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Sustainability principals earn Park Hyatt nomination for Maldives’ leading resort in 2021 World Travel Awards
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa has announced the resort’s nomination for the Maldives’ Leading Resort category in the 2021 World Travel Awards.
The nomination is a rich reward for the sustainability principals that have guided throughout the design, construction and operational stages of the resort, which was the first luxury resort in the Maldives to commit to the EarthCheck principles.
The commitment allowed the resort to achieve the prestigious EarthCheck “Building, Planning and Design Standard” certified status in August 2008 and by continuously striving to improve its sustainability efforts over the years it was subsequently awarded Silver then Gold Certification by EarthCheck.
In 2017, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa was audited by Green Globe and was also certified Gold for sustainability practices.
To ensure the continuous monitoring of sustainability practices within the resort, Ruben Fernandes Penha Fortuna, the Resident Marine Biologist at Park Hyatt Maldives was appointed as the Green Globe Coordinator, who is responsible for identifying environmental risks, recording and monitoring the resort’s performance through benchmarking, such as house reef cleaning and predator controlling, exercise single-use plastic auditing while driving the environmental and sustainable development undertaken by the resort.
Environmental challenges cannot be solved alone, so the resort has established an in-house Hyatt Thrive Team to work together towards contributing meaningful solutions.
The Hyatt Thrive Team actively educate and exercise best practices to promote green campaigns to their colleagues, so that sustainability becomes an integral part of daily life for all colleagues as well as guests on the island.
Plastic audit and waste management are the top priority for the team this year, with the goal to reduce at least 90 per cent of single-used plastic and decrease the waste going to the landfill.
To maximise the green effort, the resort is planning to equip each room at the staff accommodation with recycling bags to adapt the recycling exercise and waste separation.
Park Hyatt Maldives’ commitment to sustainability shines bright in the resort’s array of curated guest experiences, which are some of the very best things to do in the Maldives for exploring the remote natural environment.
All excursions are conducted without any plastic bottles or disposals and bento boxes are used to transport the food and glass bottles for the water.
Local fishing excursions practice traditional Maldivian hand line, hook, sinker and bait fishing techniques and those fish that do not meet the minimum length or are a protected species are released. Guests are only permitted to keep one catch per villa and the rest will be released.
To be actively involved in conserving the natural environment of Hadahaa private island, coral reef monitoring following the Australian programme ‘Coral Watch’ is conducted on a monthly basis at the resort’s pristine house reef, encircling the island’s powder-white sand shores.
The programme evaluates the reef’s condition and recovery, especially after bleaching events, in addition to monitoring the water temperature, which is obtained from four permanent loggers provided by IUCN located around the island at different depths.
The removal of threatening species from the coral reef, such as the Crown of Thorns sea star and the Drupella sea snail, is conducted on a weekly basis.
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is also involved in the ‘Reef & Me’ project, which provides awareness and education to the local school children about the coral reef ecosystems.
The resort’s knowledgeable staff organise talks on reef sustainability with schools at two neighbouring islands and ‘Go Deeper’ talks for guests at the resort are conducted by the marine biologist twice a week to impart knowledge about the environment and fauna of the resort.
Conscientious guests can rest assured that their holiday to the island has a low impact to the surrounding environment.
Located in Huvadhoo Atoll, one of the largest and most natural atolls in the world, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa may be challenging to reach; however, guests reap the rewards of the resort’s remote location. Within close proximity to the equator, guests can experience a simpler way of life, before mass tourism overtook the northern atolls of the Maldives.
There is no hustle and bustle here. Instead, guests are treated to endless ocean views, breathtaking landscapes, unmatched sunsets and the soft sounds of the tropical breeze for a complete escape from the complexities and tensions of the modern world.
At the heart of one of the largest natural atolls in the world, the resort is a barefoot luxury hideaway and one of the best Maldives luxury hotel.
Hadahaa is secluded, away from teeming atolls of the North, with pristine waters and 360° house reef where snorkelling and scuba diving in Maldives are steps from each villa.
Seamlessly integrating local culture and environment, all 50 villas are minimalist in style, designed and built with guests’ privacy and comfort in mind.
From contemporary settings to casual ambiences, worldwide and regionally inspired dishes are offered for dining options.
The resort’s spa embraces local holistic wellness with treatments based on Hoonu – Cooling, Fini – Heating and Hiki – Hydrating.
To Vote for Park Hyatt Maldives as the Maldives’ Leading Resort 2021, go to: www.worldtravelawards.com. Voting ends August 9.
To explore more about Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa experiences, visit www.experienceparkhyattmaldives.com and learn about house reef exploration, uninhabited island visits or journeys to the Equator.
Families seeking the ultimate summer escape in 2025 will find the perfect destination with Kuramathi and Campioni. These two exceptional partners offer a holiday experience where children can combine their love for football with the thrill of training alongside former Premier League players and UEFA coaches at breathtaking resorts. The exclusive Campioni football training camps cater to children aged 4-15 years, running across two weeks with three football legends. Liverpool and England star John Barnes MBE, accompanied by a UEFA coach, will lead sessions from July 28th to August 1st. Meanwhile, England icons Harry Redknapp and Stuart Pearce MBE will join from August 4th to August 8th, presenting an unparalleled opportunity for budding young footballers.
Campioni’s ethos, “Train Like A Pro,” offers a unique chance for children to be coached for two hours daily by some of English football’s most celebrated figures. These interactive and engaging sessions focus on fundamental skills while emphasising teamwork, strategy, and sportsmanship. With personalised guidance provided throughout, participants gain invaluable insights from the experts and create unforgettable memories.
While children hone their skills on the pitch, parents are free to unwind in a variety of ways. They can relax on the beach, explore the island, work out in the gym, visit the spa, or simply enjoy the vibrant energy of the training sessions from the sidelines.
The Campioni experience extends beyond football. Families are invited to participate in additional activities, such as welcome drinks at the start of the week, a mid-week parents’ game featuring the football legends, and an end-of-week medal and certificate presentation. These events ensure everyone in the family enjoys a dynamic and engaging holiday.
Kuramathi, a renowned Maldivian resort, serves as the ideal backdrop for this unique experience. Famous for its winding white sandbank and tropical jungle spanning the 1.8km island, the resort features 12 room categories, 12 restaurants, 6 bars, evening entertainment, and an array of facilities. Options range from one-bedroom Beach Villas and Two-Bedroom Beach Houses to overwater villas perched above the island’s turquoise lagoon, making it a perfect choice for families.
Off the field, Kuramathi’s complimentary Bageecha Kids’ Club caters to children aged 3-12 years with indoor and outdoor play areas, arts and crafts, splash pads, and a large swimming pool. Activities for older children include badminton, football, ping pong, baseball, and basketball. For couples seeking a romantic evening, extended kids’ club hours are available at an additional charge, alongside 24-hour babysitting for younger children.
The resort also offers unique environmental activities, such as eco-centre presentations, hermit crab trails, tree planting, and visits to hydroponics gardens, encouraging younger guests to learn about sustainable practices.
For adventurous families, Kuramathi provides a fully equipped dive school with multilingual instructors who guide participants through PADI and SSI courses, including options for children as young as eight. Guests can also explore the ocean through snorkelling safaris, turtle discovery trips, dolphin excursions, and semi-submarine tours. Water sports such as windsurfing, dinghy sailing, and catamaran lessons are available for children aged 12 and above.
While children are occupied, parents can relax at the spa or enjoy evening cocktails at the Champagne Loft or pool bars. Dining options include international cuisine at the buffet restaurant and specialty venues like The Reef, La Belle Vie, and Siam Garden. Nightlife on the island is vibrant, with live music, beachside movie nights, DJ performances, and more.
Kuramathi and Campioni promise a summer holiday filled with excitement, learning, and relaxation, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Sun Siyam Resorts has announced its receipt of the prestigious 2024 Target Taste Award for ‘Overseas Island Hotel Group.’ The accolade was presented during the ‘Target Taste’ awards ceremony in December 2024, held in Beijing. This event celebrated innovation and excellence within the luxury lifestyle industry.
The 2024 awards, themed ‘Revolutionise and Innovate,’ gathered leading brands and visionaries to highlight advancements in high-end hospitality, design, travel, and culinary arts. Sun Siyam Resorts was honoured for its commitment to redefining island luxury through exceptional guest experiences, sustainable practices, and innovative offerings.
Ashley Zhang, Regional Marketing & Communications Manager for China, accepted the award on behalf of the company, marking a significant milestone for the group.
Target Taste, a prominent Chinese luxury lifestyle magazine established in 2013, has consistently recognised industry pioneers. Its awards serve as a hallmark of innovation, elegance, and excellence in the luxury sector.
Claudia Klingbeil, Group Director of PR & Communications at Sun Siyam Resorts, stated: “This recognition is deeply meaningful to all of us at Sun Siyam Resorts. It reflects the passion, dedication, and heart that our team pours into creating memorable experiences for our guests, and this recognition fuels our commitment to constantly evolve and innovate.”
Step into a realm of unparalleled luxury and avant-garde elegance as SO/ Maldives prepares to celebrate Chinese New Year in high style from 28 January to 31 January 2025. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Maldives, this iconic celebration promises a curated experience of haute cuisine, holistic indulgence, and captivating festivities, transforming the holiday into a statement of sophistication.
Renowned for vibrant celebrations and rich heritage, this year’s Chinese New Year program offers an unforgettable lineup. Highlights include a spectacular light-up ceremony, spellbinding cultural performances, a chic DJ party, and elegant festive fairs, all steeped in glamour and refinement.
The theme for 2025, “Ushering Fortune and Unity for a Prosperous New Year,” emphasises joy, harmony, and good fortune. Anchored in multiculturalism and diversity, the festivities aim to bring families and couples together for a stylish celebration of new beginnings. Through vibrant events and a glamorous ambiance, SO/ Maldives sets the stage for a bright and prosperous year.
Guests can immerse themselves in a fusion of cultural traditions and tropical luxury. Highlights include the energetic Lion Dance, which winds through the resort, and thrilling adventures such as snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. Culinary experiences like the Asian Street Market and Beach BBQ showcase Chinese-inspired gourmet delights, while creative workshops such as Handmade Pottery and Canvas Bag Painting ensure magical moments for younger guests.
SO/ Maldives elevates the festive allure with dazzling red lantern installations and breathtaking dragon dance performances on pristine beaches. Villas adorned with bespoke Chinese New Year decor blend cultural heritage with contemporary chic, creating an atmosphere of bold sophistication.
“At SO/ Maldives, we reinvent luxury celebrations, merging vibrant traditions with a cutting-edge, fashion-forward perspective. This Chinese New Year, the experience will be as bold and dazzling as the Year of the Wood Snake itself,” says Olivier MOIESDELVAL, General Manager of SO/ Maldives.
SO/ Maldives invites guests to embrace the finer things in life, where every taste, touch, and moment sparkles with creativity and glamour.
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