Lights Out for Le Meridien St Julians

St Julians, Malta, March 27, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa joined millions around the world in turning off lights for Earth Hour 2013 to illuminate a powerful message about environmental awareness and action.

Earth Hour 2013 took place on Saturday, 23rd March at 8:30 p.m. local time. Created by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Earth Hour is the largest movement for the planet in human history, spanning 7,000 cities, 152 countries, with a digital reach of 200 million.

This year’s theme is “Uniting People to Protect the Planet.” With that in mind, Le Méridien St Julians activated a range of energy-saving measures during Earth Hour. Management turned off the exterior signage lighting and all non-essential interior lights. They used candlelight in appropriate public areas such as the hotel’s Lobby and KuDéTa Lounge. Indeed, in-house guests, patrons and media joined for an informal stand-up reception in the Lobby area, where they were treated to a Welcome drink proudly wearing the Earth Hour colours. The start of Earth Hour was marked by Le Méridien evening ritual, whereas hotel associates lit up the many candles spread around the area, on a soothing yet powerful instrumental track. The ambiance was complemented by the pleasant performance of Andy Smith.

For the occasion, the hotel also partnered up with GX-1, the first club to launch LES MILLS™ programs in Malta. During Earth Hour, from 8.30pm till 9.30pm, Anita Mullen, owner of GX-1, organized a relaxing VIP BODYBALANCE™ outdoor class on the terrace of the hotel’s lobby. BODYBALANCE™ is the Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates workout that builds flexibility and strength and leaves you feeling centered and calm. Controlled breathing, concentration and a carefully structured series of stretches, moves and poses to music create a holistic workout that brings the body into a state of harmony and balance.

"Linking a Bodybalance class with Earth Hour allows us to create awareness between the connection of Body, Mind and Earth.” explains Anita Mullen. “We all know we are responsible for our own body and mind... now we all need to start taking responsibility for our planet. Although we only get one life, Earth gives life over and over again and it is our duty to help keep this a healthy, natural and infinite process."

This outdoor candle-lit class was a tremendous success and participants loved it. GX-1 holds a varied and fun weekly schedule of effective work-outs, presented by Certified LES MILLS™ instructors, at the Fitness Center of Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa. More information can be found on www.gx-1.eu.

Last year, Earth Hour broke records to cement itself as the largest voluntary action for the environment. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Asia Pacific to Europe and Africa to the Americas switched off. People across the world from all walks of life turned off their lights and came together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common – our planet.

“It’s a privilege for us to support such a powerful movement with such a simple gesture,” said Franco Vella, General Manager of Le Méridien St Julians “Earth Hour also reflects a philosophy we try to practice year-round: The small steps each of us take can make a big difference together.”

Starwood’s pioneering Global Citizenship philosophy reflects the same dedication to sustainability among its 171,000 associates worldwide. In 2012, more than 650 hotels participated in Earth Hour in various ways.

This year marked Starwood’s fifth annual participation in Earth Hour, making it one of the largest worldwide companies to make a pronounced global statement with a voluntary hour of darkness. Earth Hour is just one of the many ways Starwood acts in support of its 30/20 by 20 goals, which is the company’s commitment to reduce energy consumption by 30% and water consumption by 20% by 2020 across its entire portfolio.

About Earth Hour
Earth Hour is a global environmental initiative in partnership with WWF. Individuals, businesses, governments and communities are invited to turn out their lights for one hour on Saturday 23rd March 2013 at 8:30 PM to show their support for environmentally sustainable action. In 2013, Earth Hour’s I Will If You Will concept invited individuals and organizations to challenge others to an ongoing environmental commitment beyond the hour. Earth Hour began in one city in 2007 and by 2012 involved hundreds of millions of people in 152 countries across every continent, receiving reports as "the world’s largest campaign for the planet."

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1,134 properties in nearly 100 countries and 171,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, and ElementSM. The Company boasts one of the industry’s leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., a premier provider of world-class vacation experiences through villa-style resorts and privileged access to Starwood brands. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.