, which uses activated carbon granules to ensure only clean air leaves the studio.
At the end of their life, both the water and VOC filters are transformed into concrete building blocks and waterproofed, which are then used for construction.

Each block is tinted red so that it is instantly recognisable in case of future development and can remain on-site and intact for re-use.

Image: Soneva

“Every piece of single-use material that is not recycled is exponentially adding to the problem of global warming that we are all facing today,” says Hamilton. “Here in the Maldives we are 1,600 km from the nearest landfall, and it is so sad to quantify that a large proportion of single-use packaging that is brought here has no tangible end-of-life or re-use.”

Hamilton has made it his life’s work to explore and protect the world’s waters through artistic interventions. He has created explorative bodies of work around the world, using the signature of water at the core of his practice.

During the development of Makers’ Place, the artist made a very generous donation of 20 illuminated PhotoGrams from his Visions from the Shoreline series, which contributed towards funding the studio and the Soneva Namoona initiative. As a tribute to Hamilton, these one-of-a-kind studio proofs are now displayed around the studio that they inspired and helped to fund.

Sustainability runs through the heart of Soneva Fushi, which already re-uses or recycles 90% of its waste. Soneva was one of the world’s first hospitality groups to ban plastic straws back in 1998, produces and bottles its own water, and has been fully carbon neutral for both direct and indirect emissions since 2012.

Regeneration is a major focal point of Soneva’s approach to sustainability: each Soneva resort features a Waste-to-Wealth Centre and lush organic gardens, irrigated by greywater and nurtured by compost from the resort kitchens. Soneva Fushi made history in 2014 with the opening of Soneva Art & Glass, the Maldives’ first hot glass studio that invites renowned glass artists and guests at the resort to transform discarded bottles into works of art.

For more information about Soneva, visit www.soneva.com

Feature image by Soneva

Ad - immaldives.com

Latest

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa Earns Three Prestigious Nominations at the 2025 World Travel Awards

Hideaway Beach Resort Nominated at 2025 World Travel Awards

Nestled within the lush beauty of the Haa Alifu atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa has earned three major nominations at the 2025 World Travel Awards. The resort has received recognition in the categories of Maldives’ Leading Beach Resort, Maldives’ Leading Honeymoon Resort, and Maldives’ Leading Luxury Island Resort. These prestigious nominations reflect Hideaway’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional luxury, privacy, and memorable experiences to every guest.

A true gem of the Maldives, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa sits against the picturesque North Point, one of the country’s largest natural beaches. This expansive stretch of soft, powdery sand borders vibrant tropical greenery, offering an idyllic setting for relaxation and exploration. Just off the shore, the resort’s double house reef creates an extraordinary underwater paradise. Guests can step straight from their villa into an ocean teeming with life, colorful fish, graceful rays, and, occasionally, the elusive guitar fish. Furthermore, for those eager to dive deeper into the Maldivian marine world, renowned dive sites like ‘Heaven and Hell’ offer encounters with pristine coral reefs and diverse marine species.

Spacious and Private Accommodations

Hideaway’s accommodations stand out for their size and seclusion, offering ample space for all guests, from honeymooners to families and large groups. The resort’s villas and multi-bedroom residences are thoughtfully positioned to ensure both privacy and convenience, with each space offering the luxury of personal retreat and connection. Indeed, the scale of these accommodations remains rare in the Maldives, allowing for a level of comfort and freedom that is unparalleled.

The Signature Collection: Ultimate Luxury

For those seeking the highest form of luxury, Hideaway’s Signature Collection offers nine ultra-luxury residences that redefine the concept of indulgence. These private estates are not just villas but expansive homes with grand living areas, private pools, and bespoke in-villa dining. Each residence comes with the discreet yet attentive service of a dedicated butler, ensuring that every need is met with precision and care. This ultimate expression of luxury truly reflects the resort’s commitment to providing an exceptional experience for every guest.

Romantic Experiences for Honeymooners

Moreover, the resort has built a reputation as a romantic haven, particularly for honeymooners looking to create unforgettable memories. Hideaway offers a range of romantic experiences designed to enhance special moments. For instance, couples can enjoy a unique ‘Cinema Under the Stars’ on the beach, with the sound of the ocean as a natural backdrop, complete with popcorn and Champagne. Alternatively, for those who prefer the open sea, a private charter on the Hideaway Majesty, the resort’s elegant 65-foot luxury yacht, promises an intimate and memorable escape. Whether it’s a proposal, an anniversary, or a vow renewal, Hideaway specializes in turning life’s milestones into deeply personal and unforgettable occasions, all set against the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives.

A Culinary Journey Like No Other

In addition to its luxurious accommodations and exceptional service, Hideaway excels in the culinary realm. The resort’s fine dining destination, Oasis, offers a signature menu that stands as a true testament to the art of gastronomy, designed to delight even the most discerning palates. For those seeking more variety, Hideaway’s dining experiences include a buffet restaurant, as well as several à la carte options. The vibrant teppanyaki grill, for example, offers a thrilling live cooking performance, while the Asian fusion restaurant celebrates rich flavors from across the continent. As a result, these diverse dining options ensure that every meal at Hideaway becomes a remarkable experience in itself.

The Hideaway Spa: A Sanctuary of Relaxation

The Hideaway Spa adds another highlight, offering a sanctuary for guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. Tucked away among the lush greenery of the island, the spa creates a peaceful environment where treatments become immersive rituals, enhanced by the sounds of rustling leaves and birdsong. It’s the perfect place to unwind and find a sense of calm and renewal during a stay at the resort.

Recreation and Wellness in Paradise

For guests looking to stay active during their time in paradise, Hideaway provides an impressive array of recreational facilities. The resort’s expansive recreation center includes two tennis courts, a Padel court, indoor badminton, a state-of-the-art golf simulator, and a putting green, ensuring there’s something for every sports enthusiast. Each activity takes place against the backdrop of stunning island landscapes, creating a unique and extraordinary experience. Additionally, the resort’s fully equipped gym offers a welcoming space for those who wish to maintain their fitness routines while enjoying their tropical getaway.

A Leading Destination in the Maldives

In conclusion, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa has long been recognized as a leader in providing exceptional luxury, blending natural beauty, privacy, and impeccable service to create a truly unparalleled experience. The resort’s nominations at the 2025 World Travel Awards further solidify its position as one of the top destinations in the Maldives, where guests can escape to paradise and enjoy the finest in hospitality and luxury.

Visit here to vote

Ad - immaldives.com
No more posts to show