Empowering change through Anantara's 'Dollars for Deeds': a year in review

Sri Lanka: Anantara Kalutara Resort

Amount Raised: $3,370 (LKR 1,078,761)

In Sri Lanka, where elephants roam freely and are revered symbols of the country’s rich natural heritage, Anantara Kalutara Resort has turned its focus to protecting these gentle giants. Funds raised this year were used to provide an ultrasound machine to the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe, helping monitor and treat the health of Sri Lanka’s endangered elephant population. This contribution is a step toward securing a safe and thriving environment for future generations of elephants and symbolises Anantara’s commitment to wildlife conservation in Sri Lanka.

Vietnam: Anantara Hoi An Resort

Amount Raised: $14,400 (VND 343,560,128)

Anantara Hoi An Resort, nestled along the Thu Bon River, is dedicated to supporting the local community through the Kianh Foundation. Each month, resort staff visit the foundation, rolling up their sleeves to paint classrooms, repair desks, and create a garden where students can learn and play. The funds raised enable the school to continue providing a nurturing environment for children with disabilities, reinforcing Anantara’s values of compassion and community building in Vietnam.

Malaysia: Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas

Amount Raised: $15,000 (MYR 61,852.13 / projected to MYR 66,000)

At Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, located in Malaysia’s natural coastal beauty, the team is working to ensure that wildlife can thrive in harmony with tourism. Through the Rewild Desaru programme, funds will support the region’s first overhead wildlife crossing, designed to protect animals navigating through human dominated landscapes. Scheduled for completion in December 2024, this crossing will be a milestone for Malaysia’s commitment to preserving its diverse wildlife.

Maldives: Niyama Private Islands Maldives

Amount Raised: $17,548

In the Maldives, home to vibrant marine life and delicate coral ecosystems, Niyama Private Islands is pioneering a coral resilience project. The resort is restoring coral propagation areas to counteract the effects of coral bleaching, partnering with SEE Turtles to protect local sea turtle populations, and enhancing the Subsix Reef with community collaboration. This multifaceted initiative not only revitalises the reef but also deepens local involvement, ensuring the Maldives' stunning underwater world endures for generations.

Oman: Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar

Amount Raised: $17,495 (OMR 6,736.122)

Perched in the breathtaking Al Hajar mountains, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort has a strong focus on community support and environmental stewardship. The resort contributes to multiple projects, including supporting the Environment Society of Oman (ESO), aiding Al Wafa Centre for children with special needs, and working with the Oman Breast Cancer Association. Their commitment extends to animal welfare through TNR programmes with Muscat Veterinary Clinics, showcasing a multifaceted approach to enhancing the well-being of the local community.

Bali: Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort

Amount Raised: Anantara Uluwatu – $827 (IDR 12,820,150),
Avani Seminyak – $1,000 (IDR 15,932,881)

In Bali, Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort and Avani Seminyak Bali Resort support the Annika Linden Centre, a facility dedicated to disabled children. Anantara Uluwatu’s contribution will fund a prosthetic leg for a child in need, while Avani Seminyak made a CSR donation to help expand the center’s resources. Together, these contributions foster hope and mobility, offering children a chance to lead fuller lives.

Thailand: Various Properties

Total Amount Raised: $55,883.17 (1,881,404.65 Baht)

In Thailand, contributions from multiple Anantara and Avani properties are pooled together for a cluster project approach. The funds are distributed across several key causes, maximising the impact on both the environment and local communities. The cluster supports the following

Princess Sirindhorn Craniofacial Centre: Operating at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok, the centre is Thailand's leading facility for treating children with facial deformities. The centre provides comprehensive care including surgical procedures, dental work, and ongoing therapy for children from underprivileged backgrounds. Their holistic approach ensures not just medical treatment, but also psychological support and social integration assistance for both patients and their families.

Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation: The foundation celebrated a significant milestone this year with the protection of three rare leatherback turtle nests. While the eggs proved infertile, their presence confirms Mai Khao Beach as a safe haven for these endangered creatures. Beyond turtle conservation, the foundation has taken a leading role in supporting government initiatives to protect Thailand's vulnerable dugong population, particularly in response to the critical situation facing Phang Nga Bay's seagrass meadows.

Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation: The foundation continues to make remarkable strides in both elephant conservation and community development. This year saw thirteen students from the mahout village of Ban Ta Klang advance to higher education, testament to the success of the foundation's educational support programme. Their partnership with Freeland Surviving Together has yielded impressive results in mitigating human-elephant conflicts, with over 700 successful patrols conducted and zero casualties reported in project areas. The foundation has also expanded its community outreach efforts and invested in professional development, sending their veterinarian to participate in international elephant-friendly training programmes.

Through 'Dollars for Deeds', travelling can be a powerful force for good, enabling guests to be part of meaningful change in each of these destinations. We are grateful to our guests and local communities for helping create positive impact across the globe, one story at a time.