TIME Names Six Senses Laamu One of the World’s Greatest Places 2026

25 March, 2026

In an era where luxury travel is being redefined by purpose and sustainability, Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives has just received one of the most prestigious accolades in the industry.

TIME Magazine has officially named the resort to its “World’s Greatest Places of 2026” list, a coveted annual ranking that highlights destinations offering extraordinary experiences, innovation, and meaningful global impact .

This recognition is more than just a badge of honor; it is a testament to the resort’s pioneering vision of sustainability-driven luxury in the remote Laamu Atoll.

Why Six Senses Laamu Made the TIME 2026 List

TIME’s selection criteria focus on destinations that stand out for their uniqueness, trustworthiness, and adaptability. For Six Senses Laamu, the nod comes primarily from its revolutionary approach to marine conservation, proving that high-end hospitality can coexist with deep environmental stewardship.

“Being recognized by TIME as one of the world’s greatest places is an incredible honor for our team,” said Marteyne van Well, Regional General Manager. “Our vision has always been to demonstrate that hospitality and meaningful environmental stewardship can coexist. This accolade celebrates the dedication of our entire resort team, and local community who work every day to protect Laamu’s remarkable ecosystem” .

The Heart of Innovation: The Maldives Underwater Initiative

Unlike traditional luxury resorts that merely offer a beautiful backdrop, Six Senses Laamu places scientific research at the center of the guest experience. The resort is home to the Sea Hub for Environmental Learning in Laamu (SHELL) , a purpose-built marine research center that hosts resident NGOs and one of the world’s most ambitious resort-based conservation programs .

Through the Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI) , the resort collaborates with scientists to protect the fragile ecosystem. Their efforts have yielded remarkable results:

• Coral Restoration: Following the global coral bleaching event of 2024, scientists released three million coral larvae grown in on-site laboratories onto damaged reefs while cloning vulnerable coral species to support recovery .

• Manta Ray Protection: The Manta Trust has catalogued over 150 individual manta rays in the region and utilizes the world’s first underwater contactless ultrasound scanner to monitor pregnant mantas .

• Sea Turtle Conservation: The Olive Ridley Project leads critical programs to protect sea turtles, a common sight in the crystal-clear lagoons.

A Guest Experience Like No Other

What sets Six Senses Laamu apart is how these scientific initiatives are woven directly into the guest experience. Visitors aren’t just passive observers; they are invited to dive alongside working marine biologists, explore the laboratories at SHELL, and even earn specialty diving certifications focused on manta rays and reef ecosystems .

This immersive approach ensures that a vacation here is not just relaxing, but educational and impactful.

Unmatched Luxury in Laamu Atoll

Beyond its conservation accolades, Six Senses Laamu remains the only five-star resort in the remote Laamu Atoll, offering unparalleled privacy .

• Accommodation: The resort features overwater and beachfront villas crafted from sustainably sourced materials. Known affectionately as “the egg island” due to its unique spa pods, the resort embodies the brand’s “No News, No Shoes” philosophy, encouraging guests to disconnect and feel the sand between their toes .

• Culinary Scene: Dining is an adventure in itself. Guests can enjoy organic produce from the resort’s garden at LEAF, savor fresh catches at the overwater Japanese restaurant Zen, or indulge in 48 flavors of homemade ice cream daily—a guest favorite .

• Wellness: The award-winning overwater spa continues to set the standard for holistic healing. Throughout 2026, the resort is hosting a rotating roster of visiting practitioners offering osteopathy, naturopathy, and physiotherapy .

2026: A Year of Renewal and Recognition

The TIME award caps off a stellar start to 2026 for the resort. Earlier this year, Six Senses Laamu appointed Laura Jones as the new Director of Sustainability and Conservation to lead the next phase of its environmental strategy .

Additionally, the resort recently swept multiple accolades, including the Aspire Sustainability Initiative of the Year and the Maldives Tourism Ministry’s awards for Community Engagement and Environmental Sustainability .

Planning Your Visit

If this recognition has inspired you to visit, here is what you need to know about getting to this paradise in the southern Maldives:

• Location: Laamu Atoll, Maldives.

• Access: Guests take a 45-minute scenic domestic flight from Malé (MLE) to Kadhdhoo Airport, followed by a 20-minute speedboat transfer. Seaplane transfers are also available .

• Best Time to Visit: The dry season runs from November through April, offering the best sunshine and calmest seas .

Conclusion

In 2026, the world is looking for travel that matters—experiences that offer luxury without compromise and vacations that leave a positive footprint. By being named one of TIME’s World’s Greatest Places, Six Senses Laamu proves that the future of travel is here.

Whether you are a diver looking to swim with manta rays, a foodie eager to explore organic island cuisine, or simply someone seeking the pinnacle of eco-luxury, Six Senses Laamu is the destination to beat this year.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why did Six Senses Laamu win the TIME World’s Greatest Places award?
A: It won for its pioneering marine conservation efforts, specifically the Maldives Underwater Initiative, and its successful model of integrating scientific research with luxury hospitality .

Q: What is the “Maldives Underwater Initiative” (MUI)?
A: It is a collaborative program hosted at Six Senses Laamu involving NGOs like the Manta Trust and Olive Ridley Project, focused on coral restoration, manta ray research, and sea turtle protection .

Q: What makes Six Senses Laamu unique in the Maldives?
A: It is the only five-star resort in the Laamu Atoll, offering a remote, private experience. It is also one of the few resorts where guests can actively participate in marine conservation with on-site biologists .

Q: How do I get to Six Senses Laamu?
A: You fly into Malé International Airport (MLE). From there, you take a 45-minute domestic flight to Kadhdhoo Airport, followed by a 20-minute boat ride .

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