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Sheraton Maldives 🐚 Coral Propagation & Water Bottling Initiatives

Posted on March 9, 2022

My long-planned babymoon in the Maldives was unfortunately cancelled last minute due to a Zika outbreak in the islands, but aside from missing out on those baby blue waters and looking forward to relaxing in island life for a long weekend, I was most looking forward to seeing the re-growth of this resort’s marine ecosystem. Famed for its picturesque underwater scenery, Maldives has been hard hit by climate change in the last 10 years. Ocean warming is the main pressure on the local reef systems. The ocean acts as a carbon sink, absorbing vast quantities of carbon dioxide emitted by GHG’s. Passed its capacity to filter it all out naturally, ocean acidification is the resulting reaction which leads to coral bleaching and ultimately death.

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has just witnessed a coral spawning, which is a milestone in the resort’s coral propagation initiative that started in February 2020. To date, over 6,000 coral fragments from 15 different species of corals have been transplanted to their artificial reefs.

These coral colonies were rescued from Gulhi Falhu in 2020 and relocated on coral pyramids at the Sheraton Full Moon Resort & Spa to give them a second chance to thrive. Now healthy and strong enough to spawn after the relocation, the coral shows how important restoration is for the future of these archipelago’s.

The aim of coral restoration is to ensure a proactive take on transplanting more coral fragments on the frames that will spawn and restore coral reefs around the Maldives once they are mature enough. Coral spawning increases genetic diversity and is a sign that reefs are slowly recovering from previous massive bleaching events.

As one of the largest man-made coral structures in the Maldives, the resort has teamed up with Reefscapers, a coral propagation organization appointed by the Maldivian Government to protect the marine habitat. The program also echoes back to Marriott International’s “Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy” initiative across Asia Pacific, providing first-hand connections with local communities and the environment.

Guests can also get involved and adopt a frame and get involved personally to plant new corals (prices starting at $170 per frame).

As well as their underwater achievements, the resort runs its own ‘water bottling plant initiative’ which is dedicated to removing large amounts of plastic bottles from the resort. This initiative is an important aspect of the property’s commitment to protecting and preserving their environment through day-to-day operations.

The new water bottling facility uses reverse osmosis technology by eliminating the need to transport water from the mainland. This advanced technology utilizes high pressure to clean and purify seawater by driving it through an eco-friendly water filtration system. The water is then mineralized, chilled and bottled in reusable glass containers ready to be enjoyed by guests.

Dedicated to making its operation self-sustainable and preserving the island’s natural environment, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is also removing all disposable plastic straws and stirrers. This particular objective is to reduce landfill waste by 45% and responsibly source its top 10 product purchase categories by 2025.

… I will definitely be visiting in the late summer to see these beautiful reefs for myself.

111Skin: Harley Street’s Ultimate Facial

Posted on April 18, 2019

Let’s face it, a good facial can be one of two things, either the experience itself is invigorating or the after effects are visibly toned, cleansed skin. The new 111SKIN facial at Jumeirah Saadiyat Resort is uniquely both. Harley Street’s famous for its wealth of experts but the U.A.E.’s not exactly lacking in cosmetic clinics, so what makes this one so good?

111SKIN is the culmination of twenty years of surgical knowledge, high-tech ingredients, and cutting-edge innovation; founded by globally renowned Harley Street cosmetic surgeon Dr. Yannis Alexandrides, the original formula was developed to help his patients’ skin heal after trauma and given complimentary after treatments for more effective results and improved healing time.

The good doctor worked together with his wife Eva to create the 111SKIN brand, evolving from one single product to five ranges. It does however have a rather interesting origin story…

‘Collaborating with space scientists who researched the acceleration of ageing in astronauts, Dr. Yannis wanted to produce a product which could induce skin’s own reparative processes to alleviate scarring and inflammation and protect against environmental pollutants. The formula included NAC Y2, a trio of actives with superior antioxidant capabilities, one of which stimulates the production of Glutathione – the body’s most powerful intracellular antioxidant.’

What’s their main focus? Predominantly premature ageing, oily or spot-prone skin, lacklustre complexions, hyperpigmentation, and dehydration are the most problematic requests in the U.K. with sun damage topping the U.A.E.’s main list of skin concerns. But even though their wealth of products are designed to be used as a daily at-home routine, the facial is well worth the trip to Saadiyat Island.

Featured

Checking Out: Dr. Rita Rakus’s Hydrafacial MD

Posted on March 18, 2018

Fairmont the Palm’s partnership wth London’s famed skin rejuvenation expert, Dr. Rita Rakus is the reason for my new glowing skin. The leading ‘aesthetic specialist’ her products have been helping me refine my skincare routine since we met at the Willow Stream Spa, late last year. A whole host of hormonal imbalances later and I was desperate to try her more concentrated methods.

A unique technique, pioneered by the good Dr. herself, it involves a Vortex-Fusion serum delivery system that includes a multi-step treatment with exfoliation, extraction and a somewhat vacuum-like suction too. Say goodbye to dead skin cells and months of sandy air… it replenishes and plumps your skin pretty visibly after only one treatment.

I spoke with Laura Brown, Spa Manager, Fairmont the Palm about it…

“The key benefits of this can be seen immediately after the facial – deeply cleansed, glowing skin with an immediate improvement on fine lines. The facial improves the quality of the skin and results increase after further treatments.

The hydrafacial takes place in 6 steps – lymphatic drainage, cleansing & exfoliation, extraction, brightening, hydration and calming at the end using LED red and blue lights. During these steps the therapist will customize the treatment to your specific needs. Ingredients include botanical products which are used in a very gentle microdermabrasion technique in conjunction with glycolic acids (this allows a more comfortable extraction of blocked pores and decongesting the treatment area). This is followed by an application of hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and Vitamin E which is delivered deeply into the skin using the painless vortex infusion.

For a regular facial it would be worthwhile having the treatment every 4 weeks or so, but for the hydrafacial every 6- 8 weeks is sufficient since it’s a deep cleansing method. We usually find that guests are concerned about dull/tired/congested/dry skin or all of the above. These are effects that most people have living in any urban environment will face and they’re hard to avoid. We’ve observed outstanding results when treating these types of skin conditions. We’ve also seen some stunning results on congested/acne prone skin for younger girls from 14 years of age and above.

Around 40% of our guests are actually men and they also request facials too, not only massages. The environmental damage to our skin is similar between men and woman from free-radicals, environmental damage and hectic lifestyles. The only difference with women is that we use make up which can protect against sun damage but on the other hand can clog the skin. Looking after your skin is the key to keeping it healthy. We often observe from our guests that when they are happy with how their skin looks it can really boost their confidence.”

Featured Fitness

Shopping Sustainably This Season

Posted on March 4, 2018

Let’s talk eco. The more we say it, are shopping for it, challenge brands about it, the more it will stick. If you’re looking for something that’ll give you an added ‘feel good’ factor… these are the products for you.

Wild Body Active Yoga Mats

A sucker for brightly coloured yoga anything, these gorgeous mats from Wild Body Active are keeping me energised this year. Not only are they gorgeous to look at, their aim is to produce eco-friendly mats that are both unique in design and super functional too. Made from natural materials, these mats are extremely versatile whether you’re into yoga/Pilates or a more traditional workout, so the only question is… which pattern do you fancy the most. The premium microfiber top will absorb sweat making for a supremely grippy surface suitable. They are all 100% recyclable, biodegradable and free from PVC, chlorine, phthalates, latex, silicone and all other toxic nasty’s. Made with natural tree rubber and water-based inks so you’ll be able to wash them with ease too.

OHOY Swimwear

Founded by locally based Scandinavians Henna and Anna, OHOY is the uber chic and ethical solution to our summer, created with the ocean in mind. Their one-piece’s, boasting the hottest SS18 shades, are on my wish list this season and I salute these ladies for their environmentally friendly approach to my favourite piece of clothing. All OHOY swimwear is produced from plastic and fishing nets collected from the sea & recycled into luxurious Italian fabrics and to top it off… made here in the U.A.E.. Tested in real-life conditions and leading the way in terms of materials too, as they are also twice as resistant to chlorine, sun creams and oils so the weather’s the only excuse for not jumping in.

WildWood Sunglasses

Who doesn’t have a pair of sunglasses for every occasion? *I tell myself as I hand over the credit card for these…* The WildWood frames are without a doubt the perfect pair for the beach and all manner of outdoor adventures in the U.A.E.. Based in Dubai, these wooden sunglasses aren’t just for show, as they are fully U.V. protected. They’re on an eco-friendly fashion mission too, having recently teamed up with The Nature Conservancy and plant a trees through their ‘Plant a Billion’ campaign for every product they sell. 1 sale = 1 planted tree… Voila guilt-free shopping.

Veja

Why should my shopping be blameworthy when the World benefits from it… Right now I love products that are made differently and the VEJA sneaker project is made with a really positive process. Using organic & fairly traded cotton for the canvas of the shoes, wild and fairly traded rubber for the soles, they also use solely recycled plastic bottles to create their unique technological fabric! Made in Brazil, these beauties can be bought in Dubai’s favourite athleisure hub, Hautletic.

Sea Shepherd U.A.E.

Ok, so not technically an apparel brand, but any product you buy from the Sea Shepherd UAE will all go towards helping to keep the ocean and its wonderful wildlife clean and safe. I’ve been stocking up on their famous swimwear and recently launched bikini’s, that features the iconic skull and harpoon logo and is made by famed Aussie brand Gypsea. They’re available now at Shay Martian at La Mer Dubai, and also the Surf House Dubai too!

*As featured in Women’s Health Middle East, Dec 2017.

Featured

Go Green With Eco Gifts

Posted on January 30, 2018

What do you get the person who has everything… and by everything I mean you have no idea what they actually need. I find shopping for my friends and family to be a little tricky so I normally but them something i know i’d be happy to receive – like something shiny or fitness related, but this year, sustainable and ethical is also a prerequisite.

Check out my top suggestions below for anyone who’s looking for something a little different this year:

Veja
Right now I love products that are made differently and the VEJA sneaker project is made with a really positive process. Using organic fairly traded cotton for the canvas of the shoes, wild and fairly traded rubber for the soles, they also use solely recycled plastic bottles to create their unique technological fabric! Made in Brazil, these beauties can be bought in Dubai’s favourite athleisure hub, Hautletic.

Wildwood Sunglasses
These WildWood frames are without a doubt the perfect pair for the beach and all manner of outdoor adventures in the U.A.E.. Based in Dubai, these wooden sunglasses aren’t just for show, as they are fully U.V. protected. They’re on an eco-friendly fashion mission too, having recently teamed up with The Nature Conservancy and plant a trees through their ‘Plant a Billion’ campaign for every product they sell. 1 sale = 1 planted tree…

Wild Body Active
These gorgeous mats from Wild Body Active are keeping me energised. Not only are they gorgeous to look at, their aim is to produce eco-friendly mats that are both unique in design and super functional too. Made from premium microfibres, the mat will absorb sweat making for a supremely grippy surface suitable. They are all 100% recyclable, biodegradable and free from PVC, chlorine, phthalates, latex, silicone and all other toxic nasty’s. Launching new to the market are their training kits, similar to TRX trainers, these are perfect for when you need to workout without a gym.

*As published in Women’s Health Middle East, January 2018.