Banyan Tree Samui: Eco-Friendly Initiatives at a Premier Thai Resort

At Banyan Tree Samui, guests delight in the exquisite dining and fine wines at the acclaimed Saffron restaurant, often unaware of the dedicated efforts to ensure that all dishes are crafted with ingredients sourced under strict sustainability standards.

Years ago, Banyan Tree Samui established itself as a pioneer in sustainability and eco-friendliness in Thailand by becoming the first hotel in the country to earn EarthCheck’s highest certification. In 2024, the resort, famous for its luxurious pool villas with infinity pools and breathtaking views, unveiled new sustainability initiatives to further enhance its green practices.

Cage-Free Eggs

In January 2024, only 2.75 percent of the eggs used at Banyan Tree Samui were cage-free, coming from free-range farms. By May, this proportion had risen to more than two-thirds of the 17,402 eggs purchased. Chicken eggs are the main focus, while the sourcing of cage-free quail and duck eggs is still developing, according to Chef Rainer Roersch, the hotel’s Director of Food & Beverage and Cuisine.

Sustainable Seafood

In response to the European Union’s 2015 “yellow card” warning to Thailand’s fishing industry, Banyan Tree Samui has committed to purchasing only sustainably sourced seafood, certified by the Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council. Bureau Veritas, a global leader in testing and certification, oversees these standards. While most seafood is sourced locally, the resort imports 100 kilograms of sustainably certified salmon each month.

Coffee Granules & Capsules 

Every one of the 88 pool villas at Banyan Tree Samui is equipped with a Nespresso machine, leading to substantial use of coffee capsules. Partnering with Nespresso, the resort began recycling and upcycling these capsules in October 2023. The aluminium is repurposed into everyday items like bicycles, chairs, pens, window frames, and new coffee capsules. Used coffee grounds are transformed into compost fertilizer and biofuel.

Banyan Global Foundation 

Beyond its ongoing efforts to eliminate plastic bottles, straws, cutlery, and garbage bags, and repurposing food waste for a local pig farm, Banyan Tree Samui engages in numerous community projects on Koh Samui. The resort has provided scholarships, rebuilt a storm-damaged school, organized annual blood drives, and offered complimentary stays to local health workers during the pandemic. These initiatives are largely funded by the Banyan Tree Global Foundation.

The Banyan Group remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainable practices, focusing on waste management, water conservation, biodiversity, and green energy projects through its Climate Change initiative. In 2019, the group introduced a Code of Conduct for suppliers to ensure a transparent supply chain and promote socio-environmental practices, with over 900 suppliers registered worldwide to date.