Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort puts sustainability at its heart

The term sustainability is often thrown around as a buzzword in the hospitality industry, but at Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort, it’s genuinely part of their mission. Located in Makham Bay, just south of Phuket Town, the beautiful resort puts sustainable practices into action that benefit both the environment and the local community through their EcoHarmony Initiative. In fact, their efforts have even earned them the title of Best Luxury Sustainable Resort in Phuket, Thailand for 2024 from the Luxury Lifestyle Awards. Here’s how they do it.

Energy efficiency and water conservation to preserve local resources

Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort is just a short 15-minute drive from Old Phuket Town, but it feels like a peaceful escape from the beats and blares that fill the island. The beautiful resort features 211 rooms, suites, and villas, as well as three restaurants, two bars, three swimming pools, a fitness lounge, spa facilities, and a kids club, among others. This means that, like every resort around the world, they use a lot of resources to keep things running smoothly. However, they make sure to use those resources wisely.

Energy efficiency is a key part of the resort’s sustainability strategy. The resort has taken several steps to lower their energy consumption, such as installing LED lights in 95% of the hotel, fitting low electrical saving equipment in the preparation kitchen, and using photo sensor switch lighting for 75% of the public areas.

On the water conservation front, Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort also shows a strong commitment to protecting local resources. They have set up a rainwater collection system for irrigation purposes. This water is used to keep the lawns in the Beach Front and Sea View Villas lush. To further conserve water, timers are set on pool pumps with the Pool Villas to prevent excessive use. Finally, the resort opts for native plants and drought-resistant species in their indoor and outdoor gardens, which allows them to use even less water while maintaining beautiful landscaping.

A quest toward zero waste for a positive footprint

It’s impossible not to be impressed by Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort’s waste management efforts. Their goal is simple: produce as little waste as possible. Every item is carefully assessed, and nothing usable is thrown away.

One of their brilliant initiatives focuses on reducing food waste. The talented Pastry Chef has creatively transformed leftover croissants into delicious Almond Cream Croissants at breakfast. This not only prevents food from being wasted but also treats guests to a delightful morning pastry.

Based on the awareness of the harmful effects of plastic waste on our planet, Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort has taken significant steps to replace single-use plastics as well. In every hotel room, restaurant, and bar, you won’t find disposable utensils or toiletries. Instead, they proudly feature eco-friendly dry amenities crafted from natural materials.

For example, items such as dental kits and shower caps are made from biodegradable resources like wheat straw and corn starch. These items are designed to break down within just 90 days. Even their packaging is environmentally friendly. Made from stone paper—derived from calcium carbonate—this material is durable and much more sustainable than traditional paper.

Safeguarding marine ecosystems with environmental activities

Located in Phuket, it makes sense that the Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort is dedicated to protecting the ocean.

A prime example of this is seen in the farm-to-table approach in Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort’s dining options. They embrace the global movement towards sustainable seafood by making mindful choices in their culinary offerings. Everything that goes on your plate has been sourced responsibly to protect the ocean. Thus, you can savour delicious flavours of the sea while also supporting local fishing communities that practise sustainable methods.

Recently, the resort teamed up with the Oceans for All Foundation and the Phuket Marine Biological Center for the Baby Shark Release x Charity Brunch Event. They released 30 baby bamboo sharks, which play a big role in keeping coral reefs healthy by controlling fish populations, into Panwa Beach. In addition, they regularly do beach cleaning activities.

Join in on the fun by participating in the resort’s environmental events

Staying at Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort is already a step towards sustainable travel. However, the resort offers hands-on opportunities for you to engage in various community and environmental projects.

The Marine Life Education, for one, invites guests to witness marine life from up close with tours that focus on the important conversation efforts. Panwa Beach is home to over 100 species of sea life. Therefore, it’s the perfect place for you to observe the area’s natural beauty and biodiversity. From protecting coral reefs to conserving local wildlife, each tour highlights the resort’s dedication to preserving the environment.

On the other hand, the Seagrass Exhibition showcases how seagrass contributes to the wellbeing of the ecosystem. Upon arrival, you will find this interesting exhibition located within Aqua Nest. You can take pictures and share them on your social media using the hashtag #savetheoceans to help raise awareness and appreciation for the ocean’s treasures.

Sustainable initiatives for the community

On a social level, Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort makes a strong effort to support the local community by sourcing their eco-conscious products locally and prioritising local employment. While they do have employees from multiple nationalities, they aim to hire their workforce from nearby areas as much as possible to boost the local economy.

Moreover, part of their mission includes participation in the WATCH – We Act Together for Children program. This initiative focuses on combating child sexual exploitation within the tourism industry. Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort implements strict measures against any instances of such abuse. Their employees are all trained to recognise and prevent these issues.

Let’s face it: the planet is heating up, and with more and more people travelling (The Tourism Authority of Thailand reported over 3.6 million tourists visited Phuket in the first quarter of 2024), it’s essential to consider your accommodation choices and their long-term impact on the environment. Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort might be the answer for your sustainable, guilt-free stay on the island.

For more information, visit Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort’s website.