Being someone who wants to see the world; It’s only right to become concerned with conserving it.

Hotels seem to be promoting their Eco-friendly efforts more and more, so I’ve been eager to learn about what qualifies them as such. When I open my boutique hotel brand I will definitely be following this model.

I was ecstatic to partner with Akyra Beach Club in Phuket while in Thailand because they are currently transitioning to become a SINGLE-USE PLASTIC hotel! I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ira from their management team for a little Q&A to learn more…

Question: What is Akyra doing to become more Eco-Friendly?

The Akyra hotel has launched a large initiative to restructure their resort and better their surrounding community. Here’s what they are doing:

• Thinking out side of the box. All staff is encourage to think of new ways to replace the current supplies used and enhance single-use plastic efficiencies. For example:
  • Plastic use in the kitchen: what can replace saran wrap? Replacing plastic straws for paper
  • Cleaners: Eco-Friendly cleaning products and reusable bottles, linen laundry bags, sheets/towels changed upon request.
  • Guest Rooms: re-usable garbage bags, slippers, toiletries
• They have eliminated plastic bottles completely! They now substitute with Crystal water glass bottle. Crystal water is a service that delivers recycled glass bottles with clean water.  Once empty they pick them up, re sterilize and refill then distribute them again. I LOVE this business model and hope this trend picks up!
• Habits start early in life, so Akyra is doing their best to the educate the nearby school children on the environment. They feel there is a gap in awareness in the Thai community and locals need to do their part as well. Akyra has hosted numerous class trips on their resort to teach fun lessons on eco-friendly lifestyle changes and why they should be made.
• In January, Akrya will be changing their weekly “white parties” for guest to “blue parties” in honor of marine life awareness. They will be providing guest with educational activities every Friday!
• Even some of the Akyra merchandise sold is eco friendly – they’ve literally thought of it all! Their resort shop sells bathing suits made from sustainable material (all brands should go this way) and they sell Pure Blue Foundation bottles which support the elimination of single use plastic.

Question: Is this process very expensive for the hotels overhead cost?

• The cost to reduce plastic can actually be a saving or a wash to the hotels overhead cost. There are certain supplies that end up costing less money which offsets the cost of more expensive products they have invested in.

Question: How long will the transition take to implement this new model?

• The implementation from plastic to sustainable items takes a while. This is mainly because eco-friendly vendors are scares, especially in Thailand.
• Once a vendor is found then logistics often seems to be the next hurdle.

Like many beautiful destinations I’ve traveled to, Thailand’s beauty is tainted by the overuse of plastic and their governments insufficient waste management system. The world needs us to become less selfish and focus more on sustainable ways to reverse the damage we have done. I salute the Akyra Beach Club in Phuket and other hotels whom have dedicated their efforts to adjust their business models for the better.