This 5-star island paradise doubles as a sea turtle rescue

This 5-star island paradise doubles as a sea turtle rescue

This 5-star island paradise doubles as a sea turtle rescue In Malaysia, five islands form Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a glittery turquoise oasis filled with coral reefs, parrotfish, seahorses, and green sea turtles.  Gaya, the largest of the five islands, is also home to the Gaya Island Resort: a luxury 5-star retreat nestled in an ancient rainforest that boasts stunning sea views, swim-up pools, and a spa village hidden amongst the mangroves.  But when guests have free time — between relaxing on massage tables and eating teppanyaki, shabu-shabu, and nabe — the resort challenges visitors to partake in local marine conservation efforts.  At the Gaya Island Marine Resort center, Scott Mayback — the resort’s resident marine biologist — leads education sessions and shows guests how to plant their own propagated coral.  “We also educate our guests on what we are doing and why,” Mayback told ECT Travel.  “We don't simply take people into the reef without teaching them how to preserve it, …