Finding something to feel good about in southern Thailand

Our recent experience with the JW Marriott was a delightful escape and exactly what we expected from our short vacation in southern Thailand. There was a lot of relaxation, and we certainly embraced everything the luxury resorts we stayed with had to offer, but the feel-good factor came from the delicious plant-based meals we enjoyed, and the planet-friendly programs. clear to see. Since the global hospitality industry has such a large impact on the environment and our planet, it is important that it takes steps to reduce that impact and be sustainable. One of the ways to make a difference is the food they serve, with sourcing, food waste and ingredients that need to be processed to ensure that sustainability goals are met. Both JW Marriott resorts in the south of Thailand have increased plant-based and vegan food available on their menus with many positive impacts, while it is interesting and inspiring to learn about other sustainability initiatives they have introduced, and their plans for the future. .

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa

Our first destination was the JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa which has an attractive beachfront location surrounded by natural beauty. Taking just over an hour from Phuket International Airport makes it an excellent choice for those who wish to enjoy their holiday in an area far enough away to enjoy a great slice of privacy, yet close enough to the airport to allow for quick and seamless travel. transfer. With 293 rooms and suites to choose from, many boasting direct pool access and ocean views, this luxury resort is a hidden paradise in southern Thailand and the perfect choice for much-needed rest and recovery on your next vacation.

Sustainability efforts include a truly unique JW Garden signature that was inspired by JW’s founders who love nature and the outdoors. Launched in April 2024, the large and green area of ​​27 hectares of the farm produces more than 200 types of plants, fruits, vegetables, leaves and herbs that are combined in containers and served throughout the resort. The inspirational Khun Joy leads this project with a passion that is clearly visible to anyone who meets her. He talks passionately about “creating a circle of sustainability” that starts with happy people (himself, employees, families and guests) developing and nurturing a healthy mind, body and spirit, leading to well-being, wealth and prosperity. This is no ordinary garden for leisure, this is JW Garden, I hope it will serve as an inspiration to others to create similar organic and sustainable food projects throughout the region.

The vegan food at JW Marriott Khao Lak was impressive and plentiful. If hotels, resorts and restaurants offer more vegan meals, this will lead to more guests choosing these options, not just vegetarian guests. Since animal agriculture has such a huge impact on the planet and the environment, each plant food that is fed has a positive impact with many benefits. So if you are on the board next to the egg station at JW Marriott Khao Lak one of the options is ‘Vegan Scramble’ this is a great way to encourage guests to choose a plant based breakfast. Our vegan scramble prepared with diced peppers, tomatoes and onions before being served with roasted tomatoes and sour dough, was definitely at the top of the global ‘Tofu Scramble’ leaderboard and we’d love to eat it again!

JW Marriott Khao Lak has partnered with the Oceans for all Foundation to create a Bamboo Shark Nursery and Conservation Center based at the resort. Since opening in 2023 they have hatched and released endangered Bamboo Sharks back into the Andaman Sea, where they have a 70% chance of survival, higher than the 50% survival rate of this species 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 fun and educational, you know she has a lot of knowledge and passion for the work they do and it was obvious that you saw it.

JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa

Our next stop was the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa which is located just a few steps from the calm and unspoiled Mai Khao Beach, and offers guests a wide choice of luxuriously appointed rooms and suites. For those who wish to get outside, there is something for everyone within easy reach. Head to one of Phuket’s bustling 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 one of the paths throughout the beachfront forest. However, rest assured that with so many restaurants, pools, activities and a spa at this luxury resort, there is no need to leave JW Marriott Phuket during your vacation.

From Beyond Burgers at Siam Deli to a vegan version of the popular signature JW French Toast for breakfast, and from the vegetarian a la carte menu at Ginja Taste to a delicious beetroot carpaccio with citrus, balsamic and croutons at Cucina, the vegan food at JW Marriott Phuket was creative and ubiquitous. It was clear to see that Executive Chef Brian Moore and his team are committed to developing and serving delicious vegan, vegetarian and plant-based dishes throughout the resort that have a positive impact on our health and the environment, while at the same time contributing to the 2025 Sustainability Goals set by Marriott International.

Other sustainable initiatives at JW Marriott Phuket include an annual event to celebrate Earth Day where 100% of ingredients are sourced within 50 kilometers of the resort. In order to find the necessary ingredients for these events, the team was invited to propose local suppliers and farmers from their communities and villages who could meet the needs based not only on the range, but the quality of the food and the standards that can be expected. Some of these local farmers are always part of the JW Marriott Phuket supply chain after the event that creates a positive impact on the community. The successful event also saw the installation of solar panels in the kitchens to prepare food for the event in collaboration with Sunsear who are Thailand’s leading green and clean energy supplier.

There are no plastic bottles, plastic straws or small bathroom accessories at JW Marriott Phuket in line with Marriott International brand standards. However, we were still happy to receive shower gel, shampoo and conditioner in refillable dispensers from the vegan friendly vegan brand Aromatherapy Associates in our room, as bathroom amenities often use ingredients derived from animals that are not suitable for carnivorous guests. Many sustainability initiatives include razors and toothbrushes made from bamboo, supplied in recycled cardboard boxes printed with soy ink. Another great planet-friendly initiative from the team at JW Marriott Phuket.

The long and winding road to hotels and resorts that are more stable is indeed a long one, but it is a journey worth taking for all of us. As delegates we have a responsibility to support operators who are making positive changes, and encourage others to do the same, while those within the industry need to continue to research and develop new ideas that will make a difference. Our time with JW Marriott in southern Thailand was educational and enlightening, and leaves us delighted that both their resorts in Khao Lak and Phuket are moving in the right direction.

Paul Eyers

Paul Eyers is the founder of Vegan Food Quest who writes about luxury hotels and resorts in Southeast Asia focusing on sustainable travel, eco travel and vegan travel. Currently based in Malaysia, Paul also writes about sporting events and other top golf courses across the region.