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Maldives Joins Japan, South Korea, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and More to Connect New Travelers with Local Traditions and Eco-Conscious Practices through Good Travel by Marriott Bonvoy
The Maldives is now part of a growing network of destinations, including Japan, South Korea, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, offering new travelers the opportunity to connect with local traditions and embrace eco-conscious practices. Through Marriott Bonvoy’s Good Travel initiative, the Maldives invites guests to experience authentic cultural engagements and sustainable travel experiences that leave a positive impact on both the environment and local communities.
By focusing on two key pillars—community and environment—Marriott’s program aims to foster deeper connections with the places and people guests encounter. This initiative aligns with a growing trend in tourism, where travelers are no longer seeking just leisure but also ways to engage responsibly and sustainably.
Purpose-Driven Travel for the Modern Explorer
As travelers increasingly look for ways to make their trips more impactful, Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy
offers curated experiences that encourage guests to actively contribute to the local ecosystem and culture. Whether it’s planting trees in Fiji or learning about ancient culinary traditions in Osaka, these experiences provide an opportunity to go beyond the surface and create lasting memories that benefit both the traveler and the community.
The program is Marriott’s commitment to making travel a force for good—helping guests understand the deeper stories of the places they visit while encouraging sustainable practices that help protect local environments.
A Look at Some of the Unique Experiences
The Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy program offers a range of activities designed to immerse guests in the local culture and environment. Here’s a preview of some of the experiences available across Asia Pacific:
Maldives: Coral Restoration with Sheraton Full Moon Maldives Resort & Spa
Guests in the Maldives can participate in a coral restoration project, where they will plant coral fragments alongside a marine biologist. The project not only helps restore vital marine ecosystems but also provides employment for locals who create the coral frames on nearby Fulhadhoo island. Guests receive regular updates on the growth of their coral, creating a lasting connection to the destination.
Japan: Culinary Adventures in Osaka with W Osaka
Osaka, known as “Japan’s Kitchen,” offers guests an opportunity to explore its culinary heritage. Through a guided tour, visitors can learn about Osaka’s vibrant food culture, including a dashi-making workshop, where guests will discover sustainable cooking methods using local ingredients. The experience is designed to teach travelers about mindful consumption while allowing them to connect with the local food scene.
South Korea: Haenyeo Cultural Immersion at JW Marriott Jeju
On Jeju Island, guests can immerse themselves in the culture of the Haenyeo, the female divers who have long been integral to the island’s coastal heritage. Through meditation and breathing exercises led by a local Haenyeo, guests can connect with the traditions that have shaped the island’s coastal culture. The experience also includes a cooking class that celebrates Jeju’s culinary history using locally sourced ingredients.
Thailand: Agricultural Traditions at JW Marriott Khao Lak
In Thailand, guests can learn about traditional agricultural practices through nipa palm planting, an activity that helps restore local ecosystems. The experience also includes buffalo bathing, an immersive cultural activity that gives guests a chance to participate in local traditions while learning about the ecological significance of nipa palms.
India: Warli Art Experience at Courtyard by Marriott Bhopal
Guests in India can explore Warli art, a tribal art form that connects the community with nature. The experience at Courtyard by Marriott Bhopal includes a hands-on painting session with local artisans, where guests learn about the symbolism and cultural significance of the art form. This experience not only teaches guests about Indian heritage but also supports local artisans by creating income opportunities.
Indonesia: Balinese Cultural Exploration at Sthala, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Bali offers an immersive experience into the Balinese way of life. Guests at Sthala, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel can live like a local by visiting traditional Balinese homes and learning about the island’s spiritual and cultural traditions. The experience fosters a deeper understanding of Bali’s philosophy of harmony between people, nature, and the divine.
Vietnam: Soap-Making for a Cause at Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon
At Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon, guests can participate in a soap-making workshop that transforms used soap into new bars. The proceeds from the workshop support Operation Smile, which helps children with facial deformities. This experience offers guests the chance to contribute to a charitable cause while learning about the importance of sustainable practices.
Malaysia: Sustainable Mushroom Growing at W Kuala Lumpur
In Kuala Lumpur, guests can experience sustainable farming practices by learning how to grow mushrooms at the hotel’s Shroom Lab. The hands-on experience allows guests to harvest their own produce and then prepare dishes with it, promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices while connecting with local food production.
Making Travel a Force for Good
The Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy program is not just about creating memorable vacations—it’s about making a positive impact on both the traveler and the destination. Each experience under the program is designed to empower guests to connect more deeply with the local culture, support environmental conservation, and contribute to community development.
In a time when travelers are seeking more from their journeys, Marriott’s initiative provides the perfect platform to explore the world with purpose. By offering immersive, community-driven activities, Marriott ensures that every stay has the potential to leave a lasting, positive legacy.
Through Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy, travelers have the unique opportunity to turn their trips into a force for good—creating meaningful connections and contributing to the preservation and enrichment of the places they visit. Whether it’s restoring coral reefs, learning about sustainable farming, or engaging with local artisans, each experience offers an opportunity to travel intentionally and make a real difference.
