Written By: Colin Hinshelwood/ CPA Media
Tomorrow is Earth Hour and hotels across Asia are working to highlight the importance of sustainable tourism and celebrate their commitment to the cause. We’ve put together a collection of some more notable examples.
Alma Resort Cam Ranh
A flairtending and fire show, beach bonfire, tree planting, beach cleaning and more will be staged at Alma on Vietnam’s Cam Ranh peninsula to mark Earth Hour on Saturday March 26. After a ‘world cake decoration’ workshop at the resort’s Pasty Kitchen from 10am, a ‘back of house’ tour from 3pm will include the resort’s wastewater treatment plant, electric buggy station, recycling in the garbage room and other stops designed to lessen Alma’s carbon footprint. Guests’ names will be attached to every tree they plant in the resort’s gardens from 3pm, and everyone is welcome to join efforts to collect garbage on the beach from 4pm. Alma’s beachfront restaurant Atlantis will serve a BBQ buffet from 6pm until 9.30pm. All the resort’s food and beverage facilities will turn off the lights from 7.30pm-8.30pm, during which a 20-minute flairtending and fire show will light up both Atlantis and street-style venue Chill’s Snack and Bar. The day will be rounded out with a bonfire on the sand from 8.30pm until late.
Banyan Tree Samui
The “Magic of Light” evening at Banyan Tree Samui begins on Saturday with a BBQ buffet, during which guests will be invited to join a photo-op using a flashlight to write their name or a slogan alongside a display of paper lanterns arranged in the form of the 60+ Earth Hour logo. A camera set on long exposure captures the scene beautifully. All electricity at the resort – except for risk areas – will be turned off from 19.30 – 20.30. A spectacular fire-twirling performance on the beachfront will round off an enthralling evening, cost of which is THB 2,500 nett per person. For reservations, email: [email protected] or call: 077-915333.
Banyan Tree Krabi
At the northernmost corner of isolated Tubkaek Beach, Banyan Tree Krabi will shut down all of its electricity at 20:29 and spark up an Earth Hour Campfire. There will be marshmallows and sweet potatoes to roast, and the imagination to indulge with sparklers allows the opportunity to carve all sorts of fantastic shapes into the sky. The campfire actually kicks into gear at 8:15pm with drinks on the resort’s beachfront lawn.There will also be a fire show accompanied by live acoustic guitar. The evening is free for all guests. For all reservations and more information, go to: https://www.banyantree.com/en/thailand/krabi
Azerai Resorts
Each of Azerai’s three resorts in Vietnam – in Hue, Can Tho and Ke Ga Bay – will call attention to the importance of sustainability and the preservation of the planet by switching off their electric lights for an hour and illuminating their grounds with paper lanterns and candles. Azerai Can Tho has long been a leader in sustainability, with solar power plants that generate up to 2,500 Kwh of electricity, covering much of the resort’s power needs. Staff regularly participate in river clean-up activities, and Azerai Can Tho is involved in efforts to preserve the local mangroves. Azerai La Residence, Hue has also introduced a number of environmental initiatives related to water conservation, energy saving, responsible eating, protecting biodiversity, and more.
Azerai Can Tho
Azerai Ke Ga Bay
Azerai La Residence, Hue
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
For an hour on Saturday night, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi will switch off all non-essential lights in public areas, including outside on its iconic facade, canopies and terrace. Empty guestrooms and the hotel’s office will also go dark to raise awareness about the importance of environmental protection and preserving natural habitats. In recent years Metropole Hanoi has taken many steps toward greater sustainability, including phasing out all single-use plastic items throughout the guest experience. Earlier this year, Metropole Hanoi replaced single-use bathroom amenities with eco-friendly alternatives. The hotel has also introduced eco-friendly towels and bedding, installed an urban vegetable garden, and begun receiving power from a “green” electricity supply, reusing rainwater, and offering organic and certified agro-ecology produce, among other initiatives.
Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion
Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion, a wellness-focused resort on the outskirts of Vietnam’s former Imperial Capital of Hue, may be going dark for Earth Hour but that doesn’t mean there will be a lack of light. Guests are invited to come together around a roaring bonfire and recycled tea light candles (shaped in the Earth Hour logo) will add a warm glow. There will also be a group meditation session with chanting, and light non alcoholic refreshments will be served to guests.
Fusion Resort Cam Ranh
This beachfront property on Vietnam’s South Central coast is focusing on children this year with a range of events that span more than just one hour. The day starts at 7am, with an hour-long session at Fusion Resort Cam Ranh’s Farm School, the only one in Vietnam, where they’re hosting a special “Mother Earth” class, highlighting sustainability and how young visitors can help make a difference. The show and tell topic of the class will be baby ducklings, with 12 having recently hatched. Other activities include an “Earth Lab” workshop from 11am – 12pm for both kids and parents, where dedicated Earth Lab Ambassadors will showcase their skills and assist guests in making chemical free conditioner and face cleansers that they can take home.
