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SALA Hospitality Group is helping to secure a sustainable future for the idyllic island of Koh Samui, with a series of environmentally and socially responsible initiatives at its stunning seafront property, SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort.

This pioneering resort was recently certified as a “Green Hotel” by Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment. This followed the introduction of wide-ranging initiatives that have helped to reduce waste, energy and water – critical factors in a delicate island ecosystem like Koh Samui.

In terms of energy saving, SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort employs timing switches that automatically turn off lights, and energy-efficient heat exchange systems to power the hot water. Water saving taps are used in all guest rooms and public areas, and regular inspections are carried out to ensure that no leakage is occurring. Gardens are watered in the mornings to minimise evaporation from the sun, and staff in the resort’s offices are careful to turn off air-conditioning, lights and equipment when they are not working.

All wastewater from the resort is treated before being discharged and other waste is sorted and separated, with bottles, paper and oil being sent for recycling, leftover soap being utilised by the laundry department, and leftover food being donated to good causes. Old curtains are transformed into laundry bags and bottle covers, and recycled wood is used to make the key tags for guest rooms.

As well operating its own recycling programmes, the resort also works with like-minded local suppliers to purchase responsible products, including recycled paper and eco-friendly cleaning products made from biodegradable ingredients.

Perhaps the most impressive environmental initiative at SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort however, is its plastic reduction programme. This responsible resort has successfully eliminated over 63,000 plastic bottles per year by replacing them with refillable glass bottles, while over 52,000 plastic bags have been replaced with innovative eco-friendly version made from corn starch. Approximately 38,000 plastic drinking straws have been withdrawn from the resort’s F&B outlets and replaced (upon request) with biodegradable versions, and 18,600 plastic butter containers have been removed from its breakfast tables.

This complete shift away from single-use plastic even extends to the guest rooms, where minibar bottles are now eco-friendly, packaging for toiletries are to be made from stone paper and printed with soy ink, shower caps and sanitary bags will be made from cornstarch, and toothbrushes and combs will soon be made from bamboo. Meanwhile in the resort’s gardens, rattan baskets are being used instead of plastic refuse sacks. In total, these initiatives are preventing over 180,000 of pieces of plastic waste from being disposed of in landfill sites – or worse, the sea – every year.

“At SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort, we understand the importance of conservation – especially in fragile island ecosystems like Koh Samui. That’s why we have introduced such a wide range of initiatives that will reduce our resort’s environmental impact as much as possible. I am also delighted to reveal that, in the next two-to-three months, we will be removing most of the plastic packaging from our guest rooms. Through these initiatives, we are aiming to ensure a sustainable future for Koh Samui’s tourism industry,” revealed Mr. Dick Simarro, the resort’s General Manager.

Environmental sustainability is an important part of the family travel sector, as guests increasingly seek resorts that care for their communities and provide the peace-of-mind that their vacation is not having a negative impact on the destination.

Eco-conscious families or friends can now stay together in style in a series of interconnecting SALA Pool Villas at SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort. Accessed via a private entrance, these exquisite semi-alfresco villas offer 212 square metres of luxurious living space, including two bedrooms, large living areas and bathrooms with outdoor showers and bathtubs, all surrounded by lush gardens, sun decks, private salas and two private pools.

An oasis of natural beauty and tranquility, nestled in verdant gardens just steps away from the beach, SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort offers a more peaceful and eco-friendly way to stay in paradise. For more information, please visit www.salahospitality.com/samui.