In honor of World Oceans Day on June 8th, these hotels are leading the way in ocean conservation, making a lasting impact from the shores of Turks and Caicos to the beaches of Bali.
Baros Maldives: Leading Conservation Efforts
On World Oceans Day and every day, Baros Maldives stands as a beacon of conservation and preservation, deeply rooted in reverence for the ocean. At this award-winning luxury private island resort, guests are not mere observers but active contributors to safeguarding underwater sanctuaries. Through Baros's Eco Explorer Experience, guests can immerse themselves in the Coral Restoration and Conservation program, guided by the resort's resident Marine Biologist, where they can plant personal coral gardens. Another part of the Eco Explorer Experience is Marine Life Identification, where guests put on their snorkeling gear and identify fish species, while learning their vital roles within the marine ecosystem. As night falls, guests prepare for an extraordinary adventure in Night Snorkeling and Bioluminescence. Equipped with UV lights, they delve into a nocturnal wonderland, observing the reef's inhabitants in a captivating new light. Baros is dedicated to sustainable tourism practices, inviting travelers to join a larger movement advocating for the protection and preservation of marine environments this World Oceans Day.
Ellerman House: Commitment to Sustainable Ocean Produce
Situated in the heart of Cape Town, where the slopes of Lion’s Head meet the Atlantic Ocean, Ellerman House welcomes guests to a luxurious retreat, showcasing the best of South Africa. Head Chef Kieran Whyte’s culinary expertise is deeply intertwined with a commitment to sustainability. The theme for World Oceans Day 2024 is “Waves of Change: Collective Actions for the Ocean”, emphasizing the importance of working together to find solutions to ocean challenges. An awareness of climate impact and sustainability is woven into every aspect of Ellerman House, and protecting sea life has become a norm in the Ellerman House kitchen.
Embracing the South African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI), Chef Whyte ensures that every dish at Ellerman House reflects a conscientious approach to the planet. The 'traffic-light' system categorizes seafood into 'Green' (sustainable), 'Orange' (threatened), and 'Red' (endangered), guiding both the kitchen and guests toward environmentally responsible choices. Chef Whyte sources fresh fish from the Abalobi initiative connecting artisanal fishermen directly to the market, enhancing income for communities, and ensuring the freshest produce for the restaurant. In 2024, under Chef Whyte's guidance, sustainable dining is not merely a choice – it's a culinary philosophy creating a more responsible and eco-conscious future.
Sustainable Pemba Island Adventures with Stanley Safaris
Stanley Safaris specializes in crafting tailor-made luxury safaris to Africa, exclusively partnering with boutique, independently owned camps and lodges. Each camp is carefully selected based on the unique experiences they offer and their dedication to local communities and conservation initiatives, guaranteeing an exceptional safari while also contributing directly to local employment and conservation projects. During their Best of Tanzania Safari, travelers spend five nights at Manta Resort on Pemba Island, where they can experience their one-of-a-kind underwater room (a recent viral sensation) to witness marine life thriving naturally in their ecosystem. This unique accommodation is not just a luxurious experience, but also plays a vital role in marine conservation as in the past the area had little to no fish or marine life. However, through a partnership with the Blue Nature Alliance, Manta Resort has helped to successfully expand the ecosystem by turning the coastline into a no-take zone called the Kwanini Marine Conservation Area. They also reinvest profits from snorkeling trips guests take into the local community to help with development projects, contributing to the return of fish, the coral reef, and more to the area.
Beach Enclave Turks & Caicos Partnership with Turks & Caicos Reef Fund
Surrounded by approximately 340 miles of barrier reef, Turks & Caicos’ environment relies heavily upon the health of the reef system, supporting diverse marine populations and providing a buffer to protect the coasts from waves, storms, and floods. In collaboration with the Turks and Caicos Reef Fund, Beach Enclave Turks & Caicos actively supports the fund’s various educational initiatives aimed at fostering awareness around critical environmental issues. The Mario Rigby Eco-Adventure program offers immersive learning experiences tailored to educate local youth on the importance of the environment through film, lectures, and practical activities. Further, the fund’s Adopt-a-Coral program focuses on the East Caicos region and research aimed at combatting coral diseases like Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. By supporting the Turks & Caicos Reef Fund, Beach Enclave reaffirms its commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the ongoing protection of these underwater ecosystems for generations to come.
Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach and Sungai Watch: Mangrove Clean Up
Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach will be participating for its second year in the Mangrove Clean Up Activity in collaboration with Sungai Watch. Sungai Watch was founded in 2020 in Bali and has grown to a team of 90 passionate river warriors, working every day to create solutions to stop the flow of plastic pollution from going into the ocean. By designing simple trash barriers and operating a collection, sorting and up-cycling system, the company has created a scalable approach to tackling plastic pollution and is working to install 1,000 barriers throughout Indonesia. As Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach is located in one of Bali’s most vibrant districts, tackling waste issues whether it be garbage, water, or food is extremely important to the property. This is especially relevant for their “Neighborhood Hosts” who come from surrounding areas of Seminyak and wish to lead life in a more mindful and caring way.
Explore Marine Restoration at Gaya Island Resort
Gaya Island Resort is a five-star property located on Borneo, set within the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, that plays a proactive role in sustainability and conservation of the local area and marine life. Committed to leading the community in marine conservation, the Gaya Island Resort Marine Centre advocates three conservation pillars – Turtle Rescue, Coral Reef Restoration and Conservation through Education - led by the resort's Resident Marine Biologist. Since its launch, the Marine Centre has rescued, treated, and cared for multiple endangered green sea turtles and one critically endangered Hawksbill. It is also home to four coral reef display tanks for educational purposes as well as producing coral fragments to be returned to the sea. The center is now moving into a new phase - replanting seagrass meadows. One of the most productive ecosystems, it provides habitat and food for various marine animals that seek refuge there including shrimp, crabs, cod, flatfish, and more.
Ocean Conservation Efforts in the Galapagos
600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, Quasar Expeditions offers unforgettable cruises through the Galapagos Islands on their small luxurious yachts, the M/Y Grace (16 pax) and M/V Evolution (32 pax), perfect for active travelers prioritizing an eco-friendly adventure. Due to their climate and seclusion, this collection of islands have allowed for the native wildlife to never develop a fear of humans.
In an effort to protect the ocean and its inhabitants, Quasar Expeditions has joined forces with Frente Insular of the Galápagos Marine Reserve to ensure this island chain and its surrounding waters remain a sanctuary. By supporting Frente Insular's mission through their donations of essential gear, including wetsuits and kayak seat, they are able to actively promote the expansion and preservation of the Marine Reserve through education programs and communication initiatives. By engaging local residents, this fosters a sense of responsibility for safeguarding the unique wildlife and ecosystems of the Galápagos Islands.
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