Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has embarked on an eco-journey through working with leading environmental organisation Parley For The Oceans and ephemeral artist John K. Melvin, to ignite appreciation for the oceans and surrounding environment.

To celebrate the progressive movement towards fostering sustainable hospitality, the resort unveiled a large-scale installation by acclaimed artist John K. Melvin. Encouraging participation from both the Maldives community and global travellers alike, the resort continues to further its commitment to preserving the beauty of the Maldives for generations to come.

Starting late summer 2019, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island will work with Parley For The Oceans to take an active role in becoming part of the solution to the challenges that face the world’s oceans.

Following the principles of the Parley AIR Hospitality Programme (Avoid, Intercept, Redesign), the resort will help to drive change by offering its guests a Parley Kit available in each guest villa. Each Parley Kit will contain a reusable stainless steel 0.7L Conrad x Parley co-branded water bottle and a Parley Ocean Plastic Tote Bag. Each bag is made of an average of five intercepted plastic bottles and its purchase contributes to the removal of 10 pounds of marine plastic waste via the Parley Global Clean Up Network.

This way, Conrad guests are encouraged to play an active role in reducing the use of harmful materials.

“With a mindful approach to travel, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island continues to inspire change,” Stefano Ruzza, General Manager of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, was quoted in a statement, as saying.

“Through creative collaborations with likeminded brands and the development of unique and educational experiences on and off property, we encourage our guests to become part of the solution as they reinforce a positive impact while traveling as well as in their daily life at home.”

Building on its mission to inspire guests’ connection to the Maldives, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is using art as a catalyst for conversation and creativity to incentivise change and address the need for implementing sustainable practices.

The resort commissioned renowned ephemeral eco-artist John K. Melvin to construct an installation that speaks to the human relationship with the environment and more specifically, the topic of plastic pollution. EvoGyre debuted at Rangali Bar on June 23, and is assembled using nearly 5,500 locally sourced single-use plastic bottles held together by coir rope, steel cable and illuminated by LED lighting.

The life-size structure, built at 5 metres x 5 metres x 7 metres, hangs from the ceiling and serves as an educational and interactive touchpoint for guests who find themselves enamoured by the piece. Resembling a jellyfish, a species known for being an indicator of climate change, EvoGyre makes a direct connection between the surrounding marine environment of the Maldives and the impact of plastic. Inspired by its THE MURAKA — the world’s first and only undersea residence — and the surrounding Maldivian community, EvoGyre serves as a visual reminder of the humankind responsibility to protect the oceans.

Committed to the Parley AIR strategy to end plastic pollution, the resort has also pledged to eliminate the use of plastic on property. By January 2020, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island will officially replace any single-use plastic bottles with either glass or a reusable material.

This investment in the future of the environment is complemented by the resort’s new guest programming, which includes eco-activities ranging from beach clean ups on neighbouring islands to a coral reef regeneration initiative with the resort’s own marine biologists.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is aligned with Hilton’s global corporate responsibility strategy “Travel with Purpose,” which is dedicated to developing shared value for communities where the hotels and resorts are located.

Conrad Maldives supports Hilton’s commitment and Travel with Purpose strategy to cut its environmental footprint in half and double its social impact investment by 2030, a strategy that supports the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Through a robust corporate responsibility programme that encompasses sustainability and community investment initiatives, Conrad Maldives strives to make an enduring and positive impact on the lives of the people living in these communities.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is located in South Ari Atoll and is accessible by a 30-minute seaplane flight from the Maldives main airport.

As one of the Maldives’ leading resorts and one of Hilton Worldwide’s flagship properties, the award-winning Conrad Maldives Rangali Island offers 150 villas and suites, 12 restaurants and bars, two spas — all stretched over two remote islands. It features the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, world’s first undersea restaurant made from only glass.

As the latest innovation, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island had unveiled the world’s first undersea villa. A triumph of modern design and technology, THE MURAKA is a two-level structure comprised of space above the sea level and an undersea suite designed for sleeping under the ocean’s surface.

The resort had also invested USD 8.3 million in redeveloping its 42 award-winning Deluxe Beach Villas. Designed by THE MURAKA undersea residence’s design collaborator Yuji Yamazaki, the new Deluxe Beach Villas are a celebration of the natural environment and continue to be one of the resort’s most popular villa categories.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is also home to two unique spa experiences; The Spa Retreat on Rangalifinolhu Island and the Over Water Spa on Rangali Island. Combining expertise from around the world with carefully selected products and therapies influenced by the environment, the two spas offer unique and effective experiences to suit the needs of every individual.

The luxury resort also offers the popular Conrad Concierge mobile app, which gives global luxury travellers the ability to customise details of their hotel stay before, during, and after each visit via a smartphone or tablet. Whether it is pre-selecting bath amenities or checking in while in-transit from the airport, guests can access a variety of features by using the app.