Finding the feel-good think about southern Thailand

Our current expertise with JW Marriott was the right feel-good escape and precisely what we had hoped for throughout our quick trip in southern Thailand. There was after all loads of stress-free, and we most definitely embraced every part that the luxurious 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 setting and our planet, it’s important that they’re making strikes to reduce that influence and function extra sustainably. One of the methods to make a distinction is thru the meals that they serve, with sourcing, meals waste and substances needing to be scrutinised to make sure that sustainability targets are reached. Both of the JW Marriott resorts in southern Thailand have elevated the plant based mostly and vegan meals accessible on their menus which has a number of optimistic impacts, while it was additionally attention-grabbing and provoking to study 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 International Airport makes it a wonderful selection for many who want to get pleasure from their trip at a resort that’s distant sufficient to get pleasure from 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 right choice for some a lot wanted relaxation and recuperation in your subsequent trip.

Sustainability initiatives embody the really distinctive signature JW Garden 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 types of crops, fruits, greens, leaves and herbs which are built-in into dishes and served all through the resort. The inspirational Khun Joy leads this undertaking with a ardour that’s clearly evident to anybody that meets her. She talks passionately about “creating a circle of sustainability” that begins with pleased individuals (herself, employees, households and guests) who develop and nurture a wholesome, physique thoughts and spirit, which in flip results in wellness, wealth and prosperity. This isn’t any abnormal resort backyard, this can be a JW Garden, that may hopefully act as an inspiration for others to develop comparable natural and sustainable meals tasks all through the area.

The vegan meals at JW Marriott Khao Lak was spectacular and plentiful. If accommodations, resorts and eating places provide extra vegan meals, this in flip will result in extra friends selecting these choices, and never simply vegan friends. With animal agriculture having such a huge effect on the planet and the setting, each plant based mostly meal that’s served has a optimistic influence 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 technique to encourage friends 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 definitely in 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 Foundation to create the Bamboo Shark Nursery and Conservation Center 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 charge for this species within the wild. The indisputable fact that they’re stored within the conservation centre till they’re six months outdated is the principle purpose that the survival charge is increased. Our time on the Bamboo Shark Nursery and Conservation Center with Khun Ying was fulfilling 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 situated simply steps from the serene and unspoiled Mai Khao Beach, and affords friends an in depth selection of luxuriously appointed rooms and suites. For those that want to enterprise outdoors, there’s something for everybody inside straightforward attain. Head to one of many bustling Phuket seashore cities for an infinite selection of cafes, bars, eating places and nightlife, or select to be surrounded by nature and discover close by Sirinat National Park by strolling one of many trails all through the ocean entrance forest. However, relaxation assured that with quite a few eating places, swimming pools, actions and a spa inside this luxurious resort, there may be completely no want to go away JW Marriott Phuket throughout your trip.

From Beyond 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 Taste to a pleasant beetroot carpaccio with citrus, balsamic and croutons at Cucina, the vegan meals at JW Marriott Phuket was artistic and omnipresent. It was clear to see that Executive Chef Brian Moore and his workforce are dedicated to growing and providing thrilling vegan, vegetarian and plant based mostly dishes all through the resort which has optimistic influence on our well being and the setting, while on the similar time contributes in direction of the 2025 Sustainability Goals set out by Marriott International.

Other sustainable initiatives at JW Marriott Phuket embody an annual occasion to have a good time World Earth Day the place 100% of substances had been sourced inside 50km of the resort. In order to supply the required substances for these occasions, the workforce had been invited to counsel native suppliers and growers from their very own communities and villages who may meet not solely the space based mostly necessities, however the meals high quality and requirements that might be anticipated. Some of those native growers have remained a part of the provision chain for JW Marriott Phuket after the occasion which creates optimistic social influence. The profitable occasion additionally noticed the set up of photo voltaic panels for the kitchens to organize the occasion meals through a partnership with Sunsear who’re a number one supplier of greener and cleaner vitality in Thailand.

There aren’t any plastic bottles, plastic straws or miniature lavatory facilities at JW Marriott Phuket which is according to the Marriott International model requirements. However, 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 toilet facilities use animal derived substances that are after all not appropriate for vegan friends. The a number of sustainability measures additionally together with razors and toothbrushes produced from bamboo, equipped in recyclable cardboard bins which had been printed with soy ink. Yet one other optimistic planet pleasant initiative from the workforce at JW Marriott Phuket.

The lengthy and winding highway in direction of accommodations and resorts being extra sustainable is certainly an extended one, however a vital journey that we should all make. As friends we’ve a accountability to assist operators which are making optimistic adjustments, 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 instructional and enlightening, and left us feeling pleased that each their resorts in Khao Lak and Phuket are most definitely travelling within the right path.

Paul Eyers

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