Here are top eco-friendly luxury resorts in the Maldives, with what makes each one sustainable and a quick note on how they operate (transfer, vibe). I’ve cited recent sources for the most important claims.

1. Soneva Fushi (and Soneva Jani)

• Why eco-friendly: Longstanding sustainability leader — large-scale solar PV and battery installations (significant % of resort electricity from renewables), “Waste‑to‑Wealth” recycling and composting programs, coral‑spawning/rearing labs and marine restoration via the Soneva Foundation, carbon‑neutral commitments and environmental levies to fund conservation. (soneva.com)
• Luxury / vibe: Ultra‑private, barefoot luxury, spacious villas (island and over‑water options), art & wellness focus.
• Transfer: Typically seaplane or domestic flight + speedboat depending on island.

2. Six Senses Laamu

• Why eco-friendly: Large on‑site marine research and education hub (SHELL / Maldives Underwater Initiative) partnering with NGOs (Manta Trust, Blue Marine Foundation, Olive Ridley Project); strong single‑use plastic elimination efforts, local sourcing and EarthLab recycling initiatives. Their marine research programs (manta and turtle monitoring, coral work) are active and sizable. (sixsenses.com)
• Luxury / vibe: Eco‑conscious design, wellness and experiential focus, remote atoll with great dive/snorkel access.
• Transfer: Domestic flight (from Malé) or seaplane depending on scheduling.

3. Gili Lankanfushi

• Why eco-friendly: Awarded EarthCheck Gold certification (March 2025) for meeting benchmarks across energy, water, waste, emissions and community impact; on‑island Eco Centre with recycling/composting and coral restoration (Coral Lines), refillable amenities, desalination with reusable glass bottles, partnerships with marine NGOs. (gili-lankanfushi.com)
• Luxury / vibe: “Barefoot” luxury with emphasis on simplicity and marine conservation; overwater villas and strong guest engagement in conservation activities.
• Transfer: Short speedboat from Malé (often ~20 minutes).

4. Joali Maldives (Joali Being / Joali)

• Why eco-friendly: Joali brand emphasizes wellness, responsible sourcing, local community programs and reduced single‑use plastics; many villas use sustainable materials and the resorts run marine‑conservation activities. (Note: sustainability efforts vary by property; check the resort’s latest sustainability reports for specifics.) (coralglass.media)
• Luxury / vibe: Contemporary high‑design luxury, strong arts/wellness programming.
• Transfer: Seaplane or domestic flight + speedboat depending on location.

5. Gangehi / smaller boutique resorts with sustainability programs (examples: some Six Senses, Soneva, and independently certified properties)

• Why eco‑friendly: Several Maldives resorts run accredited programs (EarthCheck, Green Globe, on‑site labs, coral nurseries, turtle programs, solar arrays). If certification is important to you, search specifically for EarthCheck, Green Globe or similar certification when booking. (gili-lankanfushi.com)
• Luxury / vibe: Varies — from ultra‑private to boutique‑chic.

Quick booking / planning tips

• Ask for certifications and recent proof: If sustainability is a priority, request the resort’s latest sustainability report or certifications (EarthCheck, Green Globe, Green Key, or their foundation/impact report). Many resorts publish annual updates online.
• Transfers matter for emissions: Seaplane transfers are scenic but higher carbon per passenger than domestic flights + speedboat. Ask the resort about lower‑carbon transfer options or carbon‑offset programs (and whether offsets are third‑party verified).
• Activities that give back: Look for resorts offering guest participation in coral planting, marine lab tours, reef‑safe snorkeling briefings, or reef‑monitoring programs — these indicate meaningful local conservation work.
• Single‑use plastics & toiletries: Many eco resorts use refillable ceramic dispensers and glass water bottles. Confirm this if avoiding single‑use plastics is important.
• Dining and sourcing: Check whether the resort grows food on‑island, sources locally, and offers plant‑forward menus (reduces food miles and emissions).

If you’d like, I can:

• Narrow this to resorts in a particular atoll or price range;
• Compare 2–3 resorts side‑by‑side (pricing, transfer time, concrete sustainability metrics); or
• Pull the latest sustainability reports/certifications for any specific resort you’re considering (I’ll fetch and cite them).

Sources: resort sustainability pages and recent press about their programs and certifications. (soneva.com)