While guests at the 5-star resort of Banyan Tree Samui enjoy exquisite dining and fine wines at its award-winning signature restaurant, Saffron, they may yet be unaware of the current of care that flows beneath the surface, ensuring that maximum effort is made to prepare all dishes using ingredients sourced through the most rigorous sustainability guidelines.
Several years back, Banyan Tree Samui was recognized as a flagship of sustainability and eco-friendliness in Thailand when it was awarded the highest level of certification by global watchdog EarthCheck, the first hotel in the country to achieve this award.
And in 2024, the luxury resort—often better known for its pool villas with infinity pools and spectacular views—announced a series of initiatives that keep the sustainability ball moving forward.
Cage-Free Eggs
In January 2024, just 2.75 percent of all eggs purchased by Banyan Tree Samui were classified as “cage-free”, indicating that they were sourced from free-range farms, as opposed to caged chickens. By May this year, that figure had leaped to more than two-thirds of the 17,402 eggs bought. Eggs from hens remain the most popular item in this category while the sourcing of cage-free quail eggs and duck eggs remains “a work in progress”, saidChef Rainer Roersch, the hotel’s Director of F&B and Cuisine.
Banyan Tree Samui
Sustainable Seafood
Thailand’s fishing industry has undergone a radical rethink since it was issued a “yellow card” by the European Union in 2015, a warning that sanctions could be applied if the country did not sufficiently tackle illegal and unregulated fishing. To protect biodiversity and support a sustainable supply chain, Banyan Tree Samui has now introduced a policy to purchase only sustainable seafood that is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Sustainability Council. Both these standards are monitored by Bureau Veritas, the recognized world leader in testing, inspection, and certification services.
While almost all seafood and fish are purchased locally on the tropical island, Banyan Tree Samui imports items such as salmon and snowfish. All 100 kilograms of salmon purchased on a monthly basis meet the requirements of the international agencies overseeing sustainable seafood practices.
Banyan Tree Samui
Coffee Granules & Capsules
Guests at a 5-star hotel like Banyan Tree Samui expect nothing but the best, and the same goes for having a modern coffee machine in their rooms. All 88 pool villas at the resort are equipped with Nespresso machines, which means that housekeepers are constantly refilling and disposing of thousands of coffee capsules and used granules. In collaboration with Nespresso, in October 2023 Banyan Tree Samui began recycling and upcycling the discarded coffee capsules. The aluminum is upcycled into everyday products such as bicycles, chairs, pens and window frames, as well as recycled coffee capsules. As for the coffee grains, they are recycled as compost fertilizer and renewable energy such as biofuel.
Banyan Global Foundation
In addition to ongoing “plastic-free” initiatives— phasing out the use of plastic bottles, straws, cutlery, and garbage bags, for example— and providing its food waste to a local pig farm, this eco-friendly hotel is also involved in a plethora of local community projects on Koh Samui. It has provided scholarships to local children; funded the reconstruction of a nearby school damaged by a storm; held annual blood drives; and, during the pandemic, offered complimentary one-night stays to all local health workers. Much of the finance for these benevolent programs comes from the Banyan Tree Global Foundation.
The Banyan Group has a longstanding commitment to sustainable practices, including numerous projects around the world concerning: waste management; water conservation; biodiversity; and a Climate Change project focused on green energy and waste-to-energy projects.
In 2019, the Banyan Tree Group (now the Banyan Group) implemented a Code of Conduct for suppliers to map a transparent supply chain for all its ingredients, and to promote socio-environmental practice. To date, more than 900 suppliers have registered worldwide.
With a focus on driving positive change and reducing carbon emissions, KSL Resorts has partnered with Evertreen – a pioneering platform facilitating online tree planting and tracking – to plant more than 1,300 trees in Kenya, helping to restore the area’s delicate ecosystem while generating jobs for local youth.
According to Ian Pullan, SVP of Asset Management, by planting trees, KSL and Evertreen are joining forces to contribute to environmental sustainability, while supporting the local economy. As part of our On Purpose sustainability program, for Earth Day this year we pledged to plant one tree for each reservation made that day at our portfolio of hotels and resorts, Pullan said. With the support of Evertreen, which sponsors tree planting throughout the world, we were able to plant 1,331 trees in the mangroves of Kenya – a coastal area severely impacted by deforestation. Planting trees helps mitigate the impact of global climate change while supporting biodiversity and providing a tremendous source of cleaner air. Although these trees are planted in Kenya, their impact is global. In this case, the trees planted can absorb up to 380 kgs of carbon dioxide per tree.
KSL Resorts & Evertreen
KSL Resorts initially embarked on a partnership with Evertreen in 2023 and to date has planted 5,000 trees – absorbing 750 tons of carbon dioxide and generating 625 working hours in Kenya.
Through an enduring and ongoing partnership with Evertreen, Pullan says, We ultimately hope to foster more sustainable, prosperous and equitable futures for our communities, our planet, our hotels and resorts.
Aimed at acting with intent and commitment, KSL’s On Purpose program provides a detailed, strategic and scientific approach to reducing the company’s collective environmental impact – reinforcing and enhancing existing companywide sustainability initiatives.
Our partnership with Evertreen marks an important milestone in our quest to help create a sustainable future and do what’s right for future generations and the environment, Pullan says.
More information on Evertreen is available at www.evertreen.com.
Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, in partnership with Terres de Légendes, is thrilled to announce the signing of a new hotel development, The Whimsy Hotel & Spa Saint-Martin – MGallery Collection. Located in the vibrant heart of Saint-Martin, it will be the first MGallery hotel to open in the Caribbean, a strategic location for the ongoing growth and development of the boutique-hotel collection brand MGallery.
Nestled along the pristine beaches of Saint-Martin, close to Marigot on the French side of the island, the hotel serves as an enchanting coastal haven, celebrating the island’s rich cultural heritage while drawing inspiration from the natural beauty and local traditions. For over 20 years, the Beach Plaza Hotel has been an iconic symbol of tourism in Marigot. With its salt-dusted façade and feet in the water, this former Caribbean hotspot is now being revived as a luxury hotel, a stopover for Saint-Martin residents and travelers from around the world. It is a tribute to the French art of living and the vibrant local culture, where the rhythms of instruments intertwine with those of the waves. This essential combination anchors this new home for friends and families as the must-visit spot in the Caribbean.
The Whimsy Hotel & Spa Saint-Martin – MGallery Collection will serve as a sanctuary for relaxation, adventure, and rejuvenation. Travelers from around the world will be invited to immerse themselves in this unique retreat, designed to inspire wonder and encourage exploration of the island’s captivating charm.
The Whimsy Hotel & Spa Saint-Martin
“We are thrilled to announce the signing of our new MGallery hotel in the heart of the Caribbean, a destination on the rise, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant culture. At MGallery, we thoughtfully curate unique properties that offer a collection of boutique hotels with true soul, delivering memorable and meaningful experiences. The hotel will serve as a gateway for guests to explore the island’s rich heritage and captivating stories. It will stand as a symbol of refined luxury, exceptional interior design, and mindfulness, contributing positively to the community. We look forward to welcoming travelers to experience the distinctive allure and memorable moments of MGallery in Marigot,” stated Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, MGallery, and Emblems.
Set to open in 2025, The Whimsy Hotel & Spa Saint-Martin – MGallery Collection is poised to be a storied and sophisticated destination full of luxury, beauty, and culture. The project will encompass 165 hotel rooms, including 40 suites. The hotel will feature an array of amenities including a restaurant, three bars (Lobby Beach Bar, Rooftop Bar, Pool Juice Bar), a spa with four treatment rooms, a fitness center, and a 250-square-meter MICE facility. With its unique rooftop bar and beach club, the hotel is expected to become a major F&B&E destination on the island.
The hotel will join the esteemed MGallery Hotel Collection brand. Founded in 2008, the collection of signature, design, and heritage hotels today includes over 120 luxury boutique hotels worldwide. Over the past two years, the brand has been ambitiously opening and signing multiple hotels, with plans to grow by 30% our network & pipeline by 2030.
Commenting on the project announcement, Edouard Schwob, Senior Vice President Luxury Development, Accor Americas, said, “We are excited to announce the signing of this exceptional project in collaboration with Patrice Seguin from Terres de Légendes. The Whimsy will serve as an iconic addition to the MGallery Collection brand’s presence in the Caribbean, characterized by purposeful architecture and intricate local storytelling through every touchpoint. Our expanding footprint in key destinations across the Caribbean continues to grow, with many more of our brands set to open in the market over the next five years.”
On his part, Patrice Seguin, Founder of Terres de Légendes and President of the Tourism Association of Saint-Martin (Club du Tourisme de Saint-Martin), expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “at Saint-Martin, we embrace strategic partnerships to achieve excellence. Our collaboration with Accor exemplifies this approach. This commitment to partnering with industry leaders extends across the hospitality sector, where we consistently set the highest standards for every project. The Whimsy is a testament to this strategy, and we believe it will redefine Saint-Martin’s hospitality landscape, contributing to the island’s economy and cultural richness.“
As part of a master development agreement, Patrice Seguin’s vision of creating an “Event Location, engine of the local economy” has been brought to life with the support of Accor.
“The Caribbean represents a strategic zone for the development of the MGallery brand, a destination revealed among the 4 key destination clusters for future global travelers. With its vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and rich heritage, the Caribbean offers the perfect backdrop for our collection of bespoke hotels. Accor remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding its presence in the Caribbean,” concludes Xavier Grange, Chief Development Officer for Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems.
