Dusit Thani Maldives Achieves Earthcheck Silver Certification

Only in its 8th month of operation, Dusit Thani Maldives has achieved Silver Certification by EarthCheck, the leading sustainable certification organisation that sets benchmarks in the hospitality industry. Dusit Thani Maldives is the first resort to receive this distinction in the Baa Atoll, the Maldives’ only UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

“Ever since Dusit Thani Maldives laid ground on the island of Mudhdhoo, the resort has invested in state-of-the-art engineering efficiency measures in an effort to provide green solutions in operating a luxury resort,” stated Mr. Desmond Hatton, general manager. “With a sustainable future always in the heart of our goal, our commitment is to continually do our part to enrich the community and environment in which we operate”, Mr. Hatton added. “Our colleagues are enthusiastic about our Silver certification and are passionate about contributing as we grow the scope of our sustainability policies year by year”.

The resort’s environmental footprint was assessed extensively by independent auditors against internationally recognised standards of best practice and will continue to do so every year. Earthcheck has measured the resort’s commitment to sustainable development and performance in ten key indicators such as water consumption and waste management.

The resort’s approach was favourably recognised by Earthcheck, and in particular commended energy solutions such as solar thermal heating and heat recovery pumps, and a steam powered laundry facility.

Dusit Thani Maldives celebrates World Oceans Day 2012

World Oceans Day is the biggest celebration of the ocean on the planet. It is held on the eighth day of every June and is recognised by the United Nations as an opportunity to celebrate, and improve the health of, the world's oceans. World Oceans Day provides the opportunity to learn about ocean creatures and habitats, and recognise the need for conservation.

Dusit Thani Maldives plays its part in ensuring that the world's oceans are protected for future generations by organizing fun, inspirational, and educational activities for both employees and guests in honour of World Oceans Day 2012. Activities such as Coral Replanting, Reef Cleaning, and Beach Cleaning were initiated with the hope of encouraging both guests and employees to love and respect the oceans, and the incredible biodiversity that resides within them.

As Lauren Arthur, resident marine biologist of Dusit Thani Maldives said: "We hope we can inspire a generation of passionate marine conservationists through our initiatives, and it is for this next generation that we must protect the oceans and pass onto them a healthy and thriving marine environment that they can conserve."

Dusit Thani Maldives has been taking significant steps in protecting the marine environment. "Our resort has the distinction of being located in a world-renowned UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where the rich tropical waters are filled with a diverse array of marine life, namely seasonal gatherings of the gentle giants: manta rays and whale sharks," says Niti Racharit, Resident Manager of Dusit Thani Maldives. "Our entire operation is geared toward achieving a carbon-neutral programme; we have been one of the leaders in sustainable resort development in the Maldives."

In addition, Dusit Thani Maldives is focusing on pioneering green energy solutions to ensure minimal impact on the Maldivian environment. Dusit Thani Maldives invested in state-of-the-art engineering facilities such as: solar thermal heating; an onsite water-bottling factory to reduce one-way plastics; a diesel steam boiler using minimal electricity for laundry; LED (light emitting diode) lights in all guest areas; and many more green initiatives are in place throughout the resort. Biodegradables are used for composting, fertilising and landscaping. Meanwhile, restaurant staff cultivate a herb and vegetable garden, which helps lower the carbon footprint and reduce reliance on imported produce.

Dusit Thani Maldives boasts a prime spot in the country's first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the largest swimming pool in the Maldives. Accommodation includes 31 Beach Villas, 15 Beach Villas with private pool, 30 Lagoon Villas with private pool, 20 Ocean Villas with private pool, 2 Beach Residences with private pool and 2 Ocean Pavilions with private pool. Additional amenities include international cuisine at the resorts restaurants and bars - Market, Benjarong, Sea Grill, Sand Bar and Sala Bar, as well as floodlit tennis courts, a fully equipped fitness studio with personal trainer & yoga instructor, a children's play area and club facility, a library and a dive centre. The Dusit Thani Maldives is just 35-minutes from Malé by seaplane, and 10-minutes by speedboat from the new domestic airport.

Dusit Thani Maldives Welcomes First Guest

Dusit Thani Maldives has opened its doors and welcomed its first guests, Richard and Susan Griffith of the United Kingdom, on February 6th. The Griffiths, yielding from London, England, first visited the Maldives in 1982. Mr. Griffith is a diving enthusiast and eager to explore the resort’s 360-degree house reef and turquoise lagoon on Mudhdhoo Island.

Located on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, Dusit Thani Maldives is 35-minutes by seaplane from the capital Malé. Blending Maldivian architecture with Thai artistry, the 100-villa resort features Dusit’s signature Devarana Spa, uniquely elevated above a grove of coconut palm trees. The resort’s centerpiece is the largest infinity swimming pool in the Maldives, a full 750 square meters designed around an ancient banyan tree. Dusit Thani Maldives is an ideal haven to explore the marine biodiversity of Baa Atoll, the first UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in the country.

Dusit International Debuts in Maldives

Dusit Thani Maldives presents the blending of Thai gracious hospitality with the unparalleled luxury setting of destination Maldives. Located on Mudhdhoo Island, Dusit Thani Maldives is a 40 minutes breathtaking seaplane ride from the International airport and 10 minutes by speed boat from the new domestic airport. This exquisite resort scheduled to open on December will deliver a unique experience to discerning well-travelled guests seeking a peaceful retreat.

Featuring a unique spacious lobby, guests will be captivated by an intimate and natural environment packaged up with perfect service. Inspired by Thai artistry the furniture is a relaxed blending of classic and contemporary.

Complemented with state of art technology, top-of-the-line amenities and small touches the spacious 100 guests villas assures total comfort and relaxation for guests. The lush tropical surrounding, dense with palm trees and indigenous flora creates a natural castaway haven, a setting for true indulgence for the Beach Villas. Some of the Beach Villas are complete with private pools. Lagoon Villas with Pools boast a spacious deck area with a unique combination of beach and lagoon access whilst the spacious decks in Ocean Villas with Pools feature a large daybed and sala for total relaxation. For total indulgence in luxurious island living the premium two-bedroom Beach Residences and Ocean Pavilions have a larger swimming pools, indoor and outdoor dining seating options and pantries.

All villas exude vivid designs completed with modern amenities such as 46’ LED IPTV with satellite, complimentary WIFI internet connection, MP3 docking station, BOSE surround system, Inroom Bar with choices of wine, wine fridge, coffee and tea making facilities.

Dusit Thani Maldives fuses a fine selection of dining experience with uncompromising service, quality and spectacular views. All day dining restaurant, The Market is a convenient location for meal and snack including classic favorites, light options for lunches and wide international buffet selection for breakfast. Overlooking the crystal blue waters of the sea, Benjarong, Thai restaurant is our signature restaurant. Benjarong brings a unique experience for guests who value authentic Thai flavors creatively mixed with luxury ingredients from all over the world. The Sea grill restaurant is perfect to enjoy the best offerings of the ocean together with the highest quality steaks from all over the world. With relaxed setting of comfortable indoor and outdoor seating area Sea grill brings the best of its romantic poolside and Maldives beach view location.

Sala Bar from the second level of Benjarong provides a cool and calming backdrop of glistening lagoon. Guests can enjoy the best fresh cocktails while watching the sunset or stargazing through the lounge bedside telescopes. Sand Bar is perfect to socialize and mingle by the pool at the Sand Bar in late afternoon whilst enjoying creative selection of fresh cocktails. Dance away to the beats of DJ during the evening at Sand Bar. The underground wine cellar boasts an extraordinary library of wine varietals and labels from all over the world.

Dervana Spa at Dusit Thani Maldives is an exceptional wellness escape that features signature treatments including massages, facial, body treatments, manicures, pedicures as well as range of treatments incorporating local Thai influences. Six tree top treatment pods suspended on top of the trees is one of a kind in the Maldives and provides an unmatched vistas of the island and turquoise lagoon. Two treatment pods are located in the ground floor of the spa along with the spacious reception area.

A masterpiece of its kind, the swimming pool comprises 750 sqaure meters and is the largest swimming pool in the Maldives. The pool decks are adorned with sunbeds and with the view of the lagoon and the beach. Guests are also able to enjoy diving and varieties of watersports. Guest can explore the turquoise waters with activities such as snorkeling, kite surfing, water skiing, canoeing, fishing or wake boarding. Known for frequent sighting of dolphins and turtles Mudhdhoo Island is located near Hanifaru Huraa which has been awarded by UNESCO biosphere. Dusit Thani Maldives also offers guests fully equipped fitness centre with personal trainer, yoga instructor, marine biologist, children’s play area and club facility, library and internet stations and island boutique.

The completion of Dusit Thani Maldives will mark another landmark for Dusit International. With this milstone Dusit International continues to acquire a unique portfolio of deluxe hotels, building upon Thai culture and tradition to create a personalized welcome to all guests; the delivery of an experience that enlivens the individual spirit no matter what the journey.

Mr Chanin Donavanik, Chief Executive Officer of Dusit International said, “This new project is our first foray into the Maldives, arguably one of the most beautiful destinations on earth. This is a very exciting addition to our growing portfolio and represents a great milestone for the Dusit brand. Dusit Thani will combine the rich flavour of Thai hospitality with the stunning tropical beauty of the Maldives.”