Featured
Banyan Tree Group celebrates anniversary with inaugural ‘Live Well, Travel Well’ campaign
Banyan Tree Group, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, kicks off this year’s anniversary celebrations with its biggest campaign of the year, and exclusive offerings across its diversified multi branded portfolio of hotels, resorts, spas, and gallery outlets across 23 countries.
From 14 September to 4 October 2022, the inaugural “Live Well, Travel Well” campaign invites travellers to reconnect with the world with 33% savings on stays and spa journeys, as well as indulge in retail therapy with handcrafted gifts and signature spa skincare products.
Known for landscapes of pristine nature and rich history, as well as opening in exciting new bustling metropolises, Banyan Tree Group’s 60 properties offer deep connections to destinations, complemented by contemporary sensibilities and signature standards. The spirit of “living well” is ingrained in each of its distinct brands – from the sanctuary of Banyan Tree, to the sense of adventure at Angsana, the spirit of fun at Cassia, the minimalism of Garrya, the comfort of Homm, and wild luxury at one of our newest brands, Banyan Tree Escape.
Highlights of the 2022 “Live Well, Travel Well” campaign will allow guests to:
- Stay longer with savings of 33% on Best Available Rate at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Angsana Velavaru and Angsana Ihuru.
- Prioritise wellbeing and make restorative spa treatments central to the travel experience with 33% off a la carte body treatments at award-winning Spa of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Angsana Velavaru and Angsana Ihuru.
- Support artisan communities, promote indigenous crafts and bring home exquisite decor pieces with 33% off Gallery retail items available at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Angsana Velavaru and Angsana Ihu.
The campaign runs between 14 September and 4 October 2022 for stays between 14 September 2022 and 30 September 2023. Bookings are available now via:
https://www.banyantree.com/maldives/vabbinfaru/offers/live-well-travel-well
https://www.angsana.com/maldives/velavaru/offers/live-well-travel-well
https://www.angsana.com/maldives/ihuru/offers/live-well-travel-well
Interpreting the spirit of living well and traveling well in each of its brand offerings, this inaugural multi-brand campaign marks the beginning of the group’s emphasis into driving wellbeing through all its offerings, to both associates and customers, as well as embedding sustainability through its StayforGood programme.
Featured
Maldives wellness economy soars with GWI and JOALI BEING collaboration
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI), a leading non-profit research organisation for the global wellness industry, announced a strategic collaboration with JOALI BEING, marking the Maldives as the 11th country to feature on GWI’s Geography of Wellness platform. JOALI BEING, which opened in 2021, is a pioneering wellbeing resort designed around biophillic principles and focused on delivering transformative, holistic wellness experiences.
The Maldives, as an island economy, has emerged as a premier destination for luxury wellness tourism and spas. The country’s wellness economy comprises two major segments: wellness tourism, valued at $1 billion following an impressive annual growth rate of 35.4% from 2022 to 2023, and the spa sector, valued at $448 million, with an exceptional 63.7% growth rate over the same period.
Through this collaboration with JOALI BEING, GWI has made detailed data on the Maldives’ position within the $6.3 trillion global wellness economy accessible to stakeholders interested in investing in the country’s expanding wellness tourism and spa industries. GWI’s chair and CEO, Susie Ellis, emphasised that by sponsoring the Geography of Wellness report, JOALI BEING is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of wellness tourism in the region. This collaboration aims to help the Maldives capitalise on the rising demand for wellness travel while maintaining competitiveness in the evolving wellness tourism sector.
Özgür Cengiz, global director of wellness development at Gürok Tourism Group, which operates JOALI BEING, expressed pride in the partnership with GWI. Cengiz highlighted the Maldives’ long-standing association with luxury and natural beauty and noted that the collaboration integrates data-driven wellness insights to enhance its global appeal. By aligning offerings with emerging trends such as nature connection, eco-wellness, and transformative travel, the initiative seeks to attract high-value travellers while promoting sustainability and community development.
The Maldives, spanning 1,192 islands across 26 atolls, is celebrated as a quintessential island paradise with jewel-like islands, white sands, turquoise waters, and luxury wellness resorts. Nature-centred wellness experiences, including encounters with vibrant coral reefs teeming with sea turtles, manta rays, and whale sharks, highlight one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems. The Maldivian way of life fosters a deep connection to nature, with a diet rich in tropical fruits, herbs, and fresh seafood contributing to holistic wellbeing. Environmental sustainability remains a key priority, with government-led initiatives aimed at protecting coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds to ensure harmonious coexistence with tourism.
The Maldives’ traditional healing practice, Dhivehi beys, combines indigenous plant-based remedies with global influences to restore balance within the body. Emphasising harmony among the body’s ‘humours’ of hot, cold, and dry, Dhivehi beys uses natural herbs for healing. The government has recognised its cultural significance and is actively integrating this ancient tradition into tourism, allowing visitors to experience it alongside the country’s natural beauty.
The Global Wellness Economy: Maldives report provides critical data for industry stakeholders and is available for free download.
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) is a nonprofit organisation recognised as a leading global research and educational resource for the wellness industry. It introduces major industry initiatives and hosts regional events to unite leaders in shaping the future of wellness. GWI aims to improve global health by educating institutions, businesses, and individuals on preventing disease, reducing stress, and enhancing overall quality of life, with a mission to empower wellness worldwide.
Celebration
Bandos Maldives kicks off festive season with joy and tradition
Bandos Maldives recently announced the commencement of the Festive Season with a grand evening featuring the traditional Jolly Mix and the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas Tree. This event marks the beginning of a magical holiday celebration on the island.
Guests can enjoy the spirit of the season through a variety of festive activities planned daily. The lineup includes engaging activities for both children and adults, meaningful coral planting experiences, a traditional Maldivian feast, and thrilling land and sea games. These events are designed to create unforgettable memories for all visitors.
The tropical paradise of Bandos Maldives offers a warm and joyous holiday experience, filled with wonder and the true essence of the season.
Conveniently located just 7 kilometres from Malé International Airport, Bandos Maldives is a pristine coral island spanning 18.66 hectares in the heart of North Malé Atoll. For half a century, it has embodied its ethos as ‘the island of hospitality,’ making it a premier travel destination in the Maldives.
Set amidst the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the resort features 220 accommodations, along with three vibrant bars and four restaurants. Guests can relax at the Orchid Spa or stay active at the state-of-the-art Clubhouse sports complex, which includes beach volleyball, tennis, steam baths, a sauna, and a modern fitness suite. For diving enthusiasts, Dive Bandos, one of the Maldives’ longest-established dive centres, offers safe and thrilling underwater adventures.
Action
Dive into conservation: Sun Siyam Iru Fushi introduces snorkelling with a purpose
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has introduced an exciting new activity for ocean enthusiasts: Conservation Snorkelling. Led by the resort’s resident marine biologist, Mohamed Shah, this immersive experience allows participants to contribute to marine conservation efforts while exploring the vibrant underwater ecosystem of the Maldives. Combining education, exploration, and action, the initiative offers an enriching opportunity for visitors of all ages.
Participants engage in collecting critical data on coral health and fish populations using underwater fish guides, coral health charts, and writing slates, while learning to identify various fish species. They assess reef conditions and contribute to the protection of the local marine environment. The findings are then discussed with Mohamed Shah, providing deeper insights into the marine life of the Iru Fushi lagoon and house reef.
This activity is a key component of Sun Siyam Cares, the resort’s initiative focused on environmental protection and community support. Families, young couples, and other guests can participate in global conservation efforts through the Coral Watch citizen science project. The activity is open to strong swimmers aged eight and above who feel comfortable snorkelling.
“At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, we strive to protect the stunning natural environment around us,” said Abdullah Atham, Resort Manager. “Through activities like Conservation Snorkelling, we encourage guests to explore and actively contribute to ocean conservation.”
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