SALA Hospitality Group Pioneering Sustainability Initiatives Across All Seven Properties In Thailand

Wednesday 16 January 2019 09:38
SALA Hospitality Group hones environmental policies and procedures for waste reduction energy conservation and nature protection

SALA Hospitality Group (SHG) is continually developing new environmental initiatives and procedures to minimise ecological impact at all of its seven luxury beach resorts and boutique accommodations across Thailand. According to the recent year-end audit, SHG's SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort alone has eliminated nearly 65,000 single-use plastic bottles, 53,000 plastic bags and 38,000 plastic straws so far. The sustainability movement will drive the group to further deplete their existing supplies and identify alternatives to single-use plastic in the brand-new 2019.

Situated in the northeast of Koh Samui, SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort leads the charge in the sustainability initiatives by replacing all single-use plastic usage with eco-friendly alternatives. Plastic straws are substituted with biodegradable straws made of cornstarch. Beyond straws, guests will also find glass bottled water in the minibar, rattan basket bins in the lobby and butter in glassware at the dining table — all single-use plastic is seamlessly swapped for either biodegradable or reusable options. Recently certified as a 'Green Hotel' by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and Department of Environmental Quality Promotion (DEQP), SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort further confirms SHG's core values of sustainability, local sensibility and boutique luxury experiences.

Sustainability is at the heart of SALA Hospitality Group's decisions and actions said Jon Ashenden, Vice President Hotel Operations. He explains that the green movement was a natural one as the properties are dotted on picturesque sites that are brimming with biodiversity and historical significance. "Guests choose to stay with SALA because of our striking design, range of quality food and most of all, our locations in pristine, natural environments," Ashenden added. "We have to do our best to protect it."

Committed to reducing the environmental impact and carbon footprint, SHG has set sustainability guidelines for each of the group's luxury resorts and distinct boutiques located in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khao Yai, Ayutthaya, Koh Samui and Phuket. Energy conservation is one of the main focuses in 2019. Properties such as SALA Phuket and sala ayutthaya have already adopted energy-saving efficiencies such as inverter air-conditioning and LED lightings.

Waste management is easily one of the biggest challenges in hospitality, and SHG sees the group reducing waste in various ways. SALA Hospitality Group encourages suppliers to reduce packaging and switch to eco-friendly packaging, while inspiring guests and staff to embrace plastic-free amenities and strict recycling policies which are implemented at each of the properties. In the meanwhile, sala lanna Chiang Mai has spearheaded a leftover food waste management programme, where leftovers are either donated to non-profit organisations or processed for gardening and landscaping.

As one of the environmental leaders in the industry in Thailand, SALA Hospitality Group will continue to set new milestones and track its goals in reducing plastic waste and energy saving in operating efficiencies.

About SALA Hospitality Group

SALA Hospitality Group - www.salahospitality.com - is a homegrown Thai hospitality company that owns and operates seven luxurious and intimate properties under the brands SALA Resorts and Spas and sala boutique. SALA Hospitality Group is also the majority shareholder of the Six Senses Resort on Koh Samui. Since its first property opened in 2004, the Group has been recognised with numerous high-profile awards and accolades which include Conde Nast Hot List, DestinAsian Luxe List Award, World Luxury Spa Award, Thailand Boutique Awards, and Thailand's Best Restaurants.

SALA Resorts and Spas - Featuring glorious white sandy beaches, luxurious pool villas and suites, rejuvenating SALA spas, romantic beachfront bars and restaurants, SALA Resorts and Spas offer an experience that is all very personal and private. The company's first resort, SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort and Spa, opened in 2004, followed by SALA Phuket Resort and Spa in 2007. The Group's newest property, SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort and Spa has celebrated it's 1-year anniversary in January 2018 and with it's Phase 2 due to open in April 2019.

sala boutique - With a focus on striking designs and comfortable accommodations, sala boutique properties are charming residences situated in picturesque locations, many of which are filled with historical significance. The Group's first boutique property, sala khaoyai, opened in 2009, followed in 2013 by sala lanna Chiang Mai along the Ping River. sala rattanakosin Bangkok followed shortly after in 2013, located on the Chao Phraya River with picturesque views over Wat Arun. The year after, sala ayutthaya opened on the banks of the river in the ancient capital city, located within walking distance to numerous historical ruins.