Dusit Thani to Open First Maldives Resort in 2012

(Dive Travel Business News - January 18, 2012) -- Dusit International has revealed its first venture into the Indian Ocean. Surrounded by a vibrant 360 degree coral reef and turquoise lagoon, the Dusit Thani will feature 100 villas (46 beach villas, two beach houses, 30 water villas, 20 ocean villas, and two ocean houses), tree top spa and 3 restaurants and bars as well as other utilities relating to the resort business.  The resort is also home to the largest infinity pool in the Maldives. Also available will be tennis courts, dive centre and extensive water activities in and around the resort.

Located on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, Dusit Thani Maldives is 35 minutes by seaplane from the capital Malé. Baa Atoll is not only home to Dusit Thani Maldives but also has the distinction of being a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Surrounding the island perimeter, the living house reef is a snorkeler’s paradise, ideal for discovering an underwater world just metres from the beach.

Known for frequent sightings of dolphins and sea turtles, Mudhdhoo Island is only a ten minute speedboat ride to Hanifaru Huraa in Baa Atoll, the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and a plankton-rich feeding ground for manta rays and whale sharks. A popular dive spot frequented by tourists, fishermen and scientists, Hanifaru Huraa is now protected by the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Management Programme.  Their goal is to conserve all biological and natural resources within the Atoll and improve the lives of local residents with research, awareness and education.  Guests can visit this protected marine zone or simply snorkel the spectacular house reef on Mudhdhoo Island.

Since Mudhdhoo Island is a natural sea turtle habitat, the resort has an extensive hatching awareness programme to protect turtle nesting.  The resort is also actively involved in a national shark conservation campaign and aims to achieve a total ban on the shark fishing and the export and sale of shark products.

With the goal of living in harmony with Maldivian biodiversity, Dusit Thani Maldives is launching as a local pioneer in green energy solutions using state of the art engineering for efficiency and green initiatves in place throughout the entire resort. 

“Our entire operation is geared toward achieving a carbon-neutral programme,” states Andres Rubio, general manager of Dusit Thani Maldives.

Dusit Thani Maldives’ centrepiece integrates technology and nature and flows around a stately banyan tree. The environmentally-forward approach also means all pools are installed with a saline system and use no chlorine.

Its approach includes solar thermal heating in back of the house while the front of the house uses heat recovery pumps, all metered for power consumption. An on-site water-bottling factory produces still and sparkling mineralized water to reduce one-way plastics. Additionally the hotel laundry is heated by a diesel steam boiler using minimal electricity. Biodegradables are used for composting, fertilising and landscaping. Meanwhile restaurant staff does their part by cultivating an herb and vegetable garden lowering the carbon footprint and reducing the reliance on imported produce.

Dusit Thani Maldives is scheduled to open in early 2012. 

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