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Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas Unveils Be Iko Programme For A Unique Blend Of Luxury And Eco-Tourism

Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas Unveils Be Iko Programme For A Unique Blend Of Luxury And Eco-Tourism

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Anantara Iko Mauritius
Resort & Villas

Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas introduces the ‘Be Iko’ programme, blending luxury with eco-tourism to offer guests unique conservation and community experiences.

Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas has long been a symbol of luxury in the heart of Mauritius, offering an idyllic blend of opulence and natural beauty. However, the resort has taken its commitment to sustainability to the next level with the introduction of its innovative ‘Be Iko’ programme. This new initiative offers travelers a chance to experience Mauritius through the lens of eco-tourism, providing an immersive and hands-on approach to conservation and community engagement. The result is an enriching experience that allows guests to connect with the island’s natural environment and cultural heritage in a way that leaves a lasting, positive impact.

The resort’s location—nestled along the pristine coastline of La Cambuse—makes it an ideal base for these eco-conscious initiatives, which allow guests to enjoy the best of Mauritius while actively contributing to its environmental preservation. By blending luxury hospitality with sustainability, the ‘Be Iko’ programme offers guests a transformative way to experience the island’s biodiversity, from the depths of its coral reefs to its lush inland forests.

A Commitment to Marine Conservation: Coral Farming and Beyond

One of the flagship activities of the ‘Be Iko’ programme is coral farming—a critical conservation effort aimed at protecting the fragile coral reefs surrounding Mauritius. In collaboration with the Currimjee Foundation, Eco Mode Society, and supported by MOL Mauritius International Funds, the resort has established a coral farm where guests can directly participate in the process of restoring these vital marine ecosystems.

Coral reefs are not just a key part of the marine biodiversity of Mauritius; they also play an essential role in protecting the island’s coastline from erosion, supporting small-scale fisheries, and preserving the beauty of the underwater world. Unfortunately, over the years, the reefs have faced numerous threats, including climate change, pollution, and overfishing. Through the coral farming initiative, the resort aims to contribute to the regeneration of the reef ecosystem.

The initiative involves nurturing ‘corals of opportunity’—fragments of coral gathered from the seafloor, carefully transplanted to the farm, and given the opportunity to grow in a safe and controlled environment. With the guidance of a resident marine biologist, guests can participate in this restorative process and learn about the significance of these reefs. Weekly workshops are held to provide insights into the importance of coral ecosystems, marine biodiversity, and the island’s rich underwater life.

For those looking for a deeper connection with the ocean, guests can also join the biologist for bi-weekly inspections of the coral farm. These excursions include glass-bottom kayaking tours that offer a glimpse of the colorful marine life, such as angel fish, bat fish, and puffer fish. By seeing these vibrant creatures in their natural habitat, guests can appreciate firsthand the delicate balance of the ecosystem and the importance of ongoing conservation efforts.

A Broader Commitment: Community Engagement and Land Conservation

While the marine ecosystem is an integral part of the ‘Be Iko’ programme, the resort also offers a variety of land-based conservation activities. These initiatives help guests engage with the island’s terrestrial environment, and they offer a chance to learn about and contribute to the protection of Mauritius’ unique flora and fauna.

One of the standout initiatives is ‘Clean & Sip’, a rewarding beach clean-up program that encourages guests to contribute to the cleanliness of Mauritius’ pristine coastline. For every bag of rubbish collected, participants are rewarded with an exclusive conservation-themed cocktail, the IKO Breeze. This eco-friendly activity allows guests to take action in preserving the beauty of the island’s beaches while enjoying a refreshing and unique drink.

In addition, the Plant-a-Tree programme gives visitors the chance to plant their very own tree on the resort grounds. This initiative plays an important role in enhancing local biodiversity and mitigating the impacts of climate change by increasing the island’s tree canopy. The act of planting a tree is symbolic of the resort’s broader mission of sustainability and reforestation.

For guests looking to delve deeper into Mauritius’ unique natural heritage, the ‘Be Iko’ programme also offers exclusive tours of Iles aux Aigrettes, a protected nature reserve located less than a kilometre from the mainland. Managed by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, this island reserve is home to some of the rarest species of flora and fauna in the world, including the giant tortoise and several species of endemic geckos.

Iles aux Aigrettes is considered one of the island’s most precious natural treasures. It shelters the last remaining dry coastal forest in Mauritius and provides a safe haven for wildlife that would otherwise face the threat of extinction. Guided tours of the reserve offer guests the chance to explore this lush paradise, encounter its rare wildlife, and learn about the island’s ongoing efforts to preserve its biodiversity. It’s an opportunity for guests to not only observe but also participate in the conservation efforts that help protect the future of Mauritius’ natural landscape.

“Our ‘Be Iko’ programme provides a truly enriching experience,” says Daniel Méndez, General Manager of Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas. “Here, guests don’t just visit a beautiful island; they help preserve it. As they enjoy our golden beaches, turquoise waters, and lush landscapes, they know their stay contributes to the wellbeing of Mauritius for generations to come.”

A Luxury Eco-Tourism Experience: Combining Sustainability with Comfort

While sustainability and community engagement are at the heart of the ‘Be Iko’ programme, Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas ensures that luxury and comfort are never compromised. The resort offers a variety of accommodation options, from spacious beachfront villas to elegant rooms with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, allowing guests to relax and unwind after a day of meaningful eco-tourism activities.

The resort’s culinary offerings also reflect its commitment to sustainability, with an emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients and sustainable practices. Guests can enjoy gourmet meals made from the freshest produce, often sourced from local farms or even from the resort’s own garden. Whether dining in one of the resort’s beachfront restaurants or enjoying a private meal in the comfort of their villa, guests can indulge in a sustainable, farm-to-table dining experience that celebrates the flavors of Mauritius.

In addition to the eco-tourism activities, guests can unwind at the resort’s world-class spa, enjoy water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding, or take part in cultural workshops that introduce them to the island’s rich heritage. These activities complement the resort’s sustainable tourism initiatives, providing a well-rounded experience that balances adventure, relaxation, and education.

A Sustainable Future for Mauritius

Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas is setting a new standard for eco-conscious luxury travel. With the ‘Be Iko’ programme, the resort is not only providing guests with unique and enriching experiences but also fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of environmental conservation and community engagement. By participating in coral farming, wildlife protection, and beach clean-up activities, travelers can leave a positive impact on Mauritius—one that helps preserve the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage for future generations.

For those seeking a truly transformative experience that combines sustainability with luxury, the ‘Be Iko’ programme offers an unparalleled opportunity to make a difference while enjoying the beauty of Mauritius. This initiative is more than just a vacation—it’s a journey that connects travelers to the heart of Mauritius and to the vital work being done to protect its environment.

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