Essentials
36 AsiaSpa November/December 2017
Eco
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Island Paradise
Embracing the concept of sustainable luxury, Laucala Island
has established various initiatives including the new Coral
Plantation Program, which allows guests to join the resort’s
dive team to help restore corals. A dedicated marine protection
zone has also been sectioned out to facilitate the regeneration of
indigenous fish, while ensuring no overfishing takes place. On
land, Laucala operates its own 240-acre farm, which produces
organic crops such as tropical fruit and vegetables in hydroponic
nurseries, whereas other products like coffee and honey are
either grown on the island or sourced from neighbouring islands.
This farm-to-resort initiative enables the resort to be over 80 per
cent self-sufficient, while guests can enjoy fresh, sustainably
cultivated produce. http://www.laucala.comUnder the Sea
In response to the longest global coral bleaching event in
history in 2016, Anantara Maldives Resorts expanded their
coral conservation project HARP (Holistic Approach to Reef
Protection), which has improved the resort’s surrounding
reefs over the year. With a focus on environmental protection
and marine education, the programme is led by Dr Andrew
Bruckner, chief scientist of the Living Oceans Foundation, who
works to maintain, monitor and grow the corals. The project
creates a positive impact for both guests and the environment;
for instance, a snorkel trail with a cleaning station was
developed at Anantara Dhigu, and its coral nursery provides
a new habitat for fish and invertebrates.
http://www.anantara.comGentle Giants
An unforgettable adventure awaits in the Laos jungle, where guests
at Amantaka can explore unfrequented spots while spending
time with an elephant family – including baby elephant Kit, his
mother and aunt, who previously laboured in logging camps. This
unique experience is an exclusive collaboration with MandaLao
Elephant Sanctuary and Tours, which practises a non-riding policy
to provide the animals with the best care. The half-day tour begins
at the MandaLao camp, where a guide will share information on
elephant behaviour and the sanctuary’s positive reinforcement
training techniques. Following the initial meeting, a two-hour trek
alongside the elephants will take you to the jungle-covered Huay
Nok stream and Tad Kuang Song waterfall. During the tour, visit a
local village and enjoy a Laotian meal. http://www.aman.com