Luxury Travel Trends: Six Senses Maldives Gives Free Nights for Voluntourism

From Hong Kong to Miami, volunteer tourism-- or "voluntourism"-- is on the rise, a growing trend among travelers looking to volunteer some time during their vacations. The latest to jump on the bandwagon? Two Six Senses resorts in the Maldives. The New York Times In Transit blog is reporting that the Soneva Gili and Soneva Fushi will encourage travelers to engage in voluntourism by giving out free nights for the hours donated.

From June 1 to Oct. 12, guests who stay for five nights, and who spend five hours a day working on community projects, will be given an additional five nights for free, adding up to an 11-day stay. Guests can teach children, plant trees, help in marine conservation or do other work.