The Maldives, 17 January 2023 – LUX* South Ari Atoll, the renowned Maldivian resort of The Lux Collective, kicked off the year of 2023 by making wishes come true.
The Tree of Wishes ceremony is the long-living tradition of LUX* Resorts & Hotels, taking inspiration from temples in Japan and China, native American tribes, and even Yoko Ono’s Wish Tree art installation. Open to all guests, the ceremony invites the participants to make a wish, write it on a colourful ribbon and tie it around a branch of the island’s banyan tree. Once a year, during the festive season, one of the ribbons is picked at a lucky draw, gifting its owner with a free holiday at LUX* South Ari Atoll.
During the weekly wishing ceremony guests are also encouraged to make a voluntary donation to the resort’s care fund. Every year the collated amount is donated to a local social responsibility organisation, allowing more precious wishes to come true. This year, the team of the Ministry of Gender, Social and Family services received a USD 20,000 fund for the needs of local children deprived of parental care.
At the official community donation event, LUX* South Ari Atoll welcomed the representatives of the Ministry: Hon. Aishath Mohamed Didi - the Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services as well as State Ministers Mr. Mohamed Shihab and Dr Abdul Malik.
Hon. Aishath Mohamed Didi commented, “This initiative is important to us not because of the fund received, but for what it symbolises. This is about taking care of the community. To date, we have almost 200 children under the age of 18 under the state care, and they need a lot of love, care, and attention.”
“Serving the community is as important to LUX* South Ari Atoll team as delivering the best service to our guests”, said John Rogers, General Manager of the resort. “We are proud to provide continual support to the Ministry of Gender, Social and Family services in its strive to provide equal opportunities to every citizen of the Maldives”.
With the ethos “We Make Each Moment Matter. We Care About What Matters.”, The Lux Collective is a hotel management company with passion for service. In the heart of its purpose, It is committed to operating in a considered, respectful manner, mindful of its contribution to future generations.
Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk closed 2022 with a lot to be proud of. Over the past 12 months, the hotel continued supporting the UAE food bank with a focus on repurposing surplus food and avoiding waste, which has seen it produce over 11,000 meals, an initiative it will continue in 2023.
Russell Impiazzi, executive chef at the hotel, commented: “Every year is an exciting year in our incredibly fast-moving hospitality world. The whole industry should be proud of seeing Dubai grow on the world’s culinary stage. It will only get bigger and stronger. Some amazing new openings are coming up, which I’m looking forward to experiencing, not only as a chef but also as a guest going to these great restaurants and bars and having some great nights out.”
Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk was also recognised in the first Gault&Millau UAE guide. The hotel’s outlets and team were shortlisted for four awards, with both Brasserie Boulud and Taiko being listed in the guide. Bijou Patisserie continued to shine beyond a lobby lounge with its afternoon tea offering, which won the Time Out Dubai Award.
There was also the ‘Veg Pledge’, which saw the hotel host 100 school children with their parents joining in, encouraging families to cook together and showing the little ones just how great vegetables can be.
Moreover, for Breast Cancer Awareness month, the hotel’s chefs donned their pink aprons to raise awareness and encourage donations for the Pink Caravan.
Villa Hotels & Resorts adventurous and eco-luxury resort, Sun Island Resort & Spa has won the award for the Maldives Leading Green Resort at the World Travel Awards 2022.
The win is a testament to Sun Island Resort’s consistent efforts toward environmental sustainability and ocean conservation, which are at the core of the company’s values and key practices.
“We would like to extend a massive thank you to everyone that has supported Sun Island throughout the years. Our success is a result of our passionate and dedicated Sun Island and Villa Hotels & Resorts team who are passionate and dedicated about environmental conservation and contributing towards our sustainable way of life,” Abdulla Fathhey, the General Manager at Sun Island Resort & Spa, said.
Sun Island Resort & Spa has also recently achieved the prestigious Green Key Award, following a thorough sustainability policy and concrete plan with objectives and annual actions formulated for continuous improvements in environmental management.
The resort has since established significant progress in environmental protection and preservation of the natural ecology of the island. With such a thriving abundance of nature, yet a fragile environment, Sun Island Resort & Spa has implemented eco-friendly techniques to reduce energy consumption, save water and recycle. In addition, regular island and lagoon clean-ups are held on the island and nearby sandbank with all recycling donated to Parley for the Oceans.
Sun Island Resort & Spa, located in South Ari Atoll within close proximity to the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), is celebrated for its spectacular natural beauty, signature Indian Ocean experiences and innovative sustainability efforts. Boasting a lush tropical environment with extensive botanical gardens which produce more than 20,000 coconuts per month as well as a wide variety of tropical fruits, vegetables and herbs which are picked and served in the restaurants across the resort. In addition to the fertile environment, the island is also home to various migratory birds which take shelter within the dense tropical vegetation on the island.
Guests at Sun Island Resort & Spa are invited to get involved and support the resort’s sustainable, recycling and energy-saving initiatives in place. Moreover, the resort regularly holds island, lagoon and sandbank clean-ups led by the diveOceanus dive centre to help preserve the pristine nature. The opportunity to contribute presents guests with a deeper connection to the rich Maldivian nature and encourages environmentally conscious travellers who are part of a greener future.
Six Senses Laamu has won the Marine & Coastal category of the 2022 Skål Sustainable Tourism Awards for the third time since 2018. The winners were announced on October 14 during the Opening Ceremony of the 81st Skål World Congress held in Kvarner, Croatia.
Founded in 1934, Skål International is one of the world’s largest international networks of tourism professionals and an Affiliated Member of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), whose mission is to promote reliable, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. Following the United Nations’ declaration in 2002 to highlight best practices globally, the Sustainable Tourism Awards were created to enhance visibility and recognise businesses for their efforts and initiatives within the sector globally. This year, the independent sustainability experts judged 50 entries from 23 countries.
Marteyne van Well, Regional General Manager, Maldives, says: “Being recognised for the third time by Skål International since 2018 is a big honour and achievement for our teams at Six Senses Laamu and the Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI). It is rewarding to know that, although a small island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, our research, community outreach, and efforts have given us a voice and influential space in the global community.”
Through innovation and continuous research, Six Senses Laamu has implemented projects on energy and water conservation, climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, carbon footprint reduction, waste management, and recycling or repurposing materials. MUI incorporates resident resort marine biologists, in addition to partner NGOs, including the Manta Trust, Blue Marine Foundation, and the Olive Ridley Project. MUI’s mission is to lead the tourism industry in the Maldives through meaningful marine conservation efforts based on research, education, and community outreach. Since winning its first Skål award in 2018, Six Senses Laamu and MUI have conducted 47,882 educational sessions with guests and certified 205 children through their Junior Marine Biology Programme.
Six Senses Laamu is the only five-star resort in the Laamu Atoll. Deep in the Indian Ocean, it is surrounded by a beautiful coral house reef. Most of the villas and facilities are built overwater; however, beach villas and on-land dining are also available. All villas offer a sense of privacy and seclusion, with an amazing view of the ocean and Maldivian nature.
Six Senses Laamu offers a wide range of dining options and cuisine from around the world, an ice-cream parlour, an over-water wine cellar and a signature Chill bar. Many activities and excursions are available on land, in water and underwater, in addition to the Six Senses Spa.
Marking as a leader in sustainability, the property implemented six new sustainability features, receiving the eco-rating from Green Key Global.
The newly transformed Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel earned a 5 Key Eco-Rating from Green Key Global, marking the hotel as a leader in sustainability in the hospitality industry. To earn the rating, Sheraton met all five of Green Key Global’s pillars of sustainability, initiating several new sustainability practices, many of which directly resulted from the hotel's largest renovation in its 50-year history.
“We recognize that our sustainability efforts do much more than benefit our bottom line,” said Tim Reardon, Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel General Manager. “They improve the quality of life for our community as well as our guests and employees.”
Green Key Global’s eco rating consists of five key pillars: Develop a sustainability policy, engage employees, hire green suppliers, measure and track progress, get certified by a third party. Sheraton Centre achieved all five pillars, led by Director of Engineering, Nabil Mansour. Mansour attributes this success to the guidance of Green Key Global.
“The hospitality industry has a lot of potential for growth in sustainability,” said Rebecca Bartlett-Jones, Manager of Business Development at Green Key Global. “Sheraton Centre Toronto is a pinnacle of sustainable accommodations, leading the way for our industry.”
One of Sheraton’s major initiatives which contributed to this certification is its partnership with suppliers like Lightenco. The seemingly simple act of switching from halogen to LED light bulbs reduced Sheraton’s annual electricity consumption by approximately 480,000 kWh and reduced its annual carbon footprint by more than 14,000 kg.
Another update in Sheraton’s suite of sustainable processes includes distilling all food waste into compost. The water released from the compressed food can be used for cleaning and watering plants, and the remaining, dry compost goes to local farms. Other sustainable adaptations Sheraton has made include recycling water where appropriate, installing a rooftop garden, installing high-efficiency LED lighting with smart technology in newly renovated areas and adding chiller plant manager to the building automation system.
Sheraton Centre Toronto joined Green Key Global in 2013 with the goal of reducing operating costs, carbon footprint and food waste. The result of Sheraton’s commitment to sustainability is receiving the 5 Eco-Rating from Green Key Global.
Founded in 2016, Vélosophy is a Swedish bicycle and lifestyle brand with responsibility and sustainability at its heart.
Their exclusive collection of customisable bicycles, made from recycled aluminium, gives hoteliers the opportunity to offer their guests a sustainable and ethical way to explore and enjoy the surrounding area, perfect for any location.
”Making a difference is both about will and opportunity but also about choosing to do so. I’m proud to offer an alternative to all other bikes because I think we are.” - Jimmy Östholm, Founder of Vélosophy.
One for One promise: for every bicycle bought, Vélosophy donates another to a schoolgirl in a developing country, increasing her presence at school and giving her hope for a better future*. All donated bicycles are also manufactured on location, supporting the growth of local businesses and the regional economy. The company also offers free delivery across Europe for purchases from their online store.
”We are constantly looking for partners who do not rely on using new raw materials to produce their product. And in Vélosophy we found a brand creating super stylish and aesthetically beautiful bicycles out of recycled materials.
A brand that also addresses the UN's Sustainable Development Goals by donating a bicycle to a schoolgirl in a less developed country for every bicycle sold. Being part of this process is a truly important gift.” - Sue Williams, General Manager at Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa.
Todays travelers seek to minimize their impact on the environment while maximizing their positive effect on local communities, with the aim to leave a place better than when it was found. They crave authentic experiences and want reassurance that their getaways benefit the places they visit. With that in mind, Marriott Bonvoy reveals the best hotels to travel with purpose to across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. From an exclusive island retreat with a pioneering conservation program in Seychelles to a sustainable city break in Copenhagen, these hotels promise to create meaningful experiences while leaving a positive impact.
Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort Spa, Dubai
A Bedouin-style luxury retreat in the middle of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort Spais an exclusive haven for Arabias natural wonders. Nestled among the lush palm groves, emerald canopies, and iconic sand dunes, the hotel offers secluded tranquillity and iconic vistas of the sweeping plains and Hajar Mountain massif. Once extinct in the wild, the Arabian oryx is now thriving around the resort after careful conservation efforts. Location guides and activities at the resort educate guests about the abundant vegetation and wildlife found on the property and throughout the reserve. As well as conservation, the resort also focuses its efforts on sustainability with solar panels heating all the 43 suites private pools. Dine in sophisticated style at Al Diwaan restaurant, where guests can sit on the veranda and enjoy breathtaking views of the reserve. Reflective of the Bedouin way of life, hotel activities showcase the uniqueness of the destination, with guests able to enjoy archery, nature walks, desert drives, wildlife safaris, falconry, horse riding, camel trekking and sundowners in the dunes.
The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino
Relax and recharge at the ultimate family resort located in the prime sustainable destination of the Mediterranean, Costa Navarino. The destination upholds the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility through all development stages from construction to operation, offering a world of authentic experiences that respect the natural environment, the local community and the regions rich history and culture. The Westin Resort prides itself on energy and water conservation, as well as waste minimization and environmentally responsible sourcing and purchasing. The hotels sleek 445 guestrooms and suites, of which 131 have private pools, feature terraces or balconies with sweeping views across the resort to the Ionian Sea. For children, theres an on-site waterpark, bowling alley, kids club and water sports centre. With a selection of 20 restaurants, guests are spoilt for choice and dont need to leave the resort. Anazoe Spa is a unique wellness sanctuary with a full range of speciality spa treatments based on the health and beauty practices of ancient Greece, incorporating the regions exclusive natural and revitalising ingredients.
Blue Palace Elounda, a Luxury Collection Resort, Crete
Blue Palace Elounda, a Luxury Collection Resort, Crete prides itself on celebrating responsible travel by combining redefined luxury with an authentic Greek experience. The resorts Phāea Farmers Program is designed to support employees, recognising that many work as farmers in the low season while sourcing the highest quality local produce for the resort. Through collaborations with agronomists, the farmers are trained in sustainable and organic farming methods and sustainable land use. The resort features 52 suites and four private villas, with 142 private pools for added tranquillity. Anths delivers a refined approach to traditional Greek cuisine using seasonal ingredients sourced from its organic kitchen garden. Curated by the celebrated Greek Chef Athinagoras Kostakos, guests are invited to dine al fresco alongside the open-air kitchen and organic garden.Elounda Spa creates a perfect haven for wellness and relaxation, offering a selection of rejuvenating experiences, including sunrise yoga,therapeutic Thalassotherapy and outdoor massages by the sea.
North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort, Seychelles
Beachside luxury meets barefoot living atNorth Island, a Luxury Collection Resort. This resort boasts a pioneering conservation and rehabilitation program called Noahs Ark. Located among the inner granitic islands of Seychelles, North Island is a fertile paradise which has inspired the islands conservation efforts and philosophies, as well as the hotels design. Just 11 ocean-view villas are hidden amid 201 hectares of exquisite natural beauty, each featuring private plunge pools and direct access to the beach. Guests can spend time at the hotels Environmental Centre, where the team educates on environmental awareness and allows people to connect with nature and discover the islands natural beauty. North Island is a critically important nesting site for sea turtles, and every morning, dedicated on-site conservationists and volunteers search for nests and capture data. Guests can explore more of the island with one of the hotels many activities, including scuba diving, snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, cycling and guided walks. For wellness lovers, begin each day with a morning yoga class to revitalize body and soul. Dining is personalized and unique, with daily menus designed according to the latest island harvest. The Piazza offers candlelit sophistication with the relaxing sound of the ocean, and Sunset Beach Bar is the perfect sunset spot serving fresh pizza, salads, and tapas-style barbecue snacks with cocktails.
JW Marriott Mauritius Resort
Nestledalong a white sandy beach of the famous Le Morne Peninsula of Mauritius, JW Marriott Mauritius Resort provides idyllic views over the lagoon with a breathtaking backdrop of Le Morne Brabant Mountain - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The resort offers timeless luxury and a place where guests can be mindful and present. JW Garden is a new signature element implemented to focus using sustainable practices, as well as encouraging guests to connect with nature. Herbs, vegetables, and other ingredients are grown in the garden then used in crafted cocktails, nourishing meals or spa services. Guests are welcome to spend time in the garden with their loved ones, gardening and learning about the unique health benefits of the various herbs. The resorts 172 rooms and suites are all within steps of the shore and have views of the Indian Ocean. From guided meditation classes to indulgent spa treatments, this resort creates an environment and experiences that impact not only the mind, body and spirit, but also the world around us. Embark on a culinary journey in five fine-dining restaurants from Floating Market restaurant, which offers a discerning blend of Thai, Malay, Vietnam, Indonesian and Singaporean flavours in the tranquil Iridium Spa Pavilion to Le Manoir Dining Room where guests can dine on traditional French-Mauritian cuisine.
Copenhagen Marriott Hotel
With policies to foster diversity and inclusivity and a ground-breaking seawater cooling system to conserve energy use and reduce waste, a sustainable stay is guaranteed atCopenhagen Marriott Hotel. The Danish city of Copenhagen aims to become the worlds first carbon-neutral capital in 2025, so a great place to visit for eco-conscious travellers. Overlooking the bustling harbour in downtown Copenhagen, the hotel is just a short distance from attractions like Tivoli Gardens, Harbour Beach and Stroget Street. The 406 guestrooms and suites are the largest in the city and feature floor-to-ceiling windows with city or canal views. PIER 5 Bar Restaurant serves international delights and has a beautiful outdoor terrace to enjoy in the warmer months. Guests can revitalise at the waterfront wellness area with indulgent massages and face and body treatments or let off some steam in the fitness centre.
About W Hotels Worldwide
Born from the bold, 24/7 culture of New York City, W Hotels has redefined hospitality for over two decades, breaking the norms of traditional luxury wherever the iconic W sign lands. With nearly 60 hotels around the globe, the detail-driven design, iconic Whatever/Whenever service and buzzing, signature Living Rooms create an experience that is often imitated but never matched. Dynamic and invigorating, the brand celebrates each travellers desire to uncover the destination through a lens that is distinctly W. For more information on W Hotels, visit whotels.com/theangle or follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. W Hotels Worldwide is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.
About Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott Internationals award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoys portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinationsin the world.Members can earn pointsfor stays at hotelsand resorts,including all-inclusive resorts andpremiumhome rentals,as well as through everyday purchases withco-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques.With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enrol for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visitmarriottbonvoy.com.
Thanks to its innovative and restorative approach to celebrations, the luxury resort in the Maldives was recognised by the LUXlife Global Wedding Awards.
Launched in 2016 and now returning for the sixth consecutive year, LUXlife 2022 Global Wedding Awards aims to join the finest businesses across the wedding industry, from wedding planners and stunning venues to high-end caterers and bespoke stationers.
Regarded as South Asia's Most Sustainable Wedding Resort, LUX* South Ari Atoll brings together wanderlusters from all over the world for moments and experiences that will last a lifetime, helping people Celebrate Life. With a stunning tropical backdrop, the island is an ideal place for a wedding, vows renewal or a honeymoon trip, and this luxurious island knows how to craft a day one will never forget. From flower petal showers to bodu beru drummers and sand bank candle-light dinners, the possibilities of personalization are lavish and endless.
LUX* South Ari Atoll not only aims to touch hearts of its guests but also improve lives of people around the world. Say 'I Do' in Paradise — it's everything and more that guests can dream of at no additional cost to nature. Ensuring the co-existence of low-impact destination weddings and luxury, the wedding catalogue features three fresh themes — Wanderlust, Boho and Tropical Paradise, while highlighting chic sustainable hallmarks as part of its fabric. While all offered wedding themes unique in their own ways, they all have one common aspect – care for the planet. The resort is very proud of promoting its Zero Waste Weddings, as part of its latest sustainability proposal. LUX* South Ari Atoll will make sure happy couples can celebrate their special day worry-free of the impact on the beautiful Maldivian nature.
While the team does not compromise on guest’s wedding expectations, they still believe in taking care of the environment and giving back to the community. Purchasing a wedding package also funds the education of an underprivileged child and a visit to the children’s shelter during a stay can be organised. The couple can also choose to support the ocean and help to restore local marine ecosystem by adopting a coral frame. The resident Marine Biologist will be happy to share regular updates on the growing baby corals.
To ensure that everything about the special day is truly that – special – LUX* gives its full attention, dedication and commitment to each couple who has booked their wedding at the resort. Rather than hosting multiple occasions in one day, the resort has a policy of only one wedding per day on the island.
For more information on wedding and honeymoon offers at LUX* South Ari Atoll or to make a reservation, please visit www.luxresorts.com, contact stay@luxmaldivesresort.com or call +960 668 0901.
The family-oriented luxury resort in the Maldives inspires by example, with an array of sustainable initiatives to support the global conscious travelling trend.
‘Empowered’ by the sunBeing one of the biggest resort islands in the country, LUX* South Ari Atoll is always on the lookout for new ways to make a difference and lower its impact on the beautiful natural surroundings. The property has installed one of the world's largest floating solar systems at sea, in partnership with Swimsol GmbH. Including utilised rooftops, the solar panels of the island power up to 33 per cent of the whole resort's use, powering all 193 guest villas during peak sun hours. The island cruisers that take guests around the resort are also powered by the bright Maldivian sunshine, saving more than 260,000 litres of diesel per year. Guests can track real-time solar energy production and consumption from their villas through the resort’s dedicated TV channel.
Planet-friendly resort experiencePlastic bottles and take-away cups at LUX* South Ari Atoll are replaced with glass and bamboo fiber alternatives, and the island’s very own water plant has saved about 810,000 plastic bottles since its launch in December 2011. All bathroom amenities in the guest villas, spa treatment products, and skincare collection at the resort’s LUX* ME Spa boutique are not tested on animals and made of natural ingredients. The brand’s signature Shirley Page treatments offer cruelty-free spa experiences with organic essential and body oils.
With Maldives being popular as a romantic destination, the resort goes an extra mile in sustainability when it comes to couple travel. Awarded the Most Sustainable Wedding Resort in South Asia, LUX* South Ari Atoll is proud to offer a unique Zero-Waste Wedding concept. Ensuring the co-existence of low-impact destination wedding and luxury, wedding packages are wrapped around sustainable island-chic style, with love for nature in the core. Moreover, every wedding celebrated at LUX* South Ari Atoll funds education of a child at one of the local care homes.
Special care for the oceansLocated in a Marine Protected Area, LUX* South Ari Atoll offers unique underwater experiences, from swimming with whale sharks and manta rays to studying local reef’s life. The on-site Marine Biology Centre in on a mission to support ongoing scientific research and protect the native wildlife population, restore and protect local environment.
In collaboration with its long-term partners in research and nature conservation, Whale Shark Research Programme and Olive Ridley Project, the resort organises charity auctions, updates the existing database of ocean inhabitants, and offers the Turtle and Whale Shark Adoption to its guests. Once a new resident of the atoll is discovered, a guest has the naming and ‘adoption’ rights, confirmed with a special certificate. The resort’s first ‘adopted’ female whale shark LUXMAS is a significant discovery for the ocean life research, as the majority of sighted species in the area are male. Since 2018 the island’s team helped to identify over a dozen of new ‘gentle giants’ around the atoll.
Coral planting workshops is another exciting activity that allows travellers to contribute to the ocean’s wellbeing. Travellers of all ages are invited to participate in reef restoration efforts as well as learning more about wonderful life under water. And to take their love to the ocean to a whole new level, LUX* South Ari Atoll offers the Coral Frame Adoption programme - a long-term initiative aimed at involving people from around the world into saving Maldivian marine life. Every guest signed up for the programme receives regular photo updates on the growth of their planted baby corals from the resort’s marine biologist.
Keen on GreenEvery restaurant at LUX* South Ari Atoll offers a great variety of plant-based, vegetarian, vegan, and raw dishes, from organic and locally sourced ingredients. The Keen on Green concept invites for a healthy and creative culinary journey, supporting sustainable approach to food and helping reduce carbon footprint. The resort’s passion for clean and green food got us recognised as the first as ‘Vegan-Friendly Hotel’ in the Maldives by Vegan Welcome. The island’s Herb Garden grows fresh herbs and vegetables for plant-based restaurant dishes and Master Chef cooking classes. During the stay, guests of LUX* South Ari Atoll have plenty of opportunities to learn more about ‘green’ cuisine: from tapping into amazing selection of vegetarian dining options to learning how to regrow their own herbs back home and cook healthy meals for the whole family.
For its dedication to waste-free guest experience and care for nature, the resort has been recognised by numerous awards and it also holds a Green Globe certificate.
To learn more about sustainability initiatives at LUX* South Ari Atoll, visit www.luxresorts.com or follow the resort’s Instagram page @luxsouthari.
Eco-conscious weddings are on the rise as couples become more mindful of how their celebrations impact the environment. With travel restrictions easing and vaccinations available, many are buoyed by the prospect of celebrating their big day in far-flung, beautiful destinations, but with more intention and personalisation.
An island nation like Mauritius is ideal for a sustainable lifestyle, and what makes it even better is that going down the sustainable route does not mean sacrificing on quality. Hiring local is not only a great way to support the local community but also shine a spotlight on homegrown talents to sustain a circular economy.
Bespoke bridal gowns from repurposed fabrics
Meet Mauritian wedding dress designer, Daphne Ducasse. She creates bespoke and sustainable gowns using materials amassed over the years in her workshop or fabrics that are readily available in Mauritius. Leftover fabrics are repurposed to make one-of-a-kind accessories to minimise environmental impact.
Daphne grew up watching her grandmother creating beautiful wedding dresses, she loved seeing the joy on the brides-to-be faces when trying on the gown of their dreams.
“It was the craftsmanship, the delicate fabrics, the intimacy with each bride, and the endless possibilities to create something new each time that made me realise this is what I want to do with my life,” said Daphne.
After graduating from a fashion art and design school in Paris and Cracow, she launched her made-to-measure brand, Daphné D., that encapsulates her values to respect the art, artisans and the women who wear her clothes. Beyond carefully designing for low environmental impact, the core of the brand is for women, by women. By creating employability and valuing fair treatment for her team, she empowers the locals of Mauritius.
Repurposed wedding dresses
Gone are the days where wedding dresses are worn once and vacuumed-packed for the rest of days. Daphne also specialises in repurposing pre-loved bridal gowns as cocktail dresses to give these single use dresses new leases on life. Her bespoke gowns can also be designed and conceptualised from the start for easy assembly and disassembly into unique pieces that can be worn for a long time.
This exclusive collaboration between Daphné D. and LUX* Resorts & Hotels in Mauritius is dedicated to providing unique experiences for the discerning LUX* guests whilst affirming the group’s commitment in caring for the environment and the local community in which it operates.
Zero waste celebrations
Certified by The PLEDGE™ on Food Waste, a Singapore-based third-party audited certification and benchmarking system on food waste designed to improve organisations‘ bottom-line, LUX* Le Morne repackages leftover food to send to a neighbouring school for underprivileged children so they can improve their nutrition intake, hence improving their concentration during classes. Food that cannot be distributed are used as compost in the resort’s 30,000 square metre garden space.
Guests can also opt for a vegetarian or vegan menu from the Keen on Green concept, launched across the group this Veganuary, where produce are locally sourced and prepared with healthier methods.
Loving the rustic theme? The gardeners from LUX* Grand Gaube gather dried flowers and twigs from the resort’s grounds to build the floral arch for solemnisation or vow renewal ceremony. All floral bouquets are sourced from small florists to support local businesses. Flowers can be repurposed after the wedding by sending them to a nursing home or a non-profit organisation that the resorts work with to brighten up someone else’s day.
Signages and placards are lovingly hand crafted by LUX* Belle Mare’s Junk Art team using shells, dried flowers, driftwood or any recycled materials found on the island.
The newly opened LUX* Grand Baie offers chauffeur-driven wedding car in a fully electric BMW iX to and from Port Louis.
To tailor a dream destination wedding, vow renewal ceremony or sequel wedding with a bespoke bridal creation by Daphne D., contact Ms. Kareen Rault, Sales Manager at The Lux Collective, at kareen.rault@theluxcollective.com or visit www.luxresorts.com.
For the latest updates and promotions, follow LUX* Resorts & Hotels.
