From coral regeneration projects to eco-conscious architecture and farm-to-fork dining, these world-class hotels are leading the way in environmentally-responsible travel.
Clean Seas Project – Amàre Hotel Marbella and Amàre Hotel Ibiza
With an increased urgency to protect our oceans and environment coming to light, this pair of adults-only Spanish beachfront hotels, part of Fuerte Group Hotels, have launched the Clean Seas initiative. Already considered as one of the most sustainable hotel companies in Spain, the project will consist of three main objectives:
Conserving natural resources and ecosystems:
By supporting the scientific organisation Aula del Mar de Málaga, Amàre Marbella have recently donated 1,500EUR in aid of protecting the endangered Andalusian seahorse.
Preserving Ibiza’s land and sea:
Amàre Ibiza has signed an agreement with Ibiza Preservation, an organisation dedicated to sustainable tourism and the preservation of the island’s natural beauty. Amàre’s donation of 1,500EUR will go towards financing a platform that brings together experts and executes innovative projects in an aim to conserve Ibiza and Formentera’s ecosystems.
Eliminating single-use plastics:
Fuerte Hotel Group are in the process of developing a plan to eliminate single-use plastics throughout the Amàre hotels, and replacing them where needed with eco-friendly alternatives made from recyclable, biodegrable materials.
The Maldives’ Largest Coral Regeneration Project – Velaa Private Island
Home to the largest Coral Regeneration Project in the Maldives, Velaa Private Island has successfully transplanted over 4,200 nursery-grown corals since the launch of the project. This has resulted in a spectacular three-percent increase of coral growth around the island since its plantation just three years ago. Conceptualized and directed by the island’s very own onsite Coral Biologist, the project has also resulted in a surge in fish population throughout both the transplant areas and their surrounding endangered sites, which the resort aims to double within the near future.
Hidden away within a collection of islands known as the Noonu Atoll, the project aims to raise awareness of the destroyed coral reefs following the severe global bleaching in 1998 and 2016 that destroyed sixty percent of the country’s reefs. The project also allows guests to gain first-hand experience of and learn more about the extraordinary rewards of coral restoration that helps in the creation of a diverse, self-sustaining ecosystem.
With the capacity of nursing over 6,000 corals within its four nurseries, the survival rate of transplanted corals remains at a remarkable eighty percent, creating a thriving and safe environment for the areas divine marine life to flourish. The project benefits incredible sea creatures such as black and white tip reef sharks, nurse sharks, seasonal manta rays, black spotted stingrays and the graceful eagle rays, among others.
Eco- Friendly Architecture – Gennadi Grand Resort
A breath of fresh Aegean air, the sleek Gennadi Grand Resort offers an undatable trio of treats: sun, sea and sustainability. The chic hotel effortlessly combines state-of-the-art design with eco-friendly architecture and luxury hospitality, echoing the relaxed feel of its lesser-known corner of Rhodes, the idyllic Gennadi Bay.
A synthesis of form, functionality and perfectly-scaled structures, Gennadi Grand Resort operates under a Building Management System comprising of leading, innovative energy management technology. Taking inspiration from the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, Gennadi is designed with a neutral palette, sharp angles, low-slung buildings and slanted roofs that complement its natural backdrop and optimise microclimate conditions. Recently awarded a prestigious Green Key in the International Environmental Awards, the eco-chic resort also uses a reverse osmosis system to deliver 20,000 litres of clean, sustainable water to the resort every hour, while also making a conscious effort to collect and recycle any rainwater.
Creative Conservation – Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi
Drawing inspiration from its island environment, Fairmont Maldives’ new eco-conscious retreat aims to educate art lovers on the importance of marine conservation, combining tours of the Coralarium – an underwater art gallery and coral regeneration project – with mediation, spa rituals and mindful painting guided by the resident artist. Whether it’s enhancing overall wellbeing or simply learning to embrace being in nature, the retreat encourages guests to disconnect with technology and reconnect with nature.
Offering the prime opportunity to whole-heartedly immerse oneself in nature, the resort’s 9km house reef is home to over 250 species of tropical fish, manta rays and turtles in its crystal-clear Indian ocean waters. Snorkel the vibrant corals before exploring the Coralarium – a submerged art installation and coral regeneration project designed by British eco-artist, Jason deCaires Taylor. Discover the unique sculptures and learn about their role in marine conservation on an underwater art tour with the resident marine biologist.
Guests can then take inspiration from their magical ocean discoveries and create their own marine masterpiece in the art studio, under the watchful eye of a resident artist – whether its jewellery making, canvas painting or traditional weaving, there is a creative outlet for everyone here. Those who prefer to leave painting to the pros can join daily beachfront yoga and meditation sessions or indulge in a variety of luxurious spa rituals in the Willow Stream Spa.
Retreat with Climate Activists – Our Retreat Somerset
Our Retreat, the boutique retreat brand deeply rooted in balance, invites those looking to truly disconnect from technology and reconnect with themselves to join Venetia and Max La Manna, climate activists and founders of the social media movement #Offline48, on an exclusive three-day retreat in the heart of the English countryside in Somerset this year.
To enjoy a fuller, more purposeful life, the couple believe in the power of mindful consumption in every aspect of their lifestyle, and this extends to how we consume digital media. While staying at 42 Acres Farmhouse, guests can enjoy a weekend without technology, but filled with daily restorative yoga, wellness workshops, guided walks, meditation, sound healing, transformational breath-work and delicious plant-based food. Venetia and Max will also host educational workshops for retreaters, focused on the importance of caring for our environment and small changes we can make that positively impact the environment and those around us. Guests will come away from the escape feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to implement learnings into their everyday lives.
A Farm-to-Fork Gourmet Getaway at Es Saadi Marrakech Resort
Ensuring their culinary offering is as vibrant as its surroundings, Es Saadi Marrakech Resort has embraced the hyper-local and SLOW (sustainable, local, organic, wellness) food movement, ensuring all food is fresh, locally sourced and has a minimal carbon footprint on the environment. All fresh produce across the resort’s restaurants has been grown and handpicked on Es Saadi’s family-owned, organic farm and orchard, ‘Le Bled’, located in the nearby Ourika Valley in Morocco.
For farm-to-fork cuisine, ‘Lagon & Jardin’ is a healthy haven for travellers looking to refuel and replenish and offers a range of low calorie, gluten-intolerance alternatives and vegan options including Meli-melo of vegetables from ‘Le Bled’ farm with wild herbs, and or a traditional morocco feast, chef Fatéma Hal at La Cour des Lions restaurant creates delicious dishes using subtle spices and fruity tangines.
Offering the perfect combination of fine dining and farm-to-fork cuisine within the resort’s array of luxury, gourmet restaurants, Es Saadi Marrakech Resort invites guests to feed their soul with superfoods before relaxing in the surrounding lush gardens or world-class Palace Spa, and experience nourishment of mind, body and soul.
Images © their respective hotels.