In an era where climate change has become our reality and not just a looming catastrophe, businesses worldwide are making efforts to shrink their carbon footprints. On the idyllic island of Koh Samui, Thailand, Prana Resort Nandana, owned by Malaysia’s QI Group, stands as a symbol of this transition, infusing luxury with sustainability.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought the global travel and tourism industry to its knees. However, the pause also provided an opportunity for introspection. Datuk Vijay Eswaran, the founder of QI Group, eloquently put forth the sentiment that the recovery path should be paved with lessons from the pandemic. There’s an urgent need to merge opulence and eco-friendliness, to tread lightly even while exploring the world.
To be fair, aligning our lifestyle, including our travel choices, with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals isn’t just a moral imperative but an existential one. The 1.5°C rise above pre-industrial levels isn’t just a number—it’s a threshold that we’re racing towards, and one we must strive to limit.
Prana Resort Nandana isn’t simply nodding to this narrative. It embodies it. From the reduction in paper use and the transition to digital check-ins to the strategic use of QR codes, the resort has seamlessly incorporated technological solutions to achieve eco-friendly outcomes. Even something as commonplace as a hotel menu or amenity list has been reimagined to minimize waste and enhance the guest experience.
This commitment goes beyond just digital transformations. A conscious choice to replace single-use plastics with biodegradable or reusable materials reflects a deeper understanding of the environmental challenges we face. Eswaran’s vision isn’t just about mitigating harm; it’s about actively doing good. The daily beach clean-ups by the resort’s staff stand as a testament to proactive environmental stewardship.
However, what stands out is the synthesis of luxury and sustainability. The award from Thailand’s Department of Environmental Quality Promotion isn’t just a feather in their cap—it’s proof that a business can attain excellence while being eco-conscious. The resort’s architecture, which harmoniously blends modern design aesthetics with traditional Thai craftsmanship, underscores this point.
As we collectively navigate a post-pandemic world, businesses like the QI Group, which focus on green and sustainable operations, will set the standard. After all, luxury, in the future, might just be defined by how lightly we tread on this Earth.