There are no shortage of five-star hotels in Bangkok. However, guests who are interested in a luxury property with a serious sustainability commitment will feel good about a stay at 137 Pillars. This lovely property offers guests outstanding service, extremely comfortable rooms and a terrific rooftop bar with city views. But where it really stands out is in its commitment to curating an environmentally-friendly and locally focused experience.
My favorite example is the partnership between 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts and the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai. Together, they raise both funds and global awareness for elephant conservation and reforestation in Thailand. This initiative showcases the significance of elephants in Thai culture and the Elephant Nature Park serves as a sanctuary and rehabilitation center for elephants; the Park rescues and provides a home for distressed elephants.
The 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts has also undertaken a forestation project. The hotel’s owners have donated land in the Ratchaburi province that is designed to create a self-sustaining forest ecosystem that can maintain and regenerate itself. A diverse set of 15,000 plants, as well as 1,600 trees are slated to be planted. During certain times of the year, a percentage of hotel revenues is donated to this effort.
The property is also committed to nurturing local culture and sustainability efforts. It offers curated experiences such as a “Louie,” aka a community tour as well as a visit to Patom Farm where guests can meet and support local farmers who have established organic farming techniques. Guests can also join a terrific art tour where they visit local galleries and exhibitions and really gain a deeper understanding of modern Thai culture, which sometimes gets overlooked during all those temple visits.
137 Pillar’s restaurants also play a role. The Nimitr Restaurant features local ingredients and authentic Thai cuisine from multiple regions. This is the place to try local favorites such as snow fish with chaplu leaves, pink spinach, white turmeric and sugar lime dressing or grilled beef served with a Northern Thai style aromatic herb salad. A dessert specialty is the pumpkin glazed with honey syrup and served with grated coconut and pumpkin caramel crackers. An employee-run herb garden provides the hotels’ restaurants with basil, chili, kaffir lime, okra, spring onions, and edible flowers.
The hotel also avoids plastics and instead uses biodegradable products, paper straws, wooden key cards and glass bottles.
Lastly, the Nitra Spa utilizes local herbs and remedies and has developed a terrific menu of wellness offerings. Why not indulge in a coffee detox body wrap or a deep tissue sports massage after enjoying a day in Thailand’s capital?