Passports and Preservation: Ethical Travel Opportunities

See the world and give back to local communities through responsible travel with these rewarding experiences from ONYX Hospitality Group hotels

Bangkok, 11 April 2019‏ ‏ – Believe it or not, there are plenty of ways to travel responsibly. From volunteer events at local organisations to simply minimising your carbon footprint, every holiday opens up a window of opportunity to make our world a cleaner and better place. If you’re looking for ethical travel inspiration for your next trip to Asia, ONYX Hospitality Group offers activities for getting more involved in supporting local communities and environmental conservation. With Earth Day coming up on 22 April and World Environment Day on 5 June, here are some simple ways to make a difference without giving up your vacation time.

Protect and Preserve the World We Live In

In addition to the simple things, like turning off the faucet when not in use, taking showers instead of baths and reusing towels to minimise water usage, OZO Chaweng Samui runs an ongoing CSR campaign called “OZO for H2O” which aims to help conserve Koh Samui’s natural water resources from rainfall through the construction and maintenance of check dams. The dams regulate water flow, increasing the level of underground water and reducing soil erosion for the benefit of the local communities.

However, guests should know that the Check Dam Project is open for visitors to join, as it offers the perfect opportunity for travellers to learn more about water conservation in Asia, and become more involved in building an environmentally-friendly source of water for both residents and the many tourists who visit Koh Samui. The activity is held three times a year, and you can join the OZO Chaweng Samui team on their next Check Dam Project excursion on 22 April 2019.

Book your stay with the Leisure Package, which includes round trip airport transfers, breakfast, and a complimentary bottle of wine when dining at Stacked or EAT. The package also offers 20% off treatments at Breeze Spa, where you can exfoliate and moisturise your skin with an organic coconut oil sugar scrub. Complimentary daily shuttles to Amari Koh Samui are available. Rates start at 4,143 THB per night in a Sleep King room. For more information, please visit www.ozohotels.com/chaweng-samui.

Go Clean, Go Green

Artificial flavouring and chemical-laden diets have become an unfortunate staple in most people’s lives, where access to healthy foods is limited by time and cost. The reality is that unless we initiate change in our eating habits, unhealthy, processed meals will continue to wear down our bodies. That’s why it is important to inspire clean living at the most fundamental level — through direct engagement with people.

In 2018, Amari Phuket proudly opened their first annual “Green and Natural Market”, where team members, guests and outside visitors could join in promoting a greener lifestyle. Encouraging the use of natural products, such as cotton clothes and bags, organic food and drink, flowers and other DIY items, their concept revolves around not only saving the environment, but also embracing a greener lifestyle for your own health. Even the in-house wellness brand at Amari Phuket, Breeze Spa, set up massage services for physical and mental rejuvenation.

Save more than the environment — book your Andaman escape with the Phuket Super Saver Package at Amari Phuket until 15 December 2019. Enjoy round-trip airport transfers, a Thai set dinner by the shore at Rim Talay Restaurant and up to 20% off food and beverages, spa treatments and laundry service. Rates start at 5,610 THB per night in a Superior Ocean Facing room. For more information, please visit www.amari.com/phuket.

Find Opportunities to Learn More About Local Cultures

As important as it is to protect the environment and maintain a healthy, sustainable lifestyle, travellers should not overlook the unique communities that make up each destination. Preserving heritage and expressing appreciation for the people remain a priority for any ethical traveller, and Amari Havodda Maldives offers an opportunity for guests to learn more about communities within the Maldives.

As part of their CSR initiatives, team members and guests sail off to the nearby island of Thinadhoo, capital of the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll where Amari Havodda Maldives is located, to visit a school for a rare holiday experience. Students warmly welcome their visitors by preparing and performing several cultural dances and songs, wearing national costume and following the beat of their traditional boduberu drums. Afterwards, guests can enjoy simple refreshments and purchase handmade crafts from the students, with proceeds going directly to the school.

Summer is here to stay with Amari Havodda Maldives’ Hot Deal Package, which includes complimentary domestic transfers from Male International Airport via plane and speed boat, and 20% off treatments at Breeze Spa. Package is for Full Board meal plans in the Deluxe Beach Villa, starting at 470 USD per night. Offer available until 31 October 2019. For more information, please visit www.amari.com/havodda-maldives.