Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru X Dhawa Ihuru X Angsana Velavaru Marks Global Campaigns This June
Wednesday 14th of June 2023
Focused on the purpose-driven mission of stewardship and wellbeing, the Banyan Tree Group is a trailblazer in the field of sustainable tourism. Having led numerous meaningful and proactive initiatives that support and promote wellness and sustainability, the group takes pride in delivering design-led guest experiences in synergy with the ethos of ‘embrace the environment and empower people.’
In line with this, three EarthCheck Gold-certified properties in the Maldives under the Banyan Tree portfolio commemorated three important global campaigns this June. These observances are World Environment Day, World Oceans Day and Global Wellness Day, celebrated at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dhawa Ihuru and Angsana Velavaru in full force with an engaging programme emphasizing environmental protection and community development.
#BeatPlasticPollution on World Environment Day
On June 5th, World Environment Day was globally observed with the theme #BeatPlasticPollution which strived to bring to attention living without throwaway plastic goods. Aligning with this theme, the three properties conducted local island clean-ups in an effort to raise public awareness of environmental conservation.
The associates at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru visited the neighbouring island of Himmafushi, where the team collected 156 kilograms of plastic debris together with local community members. Meanwhile, the associates at Angsana Velavaru took off to Rinbudhoo island, where they joined hands with the residents to collect 371 kilograms of plastic rubbish.
Tons of plastic end up in the oceans in the Maldives, threatening the existence of marine life and destroying the beautiful pristine beaches. The Maldivian government has since then banned the production of single-use plastics across the country.
Reef Relief on World Oceans Day
Celebrated on June 8th, World Oceans Day was marked with the theme ‘Plastic Ocean: Tides are Changing’ which aims to create awareness about the result of human activities on the oceans and to motivate people to use ocean resources sustainably. Showing support for this cause, all three properties hosted marine talks, coral planting and reef clean-up activities with the participation of both associates and guests.
In 2004, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru inaugurated the first resort-based facility in the Maldives with the aim of highlighting the importance of marine conservation and sustainable livelihoods with local communities. Angsana Velavaru quickly followed in its footsteps opening a second one on its property with the same objective. At the Marine Conservation Lab, several efforts are in place including coral planting and reef recovery through coral nurseries and marine life propagation.
Dhawa Ihuru, formally known as Angsana Ihuru has been at the forefront of conservation since 1996. The resort is home to the signature dive spot, Rannamari Wreck which lies 26m deep a little way from the house reef – in what is considered to be one of the best house reefs in the Maldives.
‘Self-Others-Nature’ Approach to Wellness
The award-winning Banyan Tree and Angsana Spas and the new 8lements Spa are renowned for offering authentic treatments that utilize Asian healing philosophies to curate impactful therapies. This combined with the best practices and impeccable service allows guests to cultivate care for themselves, others, and nature.
On Global Wellness Day commemorated June 10th, Angsana Velavaru kicked off the celebrations with a Sunrise Power Walk for guests and staff. The resort also offers wellness seekers the chance to relax in the tranquil surroundings of Angsana Spa with a well-deserved tune-up on Essence of Angsana with good value savings available for the whole month.
Over at Dhawa Ihuru and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Healthy Breathing Exercises were carried out for guests during morning and sunset. Like the Angsana Spa, the Banyan Tree Spa and 8Elements of Spa were also providing unique deals on its Facial Retreat and Spa Series throughout the month of June.