Responsible Thailand Awards: Devasom Khao Lak

It’s encouraging to see so many hotels around Thailand supporting sustainability and responsible travel. Although there is still more work to be done, big strides are being made. The progress is recognised with the Responsible Thailand Awards. The annual awards shine a light on the individuals and organisations that are actively supporting sustainable tourism in Thailand. This includes hotels like Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort & Villas, the winner of the Responsible Thailand Awards 2023 in the hotel category.

This resort [Devasom] admirably tackles the many issues which can arise in the hotel industry – both environmental and social – to rise above other worthy nominees in what was a very strong category. It’s inspiring to see a resort so dedicated to its local area – especially in areas of educational uplift and employment.

– Responsible Thailand Award judges

Devasom Resorts

Devasom is a family-owned business with two luxury beach hotels. Devasom Hua Hin Resort opened its doors in 2010 and is now ranked among Thailand’s best small luxury resorts. Following on from this success, the intimate Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort & Villas opened in December 2018. Devasom prides itself on its hospitality and its support of the local community where it operates.

Derived from the Sanskrit words, ‘deva‘ for angels and ‘ashram‘ for residence, Devasom translates as ‘house of angels’ and refers to a peaceful place where people can rest, relax and enjoy the beauty of nature and local experiences.

Supporting the local community

Devasom is a wonderful example of a hotel supporting the local community where it operates. The resort achieves this in several ways including employing local residents, sourcing products from local producers and supporting schools in the Khao Lak area.

School lunch project and student scholarship

A school near the Devasom resort in Khao Lak is where most of the children from the local village study. Every academic year, Devasom supports the school by providing a school lunch fund. The resort sees this as an investment in the future because it is these youngsters who will go on to make a difference in their local community and beyond.

The sponsors university students to help them achieve their bachelor’s degree. Students like Phutawan Plegan (pictured above), a graduate of a local school who is now studying law. Phutawan’s dream is to become a lawyer so that he can serve his community and provide legal aid to those less fortunate.

Employing local people

The ethos of Devasom is that the happiness of their guests begins with the happiness of their staff. Devasom recruits and nurtures staff from the local community. A testament to the resort’s commitment is that throughout the Covid crisis, Devasom Khao Lak kept on every employee.

Locally sourced ingredients

Devasom sources quality products locally. By doing this the hotel supports local farmers and fishermen which in turn supports the local economy. Guests at Devasom also benefit from delicious fresh produce which is used in a range of recipes at Devasom’s various dining venues including the Michelin-rated Takola Thai Restaurant and Devasom Beach Grill and Bar.

Supporting local culture

Devasom provides practical support to the local community’s temple and shrine and also helps out with events and festivals in Khao Lak. Artisans in Khao Lak are also supported through the Devasom Khao Lak Artisan’s Shop which sells a variety of locally produced handicrafts.

Protecting the environment

Devasom recognises it has a duty to the environment. The beachfront hotel takes part in regular beach clean-ups and has also established several programs to tackle recycling, water conservation, and reduction of carbon emissions.

The importance of the environment is also taught in a fun way to children staying at Devasom with the Khao Lak Explorers’ Kids Club helping younger guests to learn about nature and ways to help through hands-on activities.

Visit Devasom Khao Lak

Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort & Villas is located on the lovely Khuk Khak Beach in Khao Lak. The Khao Lak area is ideal for a family holiday or couples seeking a quieter alternative to Phuket or Krabi. Find out more about what makes Devasom Khao Lak so special in the links here:

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Photos and video copyright of Devasom Resorts

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