In light of the upcoming World Environment Day and World Ocean Day this June (5 June and 8 June respectively), Six Senses Fiji is proud to reaffirm its dedication to sustainable practices and social responsibility.
Situated on the beautiful Malolo Island of Fiji, Six Senses Fiji is passionate about providing a taste of luxury in the South Pacific and being an industry pioneer in sustainability.
Design
The resort’s design channels the spirit of traditional Fijian villages, which strive to exist within with their natural environment, rather than at odds with it. The luxurious villas feature structural and design elements and décor which blend the wonders of modern architecture with traditional Fijian design. The resort also seeks to use local designs and natural materials to further support its community and the Fijian economy.
Energy conservation
Six Senses Fiji utilises a combination of six energy sources to power its facilities, including solar energy which powered about a quarter of the resort’s total electricity in 2023. Beyond an investment in sustainable energy sources, the resort is also built in a way which optimises daylight and ventilation, thereby also minimising overall energy consumption requirements.
Water
Six Senses Fiji recognises the importance of desalinated water in its establishment but also strives to minimise its wastage. They achieve this by installing efficient shower, faucet, and toilet flushing systems, implementing a more mindful linen policy, and ensuring that greywater and rainwater are used for irrigation, among other measures.
Waste management
The resort prioritises a ‘zero waste’ philosophy to minimise its contribution to landfill. This is achieved through a detailed Waste Management Plan which outlines categories of waste, collection points, contracted companies, and staff responsibilities. The measures Six Senses Fiji uses within this plan include repurposing food waste for pigs in the local village, composting organic waste, transforming coffee grounds into body scrubs, and replacing plastic bottles with reusable glass ones.
Sustainability
Six Senses Fiji strictly follows a Susainability Action Plan, which is written annually based on sustainability guidelines and objectives and audited regularly to confirm compliance. Tracked sustainability measures include energy and water efficiency, carbon footprint, organic garden output, compost production, and waste, and these metrics are used to inform goal setting.
Local opportunity
Over 95% of the resort’s hosts are Fijian, and all are trained in sustainability and environmental impact. To further benefit locals, the resort takes on those wishing to complete internships or work experience in the tourism industry.
Self-sufficiency in produce
In an effort to be more self-sufficient and therefore sustainable, the resort is also home to an organic garden containing herbs, vegetables, and fruits. These gardens are pollinated by 10 onsite beehives, which also provide the resort with well over 100 kilograms of organic honey every year. More than 100 hens from the resort’s ‘Cluckingham Palace’ provide guests with fresh eggs.
Guest engagement
‘The Earth Lab’ is dedicated to educating guests on the resort’s sustainability initiatives and practices, and also has workshops which encourage guests to see the benefits of living sustainably. Six Senses Fiji also offers a unique ‘Sustainability Tour’, allowing guests to tour areas such as the resort’s garden, desalination plant and composting area and learn about sustainable measures and their impact.
Sustainability Fund
The Sustainability Fund accounts for 0.5% of the resort’s total revenue, soft toy sales, and guest donations. This fund allows Six Senses Fiji to support projects which aim to improve community health and educational outcomes, increase education, and preserve Malolo Island’s biodiversity and environment more broadly. Other environmental initiatives include the conservation of iguanas, with approximately 40 Fijian Crested Iguanas residing in the resort, a joint restoration effort with the Coral Gardeners in 2023, and a reforestation project performed in 2023 in collaboration with the Mamanuca Environment Society.
