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Our recent experience with the JW Marriott was the perfect feel-good escape and exactly what we had hoped for during our short vacation in southern Thailand. Of course there was plenty of relaxation, and we certainly took everything for granted at the luxury resort we stayed at, but the feel-good factor also came from the delicious plant-based food we enjoyed, and the planet-friendly initiatives that followed. Clear to see. With the global hospitality industry having such a large impact on the environment and our planet, it is imperative that they are taking steps to reduce that impact and operate in a more sustainable manner. One way to make a difference is to check the food they serve, sourcing, food waste, and ingredients needed to ensure sustainability goals are met. Both JW Marriott Resorts in Southern Thailand have increased the plant-based and vegan food available on their menus which has had multiple positive effects, while it was interesting and inspiring to learn about the other sustainability initiatives they have introduced and their plans for the future. .

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa

was our first stop JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa A beachfront location surrounded by natural beauty is enviable. Being just over an hour from Phuket International Airport, it is an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy their vacation at a resort that is remote enough to enjoy a generous slice of secluded escapism, yet close enough to a fast and seamless airport. With 293 rooms and suites to choose from, many with direct pool access and ocean views, this luxury resort is a hidden paradise in southern Thailand and the perfect option for some much-needed rest and relaxation on your next vacation.

Sustainability initiatives include a truly unique signature JW Garden inspired by the JW founders’ love of nature and the outdoors. Launched in April 2024, the vast and lush 27 acres of organic farmland produces over 200 varieties of plants, fruits, vegetables, leaves and herbs that are integrated into dishes and served throughout the resort. The inspirational Khun Joy leads this project with a passion that is clearly evident to anyone who meets him. She talks passionately about “creating a circle of sustainability” that starts with happy people (herself, staff, families and visitors) who develop and nurture a healthy, body mind and spirit, which in turn leads to wellbeing, wealth and prosperity. is This is no ordinary resort garden, this is a JW garden, which will hopefully act as an inspiration for others to develop similar organic and sustainable food projects across the region.

The vegan food at JW Marriott Khao Lak was impressive and plentiful. If hotels, resorts and restaurants offer more vegan food, this in turn means more guests will choose these options, and not just vegan guests. Animal agriculture has such a huge impact on the planet and environment, every plant-based meal that is served has a positive impact that has multiple benefits. So while the ‘Vegan Scramble’ is one of the options on the chalkboard next to the egg station at the JW Marriott Khao Lak, it’s a great way to encourage guests to choose plant-based meals for breakfast. Our Vegan Scramble, prepared with diced peppers, tomatoes and onions before being served with roasted tomatoes and sour dough, was definitely towards the top of our global ‘Tofu Scramble Leaderboard’ and we’d love to eat it again!

JW Marriott has partnered with Khao Lak Oceans for all foundations To build a bamboo shark nursery and conservation center based on the resort. Since opening in 2023, they have released endangered bamboo sharks back into the Andaman Sea, where they have a 70% chance of survival, higher than the species’ 50% survival rate in the wild. The fact that they are kept at the conservation center until they are six months old is the main reason why the survival rate is so high. Our time at the Bamboo Shark Nursery and Conservation Center with Khun Ying was enjoyable and informative, he is clearly knowledgeable and passionate about the work he is doing and it was clear to see.

JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa

Our next destination was JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa which is located just steps from the tranquil and unspoilt Mai Khao Beach and offers guests a wide selection of luxuriously appointed rooms and suites. There is something for everyone within easy reach for those who want to venture outside. Head to one of the bustling Phuket beach towns for an endless choice of cafes, bars, restaurants and nightlife, or choose to be surrounded by nature and explore the nearby Sirinat National Park by walking along one of the oceanfront jungle trails. However, rest assured that with numerous restaurants, pools, activities and spas at this luxury resort, there’s absolutely no need to leave the JW Marriott Phuket during your vacation.

From the Beyond Burger at Siam Deli to a vegan version of the legendary signature JW French toast for breakfast, and from the vegetarian a la carte menu at Ginja Taste to a delightful beetroot carpaccio with citrus, balsamic and croutons at Cucina, vegan food at JW Marriott Phuket was creative and ubiquitous. It was clear that Executive Chef Brian Moore and his team are committed to developing and offering exciting vegetarian, vegan and plant-based cuisine across the resort that positively impacts our health and the environment, while at the same time 2025 Sustainability Goals Published by Marriott International.

Other sustainable initiatives at JW Marriott Phuket include an annual event to celebrate World Earth Day where 100% of ingredients are sourced within 50km of the resort. To source the ingredients needed for these events, the team was invited to suggest local suppliers and producers from their own communities and villages who could meet not only the distance-based requirements, but the quality and standards of food that would be expected. Some of these local manufacturers have been part of JW Marriott Phuket’s supply chain creating a positive social impact after the event. The successful event also saw the installation of solar panels in the kitchen, partnered with to prepare event meals. Sunsier who are a leading provider of green and clean energy in Thailand.

The JW Marriott Phuket does not have plastic bottles, plastic straws or miniature bathroom amenities in line with Marriott International brand standards. However, we were still excited to find the vegan-friendly vegan brand’s shower gel, shampoo and conditioner in refillable dispensers. Aromatherapy Associates In our rooms, often the bathroom amenities use animal derived ingredients which of course are not suitable for vegan guests. Several sustainability measures, including razors and toothbrushes made from bamboo, were supplied in recyclable cardboard boxes that were printed with soy ink. Another positive planet friendly initiative from the team at JW Marriott Phuket.

The long and winding road to hotels and resorts being more sustainable is a long one indeed, but a necessary journey we must all take. As guests we have a responsibility to support operators who are making positive changes and encourage others to do the same, while those in the industry need to continue to research and develop new concepts that will drive change. Our time with JW Marriott in southern Thailand was educational and enlightening, and made us feel happy that both their resorts in Khao Lak and Phuket are definitely traveling in the right direction.