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Banyan Tree Maldives celebrates 2019 sustainability achievements, sets more goals for 2020
In 2019, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Angsana Ihuru celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Banyan Tree group, the 15th anniversary of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Marine Lab and the 10th anniversary of the Banyan Tree Global Foundation (BTGF).
Both properties also achieved EarthCheck Gold certification for their commitment to preserve the cultural heritage and natural surrounds. These milestones were commemorated by continuing to drive the core values of sustainable development.
The properties successfully eliminated over 90 per cent of targeted single-use plastic, since pledging to go plastic free on Earth Day 2018.
New initiatives, such as the monthly ‘Full Moon Lights Out’, further increase resource conservation efforts. Since the event began in September 2019, around 350kWhs have been saved which amounts to over 100 liters of fuel — enough energy to power an average worldwide household for a whole month.
To raise awareness about the importance of keeping good health and wellbeing, a regular 1km open water swim is organised across the channel between the two properties.
Guests and associates are also encouraged to go meat free, one day a month, to support better health for both the planet and individuals.
Within the local communities, the properties removed 1.5 tonnes of waste with support from over 2,000 community members and partnerships with schools and councils of the islands of Thulusdhoo, Himmafushi, Huraa and Male, as well as the Maldives Girl Guides Association, American Centre Maldives, Tree Maldives, Dhirham, Arabiyya Scouts Association, and Let’s Do It Maldives.
As part of Banyan Tree group’s special 25th anniversary sustainability efforts, focus was placed on education within communities. Banyan Tree Maldives donated much needed tables and chairs for classrooms at Kaafu Atoll Education Centre, and conducted educational sessions for a number of schools and youth organisations.
Efforts also focused on empowering women and promoting cultural recognition by providing opportunities to emerging artists from the American Centre and craftspeople who are building up their careers in traditional artwork such as embroidery.
Environmental conservation, preservation and restoration efforts remain a large emphasis for both Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Angsana Ihuru.
In celebration of Banyan Tree Marine Lab’s 15th anniversary, the team expanded one of the lab’s earliest projects, ‘The Necklace’, the world’s first electric reef constructed on Angsana Ihuru in 1998. A pilot experimental assessment is being undertaken, using corals that have been grown on the lab’s various nurseries.
Natural recovery of coral reefs has been slow in North Male Atoll, but it is assisted by the resorts’ conservation, restoration and research programmes.
Around 500 corals that have been growing on rope nurseries for the last two years have been transplanted back onto the house reefs of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Angsana Ihuru. Reef and fish communities are being compared to control areas to assess the value of assisted recovery in the Maldives.
This year is the fifth year of a collaborative project with the Maldives’ fisheries minister to assess the efficacy of the shark ban, in an effort to understand the impacts on sharks, reefs, fishers and other resource users. Findings from this were published in several peer-reviewed scientific journals in 2019.
Looking ahead to 2020 and beyond, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Angsana Ihuru are setting the goals even higher, aiming to set best practices and drive core values of sustainable development in the Maldives.
This year, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru will celebrate its own 25th anniversary and continue to strive towards 100 per cent single-use plastic elimination.
The Marine Lab plans to extend restoration work with the implementation of a mid-water nursery, designed to seed corals that can be transplanted back onto the reef, and the 2020 shark monitoring is underway now.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Angsana Ihuru are located in North Male Atoll, just 25 minutes away by speedboat from the airport. The two resorts are just 2 minutes by boat away from each other therefore guests of each resort can enjoy the facilities of both including two of the most vibrant and well-preserved house reefs in the North Male Atoll.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru opened its door in 1995 and is the first international chain resort in the Maldives. With just 48 pool villas dotting around the island, privacy and relaxation can easily be attained. The resort has a restaurant, bar, PADI Gold Palm five-star resort dive centre and a Banyan Tree Spa.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is also home to the Banyan Tree Maldives Marine Lab, the first of its kind to be funded and built on a private resort, where guests can learn about marine conservation and partake in the many sustainability activities on offer including coral planting, reef cleaning and daily stingray feeding sessions.
Angsana Ihuru is surrounded by one of the most vibrant and well preserved coral house reefs in the Maldives. The resort has 45 villas, a restaurant and a bar, a PADI Gold Palm five-star resort dive centre and an Angsana Spa.
Ayada Maldives, renowned for its luxury experiences and stunning oceanic paradise, has introduced an exhilarating new way to explore the island’s turquoise waters: the Jet Car. This innovative, sports-car-inspired watercraft offers guests the ultimate blend of luxury and adventure, providing a one-of-a-kind experience in the Maldivian seas.
The Ayada Maldives Jet Car is more than just a ride; it represents an unforgettable thrill. Designed to resemble a sleek sports car, this watercraft glides effortlessly over the lagoon, offering an exhilarating way to explore the island’s pristine waters in style. Perfect for adventure seekers and luxury enthusiasts alike, the Jet Car presents an unmatched opportunity to experience the breathtaking views and vibrant marine life of the Maldives from an entirely new perspective.
Guests embarking on the Jet Car adventure will feel the excitement as they cruise through Ayada’s stunning waters, creating waves and turning heads along the way. This unique watercraft is not only a visual spectacle but also easy to operate, making it accessible for both experienced water sports enthusiasts and those new to water-based adventures.
The Jet Car experience is available for booking at Ayada Maldives’ Watersports Center, with prices starting from $249 per ride. Each ride promises to be a highlight of any guest’s stay, providing an unbeatable blend of adrenaline and beauty that captures the essence of the Maldives.
Kandolhu Maldives is the quintessential honeymoon destination, where intimacy and relaxed luxury harmonise on a tranquil, small island. Featuring only 30 exquisitely designed villas, this enchanting retreat offers couples the ideal setting for privacy and rejuvenation, framed by pristine white sandy beaches and breathtaking turquoise waters that surround one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs.
Dining at Kandolhu is a remarkable experience that enriches every guest’s stay. Visitors can choose from five à la carte restaurants, a bar, and unique beach dining options. They can imagine enjoying a private five-course dinner beneath the stars, with their toes in the soft sand and the gentle sound of waves as their soundtrack. Whether guests opt for an oceanfront meal, a moonlit dinner on the jetty, or the comfort of their villa’s veranda, each culinary creation is expertly tailored to individual preferences. The culinary team is dedicated to ensuring every dish is not only delicious but also meaningful, accommodating dietary needs and special requests. This sets the stage for romantic evenings filled with lasting memories.
For adventure seekers, the house reef at Kandolhu presents some of the finest snorkelling in the Maldives. Home to a diverse array of marine life, including colourful fish, sea turtles, reef sharks, and even eagle rays, this vibrant ecosystem guarantees that each snorkelling excursion is both unique and thrilling. Enthusiasts may even encounter hawksbill turtles gliding gracefully through the water, adding a touch of magic to their underwater adventures. Large schools of fish, such as snappers, fusiliers, and moorish idols, contribute to the stunning marine landscape, and the reef’s accessibility allows guests to explore its wonders at their own pace, with expert guides on hand to enhance the experience.
Relaxation reaches new heights at Kandolhu’s Varu Spa, where exclusive treatments are designed to foster connection and tranquility. Signature experiences like “A Moment in Love” and “Forever in Love” offer indulgent therapies, including aromatherapy, soothing coconut oil massages, and special rituals such as a thread bracelet exchange in a candlelit setting. The serene ambiance of Varu Spa, set against lush surroundings, creates an idyllic environment for couples to reconnect and recharge.
Kandolhu Maldives also provides a variety of experiences for guests to enjoy. Whether indulging in à la carte dining at one of the five restaurants, taking a sunset stroll along the beach, or experiencing a couple’s spa treatment, there’s always something to ignite the senses. For those with a passion for underwater exploration, Kandolhu offers scuba diving and various excursions. Guests can also embark on a private sunset cruise, allowing them to witness the sun dip below the horizon in perfect seclusion with their loved ones.
More than just a stunning island, Kandolhu Maldives is an unforgettable experience crafted to linger in the memories of its visitors. With its breathtaking natural beauty, intimate atmosphere, and laid-back luxury, it provides the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it a dream destination for honeymooners.
Sun Siyam Resorts is elevating the all-inclusive experience in the Maldives with the introduction of its 24-hour, resort-wide all-inclusive benefits, available across all properties beginning November 1st. Known for its commitment to attainable luxury and product innovation, the Maldivian-owned company is expanding all-inclusive offerings beyond just meals. Guests now have round-the-clock access to dining, drinks, activities, and entertainment, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in island life without restrictions.
This 24-hour all-inclusive plan builds on the success and high demand of Siyam World’s premium all-inclusive model, now extended across all Sun Siyam resorts. Guests can enjoy gourmet dining at various restaurants, premium drinks, and a wide selection of activities, all included in their stay. From snorkelling safaris and dolphin cruises to sunset fishing and spa or watersports credits, each experience is tailored to accommodate every type of traveler, whether they seek relaxation, adventure, or both. With the widest array of accommodation types in the Maldives, guests can customise their stay as they wish. The following 24/7 venues will be available on the islands starting November 1st:
- Siyam World: Kulhivaru Sports Bar offers nonstop drinks and snacks in a lively setting, with national and international sports games broadcasted around the clock.
- Sun Siyam Iru Fushi: The Water’s Edge Bar provides refreshing drinks and light bites, allowing guests to relax with uninterrupted ocean views.
- Sun Siyam Olhuveli: Sunrise Bar features 24/7 service, lagoon views, and activities for all ages, ideal for families.
- Sun Siyam Iru Veli: The Chemistry Bar serves drinks and snacks throughout the day and night, making it a social hub for relaxation and interaction.
- Sun Siyam Vilu Reef: Positive Energy Bar ensures a continuous flow of refreshments, offering everything from poolside cocktails to late-night snacks.
With this new 24-hour all-inclusive concept, Sun Siyam Resorts sets a new standard for flexible and worry-free travel, offering exceptional value and endless ways for guests to experience the beauty and culture of the Maldives without hidden costs. Each resort adds its own unique flair to the all-inclusive experience:
- At Iru Veli, the Premium All-Inclusive Signature Plan includes paddleboarding, windsurfing, and credits for jet skiing or spa services, along with three excursions.
- Siyam World’s WOW! Premium All-Inclusive plan is designed for families and adventure-seekers, featuring unlimited access to Siyam Water World, the Maldives’ largest floating water park, multiple excursions, and 24/7 dining across 18 bars and restaurants.
- Iru Fushi’s All-Inclusive package includes a dine-around meal plan at over 15 restaurants and bars, offering luxurious, day-to-night experiences with drinks and snacks on demand.
- Vilu Reef and Olhuveli each feature All-Inclusive dine-around packages with waterfront bars, open at all hours.
With endless options and personalised service, Sun Siyam Resorts presents an unparalleled opportunity to explore the Maldives without compromise.
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