Once limited to billionaires, celebrities and high-level politicians, private jet travel has recently become affordable for a good number of travelers who prefer to up their budgets for the convenience offered by flying private.
20.07.2023 - 12:17 / edition.cnn.com
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Click on the website of any given luxury resort in Maldives and you’ll likely find an entire page highlighting its commitment to sustainability and associated “green” credentials.
The lingo isn’t your usual tourism marketing jargon – terms like waste management, soil erosion and solar energy generation don’t exactly evoke visions of cream-hued beaches lapped by impossibly blue waters.
But Maldives isn’t your usual destination. As the world’s lowest-lying country, it’s 99% water, with its 1,000-plus islands spread over 90,000 square kilometers.
The majority of the country’s 160-plus resorts sit on individual islands, putting the onus on these accommodations to go above and beyond to reduce their impact on Maldives’ fragile environment.
But do tourists actually care about a resort’s sustainability cred?
Inside Maldives’ only multi-island destination
Increasingly, the answer is “yes,” says marine biologist Samuel Dixon, who has been with the Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi since before it opened over five years ago.
As the luxury resort’s sustainability manager, he oversees all of the 120-villa property’s eco-inspired initiatives, from protecting the 9-kilometer-long house reef to implementing cutting-edge energy-saving strategies.
“We are now seeing a huge rise in the number of eco-conscious travelers, particularly in the luxury hospitality market,” he tells CNN.
“I have noticed that there is a lot more inquiry into some of the work that I’m doing here, whether it’s on coral restoration, turtle conservation, recycling or our energy and our solar usage. To have a lot more guests engaging and asking these types of questions is music to my ears because it means we are heading into a future where there is a bigger call for a more sustainable hospitality industry.”
Dixon oversaw the installation of a new facility at the resort, the Sustainability Lab, which offers guests a front-row seat to one of the biggest challenges faced by Maldives – plastic waste.
Opened in early 2022, it’s the first center of its kind in the country. Set just steps away from the resort’s arrival dock inside a building made of upcycled shipping containers, it’s filled with specialized machinery that turns plastic waste into bespoke souvenirs, furniture and supplies for local schools.
The lab also recycles discarded “ghost nets” – discarded by fishing boats, they’re particularly harmful to sea turtles – by braiding them into bracelets and luggage tags.
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Once limited to billionaires, celebrities and high-level politicians, private jet travel has recently become affordable for a good number of travelers who prefer to up their budgets for the convenience offered by flying private.
After disembarking from your private seaplane, you'll find yourself crossing a serene cerulean lagoon within the Maldives' exclusive UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The dazzling white sands welcome you to your very own private paradise, where each moment and experience is meticulously tailored to your preferences. Embrace the boundless island living at Four Seasons Private Island at Voavah, where your desires take center stage.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with 44-year-old Denmark native Torbjørn "Thor" Pedersen. It has been edited for length and clarity. Although world travel isn't well-documented, record-keeper Harry Mitsidis told Condé Nast Traveler that about 199 people had traveled to every country; claims appear to be based on the honor system, the magazine reported. Pedersen spoke to Insider while he was still on his journey. He finally returned home to Denmark on July 26.
Located at the confluence of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, Isla Mujeres serves as a treasure trove of North American biodiversity, with bottlenose dolphins, sailfish, and green sea turtles all thriving in its surrounding waters—yet one animal in particular has long suffered due to human activity. Though they play a prominent role in the local marine ecosystem, sharks are often unnecessarily culled due to their reputation as mindless killing machines, and in the Quintana Roo area, the animals have historically been targeted by the local fishing industry as well.
Years ago, as my 26th birthday approached, I decided to take myself to Paris. Although I'd initially invited friends, circumstances changed, and I embraced the idea of going solo.
Zika virus, the mosquito-related disease that’s prompted travel advisories across the Caribbean as well as Central and South America, is now in Southeast Asia, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.
We all know that air travel isn’t great for the environment, but a new study has found that tourism is four times worse for the environment than previously thought. The alarming research conducted by University of Sydney researchers and published in the journal Nature Climate Change found that the tourism industry (including direct sources like flights and indirect sources such as souvenir manufacturing) is responsible for eight percent of global greenhouse emissions, which is four times higher than scientists had previously estimated.
This shopping season, skip the mall and spend your money on travel instead. G Adventures’ big sale is offering up to 35 percent off of some of its best trips.
Maldives resorts offer an extraordinary experience in one of the world’s most exclusive destinations. Known for its pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs, the Maldives is home to many luxurious resorts, private villas, overwater bungalows, beachfront accommodations, and other secluded hideaways. Expect impeccable service, world-class dining, and a wealth of leisure activities, including snorkeling, diving, and spa treatments ensuring a memorable and indulgent stay on the archipelago.
The Maldives has become an increasingly popular destination for those seeking a luxurious tropical getaway. Grand Park Kodhipparu is the epitome of this experience. Set on a private island just 20 minutes by speedboat from the capital city of Malé, Grand Park Kodhipparu is the perfect destination for those who want relaxation, comfort, and natural beauty.
New Zealand offers an idyllic escape and is a perfect place to visit for those in search of a luxurious getaway. From its awe-inspiring mountains and captivating landscapes, to its majestic lakes and sprawling vineyards, New Zealand is a paradise for travelers. There are also plenty of opportunities to indulge in luxury experiences such as enjoying gourmet cuisine with locally sourced produce expertly paired with wines, staying at luxurious lodges that offer superior amenities such as floor-to-ceiling windows with unbeatable views, and exploring iconic art collections from the late American billionaire Julian Robertson.