Banyan Tree Samui, nestled on the picturesque island of Koh Samui, has achieved a remarkable milestone in the realm of sustainable tourism.
The resort has earned the prestigious EarthCheck Platinum Certification, making it the first and only hotel in Thailand to receive this prestigious recognition from EarthCheck, the world’s leading scientific benchmarking organization for sustainable tourism.
This remarkable achievement underscores Banyan Tree Samui’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and its dedication to social responsibility and economic sustainability. The resort’s journey towards sustainability excellence has spanned an impressive decade, during which it has excelled in ten key performance areas assessed by EarthCheck:
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Energy Efficiency
- Management of Freshwater Resources
- Ecosystem Conservation & Management
- Social & Cultural Management
- Land Use Planning & Management
- Air Quality Protection
- Wastewater Management
- Solid Waste Management
- Environmentally Harmful Substances
While other hotel chains have received EarthCheck accolades at the group level, Banyan Tree Samui’s Platinum Certification is a testament to its unparalleled commitment to sustainability at the single-property level.
EarthCheck CEO Stewart Moore commented on this historic achievement, stating, “Banyan Tree Samui’s achievement in receiving the EarthCheck Platinum Certification is a landmark moment in sustainable tourism in Thailand. This certification reflects not just a decade of commitment to environmental stewardship, but also a dedication to social responsibility and economic sustainability.”
Driving Sustainability Through Innovation
Banyan Tree Samui’s sustainability efforts are a testament to its continuous pursuit of innovation and efficiency. The resort closely monitors energy consumption, carbon emissions, water usage, and waste production. Progress is measured against industry benchmarks and best practices established in collaboration with EarthCheck.
Led by a dedicated marine biologist, the resort’s Sustainability team offers guests a range of eco-conscious activities, including nature trails with bird-spotting, guided snorkelling tours to the resort’s coral reef, and tree-planting activities.
Additionally, guests can immerse themselves in Thai culture through activities such as Thai cookery classes, Thai boxing, Thai language lessons, or visits to an elephant sanctuary.
“Caring for the environment is in our DNA,” remarked Ms. Thepsuda Loyjiw, the resort’s Sustainability Manager. “Banyan Tree was founded with the core value of driving sustainable development. We see sustainability in terms of not only the environment but also the local communities in which we operate.“
Community Engagement and Support
Banyan Tree Samui’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond environmental efforts. The resort actively engages with the local community, demonstrating a holistic approach to sustainability.
In a heartwarming example of community support, Banyan Tree Samui funded the rebuilding of a local school that had been devastated by a tropical storm. Thepsuda Loyjiw, alongside several hotel volunteers, actively participated in landscaping and other labour-intensive tasks.
The reconstruction of the Wat Santi Wanaram Child Development Centre was completed in January 2023, providing a safe environment for 103 children and their teachers to enjoy lunch, activities, and play.
Furthermore, the resort has initiated various community-focused projects, including a blood drive campaign and the ongoing “Seedlings Mentorship” project. This project aims to nurture young Samui students aged 12 to 18, providing them with vocational and life skills, education opportunities, scholarships, and financial support for higher education.
Environmental Responsibility Beyond Boundaries
In October 2023, Banyan Tree Samui collaborated with its coffee provider, Nespresso, on an innovative recycling scheme. The resort’s dedication to sustainability extends to its coffee capsules. Thepsuda explained, “We return all the capsules with the coffee grains still inside. Nespresso then separates the aluminium for recycling and the ground coffee to be used as compost or fertiliser.”
Banyan Tree Samui’s commitment to excellence extends to guest experiences, which have garnered significant recognition. Following in the footsteps of its sister property, Banyan Tree Krabi, which opened in 2020 on the Andaman coast, Banyan Tree Samui is looking to achieve EarthCheck recognition as an eco-torchbearer in Thailand.
Both Banyan Tree resorts received accolades in the prestigious Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. Banyan Tree Krabi claimed the No. 4 spot in the Top Resorts in Thailand category, while Banyan Tree Samui secured the No. 5 position.
Opened in 2010, the 88-key Banyan Tree Samui is a luxury all-pool villa resort boasting a pristine beach, rejuvenating spa experiences, exquisite dining options, locally-infused activities, personalized Villa Host concierge services, and breathtaking views. The 38-acre property is teeming with diverse flora and plant life, and its private beach is surrounded by thriving coral reefs.
The resort offers an array of amenities, including three restaurants, a spa with Banyan Tree’s signature Rainforest hydrotherapy facility, a fitness centre, a kids’ club, a meetings and events centre, and a library. Beachfront activities available to guests encompass paddle boarding, snorkelling, kayaking, table tennis, a pool table, and invigorating yoga classes.
Banyan Tree Samui’s Platinum Certification by EarthCheck is a testament to its unwavering commitment to sustainability and its pioneering efforts in redefining eco-friendly luxury hospitality in Thailand. As it continues to lead the way in sustainable tourism, the resort sets an inspiring example for the entire industry to follow.
For travellers seeking an unparalleled blend of luxury, nature, and sustainability, Banyan Tree Samui stands as a beacon of responsible travel in the heart of Thailand’s tropical paradise.
