Renowned Olympian And Five-Time World Champion Emma Igelström Partners With LUX* South Ari Atoll For An Exclusive Wellness Retreat

From beautifully upgraded rooms to a newly designed bar and luxurious leisure areas Burnham Beeches Hotel has been thoughtfully transformed to create an immersive experience for guests.

In honour of International Women’s Day on March 8, Preferred Travel Group, is highlighting some of the exceptional initiatives implemented by member hotels globally that align with this year’s theme of #AccelerateAction. From Sweden to India and beyond, these hotels are deeply committed to empowering women—both within their local communities and further afield— driving meaningful change through inspiring programs and advocacy.  "At Preferred Travel Group, we believe that meaningful change begins with action. This International Women’s Day, we are proud to support and celebrate the impactful initiatives of our member hotels that empower women, uplift communities, and create lasting positive change. This day serves as a timely reminder that together we can build a more inclusive and equitable world," said Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Travel Group.   Photo credits: Preferred Travel Group ATELIER Playa Mujeres (Cancun, Mexico) - Preferred Hotels & Resorts L.V.X. Collection  ATELIER Playa Mujeres' "Painting Smiles" program, in partnership with the Ciudad de la Alegría Foundation, supports various "Homes with a Cause," including the Home of Women. This initiative focuses on supporting and extending a helping hand to women who have experienced violence or abandonment. Guests at the resort contribute through a nominal nightly donation, directly aiding these transformative programs. Additionally, hotel staff, known as Arteleros, engage in volunteer efforts, dedicating time and care to the community's wellbeing.  Photo credits: Preferred Travel Group Nordic Light Hotel (Stockholm, Sweden) - Preferred Hotels & Resorts Lifestyle Collection   Nordic Light Hotel works in partnership with Talita, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting women leaving prostitution and human trafficking. Recognizing the challenges these women face, the hotel offers financial contributions, work training opportunities, and actively raises guest awareness about the issue. Every room features a door hanger on the pillows with information about Talita and ways for guests to support the cause—ensuring the message reaches everyone and clearly signalling the hotel’s commitment to this issue.  Photo credits: Preferred Travel Group The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts (India) - Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection and Beyond Green  In its commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and women's empowerment, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has partnered with Phool to upcycle florals adorning its properties into charcoal-free incense sticks and cones infused with Tishya by The Leela, the brand’s signature fragrance. These incense products burn cleanly, releasing no harmful toxins, while also reducing waste and minimizing pollution. Beyond environmental impact, this initiative fosters social inclusion by empowering women entrepreneurs, who are meticulously trained to handcraft these sustainable products, playing a crucial role in The Leela’s journey toward conscious luxury.  Photo credits: Preferred Travel Group SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge (Bahia Drake, Costa Rica) – Preferred Hotels & Resorts L.V.X. Collection and Beyond Green  SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge is an active member of the RED SOFIA international program, certifying the lodge as a safe destination for solo female travellers. Their dedication is also reflected in a partnership with Del Silencio a la Libertad, a local NGO working to combat sexual abuse through therapy, education, and advocacy. Additional support for women-led initiatives includes La Flor de Boruca, an organization founded by women from the indigenous Boruca tribe who are working to preserve traditional crafts and generating income through ecotourism. Through these efforts, the property not only uplifts women locally but also contributes to lasting cultural and societal change.  Photo credits: Preferred Travel Group Virgin Hotels Edinburgh (Edinburgh, United Kingdom) - Preferred Hotels & Resorts L.V.X. Collection   Virgin Hotels Edinburgh has collaborated with Lālla, a sustainable, women-led rug company to outfit their chambers and suites with unique, handmade Moroccan rugs. The London-based brand sources its rugs through female weaving cooperatives in Morocco's Atlas Mountains, supporting local artisans and telling their stories through each piece. The partnership with Virgin Hotels involved creating fully bespoke designs, employing 215 women for the project. The process took around 18 months, with every rug reflecting the personal craftsmanship of the weavers. Lālla’s founders, driven by their passion for travel and female empowerment, have transformed their love for Moroccan artistry into a meaningful business that blends sustainability with storytelling. 

Sun Siyam Olhuveli, has unveiled the longest swimming pool in the Maldives, an incredible 210 metre masterpiece, alongside completely refurbished Beach and Sunset Beach Pavilions. Photo credits: Sun Siyam Olhuveli The newly revamped Beach Pavilions have been designed by London-based Studio Sixty7 over a six month period and feature a seamless open-plan concept and uninterrupted ocean views.  The new pavilions represent a thoughtful evolution of the previous entry level room type – the deluxe room and now offer an elevated and affordable design to balance comfort and style - a new era of beachfront living in the Maldives. The 40 x Beach Pavilions face the lagoon and provide direct beach and pool access, while the 60 x Sunset Beach Pavilions showcase spectacular ocean and sunset vistas and overlook the Maldives' longest pool, enhanced by a sunken pool bar for ultimate relaxation. A major highlight is the opening of the 210 metre long pool, the longest in the Maldives, running parallel to the beach and featuring a sunken pool bar with a second 131 metre pool offering additional space for relaxation. Both pools are ocean-facing, seamlessly connecting guests with the stunning Maldivian surroundings. “We have made these changes to one of our most high-in-demand room categories, and we are confident that this transformation makes it the best, value-for-money beachfront stay in the Maldives today,” says Hassan Adil, Assistant Group General Manager of Sun Siyam Resorts. The refreshed pavilions and new pools align with Olhuveli's 24 hour attainable all-inclusive focus, offering guests everything they need for a stress-free stay from diverse dining, an abundance of activities to all-inclusive cocktails by the pool. The new Beach Pavilions and Sunset Beach Pavilions at Sun Siyam Olhuveli are welcoming guests as of 1st March 2025 with bookings now available for those seeking a stylish yet practical beachfront retreat in the Maldives. Whether it's a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a relaxing break with friends, these record-breaking pools and revitalised pavilions offer an unmatched escape in the heart of the Indian Ocean. Beach pavilions start from £250 on bed & breakfast and £438 per night on all-inclusive and sleep up to two adults and one child under 15. Kids stay and eat for free up to 15 years on the same board basis as adults and sharing the same pavilion or villa.  Unlock exclusive offers at www.sunsiyam.com.