In a world where preserving our planet has become an urgent priority, Tourism Fiji is committed to sustainability and environmental conservation with the goal of preserving our natural environment for future generations. There is a dedicated Sustainability Officer working with the industry and driving efforts in this area.
Mangroves, vital ecosystems, play a crucial role in coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity conservation. However, their existence is threatened by human activities and climate change, leading to their rapid depletion worldwide. Fiji's rich coastal areas, with their diverse mangrove species, have not escaped this challenge. Understanding the importance of mangroves in maintaining ecological balance, Tourism Fiji took it upon themselves to set an example in restoring and preserving these invaluable habitats.
Earlier this year Tourism Fiji had the honor of engaging in a meaningful dialogue with Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark, organised by Fiji Airways. This special occasion showcased Fiji's advancements in eco-friendly practices and our dedication to promoting sustainable tourism.
As a World Environment Day initiative, together with the community of Yako Village in Sigatoka, Tourism Fiji planted over 160 mangroves, hoping for a greener and more sustainable future.
“The journey towards sustainability requires the active involvement of every individual, business, and organisation. At Tourism Fiji, we firmly believe that education and cooperation are the cornerstones of progress. Together, we can foster a culture of sustainability that permeates every aspect of our lives” commented Tourism Fiji Sustainability Officer, Sunishma Singh.
The award-winning Mauritian-born global luxury hotel operator The Lux Collective has announced its expansion plans for 2025 and beyond, with new openings in the pipeline for China, Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The Group's brand of boutique and purpose-led properties SALT will debut outside of Mauritius with two openings in China, whilst The Lux Collective's flagship luxury brand LUX* will launch in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, as well as growing its presence in Africa with a futuristic, opulent safari-camp in Botswana. At the helm of this highly anticipated next chapter is The Lux Collective's new Chief Executive Officer Olivier Chavy, who is paving the Group's strategic presence in burg eoning travel destinations across the globe, and cementing its position as a trailblazing industry disruptor.
Photo credits: The Lux Collective
SALT brand expands outside of Mauritius for the first time
In Q2 2025, The Lux Collective will debut SALT of Anji in China, providing a gateway into the lush natural beauty of Anji County, a tranquil region known for its prized white tea and bamboo forests. Launched in 2018, SALT offers a humanistic approach to hospitality - connecting modern explorers to meaningful travel experiences, sustainability and local communities. As travellers increasingly seek emerging destinations to reconnect with nature and escape the crowds, Anji offers beautiful landscapes and preserved culture, just a 2.5-hour drive from Shanghai. Designed by renowned South African architect Peter Rich, SALT of Anji is inspired by Catalan architect Gaudí's imaginative use of natural stone and ele ments to create showstopping structures. The sustainability-focused resort features 108 guestrooms and villas, with contemporary interior design to complement the building's stone aesthetic. It has a scenic outdoor pool, themed restaurants and an elegant SALT Equilibrium spa centre.
Continuing SALT's journey in China, SALT of Mount Siguniang will launch in 2027, located in a Tibetan village in the Sichuan province on the doorstep of UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, Mount Siguniang National Park. The first international property to open in this protected area of natural beauty, the resort will grant unparalleled access to magnificent peaks and emerald forests, being part of Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries.
LUX* expands its presence with the first hotel management agreement in Southern Africa - LUX* Xinii Mababe, Botswana
Growing the LUX* footprints, the Group ventures further into new destinations in the Africa continent, following the successful opening of LUX* Marijani Zanzibar in Tanzania in July last year. The Lux Collective and Diamond Power Pty Ltd have officially inked a hotel management agreement to operate and manage a new project - LUX* Xinii Mababe in Botswana.
An exclusive destination into the untamed natural surroundings of Mababe, LUX* Xinii Mababe is home to diverse wildlife, including large herds of buffalo, zebras, elephants and giraffes, as well as lions and leopards. Inspired by Botswana's cultural heritage, the resort's minimalistic architecture will be sustainably designed. All 26 lodges each features a centrepiece emulating striking African trees, rooting each lodge to the land. The symbolic roof structures honour the Okavango Delta's indigenous Hambukushu tribes, also known as rainmakers of Okavango. Their distinctive funnel shape mirrors that of Hambukushu fishing baskets, while the conical design of each roof uses local materials and age-old conservation methods to harvest rainwater.
Lyndon Jones, Founder of Diamond Power Pty Ltd and Owner of Xinii River Camp project in Botswana, remarks, "Recognised for its excellence and innovation in the global hospitality industry, our like-minded collaboration with The Lux Collective aims to make LUX* Xinii Mababe an unrivalled destination for opulent safari and wellness experiences, with thoughtful architecture and design inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Botswana and the Okavango. Our shared goal is to create a truly immersive and luxury wildlife experience through unique accommodation, culinary and wellness offerings for future guests whilst respecting the surrounding natural environment.”
This successful collaboration has been facilitated by International Tourism Investment Corporation Ltd (ITIC), London-based global advisory boutique firm, which serves as the Transaction and Financial Advisor for this project.
Photo credits: The Lux Collective
LUX* debuts in the Middle East and grows presence in Asia
Flagship luxury brand LUX* will launch in the Middle East for the first time in Q4 2025 with LUX* Al Bridi and LUX* Al Jabal in Sharjah, UAE. Recognised as the 'Culture Capital of the Arab World' by UNESCO for its culture, art and history, Sharjah boasts an array of museums, mosques and cultural sites; including the Al Madam ghost town, enveloped by desert. A modern 45-key boutique-style resort overlooking the Gulf of Oman with jagged mountains, LUX* Al Jabal will offer exclusive access to a private beach, world-class dining options, a restorative LUX* ME Spa and opportunities for cultural immersion. Located in the wilderness, LUX* Al Bridi will open as a contemporary sanctuary of 35 luxurious safari-style tented retreats, created to resemble sand dunes, blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. On its doorstep is a wealth of experiences including dining in the wild, dune surfing, and four-wheel drive excursions to stargazing under the Arabian sky.
In Asia, LUX* brand will also debut in Vietnam with the country's and the region's first overwater resort - LUXNAM* Phu Quoc in Q2 2026, a private paradise in the Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve, tucked between dense jungle and idyllic beaches on the northern tip of Phu Quoc island. Inspired by the Maldives' iconic overwater resorts and overseeing panoramic seaviews, the 116 villa-only modernistic resort includes 99 overwater villas and 17 landed residences. The resort's design with its LUX* ME Spa and specialty restaurants will reflect the best of island living, highlighting locally-crafted and traditional materials with a minimalist touch.
In Q3 2026, luxury urban resort LUX* Guangzhou will launch in Huangpu District, Guangzhou City, providing an oasis of calm in this fast-paced metropolis. Located in two skyscrapers comprising the luxurious resort and residences, LUX* Guangzhou boasts unobstructed views of the city, a variety of dining destinations and a sensory LUX* ME Spa.
“As the CEO of The Lux Collective, I am delighted to lead the Group on another exciting phase of global expansion and strategic growth. The Lux Collective is a dynamic and pioneering home-grown Mauritian brand which puts people, exceptional service and extraordinary experiences first. The latest projects for LUX* and SALT will provide gateways to fascinating and emerging travel destinations such as Anji, Mababe, Phu Quoc and Sharjah, enabling travellers to delve authentically into the unique identity of each region.
We are thrilled to announce LUX* brand's first opening in Botswana and look forward to putting LUX* Xinii Mababe on the map as an ultra-luxury safari and wellness destination. Designed with sustainability in mind and expected to open in Q1 2027, this futuristic project will draw in travellers from all over the world to this alluring location. We believe luxury and environmental stewardship must coexist for every resort we open and focus is on creating positive impact while delivering luxurious hospitality and meaningful experiences with a sense of place,” comments Olivier Chavy, Chief Executive Officer of The Lux Collective.
The Lux Collective's global openings in 2025 and beyond mark a new exciting chapter in the luxury hospitality space, building upon its renowned brands' goals to provide the modern travellers with authentic experiences in awe-inspiring destinations.
Alma Resort Cam Ranh has taken out first place in three global categories of this year’s UK-based Luxury Lifestyle Magazine Readers’ Travel Awards, named “Best Beach/Coastal Hotel”, “Best Hotel for Families” and “Best Hotel for Sustainability”.
In the readers’ choice contest, Alma Resort was also voted runner-up in the worldwide “Best Hotel for Food” award.
Photo credits: Alma Resort Cam Ranh
“Luxury hotels, destinations, cruise lines, airlines and travel companies across the world have been competing to be crowned the very best in the seventh annual LLM Readers’ Travel Awards,” said Luxury Lifestyle Magazine. “Our awards recognise and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the luxury travel and tourism industry, and we were pleased to be able to shine a light on those making waves in the UK and all across the globe. After months of deliberation and votes from our discerning readers – with a record number of voters this year at 32,405 – the votes have been counted and the results are in.”
The full list of 2024 LLM Readers’ Travel Awards winners can be accessed here: https://www.luxurylifestylemag.co.uk/travel/all-the-winners-of-the-llm-readers-travel-awards-2024-full-results-list/
Alma Resort’s managing director Herbert Laubichler-Pichler said he and his team were “over the moon” to be named the top hotel worldwide by the magazine’s voters for its beach location, family facilities and services, and sustainability measures, as well the No. 2 hotel worldwide for its dining landscape.
Photo credits: Alma Resort Cam Ranh
“We feel so honoured on the global stage, topping off what has been a fantastic year for our resort on the awards front, following Alma Resort being named as the top resort in Southeast Asia, the No. 2 resort in Asia and No. 9 resort worldwide in the 2024 Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards,” he said.
Bold, spacious and emblematic of Vietnam’s maturation as a destination, the independently owned and operated luxury resort Alma is making waves in Cam Ranh, a peninsula on Vietnam’s south-central coast that first found fame as Southeast Asia’s greatest deepwater harbor and is now rising as an upscale alternative to nearby Nha Trang.
Alma is home to an awe-inspiring host of world-class facilities, such as an eclectic range of restaurants helmed by leading chefs, a food court with an array of local and international cuisine, a classical bar, pool bar and beach bar, and mini supermarket. Other drawing cards include a science museum, waterpark with a lazy river, wave pool slides and kids pool, 13-treatment room spa, cinema, convention centre, amphitheatre, youth centre, kid’s club, gymnasium and yoga room, an 18-hole putting green, onsite gourmet organic farm and more.
Alma is embarking upon what is believed to be Vietnam’s most ambitious solar power project yet.
For further information or to make a booking, visit www.alma-resort.com or contact Alma on +84 258 399 1666, or email info@alma-resort.com.