Sustainable practices that benefit the environment and the community are becoming a hot topic in the hotel industry. Some hotels are even taking it a step further.
From protecting the coral reefs of the Maldives to empowering local youths, here are three global luxury hotels that deserve our attention.
1. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, Maldives
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is located in the heart of Baa Atoll, a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve, and the world’s largest manta ray habitat. The resort recognizes its geographical environment and places great importance on protecting this vulnerable environment.
Over the past two years, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas has been dedicated to co-authoring a book with renowned marine biologists. The book ‘Wonders of Kihavah,’ launched in September 2023, contains more than just the wonders surrounding marine life. It particularly emphasizes the urgency of protecting fragile coral reefs in the era of global warming.
2. ÀNI – Sri Lanka
The ÀNI Private Resort is on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, surrounded by expansive views of the Indian Ocean and lush jungle. The ÀNI Academies Sri Lanka, a campus comprising six buildings, is situated on the same site, surrounded by paddy fields and vast tea plantations.
Like other ÀNI resorts worldwide, the founders run an art program teaching painting to students. Thanks to this program, many students have become professional illustrators.
3. Six Senses Douro Valley, Portugal
Six Senses’ first European resort, Six Senses Douro Valley, is known as a place of relaxation with wine in Porto, Portugal. As it is a world-renowned wine region, a bottle of Portuguese wine is a must-have here.
If you happen upon a miniature donkey figurine crafted from wool and Portuguese clay during your visit to the resort, consider making a purchase. These figurines are even more special because 50% of the sales proceeds support the Association for the Preservation of the Donkey (APEGA), an organization dedicated to safeguarding the native Miranda donkeys.
The Miranda donkeys are a local breed that has teetered on the brink of extinction for the past two decades. However, thanks to the relentless efforts of APEGA, the population of these remarkable donkeys in Portugal has seen a significant resurgence, now numbering around 1,500. By purchasing one of these figurines, you contribute to conserving these beloved creatures and help ensure their survival.
By. Hyo Jung Kwon
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