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Embracing sustainable travel and wellness: A path to conscious exploration
In recent years, the world has witnessed a remarkable shift in the way people approach travel. With a growing concern for the environment and personal well-being, the concept of sustainable travel and wellness has emerged as a transformative trend in the tourism industry. This column explores the importance of this emerging trend and highlights how tourists and families can adopt responsible behavior to make a positive impact while enjoying their journeys.
Sustainable tourism involves minimizing the environmental impact of tourism, supporting local economies and communities, and visiting lesser-known destinations. Its practices include conserving energy and water, serving local and seasonal food, managing waste responsibly, and making conscious choices as a traveler.
You might be familiar with terms like “green travel,” “green tourism,” “ecotourism,” “ethical tourism,” “responsible travel,” and others that are similar. However, these concepts go beyond simple actions such as reusing hotel towels or taking a reusable water bottle when going out.
The Significance of Sustainable Travel and Wellness
- Sustainable travel and wellness encompass a holistic approach that considers the well-being of individuals, communities, and the planet. It acknowledges the interconnectedness of human health, natural ecosystems, and local cultures. By embracing this concept, travelers contribute to the preservation of fragile environments, support local economies, and promote a more ethical and inclusive tourism industry.
The need for sustainable travel and wellness arises from the consequences of unsustainable tourism practices witnessed in the past. Communities neglected or suffering due to tourism development, as well as ecological disasters caused by unchecked human activities, serve as stark reminders of the importance of prioritizing sustainability.
- Learning from Past Mistakes
- Below are frequent issues and responses to them:
- Water conservation: minimizing the impact of tourism on local water supplies;
- Pollution reduction: saying no to single-use plastics in travel;
- Supporting local communities: preserving economy, culture, and community;
- Carbon footprint reduction: traveling slow and sustainable;
- Protecting ocean health: being mindful of marine environments.
Responsible Tourism Behaviors:
To truly embrace the essence of sustainable travel and wellness, tourists and families should adopt the following responsible behaviors:
Mindful Destination Selection:
Choose destinations that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. Look for eco-certifications, sustainable tourism initiatives, and local conservation efforts. Opt for places that value their cultural heritage and implement responsible tourism practices.
Support Local Economies:
Engage in responsible consumption by supporting local businesses, including accommodations, restaurants, and tour operators. By doing so, you contribute directly to the well-being of local communities while fostering economic growth that benefits both residents and visitors.
Minimize Environmental Footprint:
Reduce your ecological impact by practicing eco-friendly habits such as using reusable water bottles, minimizing plastic waste, and opting for public transportation or eco-friendly modes of travel whenever possible. Respect the natural surroundings, adhere to designated trails, and avoid activities that harm wildlife or ecosystems.
Embrace Cultural Respect:
Immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions by respecting local customs, traditions, and etiquette. Educate yourself about the cultural heritage of the destination and interact respectfully with local communities, valuing their perspectives and ways of life.
Engage in Meaningful Experiences:
Seek out authentic experiences that allow for personal growth and connection. Engage in sustainable tourism activities such as volunteering for community projects, participating in cultural exchanges, or learning about local conservation efforts. These experiences not only benefit the destination but also provide a deeper understanding of the issues faced by local communities.
Spread Awareness:
Share your experiences and knowledge about sustainable travel and wellness with others. Through social media, blog posts, or conversations, inspire and educate fellow travelers on the importance of responsible tourism. Encourage them to make conscious choices that promote positive change.
Travel companies increasingly engage more ambassadors to promote sustainable travel initiatives, and rightly so. For example, Kammui, a nature-experience platform in Japan, reinvented the idea of travel for nature enthusiasts offering 200+ guided experiences from meditation to sport adventures in wilderness.
Sustainable travel and wellness represent a transformative shift in the tourism industry, emphasizing the need for responsible practices that benefit both travelers and the destinations they visit. By adopting mindful behaviors and supporting sustainable initiatives, tourists and families can contribute to the preservation of ecosystems, cultures, and the well-being of local communities. Let us embrace this emerging trend, leaving a positive impact on the places we explore, and nurturing a more sustainable and harmonious future for generations to come.
SO/ Maldives presents a bold fusion of avant-garde style and barefoot luxury, creating a distinctive island experience where fashion, art, and contemporary design converge. The resort embodies creativity and sophistication across its vibrant villas, dining venues, and beach clubs, inviting guests to embrace the high-energy spirit of “Style, Bold, and Playful.”
This Halloween, the resort will transform into an island of eerie elegance and playful mischief, offering guests an unconventional celebration on the shores of Lazuli Beach Club. On Friday, 31 October 2025, the day’s festivities will include activities for all ages, from imaginative workshops to moonlit gatherings by the sea.
The celebrations will begin with interactive family experiences at The Nest, including Mask Making, Tie-Dye Halloween T-Shirt Painting, and Scary Cookie Making. Children can also enjoy DIY Costume Creation, Face Painting, and a Trick-or-Treat Parade along Lazuli Beach Club. The daytime programme is designed to inspire creativity and fun for both young guests and adults.
As evening approaches, the atmosphere will take on a more mysterious tone. The Witches & Waves Dinner will be served beachside from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM, offering a four-course set menu accompanied by a themed welcome cocktail and a captivating ambience under the stars.
From 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM, guests can enjoy Spooky Special Cocktails at Lazuli Beach Club Bar with 50% off themed drinks, followed by the Spooky Halloween Party featuring DJ performances, glow body paint, and “witchy shoulder spells”—a five-minute charm that may win participants 50% off. The evening will culminate in the Glow Foam Party at 8:30 PM, combining music, lights, and foam against the backdrop of the moonlit sea.
“This isn’t your average haunted house; it’s a beachfront bash with a twist of glamour and a splash of mischief,” said Olivier Moies-Delval, General Manager of SO/ Maldives. “We’re reimagining Halloween in true SO/ style—bold, beautiful, and beyond expectations.”
W Maldives is inviting guests to Make Waves, New Traditions this festive season, presenting a celebration that redefines the holidays with creativity, connection, and indulgence. From 23 December to 1 January, the resort will transform into a tropical haven where every moment is designed for joy and every guest has officially “Made the List.”
The festivities commence with Twinkle & Toast, a lighting ceremony that marks the start of a vibrant, week-long calendar of events. Highlights include flame-grilled feasts on FIRE Beach for Christmas Eve, holiday movie nights under the stars, festive afternoon teas overlooking the reef, seafood markets brimming with fresh coastal flavours, and a Maldivian beach barbecue infused with rhythm and local flair. On New Year’s Eve, the island will evolve into a lively playground featuring creative cocktails, immersive culinary journeys, electrifying performances, and fireworks over the Indian Ocean to welcome 2025 in true W style.
This year’s celebration also introduces The Restore Series with internationally acclaimed wellness coach Arron Collins-Thomas, founder of TONIQ. Integrating Qigong, breathwork, and cold-water therapy with energising workouts and restorative rituals, the seven-day wellness experience aims to refresh both body and mind while harmonising with the festive atmosphere. Guests can take part in sunrise sessions, sunset meditations, and ice-bath resets, embracing wellness as an essential part of the celebration and preparing themselves for the year ahead.
Culinary experiences take centre stage in this season of togetherness and authenticity. From ocean-to-table creations at FISH to Chef Bakaa’s festive degustation menu and the dynamic seafood markets at KITCHEN, each dining encounter blends local ingredients with bold imagination. Guests are encouraged to come together, share stories, and experience the Maldivian spirit through flavours that are both comforting and refreshingly innovative.
“This is the season to connect, recharge, and celebrate without boundaries,” said Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives. “At W Maldives, we embrace the unexpected. Make Waves, New Traditions is our invitation for guests to come together, savour the island’s soul, and create memories that sparkle long after the fireworks fade.”
With its star-lit skies, daring gastronomy, revitalising wellness rituals, and music that carries into the night, W Maldives offers a festive escape where traditions are reimagined and every guest truly Makes the List.
Kandolhu Maldives has unveiled its festive programme for the 2025 holiday season, running from 19 December through to the New Year, promising guests a celebration filled with style, warmth, and Maldivian charm. The island’s festive calendar blends gourmet dining, ocean adventures, and cultural experiences, creating an atmosphere that captures the essence of Kandolhu — Shaped by the Sea.
Throughout the festive period, the resort’s culinary team will host an exceptional series of themed dining events. Guests can enjoy “Taste of the Sea” seafood nights and “Lobster & Sparkling Wine” evenings at Sea Grill, an authentic Indian Thali experience and a pan-Asian night at The Market, and “Chapoutier Uncorked” at Olive — a curated wine journey through the Rhône Valley and other European vineyards of M. Chapoutier. Ata Roa will also host a hands-on Ceviche Masterclass, where participants can learn to prepare this classic dish and craft the perfect Pisco Sour.
On Christmas Eve, the celebrations will begin with a cocktail party followed by a Gala Dinner on the beach, featuring an array of international festive dishes and grilled favourites. The merriment continues on Christmas Day with a beachside buffet at Vilu Bar, allowing guests to dine under the stars in true island style.
As the year draws to a close, Kandolhu will host an elegant New Year’s Eve celebration, beginning with cocktails and a six-course degustation dinner, followed by live music and a DJ set to welcome 2026 in spectacular fashion. Guests can ease into the new year with a leisurely late breakfast on 1 January.
Those seeking wellness and adventure will find plenty of experiences through the Noovilu sports centre, offering guided snorkelling with manta rays, sunset kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. At Varu Spa, relaxation takes centre stage with treatments such as the “Rose Indulgent Scrub,” “Muscle Boost” deep tissue massage, and the “Varu Haven” couples’ experience.
Adding a cultural touch, the festive schedule includes a palm-leaf Christmas decoration workshop and a traditional Maldivian Boduberu drum and dance performance.
Combining fine dining, meaningful experiences, and island-inspired festivities, Kandolhu Maldives promises a magical holiday season filled with memorable moments and refined celebration.
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