Finding the feel-good factor in southern Thailand

Our recent experience at the JW Marriott was the perfect feel-good escape, just what we were hoping for during our short vacation in southern Thailand. Of course, there’s plenty to relax about, and we certainly loved everything the luxury resort we stayed at had to offer, but the feel-good factor also came from the delicious plant-based food we enjoyed, and the earth-friendly initiatives clearly visible. The global hospitality industry has such a huge impact on the environment and the planet that they must take steps to reduce this impact and operate more sustainably. One of the ways to make a change is through the food they serve, which requires careful review of sourcing, food waste and ingredients to ensure sustainability goals are met. Both JW Marriott resorts in southern Thailand have added plant-based and vegan options to their menus, which has had multiple positive impacts, and it’s also interesting and inspiring to learn about their other sustainability initiatives and future plans.

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa

Our first stop is JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa It has an enviable seaside location, surrounded by natural beauty. Just over an hour from Phuket International Airport, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a holiday at a resort that’s remote enough for generous secluded escapism, yet close enough to the airport to Quick and seamless travel transfers. 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, perfect for rest and rejuvenation on your next vacation.

Sustainability initiatives include the truly unique and iconic JW Garden, inspired by the JW founders’ love of nature and the outdoors. Opening in April 2024, the 27-acre expanse of verdant organic farmland produces more than 200 species of plants, fruits, vegetables, leaves and herbs that are incorporated into dishes and served throughout the resort. The inspiring Khun Joy leads this project with passion, which is clearly visible to anyone who meets her. She talks passionately about “creating a sustainable circle” that starts with happy people (herself, staff, family and visitors) who nurture and nurture a healthy body, mind and spirit, which in turn leads to health, wealth and prosperity . This is no ordinary resort garden, this is a JW garden that will hopefully provide inspiration for others to develop similar organic and sustainable food projects throughout the region.

The vegan food at JW Marriott Khao Lak is impressive and plentiful. If hotels, resorts and restaurants offer more vegan options, this will in turn lead to more guests choosing these options, not just vegan guests. Since animal agriculture has such a huge impact on the planet and the environment, every plant-based meal has a positive impact, delivering multiple benefits. So when one of the options on the blackboard next to the egg station at the JW Marriott Khao Lak is “Vegan Scramble,” it’s a great way to encourage guests to choose plant-based breakfast options. Our vegan stir-fry, prepared with diced peppers, tomatoes and onions and served with roasted tomatoes and sourdough, is hands down the top of our global ‘tofu stir-fry rankings’ and we’d love to eat it again!

JW Marriott Hotel Khao Lak has partnered with Ocean Foundation for Everyone Creation of a bamboo shark conservation and conservation center located at the resort. Since opening in 2023, they have hatched and released endangered bamboo sharks into the Andaman Sea, where they have a 70% survival rate, higher than the species’ 50% survival rate in the wild. They are kept in conservation centers until they are six months old, which is the main reason for the high survival rate. We had a great and informative time with Khun Ying at the Bamboo Shark Conservation and Conservation Center, she was clearly very knowledgeable and passionate about the work they are doing and it was obvious.

JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa

Our next destination is JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa Just steps away from the tranquil and unspoilt Mai Khao Beach, the hotel offers guests a variety of luxuriously appointed rooms and suites. For those looking to get out and explore, there’s something for everyone. Head to one of the bustling Phuket beach towns and enjoy endless cafes, bars, restaurants and nightlife, or choose to be surrounded by nature and explore nearby Sirinas National Park along one of the trails in the coastal forest. But don’t worry, with so many restaurants, pools, activities and spas at this luxury resort, you never have 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 Breakfast, from Ginja Taste’s vegetarian a la carte menu to JW Vegan Food Cucina’s delicious beet carpaccio with citrus, balsamic and croutons Phuket The Island Marriott is creative and omnipresent. It’s clear that Executive Chef Brian Moore and his team are committed to developing and serving exciting vegan, vegetarian and plant-based dishes throughout the resort that have a positive impact on our health and the environment, while providing 2025 Sustainable Development Goals Developed 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. To source the necessary ingredients for these events, the team was invited to recommend local suppliers and growers from their own communities and villages who could not only meet the distance-based requirements, but also meet the expected food quality and standards. After the event, some of these local growers remained part of the JW Marriott Phuket supply chain, creating a positive social impact. During this successful event we also worked with the following companies to install solar panels for the kitchen to prepare event meals Risil They are Thailand’s leading supplier of green and clean energy.

JW Marriott Hotel Phuket does not use plastic bottles, plastic straws or micro bathroom products, in line with Marriott International brand standards. However, we’re still happy to find body wash, shampoo and conditioner in refillable dispensers from vegan-friendly vegan brands Aromatherapy Association In our room, the bathroom amenities often use ingredients of animal origin, which is certainly not suitable for vegan guests. Several sustainability initiatives also include razors and toothbrushes made from bamboo, housed in recyclable cardboard boxes printed with soy ink. Another positive earth-friendly initiative from the team at JW Marriott Phuket.

The long and winding road to more sustainable hotels and resorts is indeed a long one, but it is an important journey that we all must 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 researching and developing new concepts that can make a difference. Our time at the JW Marriott in southern Thailand was educational and enlightening, and we are pleased that their resorts in Khao Lak and Phuket are definitely moving in the right direction.

Paul Ayers

Paul Eyers is the co-founder of Vegan Food Quest and writes about luxury hotels and resorts in Southeast Asia, with a focus on sustainable travel, eco-travel and vegan travel. Paul currently lives in Malaysia where he also writes about sporting events and some of the best golf courses across the region.