News

Atmosphere Core leads sustainable travel in Maldives

Published

4 months ago

May 21, 2024

International hospitality company, Atmosphere Core announces sustainability achievements across four pillars of Community, Operations, Resources and Environment. This environment-conscious approach is evident through the company’s many impactful initiatives such as renewable energy infrastructure and water-saving technology across resorts. Along with company-wide projects, individual resorts are also looking at innovative pilot projects such as a vertical hydroponic garden at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO or the in-house biogas setup at OBLU SELECT Sangeli.

“Sustainability isn’t an option; it’s our ethos. We look at reusing, reducing, and recycling. All our resorts use a paperless app-based booking and check-in system. At our spas, we serve handmade candied orange peels, and all our resort teams maintain kitchen gardens with a constant effort to improve every year. The cumulative impact of these eco-friendly choices can have a lasting positive change. From conscious development to conserving resources and curating culturally connected experiences for our guests, every decision we make is rooted in preserving the natural beauty that surrounds us in the enchanting islands of Maldives,” comments Shrikant Dash, the Deputy Managing Director for Corporate at Atmosphere Core.

Driving Positive Community Impact

Recognising the need to give back to the local community, Atmosphere Core has been supporting charities and driving impact through a non-profit, non-governmental organisation – Atmosphere Foundation. In the span of two years, the foundation has achieved significant milestones. It has built a high-quality training kitchen for special needs students, run reading programmes for 7,196 youngsters and supported health screening programs for 590 senior citizens at local islands.

By introducing bamboo plantation and cultivation not just on the group’s resorts, but also in local community outreach programs, Atmosphere Foundation is at the forefront of bringing responsible hospitality and climate protection programmes together. Bamboo plants are known for their exceptional carbon absorption rate, contributing to the goal of making the Maldives a carbon-free destination. Through the Bamboo for Climate Change Mitigation project, Atmosphere Foundation has donated over 4,000 germinated seedlings and introduced saplings to 27 islands, collaborating with local councils on 9 initiatives. This project has covered all but 5 atolls in Maldives. Over 1,000 seedlings have also been planted in resorts operated by Atmosphere Core.

How the Sun Powers Atmosphere Core’s Resorts

Atmosphere Core is driving a solar revolution in the Maldives by maximising every opportunity to power resorts with clean energy from the sun. In 2019, Atmosphere setup a marine and rooftop solar system at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO. Since then, the solar setup has expanded across resorts, leading to a year-over-year increase in solar energy production. With a 40% increase in 2022 followed by a 14% rise in 2023.

As of May 2024, there are 8,890 solar panels installed across seven resorts which have produced a cumulative of 16,500 MWh of clean energy from 85 roof installations and 12 floating platforms. To put those numbers in perspective, Atmosphere Core has saved 4,459,459 liters of diesel by using solar energy, and thus resulting in a cumulative reduction of 11,951 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Commitment to Coral Conservation

At the resorts within the Atmosphere Core portfolio, environmental care takes centre stage, with a special focus on coral conservation. Within the portfolio of nine resorts, seven have an actively managed coral conservation programme and four resorts have a dedicated marine biologist. In 2023, a total of 279 coral frames were installed in Atmosphere Core waters with about 13,436 coral fragments. In Q1 2024, 21 new frames were installed across the resorts. Through continuous monitoring and maintenance, the coral fragments have encrusted onto the frames and started to grow new branches. Over the years, through coral propagation, these conservation gardens have flourished with live corals attracting marine life including Parrot Fish, Snappers, Eagle Rays, Sharks, and other invertebrates.

All of Atmosphere Core’s resorts have received Green Globe Certification for environmental sustainability, with OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO receiving gold certifications. With a 10% global market share, Green Globe is one of the most preferred sustainability certifications for resorts and involves successfully being audited on 44 key environmental criteria and up to 380 compliance indicators depending on the destination.

Business

Etienne Ng, Regional Director for Southeast Asia at Weixin Pay (WeChat Pay), to speak at Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024

Published

16 hours ago

September 7, 2024

m@ldives

Hotelier Maldives has announced that Etienne Ng, Regional Director for Southeast Asia at Weixin Pay (WeChat Pay), will be a featured speaker at the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024. The GM Forum, the largest gathering of hospitality professionals in Maldives, will take place on September 19 at CROSSROADS Maldives.

Etienne Ng leads Weixin Pay’s operations across Southeast Asia, where the platform has seen substantial growth. His session at the forum will primarily focus on Chinese travel trends and their spending behaviour. He will also highlight the role of digital payments in enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency within the hospitality industry.

Ali Naafiz, Editor of Hotelier Maldives, commented on the announcement: “Etienne Ng’s participation at the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024 will offer attendees valuable insights into the growing impact of digital payments in the tourism and hospitality sectors. His experience in managing Weixin Pay’s expansion in Southeast Asia makes him a key voice in discussions about the future of payment solutions in the industry.”

This year’s GM Forum, now in its eighth edition, will focus on ‘The Evolving Luxury Landscape’ in the Maldives. Industry leaders will discuss the future of luxury travel, including the new luxury traveller’s psyche, digital marketing, and sustainable practices. Topics will cover private islands, underwater experiences, and the opportunities and challenges faced by hoteliers in the country. The forum will feature diverse panels and interactive sessions, emphasising personalised guest experiences and local cultural integration. It aims to foster active participation and share innovative case studies from the luxury travel industry.

Sponsors and partners of GM Forum 2024 include:

Ooredoo Maldives: Digital Partner (Title Sponsor)
Bestbuy Maldives (BBM): Silver Sponsor
Dhivehi Insurance: Silver Sponsor
Fuel Supplies Maldives: Silver Sponsor
Manta Air: Aviation Partner
Male’ Aerated Water Company: Beverage Partner
Atmosphere Wellness: Wellness Partner
Souvenir Marine: Transport Partner
Printlab: Printing Partner
CROSSROADS Maldives: Venue Partner
Lights Out: Coverage Partner
Associate Sponsors: Alia Investments, Villa Hakatha, GAGE, Wyntronix, Uniforms Unlimited and Spa Ceylon Maldives

With Etienne Ng joining the lineup of speakers, the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024 will offer attendees insights into the latest developments in digital payment technologies and their applications in the Maldivian hospitality sector.

John Bevan, CEO of dnata Travel Group, will be the keynote speaker at the event. Hotelier Maldives will soon announce additional speakers, presenters, and panel discussions, further shaping the forum’s agenda.

News

Bandos Maldives gears up for International Housekeeping Week 2024

Published

16 hours ago

September 7, 2024

m@ldives

Bandos Maldives is all geared up to celebrate International Housekeeping Week from September 9th to 15th, 2024, to honour the dedication and hard work of its housekeeping associates.

The week will feature a series of engaging activities designed to foster team spirit, enhance skills, and recognise the vital role of housekeeping in delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Bandos Maldives, along with the Kuda Huraa team, has organised a series of exciting activities to kick off International Housekeeping Week. The celebrations include friendly competitions, such as a bed decoration contest, football match, and a visit to Kuda Huraa for a friendly volleyball game and shared activities.

The week also features a fun-filled picnic with team-building games at the sandbank, and a creative bed decoration and towel art competition. The festivities will culminate in an official dinner and award ceremony hosted by the Bandos Management, demonstrating their commitment to supporting and motivating the dedicated housekeeping team.

Join the resort in celebrating the exceptional housekeeping team that keeps Bandos Maldives immaculate and welcoming for all guests.

News

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort celebrates World Wellness Weekend with exquisite three-day wellness retreat

Published

16 hours ago

September 7, 2024

m@ldives

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has announced its upcoming celebrations for World Wellness Weekend, taking place from September 20th to 22nd, 2024. Guests are invited to embark on a transformative journey of holistic wellness amidst the serene beauty of the Maldives.

Nestled between verdant rainforest and white-sand beaches on a private natural island, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is a place where luxury meets holistic wellness. With a choice of overwater and beachside villas overlooking the alluring waves of the Indian Ocean, guests enjoy unrivalled tranquility during an idyllic stay for World Wellness Weekend in 2024 .

The three-day retreat promises a comprehensive programme designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. Each day features a curated selection of activities, including yoga, fitness classes, and wellness workshops, set against the luxurious settings of the resort. Activities can be arranged with the assistance of the iconic St. Regis Butler Service, and is complimentary to all guests at the resort.

Day 1: Friday, September 20, 2024:

Begin with Morning Yoga & Meditation at the Yoga Sala.
Strengthen your core with a TRX Workout in the Fitness Studio.
Explore Ayurvedic healing during the “Balancing Your Doshas” workshop in the Drawing Room.
End the day with an invigorating Beach Boot Camp at Alba Beach.

Day 2: Saturday, September 21, 2024:

Start the day with a peaceful Morning Yoga & Meditation session.
Engage in Kickboxing and Anti-Gravity Yoga for a dynamic workout experience.
Discover the ancient art of Thai healing with the Tok Sen Thai Therapy Experience at Iridium Spa.
Conclude with Chakra Yoga, focusing on the Ajna Chakra.

Day 3: Sunday, September 22, 2024:

A calming session of Morning Yoga & Meditation sets the tone for the day.
Indulge in a BR Skin Instant Workshop at Iridium Spa.
Experience the unique Pool Bike Fitness class at Alba Pool.
Learn the Art of Massage Techniques in a hands-on workshop.
Energise with Jumping Fitness and finalise the retreat with Chakra Yoga, concentrating on the Sahasrara Chakra.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, which opened in November 2016, is nestled on a private island in a secluded Maldivian atoll, amidst thriving marine life. Just 45 minutes from Male by seaplane, guests are transported into a newfound paradise in the Dhaalu Atoll.

The resort draws inspiration from nature itself. Designed by WOW Architects | Warner Wong Design (Singapore), the unusual contemporary design of The St. Regis Maldives draws inspiration from the natural setting of the resort. This is represented by the manta ray shaped lagoon villas, a signature bar in the shape of a whale shark, a lobster-inspired spa and a spiral shell shaped library.

There are seven distinct dining venues, including two Asian specialty restaurants featuring Eastern haute cuisine and Japanese style Kaiseki cuisine, an international restaurant that offers dishes spanning from Asian to Western flavors, an underground wine cellar, a shack style restaurant, a signature overwater bar that rolls out stunning views of dramatic sunset, and a restaurant located inland amongst the tropical gardens featuring middle-eastern cuisine. Additionally, guests can also enjoy the Iridium Spa, which presents six overwater treatment rooms, including two that are dedicated to healing Ayurvedic treatments. Spa guests can also enjoy a Blue Hole.