Discovering the feel-good think about southern Thailand…

Our current expertise with JW Marriott was the proper feel-good escape and precisely what we had hoped for throughout our quick trip in southern Thailand. There was in fact loads of stress-free, and we most actually embraced all the things that the posh resorts we stayed with needed to provide, however the feel-good issue additionally got here from the scrumptious plant based mostly meals that we loved, and the planet pleasant initiatives that had been clear to see. With the worldwide hospitality trade having such a huge effect on the surroundings and our planet, it’s important that they’re making strikes to reduce that impression and function extra sustainably. One of many methods to make a distinction is thru the meals that they serve, with sourcing, meals waste and components needing to be scrutinised to make sure that sustainability objectives are reached. Each of the JW Marriott resorts in southern Thailand have elevated the plant based mostly and vegan meals out there on their menus which has a number of optimistic impacts, while it was additionally fascinating and galvanizing to find out about different sustainability initiatives they’ve launched, and their plans for the longer term.

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa

Our first cease was JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa which boasts an enviable beachfront location that’s surrounded by pure magnificence. Being simply over an an hour from Phuket Worldwide Airport makes it a superb selection for individuals who want to take pleasure in their trip at a resort that’s distant sufficient to take pleasure in a beneficiant slice of secluded escapism, but shut sufficient to the airport to permit swift and seamless transfers. With 293 rooms and suites to select from, many boasting direct pool entry and ocean views, this luxurious resort is a hidden paradise in southern Thailand and the proper choice for some a lot wanted relaxation and recuperation in your subsequent trip.

Sustainability initiatives embody the actually distinctive signature JW Backyard that was impressed by the JW founders love for nature and the outside. Launched in April 2024, the huge and verdant 27 acres of natural farmland produces greater than 200 styles of crops, fruits, greens, leaves and herbs which can be built-in into dishes and served all through the resort. The inspirational Khun Pleasure leads this mission with a ardour that’s clearly evident to anybody that meets her. She talks passionately about “making a circle of sustainability” that begins with completely satisfied individuals (herself, workers, households and guests) who develop and nurture a wholesome, physique thoughts and spirit, which in flip results in wellness, wealth and prosperity. That is no abnormal resort backyard, it is a JW Backyard, that may hopefully act as an inspiration for others to develop related natural and sustainable meals initiatives all through the area.

The vegan meals at JW Marriott Khao Lak was spectacular and plentiful. If motels, resorts and eating places provide extra vegan meals, this in flip will result in extra company selecting these choices, and never simply vegan company. With animal agriculture having such a huge effect on the planet and the surroundings, each plant based mostly meal that’s served has a optimistic impression which has a number of advantages. So when on the chalkboard adjoining to the egg station at JW Marriott Khao Lak one of many choices is ‘Vegan Scramble’ this is a superb method to encourage company to decide on a plant based mostly meal for breakfast. Our vegan scramble which was ready with diced peppers, tomatoes and onion earlier than being served with roasted tomatoes and bitter dough, was most actually in the direction of the highest of our international ‘Tofu Scramble Leaderboard’ and we might like to eat it once more!

JW Marriott Khao Lak have partnered with Oceans for all Basis to create the Bamboo Shark Nursery and Conservation Heart which relies on the resort. Since opening in 2023 they’ve hatched and launched endangered Bamboo Sharks again into the Andaman sea, the place they’ve a 70% probability of survival, increased than the 50% survival price for this species within the wild. The truth that they’re saved within the conservation centre till they’re six months previous is the primary motive that the survival price is increased. Our time on the Bamboo Shark Nursery and Conservation Heart with Khun Ying was pleasing and informative, she is clearly knowledgable and passionate in regards to the work they’re doing and that was clear to see.

JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa

Our subsequent vacation spot was JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa which is positioned simply steps from the serene and unspoiled Mai Khao Seaside, and gives company an intensive selection of luxuriously appointed rooms and suites. For many who want to enterprise outdoors, there’s something for everybody inside straightforward attain. Head to one of many bustling Phuket seashore cities for an limitless selection of cafes, bars, eating places and nightlife, or select to be surrounded by nature and discover close by Sirinat Nationwide Park by strolling one of many trails all through the ocean entrance forest. Nevertheless, relaxation assured that with quite a few eating places, swimming pools, actions and a spa inside this luxurious resort, there’s completely no want to go away JW Marriott Phuket throughout your trip.

From Past Burgers at Siam Deli to a vegan model of the legendary signature JW French Toast for breakfast, and from the vegetarian a la carte menu at Ginja Style to a pleasant beetroot carpaccio with citrus, balsamic and croutons at Cucina, the vegan meals at JW Marriott Phuket was inventive and omnipresent. It was clear to see that Govt Chef Brian Moore and his crew are dedicated to growing and providing thrilling vegan, vegetarian and plant based mostly dishes all through the resort which has optimistic impression on our well being and the surroundings, while on the identical time contributes in the direction of the 2025 Sustainability Objectives set out by Marriott Worldwide.

Different sustainable initiatives at JW Marriott Phuket embody an annual occasion to rejoice World Earth Day the place 100% of components had been sourced inside 50km of the resort. With a purpose to supply the mandatory components for these occasions, the crew had been invited to recommend native suppliers and growers from their very own communities and villages who may meet not solely the gap based mostly necessities, however the meals high quality and requirements that might be anticipated. A few of these native growers have remained a part of the provision chain for JW Marriott Phuket after the occasion which creates optimistic social impression. The profitable occasion additionally noticed the set up of photo voltaic panels for the kitchens to organize the occasion meals by way of a partnership with Sunsear who’re a number one supplier of greener and cleaner power in Thailand.

There are not any plastic bottles, plastic straws or miniature toilet facilities at JW Marriott Phuket which is in step with the Marriott Worldwide model requirements. Nevertheless, we had been nonetheless excited to seek out bathe gel, shampoo and conditioner in refillable dispensers from vegan pleasant vegan model Aromatherapy Associates in our room, as usually the lavatory facilities use animal derived components that are in fact not appropriate for vegan company. The a number of sustainability measures additionally together with razors and toothbrushes made out of bamboo, equipped in recyclable cardboard packing containers which had been printed with soy ink. One more optimistic planet pleasant initiative from the crew at JW Marriott Phuket.

The lengthy and winding street in the direction of motels and resorts being extra sustainable is certainly a protracted one, however a necessary journey that we should all make. As company we now have a duty to assist operators which can be making optimistic modifications, and encourage others to do the identical, while these throughout the trade must proceed researching and growing new ideas that may make a distinction. Our time with JW Marriott in southern Thailand was academic and enlightening, and left us feeling completely satisfied that each their resorts in Khao Lak and Phuket are most actually travelling within the right course.

Paul Eyers

Paul Eyers is co-founder of Vegan Meals Quest who write about luxurious motels and resorts in Southeast Asia with a give attention to sustainable journey, eco journey and vegan journey. At present based mostly in Malaysia, Paul additionally writes about sporting occasions and a number of the best golf programs all through the area.