Responsible Thailand Awards: Paresa Resort, Phuket

Located on Phuket’s west coast, Paresa Resort is one of the leading luxury hotels on the island. With its hillside location close to Kamala Beach, guests can enjoy fabulous views over the Andaman Sea. Not only has Paresa won plaudits for its luxury facilities and hospitality, the resort has also been recognised in the Responsible Thailand 2021 Awards for their sustainability policies and their support of the local community.

Plastic-free Phuket

Paresa Resort has signed up to the ‘Phuket Pledge’. The agreement sees resorts and hotels taking active steps to reduce, reuse and recycle single-use plastic on Phuket with the ultimate aim to stop single-use plastics completely. The Phuket Pledge also vows to educate local youths about the plastic problem on the island so that future generations can continue the work needed.

Guests at Paresa are encouraged to bring their own personal care products such as toothbrushes and combs. Disposable plastic bottles are no longer used in the bathroom and have been replaced by refillable pump bottles. And instead of using plastic drinking bottles, the resort has invested in their own water production facility with complimentary drinking water provided to guest rooms in glass bottles. Plastic straws are also out. In addition, the resort works with their food suppliers to ensure fresh produce is delivered in reusable containers instead of plastic bags.

We need to fight for Phuket, and we can’t do it alone. We need to do it together.

– Paresa Resort, Phuket

Composting and recycling

Sometimes it’s the little things that can make a difference. The introduction of a composting site in the hotel grounds (together with its resident earthworms) has allowed organic waste to be broken down and reused as fertiliser. The wastewater that comes as a by-product from the earthworm farm is also repurposed and provides a nutrient-rich source of water for the resort’s gardens.

Sustainability and recycling are all part of the training for staff at Paresa. Staff and guests are also encouraged to put forward their own suggestions for ideas that can improve the resort’s green credentials and make a better stay for guests and the environment.

Good Shepherd

Responsible tourism isn’t just about being kind to the environment. While Paresa Resort has rightly won acclaim for its sustainability policies, the hotel also actively supports the Phuket community through their work with local charity organisation, Good Shepherd.

Good Shepherd supports a range of community projects on the island including the production of the soap which is used at Paresa Resort. The funds from this help support disadvantaged and orphaned children on Phuket. Paresa Resort also donates clothes, toys and supplies for the children. Guests staying at Paresa who would like to help are welcome to place a donation at the hotel reception.

Visit Phuket

Book your stay at Paresa Resort:
https://www.paresaresorts.com/

For more ideas and information about what to see and do in Phuket, take a look at these articles on our site:
Phuket travel guide
Discover another side to Phuket
Sample the gastronomic delights of Phuket
20 Phuket street foods and where to find them
Get sporty in Phuket

If you’re visiting Thailand and looking for ways to give back, take a look at our articles on responsible tourism. And if you’d like to support hotels and guest-houses who are doing their bit, check out this list of 40 hotels in Thailand supporting responsible tourism.

Photo credits: Paresa Phuket Facebook page

You may also enjoy