When one imagines paradise, white sandy beaches and crystal clear water come to mind. Most vacation destinations appear pretty standard. However, there is a hidden gem in the Indian Ocean, an archipelago of 1,190 islands in the Maldives that redefines the word, heaven. A 20-minute boat ride from the airport will take tourists to Soneva Gili where 45 overwater villas where the visitors’ neighbors will be marine life. The luxurious five-star resort has all the expected amenities including spas, fine dining, and water sports. What makes Soneva Gili stand out, aside from its natural beauty, is the environmental responsibility taken by the resort to ensure there is no negative ecological impact or damage to the fragile ecosystem. Even the resort’s construction was completed using sustainable woods and natural materials. The resort employs marine biologists to safeguard sustainable practices. Guests are welcome to participate collecting data, coral health monitoring, fish surveys and reef cleaning. To learn more, you can visit [Sixsenses.com.](http://www.sixsenses.com/)
