ReWild Desaru is one of the local non-profit organisations that works with resorts in Johor, including Anantara Desaru Coast. — Handout
Many hotels and resorts around the world are putting in more effort to increase sustainable practices and eco-focused activities for guests.
In Malaysia, a luxury beachfront resort in Johor is expanding its collection of nature-centric programmes to include tree planting, seed collecting and camera trapping experiences. Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas’ new activities are designed to help guests discover local flora and fauna, which are abundant in the area.
These activities are complimentary for folks who opt in to the resort’s CSR (corporate social responsibility) programme, in which guests donate RM5 from each night’s stay to ReWild Desaru, a local non-profit organisation. The resort will then match the amount of money donated by guests.
ReWild Desaru supports resident wildlife species to encourage safe migration and to ensure long-term viability of native gene pool.
The activities will mostly be held within the resort or in the surrounding areas, except for camera trapping. Guests will visit a nearby tree nursery to plant native species like sea almond, sea apple and various other fruit trees. Once they are big enough, the saplings will be moved to the forest and replanted.
Seed collection is an activity suitable for the whole family, as you get to go around the forest collecting and identifying seeds that have fallen.
As for the camera trapping activity, guests will follow rangers on their daily rounds of the Panti Recreational Forest, a natural reserve about 90 minutes away from the resort.
One of Ban Koh Klang's unique crafts is the making of model longtail boats, carved from locally sourced wood.
The resort’s other nature programmes include the Desaru Beachlife & Tidepool Discovery, Bird Watching: Desaru’s Winged Gems, and nature walks.
Meanwhile, in Krabi, Thailand, a resort is collaborating with a local fishing village to give guests not just a unique experience, but also the chance to contribute to the local community.
Banyan Tree Krabi, located on the secluded Tubkaek Beach, is encouraging guests to immerse themselves in the local southern Thai culture by joining weekly excursions to a nearby island. There, guests will visit the Ban Koh Klang fishing village known for its beautiful batik fabric and wood crafts, and join the locals in the production of some of these items. Guests can also learn how to harvest rice, if they visit during harvesting season.
This initiative is part of the Banyan Tree Group’s recently-launched Stay For Good programme, which is also offered at some of the resort’s other properties around the world.
The Ambassador Cruise ship has an extended sundeck for passengers to enjoy gorgeous views of Lan Ha Bay. — Photos: Handouts
Cruise news
Cruise tourism continues to be popular in many international markets, so it’s no surprise that new sailings are being chartered every few weeks. Ambassador Cruise, for example, has just launched its overnight sailing to Lan Ha Bay near Vietnam’s famous Halong Bay.
Lan Ha Bay has more than 300 karst islands and limestone outcrops, making it just as beautiful and fascinating as Halong Bay. However, not many tourist boats sail to Lan Ha Bay, adding to its isolated appeal.
Passengers will sail to the bay on the Ambassador Signature, a 39-berth vessel that made its maiden voyage in July. The vessel has four different cabin categories, and all cabins come with a private balcony and spacious bathroom. It also has a spa, a piano lounge, and a large sundeck.
As for the dining experience, evening menus are curated by Michelin-starred chef David Gallienne (Le Jardin de Plumes), featuring a blend of Vietnamese and French colonial fare. Gallienne was the season 11 winner of the Top Chef reality TV series.
One of the cabins aboard Club Med 2.
Another new sailing itinerary comes from Club Med’s five-masted French sailing yacht, Club Med 2. Part of the resort’s Exclusive Collection portfolio, Club Med 2 is one of the world’s largest sailing yachts, measuring at 187m in length. The vessel was built in 1992 but underwent renovation and upgrading works last year; its “new” look was unveiled in December 2022.
It features 184 cabins which have been refurbished with luxury amenities, a Sothys spa, indoor and outdoor bars, restaurants, two swimming pools and a large balcony suspended over the ocean.
On its list of itineraries is a 21-day cruise from Nice (France) to Athens (Greece), with stops in Turkiye, Israel and Egypt and Greece.
