The post A&K Sanctuary opens bookings for Kitirua Plains Lodge appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

A&K Travel Group’s luxury lodge and camp collection A&K Sanctuary announced that bookings are now open for the Kitirua Plains Lodge, a groundbreaking new property set in Kenya’s iconic Amboseli region. 

Scheduled to open its doors on 1st June 2026, the all-suite lodge marks Abercrombie & Kent’s return to its heartland six decades after Geoffrey Kent pioneered the modern luxury safari in Kenya. 

Located within a 128-acre private concession bordering Amboseli National Park and just ten minutes from the park’s main gate, Kitirua Plains Lodge is poised to redefine Kenya’s safari scene with a bold, design-led vision that honours the pioneering legacy of luxury adventure travel that began here six decades ago.

Set against a backdrop of sweeping savannahs, emerald-green marshes, and acacia woodlands, Kitirua Plains Lodge offers uninterrupted views of Mount Kilimanjaro rising on the horizon. 

As it is right in the heart of elephant country, the lodge’s suites provide a front-row seat to one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes, where herds of elephants roam freely through a timeless wilderness.

According to AKTG chief executive Cristina Levis: “Kitirua is a return to our roots, and a bold leap forward. This is a property that honours our heritage whilst looking to the future, a celebration of place, people, and the pioneering spirit that defines A&K. To open this lodge in Kenya, where our story began, feels like coming full circle.”

Returning to where the concept of luxury safari was born

Kenya holds profound significance as the birthplace of Abercrombie & Kent, where in 1962 a young Geoffrey Kent first led guests on thrilling adventures with a trailblazing safari camp unprecedented in its sophistication. 

That original camp featured Nairobi’s finest chef, bartender and maître d’, power for electric lights and refrigeration to chill food and, more importantly, champagne. 

Four canvas tents were furnished with antique rugs, bathtubs and crystal martini glasses, establishing the blueprint for what would become the gold standard in luxury adventure travel.

Over 60 years later, that inimitable combination of adventure and comfort remains the foundation for A&K Sanctuary, and nowhere is this legacy more poignantly celebrated than at Kitirua Plains Lodge. 

Located in the very landscape where the modern luxury safari was born, the lodge embodies A&K’s deep-rooted connection to Kenya and represents both a tribute to the past and a bold vision for the future.

Architectural masterpiece

Set against a backdrop of sweeping savannahs, emerald-green marshes, and acacia woodlands, Kitirua Plains Lodge offers uninterrupted views of Mount Kilimanjaro rising majestically on the horizon. 

Located in the heart of elephant country, the lodge’s suites provide a front-row seat to one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes, where herds of elephants roam freely through a timeless wilderness that has captivated explorers and adventurers for generations.

A deliberate departure from traditional tented safari camps, Kitirua Plains Lodge is one of A&K Sanctuary’s most architecturally adventurous properties to date. 

Designed in partnership with Luxury Frontiers, renowned for their sustainable and innovative design approach, the lodge’s 13 organic standalone suites comprise 11 Suites and two suites with two bedrooms.

The suites feature chic, pared-back interiors that allow the vast, cinematic views to take centre stage. 

Natural textures, woven-rush detailing, and thoughtful design nods to the Maasai way of life ground the experience in a strong sense of place, whilst communal areas are crafted for connection and contemplation. 

From the serene wellness facilities, which include a spa, gym and swimming pool, to a convivial boma that comes alive with stories under the stars, every detail has been curated to harmonise with the land whilst offering the utmost in comfort and style.

Completing Kenya’s premier safari circuit

Kitirua Plains Lodge joins A&K Sanctuary’s established Kenyan portfolio alongside Olonana Lodge in the Maasai Mara and Tambarare Camp in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. 

Together, these three lodges form a perfect circuit for travellers eager to immerse themselves in Kenya’s diverse ecosystems and rich cultural heritage, from the Great Migration spectacle of the Mara to the conservation success stories of Ol Pejeta and now the elephant kingdom of Amboseli.

At Kitirua Plains Lodge, guests can embark on daily game drives across a rich mosaic of habitats, from open plains to seasonal wetlands, encountering elephants, lions, cheetahs, and an extraordinary array of birdlife. 

With access to a private concession and direct proximity to Amboseli National Park, the experience combines exclusivity with ecological diversity.

For a more immersive perspective, guests can enjoy cultural visits with the local Maasai community who offer authentic insight into the heritage of the region. 

Whether stargazing around the boma fire or gliding silently over the savannah in a hot air balloon, every experience is designed to connect guests deeply to the land, its people, and its stories, in the spirit of adventure and discovery that Geoffrey Kent first championed in these very landscapes.

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The post Iloilo International Airport to undergo runway safety enhancement appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced on Tuesday, 12th August, that Iloilo International Airport will be undergoing safety enhancement work on its runway.

While work is ongoing, airport operations will be taking a break daily from midnight to 4am.

According to CAAP officials, the schedule was coordinated with airline operators before implementation to ensure that flights remain unaffected.

In a statement, the agency declared: “CAAP extends its sincere appreciation to the flying public for patience and cooperation during the construction period.”

Necessary maintenance

The 45-working-day runway safety enhancement project commenced on Monday, 11th August.

Repair work includes runway edge strip and slope correction, as well as embankment works.

The project also  involves the removal of accumulated soil deposits, correction of uneven surfaces within the airside, and filling of low-lying areas to improve drainage and prevent water pooling during heavy rainfall.

These measures are crucial for maintaining runway friction and preventing hydroplaning incidents.

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The post Mar-Bella Collection opens ‘Avali’ with 76 rooms and suites in Corfu, Greece appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Mar-Bella Collection, a family-owned Greek luxury hospitality brand, has opened its latest hotel, Avali. Set on a prime beachfront setting in Agios Ioannis Peristeron in south-east Corfu, the new hotel is less than 600-metres from the brand’s established MarBella and Nido hotels. The opening of the boutique, adult-friendly hotel, follows the meticulous rebuild of an existing property with 76 rooms and suites.

Named Avali – a dialect of Corfu, meaning ‘a small bay’ – the property is set between verdant mountains and a secluded 300-metre sandy pebbled beach on the sparkling Ionian Sea. Catering to couples, friends, solo travellers and free-spirited young families with children over six years old, the hotel sits within three-acres of lush gardens, with an expansive infinity pool and a beach bar with a distinct beach club vibe.

Avali has a strong focus on gastronomy, with Zardini (Tzardini in Corfiot, meaning ‘small garden’) an all-day Mediterranean-Asian fusion restaurant taking centre stage at the heart of the hotel. Its open kitchen serves a buffet breakfast that showcases local ingredients, followed by an à la carte fusion menu of Mediterranean and Asian dishes for lunch and dinner. From the 2026 season, Stià Grill Restaurant (meaning ‘fireplace’ in Corfiot), an à la carte grill restaurant will join the gastronomic offering, alongside a poolside food truck offering light bites throughout the day.

Guests can also enjoy the cosy Lobby Bar and Cicada Pool Bar, which operates as a casual daytime spot serving beach snacks before transitioning into an evening destination with cocktails with an array of happenings: from beach parties, live music and BBQs to open-air cinema nights.

Ensuring that Avali’s active guests are kept entertained, the hotel showcases an indoor and outdoor fitness area as well as an outdoor spa kiosk, offering spa treatments in a private beach setting. There is also a watersports centre with stand-up paddle boards, canoes and kayaks. MarBella and Nido’s facilities just moments away are easily accessible and local tavernas are also within walking distance.

The hotel solely offers a Premium All-Inclusive, ensuring that guests can enjoy the full range of luxury services and experiences without compromise. Making the most of the resort’s proximity to Mar-Bella Collection’s other two Corfu properties, guests from all three hotels can take advantage of a Dine Around programme. Utilising a daily allowance, guests can book into any of the a la carte restaurants to sample the impressive variety of cuisines on offer.

With a remarkable family legacy spanning three generations, Mar-Bella Collection remains dedicated to providing unparalleled holiday experiences for its guests across its portfolio of four hotels. Each property possesses its own distinctive character, thoughtfully designed to align with travellers’ evolving needs at every stage of life. As they journey through life, guests of Mar-Bella Collection return to find their ever-changing desires met in one of their hotels. Avali caters to a new generation of travellers, who seek luxury in a more relaxed setting that is connected to the surrounding environment. Meanwhile, MarBella provides a premium all-inclusive experience catering to the modern multi-generational family. Nido is an adults only hotel, offering a calm and elegant atmosphere, tailored for couples, friends and solo travellers. Elix, located on the mainland, appeals to families and beach lovers seeking outdoor adventure and a more off-the-beaten-track destination.

“Avali is the fourth Mar-Bella Collection property to open, with the collection expanding from one to four hotels in seven years. As we continue to diversify our offering across the group, this beachfront hotel reflects a niche in the market, catering for discerning luxury travellers who value simplicity and relaxation as much as authenticity. Offering a premium all-inclusive programme and distinct ‘Signature Life’ benefits, guests can make their stay at Avali their own, whilst enjoying the trademark Mar-Bella Collection hospitality and benefits” says Periklis Gompakis, Mar-Bella Collection’s Director of Sales and Marketing.

 

 

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The post Sino Jet Expands Charter Fleet with Gulfstream G650ER appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Sino Jet has officially incorporated the Gulfstream G650ER into its charter fleet. Recognized globally as a benchmark for ultra-long-range business jets, this model will expand long-distance travel options for private jet clients, particularly satisfying the needs of intercontinental business travel.

The Gulfstream G650ER is renowned for its ultra-long-range capability of 13,890 kilometers, allowing for nonstop flights such as Beijing to New York and Singapore to London. With a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.925, it is one of the fastest business jets in the world. The aircraft features a 15-seat cabin designed with advanced noise-reduction technology and a fully pressurized cabin system, maintaining a comfortable cabin altitude of 2,400 meters even on flights exceeding 10 hours. Since its entry into service in 2012, the G650ER has set more than 125 city-pair speed records, making it one of the most preferred aircraft for intercontinental travel among high-net-worth individuals and global business leaders.

As the operator with the largest fleet of Gulfstream G650 aircraft worldwide, Sino Jet aims to enhance its charter services by introducing this flagship model. A representative from Sino Jet commented, “The G650ER will be based in Asia and will complement our existing models, such as the G550. By leveraging the differences in cabin capacity, range efficiency, and operating costs, we can offer our clients more tailored aircraft solutions that precisely meet their needs”.

Sino Jet, headquartered in Beijing, has operational bases in over 20 cities across the globe, including key locations in China, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. The company provides a comprehensive range of services, including aircraft procurement, management, charter, ground services, business aviation terminal operations, and luxury travel, delivering business aviation solutions through “seamless integration of ground and air services” to clients worldwide. With a fleet size that has been the largest in the Asia-Pacific region for six consecutive years, Sino Jet is renowned for its commitment to the highest safety standards, its robust comprehensive service capabilities, and its innovative approach in the business aviation industry, earning it the distinction of being the World’s Leading Business Aviation Company for many years.

 

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The post Hainan, China Unveils New Tourism Experiences appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Since the beginning of 2025, an overseas promotional campaign themed “Cool Hainan” has been launched on social media platforms like Facebook and X. This campaign showcases a variety of new tourism products, routes, and experiences offered by the Hainan Free Trade Port, reaching over 35 million global netizens to date.

Located in southern China, Hainan is the country’s largest Free Trade Port and a sought-after travel destination, boasting 1,944 kilometers of coastline, 4,269 square kilometers of tropical rainforest, and a 3,000-year-old Li culture. Hainan is the only tropical island province in China, blessed with superior natural scenery, rich tourism resources, and unique cultural legacies. The campaign aims to put Hainan in the limelight to attract more visitors.

To date, the “Cool Hainan” campaign has released 56 posts, featuring 116 popular and lesser-known scenic spots, thoughtfully designed routes, and creative packages.

For example, “Celebrating Spring Festival with Intangible Cultural Heritage” in January introduced itineraries for experiencing authentic Chinese New Year celebrations; “Early Spring Hainan Tour” in February highlighted flowers, birds, hot springs, and tropical fruits; “March 3rd Festival” in March showcased folk customs, intangible cultural heritage, and mouthwatering food of the Li and Miao ethnic minorities; “Dreamer’s Paradise” in April highlighted tourism and cultural offerings from the China International Consumer Products Expo held in Hainan; and “Cool Island” from May to July presented educational trips, marine sports, rainforest adventures, and refreshing snacks. These visually engaging posts effectively highlight Hainan’s exceptional tourism resources, targeting audiences from 85 visa-free countries.

The island is connected by numerous international flight routes, and a high-speed train can circle the island in just 3 hours. Additionally, the Hainan Coastal Scenic Highway and the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park Scenic Road link various attractions, while ten signature tourism experiences await visitors, including marine vacations, duty-free shopping, health tourism, and aerospace experiences.

 

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The post Virgin Atlantic adds additional capacity on Dubai and Cape Town services appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Virgin Atlantic is turning up the heat on premium winter getaways with exciting enhancements to its network with more seats and more sunshine, following a surge in bookings compared to the previous year.  The airline is dialling up the heat with more flights to Dubai and Cape Town, alongside its hotly anticipated return to Cancun, Mexico.

Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer, Virgin Atlantic, said: “As more of our customers seek out winter sun and unforgettable experiences, we’re focused on giving them more of what they love. Our expanded flying to Dubai and Cape Town, alongside our return to Cancun, reflects strong demand for premium leisure travel, as we whisk our customers to their next adventure. Whether it’s glamour in the Gulf, culture and coastlines in South Africa or the vibrant energy of Mexico, Virgin Atlantic is here to make every journey feel special, from take-off to touchdown.”

Dubai gets upgraded with 50% more seats this winter

Virgin Atlantic is delivering its strongest ever winter schedule to Dubai, with a 50% increase in seat capacity year on year. Due to a 72% surge in demand compared to 2024, the airline has introduced  the Airbus A350, the largest in the airline’s fleet, bringing a more spacious, stylish experience across Upper Class, Premium and Economy cabins, along with the airline’s signature inflight social space, The Booth.
From ultra-luxury resorts and record-breaking skyscrapers to desert adventures and world-class shopping, Dubai offers an unforgettable escape for couples, families and solo travellers.

Cancun comeback: Mexico’s most vibrant beach destination returns

After a six-year hiatus, Virgin Atlantic is heading back to the golden beaches of Cancun. Starting in October, the airline will offer the only direct flights from London Heathrow, whisking sunseekers to the heart of Mexico’s Caribbean coast aboard the Boeing 787-9, with all the signature service and flair Virgin Atlantic is famous for.
From the iconic beaches of Riviera Maya and sunset margaritas, tantalising tacos to ancient Mayan ruins and buzzing nightlife, Cancun is the ultimate sun-drenched playground for every kind of traveller.

Cape Town is calling with 15% more seats and increased season length

With travellers eager to explore South Africa’s culture, coast and cuisine, Virgin Atlantic is increasing capacity to Cape Town by nearly 15% this winter. With a 38% increase in bookings compared to 2024, the airline is also extending the season, which begins in October through April, giving even more time for unforgettable experiences, from safari drives to vineyard tours and Table Mountain sunsets. Whether it’s spotting penguins on Boulders Beach, exploring the vibrant food scene, or tracing the Garden Route, Cape Town continues to shine as a top pick for adventure with a luxury twist.

 

 

 

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The post Preferred Hotels & Resorts strengthens leadership and expands presence in Asia Pacific  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts has announced a  series of key appointments and strategic developments aimed at ongoing strategic support of hotel members,  as well as bolstering its presence in the Asia Pacific region. 

Laurence Onfroy, who joined the company in 2024, assumes an expanded remit as Vice President,  Business Development, Asia Pacific, based in Singapore. She is responsible for driving regional growth  by expanding the hotel portfolio across all Preferred Travel Group brands, with a strong emphasis on  Beyond Green, Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ sustainable sister brand, and fostering global and regional  strategic alliance partners, marketing and brand partnerships. Her role also provides strategic support to the  global commercial organization and brand expansion initiatives across the region. The Singapore team also  includes James Koh, Regional Director, Southeast Asia & Pacific, who has been with the company  since 2022 and leads the team within the region overseeing hotel retention and development efforts, along  with Cheryl Siow, Vice President, Global Sales, Greater China & Group Sales, Southeast Asia and Matthias Ong, Manager, Public Relations & Social Media who both joined the team this year.

The Greater China and Australia team sees a leadership expansion with Eddie Wong stepping into the role  of Area Managing Director, Greater China & Australia. Based in Hong Kong, Eddie will oversee  growth and development initiatives across both markets while providing hands-on leadership and strategic  direction. In Japan, Midori Kataoka has been promoted to Area Managing Director, Japan,  overseeing a key market that includes 50 member properties. The team is further strengthened by the addition of Yuichi Kanasaki as Director, Hotel Revenue Optimization.

 

“These strategic appointments and expanded roles are part of our ongoing strategy to reinforce the brand’s position in the luxury travel and independent hospitality space across Asia Pacific, a region which has been  key for us and continues to have tremendous growth potential. These developments reflect our commitment  to strengthening our presence, delivering ongoing focus and support of our current hotel members, and  enhancing visibility across our portfolio,” says Michelle Woodley, President, Preferred Travel  Group.

Since the start of the year, Preferred Hotels & Resorts has welcomed four member properties across Asia  Pacific – Amara Singapore (Singapore), The Archipelago (Yilan, Taiwan China), Himalayas Hotel  Shanghai (Shanghai, China), and Treasure Bay Fuxian Lake (Yuxi, China) – bringing its footprint in the  region to over 90, with further growth planned in high-performing markets such as China and high-potential  destinations such as Bali, Vietnam, and Australia. Among its notable members in the region are luxurious  properties from The Fullerton Hotels & Resorts across Singapore, Sydney and Hong Kong; Artyzen  Singapore; Andara Resort & Villas in Phuket; The RuMa Hotels & Residences in Kuala Lumpur; Wynn Palace Cotai in Macao; and Hotel New Otani Tokyo ‘EXECUTIVE HOUSE ZEN’. The brand  has also recently expanded its presence in India, welcoming properties including The Leela Gandhinagar, Aurika Udaipur, and Aurika Mumbai International Airport to its expanding portfolio.

 

 

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The post Discova Japan Expands its Operations to mesmerising Hokkaido appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Discova announces its expansion to Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido, whose unspoilt natural beauty is a treat for any visitor.  With the end of the year steadily drawing close, Discova’s product offerings in Hokkaido are perfectly suited for visitors who want to avoid the busy spring and autumn seasons and want to explore a serene and pristine winter landscape filled with hiking trails, volcanic lakes, natural hot springs, and national parks.

Chad Anderson Discova’s EMEA Sales Manager said: “The demand for winter tourism to Hokkaido is increasing from our European and North American markets. We have some fantastic ski opportunities and immersive tours, including our Smelt Ice Fishing and Snow-Covered Hot Springs Day tours that perfectly cater to this demand.”

Hokkaido is also a personal favourite of Olivia Jeung, Discova Japan’s Country Manager, who takes at least three to four trips every year to enjoy good food, watch and play ice hockey, and have fun on slopes covered with powder snow in the wintertime.

“Hokkaido is one of my favorite places in Japan, and in the whole world! It has so much to offer not only for winter, but for all seasons with its charming and dynamic nature, rich food scenes, unique culture, and a wide range of activities,” she adds.

From Sapporo’s historic and culinary corners to Otaru’s atmospheric canal-side neighbourhoods famous for their sake distilleries, glasswork factories, and an annual winter festival, it is a magical experience to visit Hokkaido in the colder months. And our private guided excursions are the best way for your clients to immerse themselves in this unique setting through first-hand interactions with the distinct culture of the local community and unparallelled access to the stunning natural environment.

Lena McGarry, Discova Japan’s Product Manager, says: “We’re excited to expand our offerings to Hokkaido, opening up unique winter experiences both on and off the ski fields, and making the most of Hokkaido’s natural beauty without the crowds in the spring and summer months. This new addition reflects our purpose-driven approach — curating travel that highlights the distinct character of Hokkaido, supports local communities, and fosters more meaningful connections between people and place.”

 

 

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The post Alipay+ and Kaspi.kz Enhance International Payment Acceptance in Kazakhstan appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Alipay+, Ant International’s global wallet gateway, and Kaspi.kz, the leading super app in Kazakhstan, have enabled international cross-border QR payment acceptance in Kazakhstan. Users of 12 Alipay+-enabled payment apps can scan-to-pay via Kaspi QR, which has the largest nationwide merchant coverage, from shopping, F&B and attractions, to convenience stores, medical services and even stores in smaller villages and towns.

Kazakhstan becomes the first country in Central Asia to accept Alipay+, enabling local merchants to leverage the country’s digital payment infrastructure to benefit from tourism growth by accepting more international payment options. In the first half of 2025, Kazakhstan welcomed a record 7.5 million international visitors. Travellers from China, Germany and South Korea are amongst the top five arrivals to Kazakhstan, and they can now use their Alipay+-enabled app to make seamless payment.

Edward Yue, General Manager for SEA, South Asia and ANZ, Ant International said: “We’re very excited to be strengthening our partnership with Kaspi.kz for both inbound and outbound cross-border mobile payments that benefits Kazakhstani travellers and businesses. We have seen great momentum in Kazakhstanis using their Kaspi.kz app across our global Alipay+ merchants, and now we’re building on the rich local ecosystem offered via Kaspi QR to connect our global partners to local businesses. As more people seek culturally rich and unique destinations, we will continue to work closely to promote vibrant and sustainable growth in Kazakhstan and the region.”

This builds on the successful partnership between Alipay+ and Kaspi.kz for outbound cross-border mobile payments, since April 2024. Top destinations for Kazakhstanis include China, Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia, to Australia, Italy and France.

Mikhail Lomtadze, CEO and Co-founder of Kaspi.kz, said: “Since last year, in partnership with Alipay+, Kazakhstanis began to pay in some of their favourite travel destinations using the Kaspi.kz super app. Now, we’re taking our partnership one step further. Guests visiting Kazakhstan can now pay via Kaspi QR using their Alipay+ enabled e-wallets or bank apps. We thank Alipay+ for the opportunity to work together to make travel to Kazakhstan more convenient, and jointly promote growth.”

Alipay+ connects 1.7 billion user accounts from 36 international payment partners to more than 100 million merchants across 70 markets.

 

 

 

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The post The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi achieves Forbes verified responsible hospitality badge appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi is proud to announce that it has received the Forbes VERIFIED Responsible Hospitality badge by Forbes Travel, the first hotel in Langkawi to be included in Forbes Travel Guide’s responsible hospitality programme, an industry-leading sustainability standard for luxury hospitality.

This prestigious certification is awarded to properties that uphold over 100 stringent standards designed to protect the environment and support the well-being of employees, guests, and local communities. The recognition reflects the resort’s unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and responsible hospitality.

The accreditation comes after a successful year in which the resort was awarded Best Hotel Pool in Malaysia in Travel + Leisure’s Luxury Awards Asia-Pacific 2025, named as one of the Top 500 Hotels in the World by Travel + Leisure, and winning Best Resort in Malaysia in DestinAsian’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.

In 2025, The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi’s ongoing commitment to balancing sustainability with natural luxury is demonstrated through its innovative guest programming and conservation initiatives. From preservation of the destination’s rich biodiversity land-to-sea, education and awareness, to the resort’s considered environmental footprint and practices.

On land, its Trails of Wonder expeditions, continue to grow awareness of the interconnected ecosystems surrounding the resort and their critical preservation. Expeditions led by resort naturalists allow guests to discover the island’s captivating cultural history. Through exploration and storytelling, guests deepen their understanding of the rainforest’s marvels, geology, flora and fauna, learning of the steps local communities are taking to preserve Langkawi’s natural and cultural heritage and Southeast Asia’s first UNESCO Global Geopark.

In the resort’s innovative sea cucumber nursery, the property supports one of the ocean’s most underrated heroes. Known locally as ‘gamat’, the ‘vacuum cleaners of the sea’ are critical to the area’s ocean biodiversity, filtering sand and aiding natural coral generation. Prized by locals for their purported medicinal benefits, overfishing for ‘gamat oil’ to treat physical ailments has threatened their populations.

The project, led by the in-house team of marine biologists and resort Ambassador of Sustainability and the Environment, Fadzli Luqman, champions reproduction of the species supporting binary fission. Guests can spend time at the nursery inside the treehouse-shaped Eco Discovery Centre, and help to release the gamat by kayak in to the sea. The Eco-Discovery Centre continues to run educational and fun activities aimed at fostering a love for the environment and creating curiosity in young explorers.

The resort’s dedication to sustainability also plays a significant part in its culinary experiences, notably through its Nibong Garden, a vibrant sanctuary that highlights native plant species crucial to Langkawi’s biodiversity and culinary tradition. Constructed from the ground up using recycled materials amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the garden not only supplies fresh ingredients to the resort kitchen but also symbolizes resilience, innovation and commitment to sustainability. It nurtures a variety of herbs including curry leaves, okra, mint, ulam raja, Brazilian spinach, wilted spinach, butterfly pea, turmeric leaves, Vietnamese coriander, and Asiatic pennywort.

Mafalda Tavares, General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, comments on the resort’s accreditation. “It is an honor to be a Forbes VERIFIED Responsible Hospitality hotel, which recognizes the dedication of our Ladies & Gentlemen, and our steadfast commitment to becoming a green hotel. Through innovative guest experiences and initiatives, we are working to ensure our actions today secure a better future for tomorrow.”

“Sustainability, responsible hospitality and tourism is at the forefront of everything we do, which is why we’ve adopted a 360-degree approach to implementing this, whether it’s growing our own herbs and vegetables at Nibong Garden, championing the replanting of Langkawi’s iconic mangroves together with the Hereafter Project, or working with brands that respect and offer sustainably-sourced products in our rooms, outlets and spa such as Diptyque and Kerstin Florian,” said Tavares.

The resort’s Ambassador of Sustainability and the Environment, marine biologist Fadzli Luqman, added that the property’s educational and exploratory programs offered a unique approach to responsible hospitality and tourism.

“We have developed various educational programs for guests of all ages to experience, and not only limited to appreciating the environment around the property. Our Eco-Rangers program and Sea Cucumber Nursery, part of the brand-wide Community Footprints program, complement the experiences outside the resort, such as our partnership with Langkawi’s UNESCO Global Geopark and important work with the Hereafter Project and mangrove preservation,” said Luqman.

Luqman continues. “Guests are also able to connect with and experience local culture, craft and heritage, whether through the ancient art of batik painting, traditional soap making or replanting vibrant Ixora trees with our Plant-A-Tree program, where we continue to keep guests and mini explorers updated on the progress of their tree. Local ecology and community are supported through strong collaborations that ensures their wellbeing and livelihood.”

As part of The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, the resort is working to further reduce its carbon footprint. Development is in place to enhance its waste management program, and to grow the Eco-Discovery Center to offer a wider variety of nature-based learning for adults.

 

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