(Seychelles News Agency) - Seychelles is one of the most sought-after destinations for visitors looking for peace and quiet in a small but gorgeous corner of the world. And leaders in the island nation, in business and government, know that the environment must be kept pristine, as residents and visitors love the region for its natural beauty.

That's why most hotels ensure that their clients also participate and help preserve the Seychelles’ environment through various activities.

SNA looks at three hotels recognised internationally for their environmental protection efforts in 2017.

Constance Ephelia -- Indian Ocean’s Leading Green Resort

The hotel took the top spot for the second consecutive year at last year’s World Travel Award which took place in the Maldives. Located on two of the most beautiful beaches of Mahe, the main island, and overlooking the marine national park of Port Launay, the hotel enjoys a unique location set within 120 hectares of land with luxurious and rare vegetation.

Saving energy and water, recycling, composting and protection of fauna and flora are some of the initiatives that have enabled this Indian Ocean Constance establishment to receive the Green Globe certification. The hotel has also made significant contributions to sustainable management in Seychelles. 

(Constance Ephelia) Photo license: All Rights Reserved

North Island -- National Geographic World Legacy Awards

The island won one of five National Geographic World Legacy Awards as the best tourism destination for preserving and restoring natural habitat.

The award, given by National Geographic and ITB Berlin – the world’s largest tourism trade fair - also recognised North Island for protecting rare and endangered species.

It was the Noah’s Ark project that won the luxury eco-resort the ‘Conserving the Natural World’ category. Aimed at restoring the original splendour of North Island, the project has successfully reintroduced many indigenous species such as the Seychelles Sunbird and the endangered Seychelles White-Eye back into the ecosystem.

Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa and Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa

Two Hilton Seychelles resorts have been recognised for their nature conservation efforts with the TUI Environmental Champion Award. Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa and Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa in the north of Mahe were the only two resorts in Seychelles to receive the prestigious award from TUI Germany.

Recognising hotels for their work towards protecting the environment, the TUI Environmental Champion Award was an initiative launched in 1996 to enhance hoteliers’ awareness and commitment to sustainability. The assessment also takes into account guests’ feedback on the hotel’s environmental performance.

Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa is the only resort on Silhouette Island, a marine national park since 1987 and home to a huge diversity of indigenous fauna and flora. Guests can go on a selection of nature trails where they can marvel at the untouched equatorial mist forest full of botanical treasures such as orchids the pitcher-plant, and the incense tree.