Pure Blue Foundation
For over 20 years, the Pure Blue Foundation has been a cornerstone of AKARYN Hotel Group’s commitment to responsible tourism, supporting marine and environmental conservation across Thailand. Through the foundation’s efforts, AKARYN became the first hotel group in Thailand to achieve a no single-use plastic standard in 2018. In addition to eliminating single-use plastics, the foundation has introduced various impactful initiatives, including:
- Lunch Gardens for Local Schools: Providing sustainable lunch programs and fostering environmental awareness among young students.
- Renewable Energy Use: 25% of Aleenta Phuket’s energy is sourced from renewable resources.
- Coral Restoration Projects: Ongoing efforts to restore and protect fragile coral reefs in coastal areas.
- Eco-Education: Partnering with schools to cultivate a love and respect for the environment.
With Pure Blue Foundation, guests enjoy the harmony of luxurious stays that contribute meaningfully to environmental preservation. Join us in our mission to protect Thailand’s natural beauty for generations to come.
Guardians of the Blue, Protecting the Future
Together for a Bluer, Cleaner Tomorrow
In line with its dedication to environmental stewardship, Pure Blue Foundation has taken significant strides to engage local communities, particularly schools, to educate the next generation about the importance of marine conservation. Reflecting the core philosophy of the Aleenta and akyra hotel brands, Pure Blue Foundation has championed the move towards single-use plastic-free operations. By 2018, all hotels under the group successfully eliminated single-use plastics across all properties, one of the first hotel groups to have successfully done so, setting a new standard for sustainable hospitality in the region. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to reducing plastic waste and protecting the environment.
Pure Blue Initiative
Empowering language learning through Wat Prachathikaram School
Recognizing the importance of nurturing language skills at an early age, Aleenta Phuket and Pure Blue Foundation have partnered with Wat Prachathikaram School in Na Toei Subdistrict, Thai Mueang District, Phang Nga Province. This esteemed institution, catering to students from kindergarten through elementary levels, plays a vital role in shaping the academic journey of 161 students, guided by a dedicated team of 10 teachers. In line with our commitment to educational excellence, we recently donated a series of bilingual storybooks (Thai-English), aimed at enriching the linguistic capabilities of students by providing engaging literary resources. Through this initiative, we aspire to contribute to the development of Thai language proficiency while also fostering a love for English literature, ultimately empowering students with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Chiang Mai pollution mitigation
In collaboration with “For Doi Suthep Club” and the Pure Blue Foundation, akyra Manor Chiang Mai is dedicated to tackling the pressing issue of pollution in Chiang Mai. Our partnership extends to various environmental initiatives aimed at mitigating pollution’s adverse effects on the region. We’ve joined forces with local communities to conduct vital firebreak activities in San Patong district, equipping villages with essential tools to combat and prevent forest fires. Additionally, we’re extending support to nearby villages and organizations by providing drinking water and dry food for fire protection surveys. Contributing to community resilience, we’re proud to sponsor and participate in the annual Run Charity organized by For Doi Suthep Club, aimed at raising funds to combat the recurring pollution crisis. Furthermore, our commitment extends to hands-on involvement in forest restoration activities alongside local villages, ensuring the preservation and rejuvenation of Chiang Mai’s precious natural habitats. Through these concerted efforts, we are dedicated to making a tangible difference in environmental sustainability and safeguarding the well-being of the community.
Chiang Mai green Kitchen Certificate 2024: a culinary commitment to sustainability
Amidst the vibrant culinary landscape of Chiang Mai, Italics Restaurant at akyra Manor proudly raises its culinary standards to new heights. Recently awarded the prestigious Chiang Mai Green Kitchen Certificate 2024, Italics sets a precedent for excellence in both gastronomy and environmental stewardship. This esteemed recognition not only celebrates the restaurant’s commitment to crafting exceptional dishes but also underscores its dedication to fostering food safety and sustainability practices within the heart of Chiang Mai. With each delectable creation, Italics continues to redefine the boundaries of culinary innovation while championing a greener, more environmentally conscious future for the community it serves.
Aleenta Phuket and Pure Blue Foundation foster sustainable education at Khao Pilai School
Aleenta Phuket and Pure Blue Foundation joined forces to contribute a lunch garden to the neighboring Khao Pilai School. This philanthropic initiative serves as a multifaceted platform, addressing various aspects of education and community development. Beyond providing nutritious meals, the project introduces students to the principles of healthy living habits and instills a deep understanding of organic farming. The broader impact extends to cultivating a quality lifestyle among the youth, fostering economic resilience, and promoting self-sufficiency. This holistic approach not only nourishes the students’ bodies but also nurtures their minds, paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future.
Pure blue foundation’s ‘out of the night fundraiser’
The Pure Blue Foundation’s “Out of the Night Fundraiser” is a monthly Friday night event that seamlessly blends philanthropy with entertainment. Nestled on the sandy shores, this charity beach party offers a vibrant atmosphere with live music, a delightful fun fair, captivating shows, thrilling games, and a mesmerizing fire show. The beachfront transforms into a culinary haven with a live station featuring fresh seafood, antipasti, and a sizzling barbecue, providing a delectable dining experience for attendees. What makes this event truly special is its purpose — all proceeds generated from the evening contribute to the Pure Blue Foundation’s noble cause of safeguarding marine life. Through this enchanting fusion of music, merriment, and a commitment to conservation, the “Out of the Night Fundraiser” not only offers a memorable night out but also plays a pivotal role in the ongoing efforts to preserve and protect our precious oceans.
The wildlife conservatory project
Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai is actively involved in wildlife conservation with Pure Blue Foundation, which focuses on combating wildlife smuggling and trafficking, particularly concerning species like the Suthep Slow Loris, Deer, Barking Deer, and Bos javanicus Banteng through the “Choengdoisuthep Wildlife & Nature Education Center”. The centre is in proximity to Wat Umong, just 1.5 km away from the retreat (accessible before reaching Baan Kang Wat). The center, open on weekdays from 8:00 to 16:30, serves as an educational hub where hotel guests can immerse themselves in the wonders of wildlife, free of charge. By offering this unique opportunity, Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai not only enhances the experience for its guests but also contributes significantly to raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.
Pioneering sustainable hospitality through recycled non-biodegradable plant oil
Discover a new era of sustainable luxury at Aleenta Retreat and Resorts, where a pioneering initiative is reshaping hospitality’s environmental footprint. Across all Aleenta properties, a groundbreaking effort is underway to recycle non-biodegradable used plant oil, transforming it into biodiesel and eco-friendly Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This visionary approach not only reduces waste but also powers the hospitality industry with cleaner alternatives, aligning Aleenta with global efforts to combat climate change. Guests can indulge in the opulence of Aleenta with the assurance that their stay contributes to a more sustainable future, showcasing how luxury and environmental responsibility can seamlessly coexist in the realm of hospitality.
Empowering connectivity with Pure Blue Foundation and Wellington International School of Bangkok
Aleenta Phuket, in collaboration with Pure Blue Foundation and Wellington International School of Bangkok, is proud to announce our latest initiative. In a commitment to empowering education, we have donated 5 computers, built wifi connectivity, and provided essential infrastructure to Khao Pilai School. Additionally, Wellington College has donated 11 mobile devices and organized a mentorship program between its students and the young learners of Khao Pilai.
This year-long mentorship program aims to inspire children from both communities through community service. Older students from Bangkok will guide their counterparts in Khao Pilai in various activities, including homework assistance, discussions on sustainability, and mutual growth. It’s a beautiful journey of learning, understanding, and building bridges between communities.
Plant for the future
Only a 25-minute drive from Aleenta Hua Hin Resort & Spa, visit Thailand’s first marine park, Khao Sam Roi Yot, to discover some of the country’s most beautiful mangroves. Work with park rangers to help reforest this incredible ecosystem and sustain the lives of the countless marine species that call it home. Donation for every tree planted goes directly to our Pure Blue Foundation to fund further environmental projects.
Celebrating the community, culture and environment that make our resort special
From the moment we began building Aleenta, our guiding principles have been to respect the environment and to cultivate practices that have a positive impact on our planet as well as the communities who host our hotels and our guests.
We have embedded ourselves into the local community by adopting Baan Kuan Ton School and assisting with annual improvement projects such as building a new playground and library, scholarships, and outing days that provide students with new experiences and environmental awareness. The school pledges to become single-use plastic free school – the first one in the country and maybe the world. Next we will work with them to create vegetable garden at school for lunch.
No Single-use Plastics
Following the launch of Asia’s first single use-plastic free hotel, akyra TAS Sukhumvit Bangkok, as of June 2019, the group have now implemented this across the whole group. Efforts include sourcing glass bottles and removing all single-use plastic from the bars and restaurants. As well as this, stylish, stainless steel water bottles are handed to guests on arrival, which can be refilled anytime during their stay at the self-service water stations located on every floor. Additionally, toiletry products are presented in locally manufactured celadon containers filled with essential oil-based products which can be refilled – and bought in bulk – at the hotel boutiques. For those wanting to indulge in some retail therapy outside of the resorts, special shopping totes can be found in the wardrobes to encourage guests to refuse plastic bags when shopping, promoting change even whilst outside of the hotel.
Train & sustain retreat
Aiming to inspire and educate a generation of eco-conscious travellers, Pure Blue Foundation held the ‘Train & Sustain’ bootcamp at akyra Beach Resort Phuket and Aleenta Phuket – The 2 contemporary beachfront resorts overlooking the Andaman Sea. The three-day health and sustainability boot camp combined group activities to support the local environment such as cleaning local beaches of rubbish and educating children on the consequences of using plastic, with yoga, fitness classes and spa treatments – reinforcing the foundation’s key commitments to responsible tourism and wellbeing.