Live luxuriously and save sea turtles
The Aleenta Resort and Spa Phuket has set up a foundation in order to help protect the endangered marine turtles in Thailand. Travelers who stay at the hotel can help contribute to the company’s environmental efforts and stay just 15 minutes north of the area where the turtles hatch on the beach.
Annually, Aleenta donates 100,000 baht to the Turtle Sanctuary in the nearby Haad Thauymuang National Park. In addition, each guest donates 40 baht per night of their stay to the sanctuary, a gift matched by an equal donation from the hotel. Finally, the hotel employs one full time staff member to work at the sanctuary. This staff member helps patrol the beach, care for baby turtles and assist with the treatment of sick turtles.
The resort was founded and is currently owned by Anchalika Kijkanakorn. When she first started the development in 2005, she heard about the sea turtle sanctuary. “We immediately decided to set up a fund to project them, and to make sure we are part of the solution rather than contributing to their declining numbers,� Ms Kijkanakorn said. “We’ve hired a full-time employee to work at the Haad Thauymuang National Park where the Turtle Sanctuary is located, and have launched an educational program for local schools including field trips to the sanctuary and coloring books for children.�
The hotel is currently offering a five night ‘Adopt a Turtle’ package. The package includes five nights stay in a villa or luxury suite with full breakfast each day. The package includes a visit to the Turtle Sanctuary complete with a gourmet picnic lunch. Because visiting Thailand should always be a relaxing experience, the package also includes a treatment for two at the Aleenta Spa and one candle-lit dinner for two. Daily tropical fruit baskets are provided and transfers to and from the Phuket International Airport are included.
Package prices start at 72,672 baht ($2590) for double occupancy in a Beachfront Suite.
In addition to the projects with sea turtle conservation, the Aleenta hotel also contributes to responsible tourism by offering English language lessons to local people and providing employment opportunities to local staff. Aleenta purchases most of its seafood from local fisherman and uses local market gardens to get fresh vegetables.