Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa has been an eco-conscious haven of native flora and fauna surrounded by a dazzling lagoon and coral reefs teeming with marine life since opening in one of the world's most intriguing locations. The resort, which won the BCA Green Mark GOLDPlus Award, is honoured to prioritize females in key on-property projects that support their philosophy of restoring and protecting the world's most magnificent natural features.
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is proud to have strong female staff members in key positions that are essential to their culture in recognition of International Women's Day in 2023. Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa honours women today and every day, whether it's through caring for one of the Maldives' largest modern hydroponic farms or by repairing coral reefs.
Meet two of the amazing women working at the frontlines of Le Meridien Maldives’ conservation efforts;
Juby Thomas, Horticulture
While she oversees and thoroughly administers the resort's on-site hydroponic gardens, Head Horticulturist Juby Thomas promotes the resort's dedication to sustainability. Juby has played a key role in creating a thriving greenhouse program that encourages visitors to witness and engage with the beauty of nature and learn about the resort's efforts to protect it, followed by a distinctive dining experience using freshly harvested ingredients. Juby ensures that all produce is fully organic, pesticide-free, and replenished using rainwater collected in a 30,000-litre tank. The greenhouse serves as a model for the resort's food choices as well as a source of produce for a nearby island in the Maldives. Juby, a member of the resort staff and an advocate for sustainability, has a crucial part in everything from cocktail apothecary to kid-friendly cooking.
Candice Gunning, Marine Biologist
Candice Gunning, who has always had a passion for animals, originally intended to study veterinary medicine before switching to marine biology to learn more about how ecosystems function and contribute to a brighter future. She applies her innate love of the water and her enthusiasm for spreading awareness to the resort's marine conservation effort. From creating a marine program that informs visitors about turtles and stingrays, mangroves, and seagrass and emphasizes the significance of these natural habitats, to snorkelling excursions, dolphin cruises, and a reef restoration activity that encourages participation and fosters a sense of responsibility for preservation. Candice is a passionate advocate for the resort's environmental stewardship, working tirelessly to preserve not only the island's scenic splendour but also the natural habitats of marine life.
Nilesh Singh, General Manager of Le Meridien Resort & Spa shared his comments saying, “We are extremely proud to have Juby and Candice as female leaders in our sustainability efforts. Their dedication, passion, and sense of responsibility towards the environment are inspirational, and we are confident that through their guidance and efforts, we will continue to achieve our sustainability goals.”
