A Green Debut for Dusit Thani Maldives

12-26-2011

 A Green Debut for Dusit Thani Maldives

Dusit International is thrilled to reveal our first venture into the Indian Ocean, Dusit Thani Maldives. Surrounded by a vibrant 360 degree coral reef and turquoise lagoon, this island property is a landmark addition to the company‟s global brand. The resort is scheduled to open in early 2012.

Located on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, Dusit Thani Maldives is 35 minutes by seaplane from the capital Malé. Surrounding the island perimeter, the living house reef is a snorkeler‟s paradise, ideal for discovering an underwater world just metres from the beach. Baa Atoll is not only home to Dusit Thani Maldives but also has the distinction of being a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

“Our entire operation is geared toward achieving a carbon-neutral programme,” states Andres Rubio, General Manager of Dusit Thani Maldives. “We‟re excited to be one of the leaders in sustainable resort development in the Maldives.”

With the goal of living in harmony with Maldivian biodiversity, Dusit Thani Maldives is launching as a local pioneer in green energy solutions. To ensure minimal impact on the environment, the resort invested in state of the art engineering for efficiency. Its approach includes solar thermal heating in back of the house while the front of the house uses heat recovery pumps, all metered for power consumption. An on-site water-bottling factory produces still and sparkling mineralized water to reduce one-way plastics. Additionally the hotel laundry is heated by a diesel steam boiler using minimal electricity. LED (light emitting diode) lights illuminate all guest areas at Dusit Thani Maldives.

Green initiatives are in place throughout the entire resort. Biodegradables are used for composting, fertilising and landscaping. Meanwhile restaurant staff do their part by cultivating an herb and vegetable garden lowering the carbon footprint and reducing the reliance on imported produce.

Complimented by the Molton Brown Body Remedies luxury line, Dusit Thani Maldives is the first resort in the Indian Ocean to feature this new range of beauty products in guest villas. As Molton Brown‟s most ecologically responsible range to date, all of the plant ingredients are from sustainable sources and packaging is 100% recyclable. In addition, their products contain no petrolchemicals or harsh detergents.

The resort is also home to the largest infinity pool in the Maldives. Measuring a full 750 square metres, Dusit Thani Maldives‟ centrepiece integrates technology and nature and flows around a stately banyan tree. Our environmentally-forward approach also means all pools are installed with a saline system and use no chlorine.

Known for frequent sightings of dolphins and sea turtles, Mudhdhoo Island is only a ten minute speedboat ride to Hanifaru Huraa in Baa Atoll, the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and a plankton-rich feeding ground for manta rays and whale sharks.

A popular dive spot frequented by tourists, fishermen and scientists, Hanifaru Huraa is now protected by the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Management Programme. Their goal is to conserve all biological and natural resources within the Atoll and improve the lives of local residents with research, awareness and education. Guests can visit this protected marine zone or simply snorkel the spectacular house reef on Mudhdhoo Island.

Dusit Thani Maldives is fortunate to be located in the backyard of a worldwide-renowned biosphere harbouring such an array of rare species found only in Baa Atoll. Mudhdhoo Island itself is the perfect example of a ring-shaped reef form called a faroe, a peculiar reef structure unique to the Maldives. Since the island is a natural sea turtle habitat, the resort has an extensive hatching awareness programme to protect turtle nesting. The resort is also actively involved in a national shark conservation campaign and aims to achieve a total ban on the shark fishing and the export and sale of shark products.

Serving as a gatekeeper for the local biodiversity, our marine biologist Lauren Arthur educates visitors on the beauty of the underwater world around Mudhdhoo Island. She leads programmes inviting guests to plant and regenerate coral and dives to identify sharks and manta rays. Lauren is a PADI certified- specialist in shark & ray identification who has logged over 150 dives.

Founded in Bangkok in 1949, Dusit International is dedicated to sustainable tourism. A number of Dusit International hotels have attained the Silver Certified Award from EarthCheck, the leading environmental management program that sets benchmarks for the tourism industry. Dusit Thani Maldives will participate in the EarthCheck certification process and strives to attain carbon-neutral status in the coming years.

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About Dusit Thani Maldives Located on breathtaking Mudhdhoo Island northwest of the capital Malé, this exquisite resort scheduled to open February 2012 will feature 46 Beach Villas, two Beach Residences, 30 Lagoon Villa with Pools, 20 Ocean Villas with Pools and two Ocean Pavilions. It boasts extensive facilities including a 750 sqm swimming pool, (the largest in the Maldives), pool bar, over-water and grill restaurants, treehouse spa, tennis courts, dive centre and numerous water activities in and around the resort. It is just 35 minutes travel time via sea plane from Malé International Airport.

About Dusit International

Dusit International has gained more than 60 years experience in the hotel and hospitality field. Founded in 1949 by Honorary Chairperson, Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui whose first hotel was the Princess on Bangkok's New Road. Dusit has since acquired a unique portfolio of deluxe hotels, building upon Thai culture and tradition to create a personalised welcome for all guests made distinctive under the Dusit brand promise: the delivery of an „experience that enlivens the individual spirit no matter what the journey.‟

Dusit International comprises five hotel brands: Dusit Thani Hotels & Resorts, Dusit‟s second generation dusitD2 hotels & resorts, Dusit Princess Hotels & Resorts, Dusit Devarana Hotels & Resorts, and Dusit Residence Serviced Apartments. It also operates its own signature Devarana Spa.

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