In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, a spice garden took root at Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort in response to a shortage of vegetables.
It has since flourished into a half-acre, self-sustainable oasis known as ‘Willow’s Garden‘.
Located on the picturesque beachfront resort in Vietnam’s southern coastline, the project started small, with the team planting fast-growing vegetables and spices for staff meals in their canteen.
An Abundance of Organic Produce
The 1,700 sqm garden, nestled around a 300 sqm lake, boasts an impressive variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, all grown without chemicals or additives.
From coconut, grapefruit, and lime to jackfruit, mango, and clementine, Willow’s Garden is home to over 15 types of fruit.
Vegetables such as Malabar spinach, collard greens, and Thai eggplant are grown alongside herbs like chilli, ginger, and basil.
Sunflowers, daisies, and wild cosmos provide a burst of colour to this thriving garden.
Plant-to-Plate Philosophy and Guest Involvement
General manager Alvaro Berton envisions a plant-to-plate menu for the resort’s restaurants and plans to launch a program teaching guests the staff’s gardening tips and tricks.
Guests can participate in the “Cook & Dine” cooking class at Muoi restaurant, using freshly picked ingredients from the garden to create their own dishes.
Additionally, the resort aims to offer free gardening activities, such as painting pots, leaf crafts, and making herb-infused essential oils.
Environmentally Conscious Initiatives
Future plans for Willow’s Garden include a hydroponic setup for clean vegetables, efficient water use, and pest reduction. Rainwater collected in lakes throughout the resort is used to water the garden, and organic fertilizer is produced from composted waste.
These efforts are part of the resort’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort sources local produce, eliminates single-use plastics, and implements energy-saving measures and technologies throughout its grounds.
Community Engagement and Social Responsibility
The resort has partnered with Diversey’s “Soap for Hope” project, a soap recycling initiative that aims to improve hygiene practices, create livelihoods, and reduce waste in disadvantaged communities.
Through the program, locals are taught a cold-press method to recycle used hotel soap into new bars, which are then distributed to communities lacking proper sanitation.
Luxurious Accommodations and World-Class Amenities
Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort, a five-star property with 152 rooms and 83 villas, offers guests an unparalleled experience, featuring world-class facilities such as three restaurants, a beach club, a swim-up bar, a coffee shop, a 20-treatment room spa, The Level Lounge, ballroom and conference facilities, a kids club, a gymnasium, and a gift shop.
The contemporary rooms, suites, and villas provide stunning views of the ocean, lush gardens, lakes, and swimming pools.
Willow’s Garden’s thriving success at Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort showcases the possibilities of self-sustainability, community involvement, and environmental consciousness in the hospitality industry.
With its dedication to eco-friendly initiatives and luxurious accommodations, the resort is a prime example of responsible tourism.