The Sarojin shares its responsible Christmas celebrations
With community engagement and green practices at the core of The Sarojin’s ethos, Thailand’s independent 56-room boutique residence provides a range of activities for travellers wanting to ensure Christmas is celebrated sustainably this year.
Join a volunteering day
A sustainable Christmas trip begins with a Sarojin Cares activity, which helps build awareness of how easily guests can give back to the local community and care for the local environment whilst enjoying a luxurious Christmas escape. Each of the resort’s popular packages includes a complimentary invitation to participate in The Sarojin Cares Days, a monthly team outing (introduced in 2007) to volunteer in the community. There are more than 10 packages available to suit every type of traveller, from packages for spa pampering and relaxation to adventurous excursions, culinary experiences and even options for those travelling in a small group. The packages are available here: https://www.sarojin.com/en/khao-lak-resort-sarojin-package/
Take a dive at Christmas Point
The Sarojin neighbours the spectacular Surin and Similan Islands, which each boast Marine National Parks dotted with beautiful coral reefs attracting a wide variety of marine life. The Similan Islands hold a beautiful “secret” Christmas gift as Similan Island number nine is known locally as Christmas Point for its white and red coral reefs resembling a Christmas tree. The resort organises guided visits to the island aboard the Lady Sarojin yacht over the festive period. As with all marine excursions to the islands the resort offers, the team makes a special effort to educate guests on the marine conservation project at the islands so that they are aware of how to respond to marine life responsibility when diving or snorkelling.
Plant a Christmas mangrove tree
Approaching its one-year anniversary, taking part in the One Booking One Tree initiative (whereby the resort committed to planting one mangrove tree for each booking) is a wonderful way for guests to care for the local environment and leave lasting proof of their visit to Khao Lak this Christmas. The Sarojin has been supporting and contributing to the Mangrove Forest Planting Project in Baan Nam Kem (established by local fishermen following the tragedy of the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami) since 2007 and with One Booking One Tree its commitment was further boosted by being able to support the planting of more trees. All guests receive a complimentary invitation to join the team on a planting day during their stay, which also takes place during the festive period.
Christmas singing with the local community
At The Sarojin, spreading festive cheer goes hand in hand with giving back to the local community. Every Christmas Eve, the boutique residence invites guests to join children from the nearby Baan Than Namchai Orphanage for festive songs and community singing together around the hotel’s sparkling Christmas tree. Continuing in the festive spirit of giving, guests are also welcome to join The Sarojin team in presenting each of the children with their very own special Christmas gift.
Treat yourself or your loved one to a Christmas spa massage
The resort’s award-winning eco-friendly outdoor Pathways Spa offers the perfect setting for the restoration of body and mind over the Christmas break. The spa facilities are secluded and surrounded by coconut groves and lush greenery for ultimate relaxation to the sounds of nature. There is a wide range of luxurious treatments and beauty services available, all using locally sourced products and oils of 100% natural origin.
A water bottle is for life, not just for Christmas
All guests are provided with a complimentary aluminium water bottle to use during their stay - and take home if they wish - so there is no need to use plastic bottles this festive season. There are several refill stations throughout the resort´s grounds for guests to top up their bottles as needed with a choice of normal water and a selection of flavour-infused waters. Water is all treated at the resort´s on-site bottling plant, which commenced operations in November 2019 following a US$50,000 investment (a considerable sum of money for a small property to invest but, The Sarojin firmly believes that everyone has a responsibility to reduce plastic waste). The aluminium water bottles were introduced in November 2022 and the resort estimates it can save up to 120,000 plastic water bottles per year.
Embark on a farm-to-table experience
Supporting local farmers, food artisans and producers has always been an important aspect of the residence’s offering… and there is no better time to give back than during the season of giving. ‘Catch Cook and Dine’ is a hands-on excursion for guests to engage with the local environment and community in a variety of ways. Participants first learn how to catch their own fresh fish aboard a traditional longtail boat with a local fisherman at some of the best spots in the area followed by visits to local farms and suppliers to source the ingredients to prepare the dish. The experience culminates with an alfresco cooking masterclass at a stunning local setting to learn from the resort’s expert chefs: https://www.sarojin.com/en/khao-lak-resort-eat-drink/culinary-classes/
Back at the resort, there are plentiful options to eat responsibly including a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes and a plant-based menu, launched earlier this year due to growing demand from guests. All these menus are constantly evolving under Executive Chef Gogh's creation and innovation, focusing on the resort’s ongoing commitment to using local and seasonal produce. There will be specially created seasonal specialities to celebrate the holidays this year including Christmas plant-based stuffing with cranberry sauce; Christmas plant-based burger with brussels sprout slaw, grilled beetroot and mushroom gravy; and vegan Christmas pudding with vegan custard.
The above is a glimpse of the array of ways to spend and help celebrate a greener and community-involved Christmas at The Sarojin. For further information visit: https://www.sarojin.com/en/
