Angsana Velavaru : Redefining Luxury with Sustainability and Cultural Preservation
Wednesday 24th of July 2024
At Angsana Velavaru, an all-inclusive premium resort in the pristine South Nilandhe Atoll, sustainability and cultural preservation are integral to daily life. The resort, part of the Banyan Group, is dedicated to honoring Maldivian heritage and protecting the environment through initiatives like ‘The Life Cycle of Coconut Leaf.’
This initiative begins with the simple yet profound question: “What if dried coconut leaves could find new life? Can they breathe new purpose to the local community?” With this in mind, Angsana Velavaru has embarked on a journey to transform discarded coconut leaves into valuable resources, contributing to the local community and the environment.
The process starts with planting coconut trees on the resort and regularly trimming their leaves. Instead of discarding the dried leaves, Angsana Velavaru collaborates with local artisans to create beautiful thatched roofs known as kajan. This initiative supports traditional skills and provides an additional income source for the local community.
Guided by the Group’s ethos, “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People,” the cycle begins with lush, green coconut palm trees that enhance the resort's beauty. As the leaves naturally die and turn brown, skilled climbers harvest them to promote new growth and maintain tree health. The collected leaves are then dried and handed over to local artisans who weave them into kajan roofing. Angsana Velavaru purchases these thatched panels, ensuring they reflect Maldivian craftsmanship and blend tradition with natural aesthetics.
Old thatched roofs are carefully removed and composted to enrich the soil, which is then used to plant new coconut trees, completing a cycle of renewal. This initiative helps preserve cultural practices, supports local artisans, and nurtures the environment.
Angsana Velavaru’s commitment to sustainability has earned it nominations in the Travel Trade Maldives 2024 for Most Sustainable Resort and the South Asian Travel Awards 2024 for Leading Eco-Friendly Hotel/Resort. The resort’s efforts to reduce its environmental footprint include Marine Talk, Citizen Science Snorkelling, Coral Planting, and House Reef Cleanup, setting a standard for responsible tourism.
In July 2023, Angsana Velavaru's Green Sustainability Team launched the “SustainLinen Tote Bag with Purpose” initiative to reduce plastic waste. This program provided eco-friendly alternatives to disposable plastic bags for resort associates, and by September 2023, it expanded to include neighboring communities and in-house guests.
In April 2024, the resort took this initiative further by repurposing broken umbrellas into stylish and durable tote bags. This innovative step highlights their dedication to sustainability, showing how even unexpected items can be transformed and given new life.
Angsana Velavaru stands as a beacon of environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, demonstrating that luxury and responsibility can go hand in hand. Book your stay to experience the blend of tradition and sustainability at this remarkable resort.