Conscious luxury pioneer Amilla Maldives has been named ‘Responsible Hospitality Partner of the Year’ 2024 at Forbes Travel Guide’s annual summit in Las Vegas. This noteworthy accolade was awarded in recognition of the Amilla team’s outstanding commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as environmental sustainability.
“What makes the difference at Amilla Maldives is the passion to be as inclusive as possible,” said Hervé Houdré, Forbes Travel Guide’s Global Ambassador for Responsible Tourism. “It is definitely a major responsibility of the hospitality industry to be hospitable to all. There are a lot of great properties doing the right thing everywhere in the world, but we were particularly impressed with Amilla’s approach to inclusivity.”
Narelle McDougall, General Manager of Amilla Maldives, commented “This recognition from Forbes Travel Guide is praise for our team’s commitment to wellbeing, inclusivity and sustainability. Responsible hospitality is about environmental sustainability, and equally it is about inclusivity for all; removing barriers; engaging and investing in local community, culture, employment and empowerment.”
An IncluCare-certified resort and a member of The Conscious Travel Foundation, Amilla Maldives is dedicated to providing the opportunity for everyone, regardless of abilities, to enjoy the beauty of the Maldives. The resort has been adapted with accessibility features that feel like an integral part of the property, blending seamlessly with the interior design and architecture. Adaptations range from subtly lowered mirrors, sinks and counters in guest bathrooms, to ramps in restaurant areas that feature designs inspired by local sea life. Amilla is continually evolving to further improve the resort experience for guests of all abilities and needs, including regular training for the team on how they can best support guests with mobility or sensory challenges.
Last year the resort completed a solar panel installation which generated 600,000kwh in nine months, reducing diesel consumption by over 170k litres. Its latest sustainability initiatives include introducing refillable, PCR-packaged, vegan-friendly luxury amenities from Swedish cult brand 19-69 and Dutch social enterprise Marie-Stella-Maris; and, to reduce the number of single-use plastic water bottles brought to the island, the provision of refillable silicone Rolla Bottles for all guests to use from arrival – and take home as a memento of their time at Amilla. As part of the Jellyfish10 initiative, Rolla Bottle commits 10 percent of all profits to funding ocean plastic pollution clean-up solutions.
Since December, Amilla Maldives is participating in NGO Blue Marine Foundation’s ‘Maldives Resilient Reefs’ (MRR) initiative to implement sustainable fishing practices. The resort pays an additional 20MVR/kilo for fish caught according to MRR guidelines – resulting in an extra USD1,883 for the local fishing community in December 2023 alone.
For further information and reservations visit www.amilla.com.
Elegant Resorts (01244 897271; www.elegantresorts.co.uk) offers seven nights in a Sunset Water Pool Villa at Amilla Maldives from GBP4,450 per person*, including up to 30 percent off accommodation - saving up to GBP2,780 per couple. The price also includes daily breakfast, economy flights, shared return seaplane transfers and UK airport lounge access.
ENDS
*Prices based on 15 April 2024 departure flying from London Heathrow with Etihad Airways. Valid for travel until 24 December 2024 (blackout dates apply). Must book by 31 March 2024.
About Amilla Maldives
Located in the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Amilla Maldives is an enchanting island resort for couples, families, and groups of friends to relax and play. Fringed by white sand beaches and one of the Maldives’ best house reefs, the island’s 67 Pool Villas and Residences each offer private pools and are thoughtfully designed with indoor and outdoor living spaces.
The Sultan’s Village kids club has plenty to entertain curious little ones, while activities such as kombucha-making, art, and painting classes ensure there is plenty to do for guests besides snorkelling and diving at world-class sites including Hanifaru Bay and the resort’s own famous Blue Hole.
An EarthCheck silver-certified member of Small Luxury Hotels’ Considerate Collection, Amilla embodies a commitment to finding harmony between luxury and sustainability.
Amidst the idyllic backdrop of the Maldives, the resort effortlessly intertwines the allure of an island getaway, the richness of Maldivian culture and lush natural surrounds.
Amilla is deeply conscientious about its role in fostering a relationship with local communities. In this spirit, guests are proactively involved on the importance of sustainability and inclusivity initiatives.
The resort’s thoughtfully crafted dietary lifestyle choice menus encompass vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb/keto and paleo.
Voted winner of the “Responsible Hospitality Partner” Award at Forbes Travel Guide Summit in Las Vegas in February 2024, and named ‘Best International Venue’ in the Blue Badge Access Awards 2023 in recognition of a commitment to wellbeing, inclusivity and sustainability, Amilla is proud to be an IncluCare-certified resort and a member of the Conscious Travel Foundation, a global community of travel businesses on a positive impact journey.
About Forbes Travel Guide
Forbes Travel Guide (“FTG”), the global authority on genuine Five-Star service, provides world-class professional services to the hospitality industry and other service-oriented businesses such as luxury retail, residential, healthcare and private clubs through bespoke training solutions, evaluation services and custom service standards. Started as Mobil Travel Guide in 1958, the company created the first Five-Star rating system in the United States. Today, in addition to providing professional services, FTG is the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruise ships. FTG’s prestigious annual Star Awards can only be earned through the company’s objective, in-person inspection process. For more information on FTG services, please visit partner.forbestravelguide.com.
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