< Previous60 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | January 2024 Bata Shoe Museum Location: Bloor Street West General admission price: $14 A museum full of shoes is the stuff some people’s dreams are made of. Bata Shoe, which is housed in an award-winning building designed by architect Raymond Moriyama, regularly displays more than 1,000 shoes and related artefacts from a collection of nearly 15,000 objects. It is the only museum of its kind in North America. Sonja Bata, the lady behind the museum, became a collector of shoes from diff erent cultures during her travels. Inside, visitors can chart how the style and functions of footwear developed over the centuries across four galleries, with displays ranging from Chinese bound-foot does to ancient Egyptian sandals. The permanent exhibition explores 4,500 years of shoe history, while there are also three rotating exhibitions. Currently, this includes an exposition of shoes and consumerism in the 1980s, how fl owers have infl uenced footwear, and how the fashion item became such an object of desire. batashoemuseum.ca Spadina Museum Location: Spadina Road General admission price: Free If you want to step back in time and see how wealthy people lived in the early 20th century, the Spadina House is a must-see. Clockwise from above left: The gardens at Spadina Museum; Bata Shoe is the only museum dedicated to footwear in North America ETIHAD AIRWAYS CURRENTLY OPERATES SEVEN FLIGHTS A WEEK TO TORONTO ETIHAD.COM Once, this house belonged to the Austins, one of the wealthiest families in Toronto. Now, it’s a museum operated by the City of Toronto’s Economic Development & Culture division that allows you to peek through the prism of the rich across 55 rooms and four storeys in this Edwardian mansion. View works of art, lavish furniture and other artefacts across the home, alongside regular exhibitions. You can also wander around the garden, which, during summer, is host to parties held in the style of those in the early 1900s. Learn about the grand galas of the time, but also the grief experienced as a result of war, and the harsh realities of life as a servant. toronto.ca IMAGE S: SHUTTERST OCK; UNSPLASH EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_52-60_Travel_Toronto_13121622.indd 6019/12/2023 16:23The Carbon Collective Company collaborates with businesses to remove the complexity out of their decarbonisation journeys and support them in working towards bringing positive impacts on climate change, ecosystems, and communities worldwide. SIMPLIFYING YOUR SUSTAINABILITY JOURNEY Thecarboncollectiveco.com62 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | January 2024 IMA GE: SUPPLIED EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_62-67_Seychelles_13133808.indd 6219/12/2023 18:44January 2024 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 63 eco-tourism he allure of turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and untouched landscapes has long drawn travellers to the Seychelles. But beyond the idyllic beauty, this archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean is also a champion of ecotourism, a form of travel that prioritises responsible interaction with nature and local communities. The Seychelles has been at the forefront of ecotourism for decades, with its government implementing various policies and initiatives to protect the environment. These measures include establishing marine protected areas, banning single-use plastics, and also promoting renewable energy. Many hotels and tour operators in the Seychelles off er eco-conscious options such as using locally sourced materials, reducing water and energy consumption, and organising nature-based excursions. Beyond visiting natural attractions, guests are educated about minimising their environmental impact, supporting conservation eff orts, and respecting the cultural heritage of the places visited. These are some of the resorts that continue to champion eco-tourism at its best. A tropical paradise, the Seychelles is also a champion for responsible interactions with nature and local communities T EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_62-67_Seychelles_13133808.indd 6320/12/2023 16:4864 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | January 2024 Alphonse Island Alphonse Island, located in the heart of the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, maintains the delicate balance between tourism and environmental preservation. Renowned for its rich biodiversity, it serves as a sanctuary for a multitude of rare and endangered species. Actively facilitating projects aimed at protecting the fragile ecosystems, the resort encourages guests to participate in fi rst-hand conservation eff orts. From tagging giant trevally, monitoring the nesting activity of over 250 sea turtles, to identifying the unique patterns of manta rays, guests are invited to contribute by participating in the island’s ongoing initiatives. Additionally, Alphonse Island contributes to the establishment of marine-protected areas around the island as part of the Seychelles Marine Spatial Plan. These areas act as sanctuaries for marine life, providing a place for species to breed. Responsible recreational fi shing practices further reinforce the island’s commitment to sustaining the delicate balance of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The island, which off ers accommodation in villas and bungalows, employs sustainable practices in waste management, energy consumption, and water conservation. It also hosts the Seychelles Outer Islands’ fi rst solar farm, providing over 75% of the fruit and vegetables consumed on the resort, signifi cantly reducing the need for importation. The resort’s commitment to innovation is further showcased by its approach to farm-to-fork dining, where fresh line-caught fi sh from the surrounding ocean complement the garden harvests off ered on the island’s menus. alphonse-island.com Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa Found on Silhouette Island, Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa isn’t just about luxury; it’s one of the pioneers in sustainable tourism. Under its “Sustainable Day” initiative, which sees regular awareness campaigns run on the resort, guests are encouraged to participate in a number of activities championing conservation. As part of this campaign, they are encouraged to explore and understand the resort’s on-site fruit and vegetable garden which celebrates the essence of local produce and eco-friendly dining. Resort residents can also witness fi rst- hand the innovative water-bottling systems and sustainable practices that keep Labriz Resort at the forefront of eco-effi ciency. These include solar-powered panels being fi tted to its buggies, as well as food waste composting. On arrival, residents receive reusable, stainless steel water bottles that reduce plastic waste and contribute to a greener ecosystem. The resort also encourages sustainable sipping by off ering eco-friendly pasta straws that are biodegradable and edible. As part of ensuring that the beaches remain not only pristine, but also safe for the wildlife, guests are able to join hands with the resort team on beach clean-up expeditions. hilton.com/en/hotels/sezlbhi-hilton- seychelles-labriz-resort-and-spa Clockwise from above: Labriz’s beachfront with pool villa; manta ray; Alphonse Island gardenIMA GE S: SUPPLIED EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_62-67_Seychelles_13133808.indd 6420/12/2023 16:48January 2024 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 65 eco-tourism EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_62-67_Seychelles_13133808.indd 6519/12/2023 18:4466 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | January 2024 IMA GE: SHUTTERST OCK Right: Bird Island is a hub of wildlife activity EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_62-67_Seychelles_13133808.indd 6619/12/2023 18:44January 2024 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 67 eco-tourism Bird Island Bird Island is a haven for both nature lovers and discerning travellers. The self-catering private island, where accommodation is off ered as either two- or three-bedroom villas, heavily champions environmental and social responsibility. From the outset, it prioritised sustainability, with the buildings constructed using local materials and labour, minimising the property’s environmental footprint. Solar panels and effi cient generators power the island, meaning less fuel is used. Outdoor lighting is also kept to a minimum. For over four decades, Bird Island has been a family-run resort, with conservation programmes in place since the early 1970s. These measures focus on protecting a diverse range of species, including sooty terns, green and hawksbill turtles, and Seychelles sunbirds. Guests can actively participate in these conservation eff orts, volunteering with the turtle-monitoring project or joining nature tours led by the resident conservation offi cer. Research students are also welcomed, contributing to the island’s knowledge base while enjoying free accommodation. The nature tour available on the island includes elements of cultural education for the guests – discussing the medicinal uses of island plants, and some of the native land management and fi shing practices. The resort also recognises the importance of its local community by pointedly employing staff from the surrounding area, while providing them with free accommodation, food, and a supportive environment. ETIHAD AIRWAYS OPERATES FLIGHTS TO THE SEYCHELLES TWICE A WEEK ETIHAD.COM EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_62-67_Seychelles_13133808.indd 6720/12/2023 16:4868 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | January 2024 hile people are busy setting New Year’s resolutions to makeover their body and soul, the hospitality industry has been doing the same with its hotels, sprucing up interiors, expanding outdoor areas, and giving them a new lease of life. These fi ve properties around the world have recently reopened with grand new visions that are worth adding to your travel itineraries. Amanpuri Where: Thailand Nearest airport: Phuket Following a three-month closure, Amanpuri reopened this autumn celebrating its 35th anniversary with renewed vitality and a renovation. Aman Resort’s fl agship destination, which is known for seclusion and tranquility in nature, showcases reconfi gured pavilions, several of which now feature private pools. The A new year brings a refreshed set of hotels to visit while on your travels W transformation also extends to the culinary experience as Nama, a Japanese hotspot serving crafted Washoku cuisine, has been reimagined by renowned architect Kengo Kuma. A new private spa house also promises to elevate the property’s wellness off erings. This renovation reaffi rms the hotel brand’s commitment to blending contemporary luxury with timeless elegance in an intimate setting. Amanpuri embraces its storied history with a refreshed ambiance that continues to beckon discerning travellers. ETIHAD AIRWAYS OPERATES FLIGHTS TO PHUKET TWICE DAILY ETIHAD.COM IMA GE S: SUPPLIED EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_68-73_Hotel renovation_13131063.indd 6819/12/2023 16:27January 2024 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 69 resort refresh EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_68-73_Hotel renovation_13131063.indd 6919/12/2023 16:27Next >