South East Asia may not have the best reputation when it comes to being eco-friendly, but a new luxury accommodation option in Bangkok hopes to change that.

Opening in May 2018, the airy Akyra TAS Sukhumvit Bangkok has been designed with its environmental and social conscience in mind. In a first for an Asian accommodation option, single-use plastic has been banned by the 50-room hotel completely. Self-service drinking water and chic water bottles will be provided to all guests. Bathroom amenities are to be presented in locally manufactured ‘celadon’ pottery containers filled with essential oil-based products. Bio-degradable bin bags are also utilised within guest rooms, with shopping bags provided to encourage guests to refuse plastic bags when indulging in some Bangkok retail-therapy.

Managing Director of Akaryn Hotel Group Anchalika Kijkanakorn hopes this green mantra will extend even further into the guest experience at the soon-to-open akyra TAS Sukhumvit Bangkok. “Our eco-friendly approach in Bangkok began by sourcing glass bottles and containers, with a commitment to no single-use plastic used in the restaurants or bars,” she explains. “The hotel will extend the initiative for guests on the go with stylish akyra stainless steel water bottles presented on arrival that can be refilled anytime during their stay.

“Consumers are now more and more frequently seeking out responsible businesses that take care of our planet and we are proud to have been such a company since we first began operating some 15 years ago,” Kijkanakorn continues.