Sustainable luxury in Bangkok with Marriott

In the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, complete with the towering skyscrapers, the lavish accommodations and literally millions of people, the need for sustainability looms large. Hospitality is one of the many sectors that needs to make strategic changes to their business model so we can continue to enjoy everything it has to offer, whilst at the same time lessening the impact of mass tourism. Sustainable travel is not just a desire but a necessity if we are to reverse some of the damage already done, and protect the planet for future generations. By demanding sustainable practices, luxury travellers can encourage the hospitality industry to make these positive changes.

Marriott International understand that with their size and scale that they have a “global responsibility and unique opportunity to be a force for good”. The Marriott International 2025 Sustainability and Social Impact Goals, which alongside the UN Sustainable Development Goals, are guiding them in the correct direction with a series of social, environmental, empowerment and sustainable initiatives that will result in them being a force for good in the global hospitality industry.

We recently stayed at two of their properties in Bangkok, and were excited to learn about the positive changes they have already made, alongside commitments and initiatives that will see future changes allow them to achieve their sustainability and social impact goals.

The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Guests who choose to stay at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel are choosing sophistication, elegance and timeless charm. This iconic Bangkok hotel has a rich history dating back to 1876, and for many years has catered to the discerning traveler seeking refined and indulgent luxury. From the moment you step into the grand lobby, you just can’t fail to be impressed by the opulence and tranquility, and it’s clear that your time at The Athenee promises a plethora of unforgettable memories and unique experiences.

As you would imagine and expect from a Marriott International hotel, the ‘low hanging fruits’ of sustainable tourism have all been ‘picked’ here at The Athenee. There are no plastic water bottles or plastic straws, and the bathroom amenities are all in refillable dispensers. Although this trio of implementations seem so simple, it is sadly still far from the norm in the hospitality industry and this has to change. Market leaders such as The Athenee continue to lead from the front which will go some way to encourage others to do the same. Other exciting and planet friendly initiatives include installing LED lighting throughout the property, and a new AC system that reduced the power usage by 8%. In addition to these far from simple infrastructure upgrades, another has seen the installation of an innovative waste water filtration system that results in 70% of the waste water that is generated is reused in the gardens and to flush the toilets.

Currently they are working hard to bring food waste down by 50%, and ensuring that 95% of their food products are responsibly sourced in line with the Marriott International 2025 Sustainability and Social Impact Goals. As the first hotel in the world to achieve ISO 20121 you can be sure that The Athenee is going above and beyond in their efforts to be a sustainable hotel. This global benchmark is an events sustainability management system that has been created to help event industry organisations to lessen their footprint and become more sustainable. These continuing efforts include that 100% of rice served at The Athenee is sourced from an organic farm just a couple of hours from Bangkok. This not only is environmentally responsible by reducing ‘food miles’, but is also socially responsible as the organic rice is purchased direct from the farmer. This ensures that he gets a fair price by removing the need to sell to a wholesale distributor which would be the norm. Plant based, vegan and vegetarian food options are available at each of the restaurants at The Athenee. In addition to these exciting and nutritious menu inclusions being more sustainable, they also reduce environmental impact, and offer a healthy culinary alternative for all hotel guests.

Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection

Check in at Madi Paidi Bangkok, The Autograph Collection which is nestled in the heart of Bangkok’s vibrant Thong Lor district, and experience a brand new and unique fusion of contemporary luxury, traditional Thai hospitality, and individualist style. This boutique luxury hotel welcomes guests with the art of story telling and personalised service, where every detail is crafted to perfection, ensuring that your bespoke experience will be exactly like nothing else. Quite simply, Madi Paidi promises an unforgettable stay that captures the essence of modern luxury in the heart of Bangkok.

If you choose to stay at Madi Paidi Bangkok, The Autograph Collection you certainly won’t find any single use plastic water bottles or plastic straws, you will find water is in glass bottles that can be re used, and plastic straws that have been replaced with straws made from a plant fibre. The team have also worked hard to reduce the reliance on single use plastic in the bathrooms too with refillable dispensers for the shower gel, shampoo and conditioner, alongside a couple of other initiatives that were good to see. Firstly, they are using toothpaste tablets which are stored in glass jars, and the other bathroom amenities are stored in biodegradable plastic, that is branded on one side and clear on the reverse. this allows guests to see exactly what is inside, with no need to tear the packet open, which in turn reduces the waste. These changes are all helping Madi Paidi reach the goals that were set out in the Marriott International 2025 Sustainability and Social Impact Goals.

EKKALUCK Bangkok

The F&B team at Madi Paidi are also driving forward with planet friendly initiatives, ensuring that the group sustainability goals are met. The passion from the F&B Manager and the executive chef were clear to see when they explained some of the changes that they have already made, and others that are ‘work in progress’. With the signature restaurant EKKALUCK playing the part of a social hub at Madi Paidi, this is where you will find these initiatives being put into action. Food waste is continually being reduced, as are food miles with items such as in room alcohol, jams, and coffee beans all being sourced through partnership with local producers and growers. The removal of single use plastic also includes all food packaging for take away items, which are now eco friendly products produced in Thailand.

This is just the start; both The Athenee and Madi Paidi are on a journey to become more sustainable and lessen their impact, as should be the norm at all hotels and resorts in this day and age. As we move towards 2025 and beyond, we will see new ideas and initiatives being implemented, which as guests we should not just encourage but demand. How can we do this? We can do that by only choosing to stay at hotels and resorts that take their environmental responsibilities seriously…

Paul Eyers

Paul Eyers is co-founder of Vegan Food Quest who write about luxury hotels and resorts in Southeast Asia with a focus on sustainable travel, eco travel and vegan travel. Currently based in Malaysia, Paul also writes about sporting events and some of the finest golf courses throughout the region.