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Banyan Tree Samui Resort, Thailand
Travel is a great way to experience all the wonders our planet has to offer. But overtourism, resource consumption, and plastic waste has put all of that at risk. While many companies are recognizing their impact, and vowing to eliminate single-use plastics such as straws, shopping bags and water bottles, that alone will not be enough. Luckily there is a new crop of travel and tourism innovators that have emerged with a focused commitment on the environment, without sacrificing on comfort or luxury. The Banyan Tree Samui, Thailand’s first hotel to receive a Gold Certification by EarthCheck—the world’s leading benchmark for sustainable tourism, seeks to create lasting value through stringent environmental practices. Sitting on a secluded hillside on the Gulf of Thailand, this breathtaking resort overlooks a protected cove with more than 10,000 acres of coral reef. Following a science-based approach to conservation efforts, the Banyan Tree Samui aims to raise awareness of climate change through tree-planting events, and supports coral regeneration by employing an on-staff marine biologist to retrieve, revive, and replant damaged coral. The resort also supports positive action and engagement from associates, guests and community members, by connecting people to the destinations natural resources and driving stewardship.