Help needed for rescued elephants across Asia
The effects of the coronavirus crisis are being felt hard across the Asia’s tourism industry where elephant- friendly venues are facing collapse. World Animal Protection has launched an urgent appeal to help over 150 elephants in Asia. The appeal aims to assist eleven struggling, elephant-friendly venues in Thailand, Nepal, Cambodia and Laos to provide food, medicine and venue running costs in the short term. World Animal Protection
The Samata Experience: blending eco-tourism and luxury
Entering the new year with the spotlight on Australia’s wildfire tragedy which resulted in the death of some one billion animals is surely a call to action inviting us citizens of the world to unite and begin to take care of ourselves, our planet and its magnificent biodiversity. One way to make a change is to consider traveling with intention. Travel means different things to different people, and luxury
Samui Elephant Sanctuary’s responsible tourism
Samui Elephant Sanctuary (SES) is getting animal welfare right, something that has been recognized in the recent Responsible Thailand Awards. Taking out the top award in the category of Animal Welfare for its work rescuing and rehabilitating elephants in Thailand, the SES was the first ethical elephant sanctuary on the island of Koh Samui in southern Thailand. It is successfully freeing elephants from a lifetime of abuse, and
Roam Philippines’ UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The Philippine Department of Tourism reminds travellers that the Philippines is home to some of the highest numbers of UNESCO World Heritage sites in South East Asia. With three cultural and three natural sites, the Philippines is a unique and interesting destination for those looking for a little more from their holiday. For a landmark to be considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it should prove that it is of
Active Adventures in the Maldives
Far from the traditional ‘fly-and-flop’ Maldivian breaks, Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, and Naladhu Private Island are offering guests the chance to stay active whilst still enjoying the luxuries of the Maldives. Adventure travellers no longer need to spend their break reclining on the beach; whether it’s viewing the underwater world through a snorkel or surfing the waves around the islands, everyone can get active in the Indian
Laos looking after its Elephants
Laos, a country traversed by the Mekong River and mountainous terrain, is affectionately known as the Kingdom of a Million Elephants. Centuries ago, the kingdom that made up much of modern-day Laos was called Lan Xang, which translates to "Land of a Million Elephants." These days however, the number is far from the million, with the Laos government and conservation groups estimate there are only about 800 elephants
Safari in Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park
Few places have as many Unesco World Heritage Sites in such a small space than Sri Lanka. There are in fact eight packed into such a small area, and you will want to see them all. Sri Lanka's 2000-plus years of culture can be discovered at ancient sites where legendary temples boast beautiful details even as they shelter in caves or perch on prominent peaks. Across the island, the
Ecotourism at Cardamom Tented Camp in Cambodia
The Cardamom Tented Camp in Cambodia has announced two new conservation tourism initiatives: a wildlife release package linking the camp with the Chiphat community tourism project, and a 3D/2N deep forest experience with an overnight in a tentsile tree tent. Partnering with the Wildlife Alliance’s wildlife release station in Chiphat, the Cardamom Tented Camp has created an innovative 5D/4N “Adventurer” package for ecotourists seeking a meaningful
Coral Regeneration with Anantara Maldives
Beneath the shimmering waters that surround the island archipelago of the Maldives’ South Malé Atoll, a fragile world is quietly rebuilding itself. Reef conservation charity, Coral Reef CPR’s pioneering Holistic Approach to Reef Protection (HARP) programme, funded by the generosity of Anantara guests, has been fundamental in creating significant improvements to coral health and size in the past three years, with some corals growing over
Unique Maldivian sanctuary in an inland jungle
Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi has announced the launch of its safari style Jungle Tented Villas that offers authentic experiences of outdoor living under the stars at the heart of resort’s inland jungle. Unleashing the explorer in every traveller, the Tented Villas offers travellers a safari-style, alfresco luxurious living with an outdoor rain shower, roll-top tub and locally-sourced rustic interiors with complete seclusion. Set in their own