Resort goes dark as part of worldwide movement for environment

Maldives Promotion House – It’s lights out for Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and W Retreat & Spa – Maldives.

 Both resorts will join millions around the world in turning off lights for Earth Hour 2013 to illuminate a powerful message about environmental awareness and action.

 Earth Hour 2013 takes place on March 23 at 8:30 p.m. local time.  Created by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Earth Hour is the largest movement for the planet in human history, spanning 7,000 cities, 152 countries, with a digital reach of 200 million.

 This year’s theme is “Uniting People to Protect the Planet.”  With that in mind, Sheraton Maldives and W Maldives will activate a range of energy-saving measures during Earth Hour.

 At W Maldives, Ku – the W Insider, invites all guests at the Retreat to meet at FIRE beach and savor on fresh catch of the day while a Boduberu band sets the rhythm to fire limbo dancers. When it is time to switch off, experience a candle light foot Reflexology and a scalp massage under the moonlight at Away Spa. Guests up for more action magnify and release your own sky lantern at FIRE beach.

 Guests at Sheraton Maldives will begin the day by taking part in the coral planting in the lagoon as part of the resort’s environment sustainability initiatives which also facilitates guests to contribute to protecting the planet. Guests gather again at sunset for pre-dinner cocktails at the Anchorage Bar while enjoying the panoramic views of the Indian Ocean before a special Earth Hour BBQ buffet dinner on the beach to end the historical night.

 Both resorts will also be taking other measures such as:  turning off exterior signage lighting; dimming or turning off non-essential interior lighting; using candlelight in appropriate public areas such as restaurants and bars; among others.

 Last year, Earth Hour broke records to cement itself as the largest voluntary action for the environment.  Iconic buildings and landmarks from Asia Pacific to Europe and Africa to the Americas switched off.

 People across the world from all walks of life turned off their lights and came together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common – our planet.

 “It’s a privilege for us to support such a powerful movement with such a simple gesture,” said Peter Foreman, Director of Sales & Marketing for Starwood Hotels & Resorts – Maldives.  “Earth Hour also reflects a philosophy we try to practice year-round:  The small steps each of us take can make a big difference together.”

 Starwood’s pioneering Global Citizenship philosophy reflects the same dedication to sustainability among its 171,000 associates worldwide. In 2012, more than 650 hotels participated in Earth Hour in various ways.

 This year will mark Starwood’s fifth annual participation in Earth Hour, making it one of the largest worldwide companies to make a pronounced global statement with a voluntary hour of darkness.  Earth Hour is just one of the many ways Starwood acts in support of its 30/20 by 20 goals, which is the company’s commitment to reduce energy consumption by 30% and water consumption by 20% by 2020 across its entire portfolio.