Today marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. In light of this, we want to celebrate the luxury hotels, resorts and brands leading the way in eco-friendly practices – from coral rehabilitation initiatives and endangered species protection, to an educational, plant-based retreat and even an ethically grown diamond brand.
Launch of Clean Seas Project at Amàre Hotel Marbella and Amàre Hotel Ibiza
With a growing need to protect our oceans and the environment, the two adults-only beachfront hotels, part of Fuerte Group Hotels, have created 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 to support a project to protect the endangered Andalusian seahorse
Preserving Ibiza’s Land and Sea: Amàre Ibiza has signed an agreement with Ibiza Preservation, an organisation dedicated to preserving the conservation of the island’s natural beauty and strive towards sustainable tourism. Amàre’s donation of 1,500EUR will go towards financing a platform to bring together experts and execute innovative projects to conserve Ibiza and Formentera’s ecosystems
Eliminating Single Use Plastics: Fuerte Hotel Group are developing a plan to eliminate single-use plastics throughout the hotels, being replaced with eco-friendly alternatives made from recyclable, biodegrable materials
For more information please visit www.amarehotels.com
The Maldives’ Largest Coral Regeneration Project at 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, spectacularly increasing coral growth around the island by 3% since its plantation just three years ago. Designed and directed by the island’s very own onsite Coral Biologist, the area has also seen a surge in fish quantity 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 (which destroyed 60% of the country’s reefs), and allows guests to experience first-hand the extraordinary rewards of coral restoration, helping to create 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 remarkably at over 80% creating a thriving and safe environment for the areas divine marine life including black and white tip reef sharks, nurse sharks, the seasonal manta ray, black spotted stingray and the graceful eagle ray.
For more information please visit www.velaaprivateisland.com
Going Green with Eco- Friendly Architecture at Gennadi Grand Resort
A breath of fresh Aegean air offering sun, sea and sustainability, the sleek Gennadi Grand Resort effortlessly combines exceptional design, eco-friendly architecture and luxury hospitality, echoing the relaxed feel of this lesser-known corner of Rhodes set in the idyllic Gennadi Bay.
A synthesis of form, function and perfectly scaled structures, Gennadi Grand Resort operates under a BMS (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 the surroundings 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 and a conscious effort has been made to collect and recycle any rainwater.
For more information please visit www.gennadigrandresort.com
Creative Conservation: An Eco-Conscious Art Retreat at Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi
Drawing inspiration from its island environment, Fairmont Maldives’ new 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 – 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.
For true immersion in nature, dive into the crystal Indian Ocean, where over 250 species of tropical fish, manta rays and turtles patrol the resort’s 9km house reef. 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. Taking inspiration from their ocean discoveries, guests can create their own marine masterpiece in the art studio, under the watchful eye of a resident artist – from jewellery making and canvas painting to traditional weaving. 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.
For more information please visit www.fairmont.com/maldives
Disconnect with Technology, Reconnect with Yourself with Climate Activists at 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.
Dates are currently TBC. For more information and announcements please visit ourretreat.co.uk
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 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.
For more information please visit www.essaadi.com/en/
The Diamonds With Mother Earth in Mind from CARAT* London
A pioneering retailer in sparkling and sustainable jewellery, CARAT* London treasures the environment as much as exquisite jewellery. Pledging to be 100% carbon-neutral by September 2020, the British designer offers a conflict-free, lab-grown Gentle Diamonds collection, offering a more sustainable and better value collection of show-stopping pieces ensure that you are giving back to Mother Earth, even when choosing your jewellery.
Offering a collection of both ready-to-wear and bespoke jewellery, perfect for any special moment, CARAT* London are leading the way to create more sustainable and beautiful diamonds that don’t cost the earth. On top of pledging to be fully carbon neutral by this year, the jewellery collection will solely be using fair-trade, recycled gold by 2022.
For more information please visit www.caratlondon.com