Nestled on a secluded island in the Maldives, Soneva Fushi has dedicated years to creating a mosquito-free paradise for its guests. This holiday resort is situated on Kunfunadhoo Island, which has long grappled with a significant mosquito issue. The problem was particularly pronounced during the monsoon season, spanning from May to November, when the humid conditions provided an ideal breeding ground for these pests.To enhance the guest experience, Soneva Fushi has implemented various strategies to combat the mosquito population. Through innovative solutions and sustainable practices, the resort has successfully transformed the area into a tranquil escape, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the Maldives without the nuisance of mosquitoes.
Numerous efforts were made to eradicate mosquito breeding grounds, but each proved challenging until one of Soneva Fushi’s innovative solutions significantly reduced mosquito populations while simultaneously revitalizing the island’s tropical flora and fauna. To achieve this, the resort collaborated with Biogents, a Germany-based company that specializes in creating highly efficient mosquito traps using environmentally friendly attractants. Arnfinn Oines, Soneva’s director of social and environmental consciousness, remarked, “We had been exploring ways to manage mosquitoes without resorting to chemicals.”
Another strategy employed was “hot fogging and mist blowing,” but this method lacked precision in targeting the most problematic areas and was not ideal overall. Despite the resort’s efforts to implement these techniques discreetly, they still had the potential to disturb guests.