Swiss-Belhotel International, a global hospitality company, recognised the significance of sustainability in the wake of the pandemic. The company expanded its efforts to focus on creating a sustainable accommodation experience, leading to the creation of the Māua brand. The first property under this brand, Māua Nusa Penida, located in Bali, Indonesia, was announced just as the world was beginning to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The unique origin of the Māua brand
The Māua brand has a unique origin, derived from Māori heritage of New Zealand, where Gavin M. Faull, the Chairman of Swiss-Belhotel International, hails from. The Māori people consider themselves part of the universe, equal to mountains, rivers and seas, and are the first nation to give one of their rivers the same standing as a living being. The Māua brand is a perfect fit for Swiss-Belhotel International’s purpose to create an eco-friendly retreat, given Maori understanding of and connection with nature.
Sustainability efforts at Māua Nusa Penida
Māua Nusa Penida, situated on the hilltop of Gamat Bay, is a luxury retreat that believes in caring for the people and the planet. As part of Swiss-Belhotel International’s commitment to protecting and preserving nature, the property showcases a sense of environmental sustainability throughout the complex. This is evident in the building materials and interior aspects, which feature recycled ironwood furniture and other eco-friendly elements.
Food & Beverage at Māua-branded properties
The Food & Beverage offerings at Māua-branded properties are not just any outlets but are specially designed to be an essential ’emotional’ addition to the flavors of the main brand. The specialty all-day-dining restaurant, Kōwhai, provides the most natural nourishment available from organic sources. Aroha, meaning Love in Māori, is a bar concept that emphasises the use of raw products sourced in-house or from local communities, promoting harmony in and around the property.
Holistic experience for guests
The Māua brand prioritises creating a feeling of ‘one-with-nature’ for guests. This philosophy is a key driving factor behind conceptualising the product, its offerings, and activities, offering guests a holistic experience while at a Māua-branded property.
Future plans for Swiss-Belhotel International
Swiss-Belhotel International aims to expand to 530 hotels by 2030. However, the company’s focus is not solely on the number of hotels but on offering what the market needs. Following the success of the first Māua-branded luxury property, Swiss-Belhotel International is in the process of creating a new eco-friendly brand to cater to upper midscale guests.
For any hotel management related queries please contact Patrick Laybutt, Vice President Operations and Development, Australia and New Zealand on patricklaybutt@swiss-belhotel.com or +61 457 884 266