Finding the feel-good factor in southern Thailand

Our recent experience with JW Marriott was the perfect feel-good escape and exactly what we had hoped for during our short vacation in southern Thailand. There was of course plenty of relaxing, and we most certainly embraced everything that the luxury resorts we stayed with had to offer, but the feel-good factor also came from the delicious plant based food that we enjoyed, and the planet friendly initiatives that were clear to see. With the global hospitality industry having such a huge impact on the environment and our planet, it’s essential that they are making moves to lessen that impact and operate more sustainably. One of the ways to make a difference is through the food that they serve, with sourcing, food waste and ingredients needing to be scrutinised to ensure that sustainability goals are reached. Both of the JW Marriott resorts in southern Thailand have increased the plant based and vegan food available on their menus which has multiple positive impacts, whilst it was also 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 stop was JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa which boasts an enviable beachfront location that is surrounded by natural beauty. Being just over an an hour from Phuket International Airport makes it an excellent choice for those who wish to enjoy their vacation at a resort that is remote enough to enjoy a generous slice of secluded escapism, yet close enough to the airport to allow swift and seamless transfers. 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 option for some much needed rest and recuperation on your next vacation.

Sustainability initiatives include the truly unique signature JW Garden that was inspired by the JW founders love for nature and the outdoors. Launched in April 2024, the vast and verdant 27 acres of organic farmland produces more than 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 that meets her. 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 wellness, wealth and prosperity. This is no ordinary resort garden, this is a JW Garden, that will hopefully act as an inspiration for others to develop 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 food, this in turn will lead to more guests choosing these options, and not just vegan guests. With animal agriculture having such a huge impact on the planet and the environment, every plant based meal that is served has a positive impact which has multiple benefits. So when on the chalkboard adjacent to the egg station at JW Marriott Khao Lak one of the options is ‘Vegan Scramble’ this is an excellent way to encourage guests to choose a plant based meal for breakfast. Our vegan scramble which was prepared with diced peppers, tomatoes and onion before being served with roasted tomatoes and sour dough, was most certainly towards the top of our global ‘Tofu Scramble Leaderboard’ and we would love to eat it again!

JW Marriott Khao Lak have partnered with Oceans for all Foundation to create the Bamboo Shark Nursery and Conservation Center which is 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 for this species in the wild. The fact that they are kept in the conservation centre until they are six months old is the main reason that the survival rate is higher. Our time at the Bamboo Shark Nursery and Conservation Center with Khun Ying was enjoyable and informative, she is clearly knowledgable and passionate about the work they are doing and that 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 serene and unspoiled Mai Khao Beach, and offers guests an extensive choice of luxuriously appointed rooms and suites. For those who wish to venture outside, there is something for everyone within easy reach. 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 nearby Sirinat National Park by walking one of the trails throughout the ocean front forest. However, rest assured that with numerous restaurants, pools, activities and a spa within this luxury resort, there is absolutely no need to leave JW Marriott Phuket during your vacation.

From Beyond Burgers 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, the vegan food at JW Marriott Phuket was creative and omnipresent. It was clear to see that Executive Chef Brian Moore and his team are committed to developing and offering exciting vegan, vegetarian and plant based dishes throughout the resort which has positive impact on our health and the environment, whilst at the same time contributes towards the 2025 Sustainability Goals set out by Marriott International.

Other sustainable initiatives at JW Marriott Phuket include an annual event to celebrate World Earth Day where 100% of ingredients were sourced within 50km of the resort. In order to source the necessary ingredients for these events, the team were invited to suggest local suppliers and growers from their own communities and villages who could meet not only the distance based requirements, but the food quality and standards that would be expected. Some of these local growers have remained part of the supply chain for JW Marriott Phuket after the event which creates positive social impact. The successful event also saw the installation of solar panels for the kitchens to prepare the event meals via a partnership with Sunsear who are a leading provider of greener and cleaner energy in Thailand.

There are no plastic bottles, plastic straws or miniature bathroom amenities at JW Marriott Phuket which is in line with the Marriott International brand standards. However, we were still excited to find shower gel, shampoo and conditioner in refillable dispensers from vegan friendly vegan brand Aromatherapy Associates in our room, as often the bathroom amenities use animal derived ingredients which are of course not suitable for vegan guests. The multiple sustainability measures also including razors and toothbrushes made from bamboo, supplied in recyclable cardboard boxes which had been printed with soy ink. Yet another positive planet friendly initiative from the team at JW Marriott Phuket.

The long and winding road towards hotels and resorts being more sustainable is indeed a long one, but an essential journey that we must all make. As guests we have a responsibility to support operators that are making positive changes, and encourage others to do the same, whilst those within the industry need to continue researching and developing new concepts that will make a difference. Our time with JW Marriott in southern Thailand was educational and enlightening, and left us feeling happy that both their resorts in Khao Lak and Phuket are most certainly travelling in the correct direction.