JW Marriott Khao Lak proudly introduces the JW Garden, a pioneering venture dedicated to holistic wellness, sustainability, conservation and immersive nature encounters.
Spanning 27 acres, the JW Garden operates as a fully-fledged farm and sanctuary, placing a strong emphasis on ethical sourcing.
Boasting over 200 varieties of indigenous plants, fruits, and herbs, the site offers guests guided tours to explore its rich vegetation and learn about organic farming practices.
Free-range chickens and ducks within the garden yield fresh eggs daily, enhancing the resort’s commitment to ethical and sustainable food sourcing.
Carefully harvested, these organic ingredients find their way into the resort’s kitchens, enriching the flavors of cuisine and underpinning the culinary creations across JW Marriott Khao Lak’s esteemed restaurants.
Working towards eliminating waste is a key objective of the hotel and the composting plant at the JW Garden repurposes every viable scrap from the resort kitchens and dining rooms.
This full-circle, farm-to-table approach ensures freshness, quality, and superior nutritional benefits, fostering a deeper connection to the land and promoting sustainable dining experiences.
Guests can fully immerse themselves in the vibrant world of the JW Garden through daily tours led by resident environmentalists, who offer insights into sustainable initiatives and conservation.
They will encounter beloved farm animals like water buffaloes, goats, free-range chickens and ducks, along with butterflies and honeybees, which provide organic honey for resort breakfasts.
At the Environment School, children receive invaluable knowledge through engaging sessions, empowering them to become tomorrow’s change-makers, committed to preserving the natural world for future generations.
The JW Garden’s signature initiative involves reintroducing the Nipa Palm, or Mangrove Palm, a Thai native species known locally as “chak”. This palm holds immense ecological and economic significance, thriving uniquely in mangrove forests.
With versatile applications from thatching roofs to sugar production, it enriches biodiversity and promotes sustainability by reforesting land formerly used as shrimp farms.
Additionally, this initiative will serve as an education center for local school children and the community, promoting awareness of ecological restoration and sustainable practices.
Beyond farm tours and education opportunities, guests can partake in a variety of engaging activities, from tranquil bird-watching and scenic kayaking on a private lagoon to hands-on experiences like planting and harvesting herbs and produce.
A newly created running track provides an invigorating way to experience the landscape’s biodiversity while incorporating fitness routines. It encompasses a freshwater lake surrounded by tropical marshes and scrubland teeming with wildlife while the Yoga Shala and Lagoon Escape provides a serene space for guests to reconnect with nature.
Reflecting on this milestone, Abhimanyu Singh, General Manager of JW Marriott Khao Lak, remarked, “At our core, we are dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and holistic wellbeing. The JW Garden embodies this commitment, showcasing our passion for nurturing the earth and our guests. We seamlessly integrate our farm-to-table philosophy into every aspect of the resort experience, from recreation to spa indulgence, with a focus on our proudly sourced ingredients. We aim to foster mindfulness and connection to the present moment, inspiring a deeper appreciation for nature and wellbeing lasting beyond our guests’ departure”.
The JW Garden builds upon the success of the Bamboo Shark Nursery and Conservation Centre, which was inaugurated last year as the first of its kind within Marriott International’s Asia Pacific portfolio. Developed in collaboration with the Oceans For All Foundation (OFA), this dedicated marine sanctuary protects the
threatened bamboo sharks of the Andaman Sea. Through Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy, guests can actively contribute to the preservation of the local marine environment while enjoying an exceptional experience.
Source – JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort and Spa
