S Hotels & Resorts celebrates Green Globe™ Certification in Thailand and the Maldives

Hospitality arm of Singha Estate celebrates as Santiburi Koh Samui, SAii Laguna Phuket, SAii Phi Phi Island Village and CROSSROADS Maldives are all recognised by the global leader in sustainable tourism and hospitality certification

BANGKOK, THAILAND: S Hotels and Resorts PCL, the global hospitality company from Singha Estate PCL, has reaffirmed its environmental credentials and commitment after four of its popular properties were awarded Green Globe^TM Certification, the world’s leading certification for sustainable operations in tourism and hospitality, which is based on the GSTC-Recognized Green Globe Standard. Green Globe is an affiliate member of the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).  These include SAii Laguna Phuket and SAii Phi Phi Island Village, under S Hotels & Resorts’ homegrown upper-upscale lifestyle brand, SAii Resorts, Santiburi Koh Samui and CROSSROADS Maldives, the fully-integrated lifestyle destination.

In line with the global strategy of Singha Estate, S Hotels & Resorts is fully committed to operating sustainably, protecting the environment and empowering communities in all its destinations. A key part of this pledge is to have its operations monitored, evaluated and assessed by independent experts, and Green Globe^TM Certification represents the pinnacle of this process.

This reinforces S Hotels & Resorts’ vision of “Sustainable Diversity,” promoting balanced diversity and sustainable growth all around the world, in harmony with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Most notably, the company is aiming to achieve nine key SDGs: SGD2 "Zero Hunger," SDG6 "Clean Water & Sanitation," SDG7 "Affordable & Clean Energy," SDG8 "Decent Work & Economic Growth," SDG11 "Sustainable Cities & Communities," SDG12 "Responsible Consumption & Production," SDG13 "Climate Action," SDG14 "Life Below Water," and SDG17 "Partnerships for the Goals."

Santiburi Koh Samui

Nestled in 23 acres of tropical foliage on Samui’s quiet north shore, Santiburi Koh Samui is a haven of natural tranquility. An icon of authentic Thai culture, heritage and hospitality for over 30 years, the resort integrates many SDGs, including SDG6 "Clean Water & Sanitation," SDG13 "Climate Action" and SDG14 "Life Below Water." Every aspect of the resort is geared towards promoting good health and wellbeing, including a wealth of sports facilities and activities. No motorised water sports are permitted at the resort, in an effort to protect marine life and retain the peaceful ambience.

The resort has successfully achieved its sustainability goals by enhancing its biodiversity and promoting cultural heritage. A highly biodiverse destination, Santiburi Koh Samui is home to approximately 200 species of fauna including many birds, insects and reptiles. It is now planning to launch a series of nature trails to allow guests to learn about the local wildlife.

Community engagement is another major factor and the resort has implemented a wide range of projects to support local people, from  waste management  training to providing internships, education opportunities and eventually, potential employment to young people.

SAii Phi Phi Island Village

A tropical island paradise, SAii Phi Phi Island Village is set in 70 acres of coconut groves with an 800-metre-long beach. Staying in a choice of traditional Thai-style bungalows or hillside pool villas, visitors can uncover the pristine marine world with small-scale excursions, snorkelling trips and mangrove kayaking, or at the Marine Discovery Centre – an interactive facility which is dedicated to the preservation of the local undersea environment, in line with SDG14 "Life Below Water."

To date, the Marine Discovery Centre has attracted over 10,000 visitors to learn about the marine ecosystems of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park and critical activities such as coral propagation and breeding and release programmes for native marine species, including clownfish. In February 2023, marine biologists successfully released several bamboo sharks into the ocean, having nurtured the eggs in a dedicated nursery. The SOS (Save Our Sharks) programme is also aiming to breed and release bamboo sharks in collaboration with Phuket Marine Biological Centre – the first time a private hotel has been entrusted with such a project.

The resort has also set a target of zero marine debris and recently signed agreements with the local community for mangrove conservation, which will enable ecotourism and generate a source of sustainable income for villagers living near the hotel. This forms part of SDG8 "Decent Work & Economic Growth and SDG14 "Life Below Water."          

SAii Laguna Phuket

Perfectly positioned between languid lagoons and the shimmering sea on Phuket’s sunset coast, SAii Laguna Phuket lets every guest unwind and soak up the spectacular scenery. This family-friendly resort has a wide range of activities for all ages, including non-motorised water sports, tennis courts, an archery range, a fitness centre, and spectacular swimming pools with water slides. E-scooters are also available, providing an eco-friendly way for guests to get around.

The resort achieved Green Globe^TM Certification by integrating sustainability into every aspect of its operations. The abolition of single-use plastic is a key element of S Hotels & Resorts’ global strategy, and SAii Laguna Phuket has installed a water treatment system and bottling station which provides up to 700 bottles of fresh water daily, and a public tap to let guests fill up their own containers. The hotel has also implemented procedures to recycle up to 95% of food waste from its restaurants. These actions support several SDGs including " SDG12 "Responsible Consumption & Production.”

SAii Laguna Phuket is an important MICE venue and has introduced a wide range of sustainable meeting solutions, in line with TCEB's Thailand MICE Venue Standards. These range from reusable table decorations and recycling bins in meeting rooms, green transport options and group activities that support local communities to differently sized meeting rooms, which can be air-conditioned according to the number of attendees. By using CO2 e-calculations, the resort can successfully monitor the carbon footprint of each meeting and take steps to reduce it.

CROSSROADS Maldives

The Indian Ocean’s first and only multi-island, integrated leisure destination, CROSSROADS Maldives features three resorts – Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SAii Lagoon Maldives, and SO/ Maldives, which is opening in late 2023 – along with The Marina @CROSSROADS, an 800-metre-long beach walk with a luxury yacht marina, lifestyle facilities, boutiques and culinary experiences.

Visitors of all ages can learn about conservation in an interactive way at the Marine Discovery Centre, a trailblazing facility which is devoted to educating guests about the region’s environmental challenges and preserving the marine ecosystem with projects such as coral propagation. The Maldives Discovery Centre meanwhile, showcases the arts and crafts that have shaped the archipelago’s distinct cultural identity and gives the local community the chance to promote their authentic handicrafts.

Dirk De Cuyper, CEO of S Hotels & Resorts, said: “At S Hotels & Resorts and Singha Estate, we have a vision of sustainable development that is aligned with the UN’s SDGs, nine of which hold special importance, such as SDG6 "Clean Water & Sanitation," especially SDG13 ‘Climate Action’ and SDG14, ‘Life Below Water.’ We are delighted therefore, to have achieved Green Globe^TM Certification in Thailand and the Maldives. We have a responsibility to preserve our destinations for future generations. These important certificates shows that we are on the right track.”

For more information about S Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.shotelsresorts.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or LinkedIn.

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About S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited

S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited, the hospitality arm of Singha Estate Public Company Limited, is a fast-growing, Thai-inspired company with an extensive international portfolio and world-class standards. Specialising in the management and investment of high-quality hotels and resorts in desirable destinations across the globe, S Hotels & Resorts has created a collection of its own distinctive lifestyle brands, whilst also partnering with the hospitality industry’s leading names. The company aims to set new standards for leisure and lifestyle through diversified business platforms and to enhance value for all its stakeholders based upon a philosophy of sustainable development and delivering benefits to local communities. To learn more, please visit www.shotelsresorts.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, or LinkedIn. 

For more information and high-resolution images, contact:

Lalita Somboonsuk (Ta)

Senior Manager -Corporate Marketing Communications

S Hotels & Resorts | Singha Estate PCL

Tel: +66 (0) 2058-9888 ext. 320

E-mail: lalita.s@shotelsresorts.com

Website: www.shotelsresorts.com

Jerome Richard

VP, Delivering Asia Communications

Tel: +66 (0)91 723 1648

E-mail: jr@deliveringasia.com