experience mindfulness and unplug in our ‘neera’ signature 'mindful' room, overlooking the Tha Chin River view with a mindful amenities, and activities.
take advantage of the breathtaking panoramic sights of the Tha Chin River in our panoramic suite 'lake'
neera mini bar
neera lobby
neera green space by the Tha Chin River
eco-conscious amenities
fruit waste leather keycard holder
neera eco-kit
entrance to ripple hall with tagline "be the start of the ripple"
the mesmerizing sunrise
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Name of the submitted project or idea (in English or both English and your language)
neera retreat hotel
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URL of a video introducing the work(under 5 minutes)
https://youtu.be/ccNyvv1-Bgg
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Detailed explanation of the submitted project or idea (in English or both English and your language)
nestled by the Tha Chin River in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, 'neera retreat hotel' is a pioneering eco-conscious hotel designed to challenge the conventional hotel industry, which often struggles to implement sustainable practices. understanding the environmental impact of tourism, we opened 'neera retreat hotel' to demonstrate that hospitality can embody both simple elegance and kindness to nature. our mission is to create a positive ripple effect, inspiring guests and the community to embrace sustainability.
'neera' means a small drop of water. it symbolizes the belief that every human being is like a small drop, capable of creating ripples that influence those around them. at the heart of 'neera' are our core values, guiding every interaction with our guests, partners, and the environment. we believe that each small action holds the power to create a larger impact, inspiring a culture of awareness and responsibility—embodied in our tagline, "be the start of the ripple."
we drive our business with three core pillars:
1. eco-consciousness: we maintain sustainability to minimize our environmental impact in all aspects, from design to services and facilities. we promote environmentally friendly practices, waste reduction, energy efficiency, and the sourcing of local organic ingredients.
2. mindfulness: we inspire our guests to connect deeply with themselves and their surroundings, fostering a sense of well-being by providing spaces and experiences that promote mindfulness and self-reflection.
3. conscious sharing: we engage in meaningful sharing, supporting local communities and initiatives by donating to social causes and facilitating eco-workshops that inspire guests on sustainability.
'neera retreat' offers 53 rooms and suites that are stylishly arranged in three wings. Guests can immerse themselves in the serenity of lush gardens or bask in the breathtaking views of the flowing Tha Chin River. our guests are eco-friendly and mindful travelers who seek authentic experiences and a connection with nature. we offer a tranquil atmosphere that inspires relaxation and invites mindful activities such as zentangle, origami, and homemade jam-making, guiding you through a transformative experience that engages the senses. With its peaceful environment, spacious outdoor areas, and cozy accommodations, neera retreat hotel is the perfect sanctuary for rejuvenation and renewal. -
How does your work address the 3 P’s (for Planet, for People, for Profit) for Sustainability?
at 'neera retreat hotel,' we address the 3 P's of sustainability—Planet, People, and Profit—through our core values and practices.
for the planet: we designed 'neera' with the belief that a business can be more than just an enterprise; it can create a positive impact on the world and society. today, we all feel the significant environmental changes that are too far-reaching to reverse. this reality has led us to embrace sustainability-focused business practices. however, we believe that sustainability and environmental care should not be treated merely as trends; they must be at the heart of every business in this era.
at 'neera,' we prioritize environmental responsibility by incorporating eco-conscious practices. our hotel features sustainable architecture and energy-saving principles. for example, we use zero-waste products, practice waste separation, and promote recycling and upcycling initiatives. in our first year of operation, we reduced waste sent to landfills by 15,261.45 square meters and achieved a recycling rate of 74.82%, contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions. our dedication to eco-friendly operations demonstrates our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of the tourism industry.
for the people: we foster mindfulness and well-being for our guests, staff, and the community. through various workshops, such as mindful workshop and eco-conscious activities like "let's go eco," we help people reconnect with themselves and the environment. our staff act as ambassadors for these values, ensuring that guests are informed about our sustainability initiatives. additionally, we contribute to social causes by donating proceeds from events to charitable organizations, reinforcing our commitment to conscious sharing.
for profit: while maintaining our commitment to sustainability, we ensure profitability by offering diverse revenue streams. we provide eco-friendly accommodations, a restaurant featuring seasonal and locally sourced cuisine, and a Thai coffee beans slow bar, along with event spaces for seminars and team-building retreats. this positions 'neera' as a unique destination for mindful travelers and organizations, allowing us to balance economic success with positive social and environmental impacts. we adopt sustainable practices that ensure long-term viability and attract conscientious travelers.
by addressing the 3 P’s, 'neera retreat hotel' creates a ripple effect that inspires others to adopt more sustainable practices. we are taking steps to become a model for responsible tourism, inspiring others to make a difference. -
Keywords
#neeraretreathotel #rippleeffect #ecoconscious
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If you have a website for your submitted project or idea, please provide the URL
www.neeraretreathotel.com
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If you have a social media account for your submitted project or idea, please provide the URL
www.facebook.com/neeraretreathotel, www.instagram.com/neera.retreat.hotel
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Special Prize Question 1: "Empowering nature to create a new loop”: How does your work strengthen or support nature’s ability to capture and convert waste into valuable resources? How does your work advance industry practices by introducing nature-positive alternatives?
at 'neera retreat, we're committed to creating a positive impact on both our guests and the environment. our sustainable initiatives focus on empowering nature to capture and convert waste into valuable resources, while also advancing industry practices towards a more circular economy.
1. waste reduction and recycling:
– recycling and upcycling: materials that might traditionally be discarded are repurposed into new products, such as upcycled and recycled decorations, showcasing how waste can be transformed into valuable resources.
– composting organic waste: we compost all organic waste generated by our restaurant and café operations at the hotel. this practice ensures that food scraps are returned to the earth to enrich the soil, rather than being sent to a landfill. we have established an on-site composting system to divert food waste from landfills and create nutrient-rich plant vitamin for our gardens. this initiative reduces landfill waste and creates a closed-loop system that benefits the environment.
– waste segregation: we've established a comprehensive waste management system that encourages guests and staff to properly segregate waste, reducing contamination and improving recycling rates.
– reusable and sustainable products: we provide guests with eco-friendly amenities, such as reusable water bottles, fabric hair wraps, toothpaste tablets, and biodegradable cleaning products. Instead of relying on single-use plastics, the hotel provides eco-kits made from biodegradable materials and encourages guests to use reusable containers and personal items during their stay.
2. energy efficiency and conservation:
– sustainable design: we designed to minimize energy consumption through features such as natural lighting and energy-efficient appliances. we incorporate designs that maximize natural light and ventilation.
– water conservation: we've implemented water-saving measures, such as low-flow fixtures and rainwater harvesting.
3. local sourcing and partnerships:
– sustainable food practices: we source local, organic ingredients whenever possible, supporting sustainable agriculture and reducing food miles.
– community partnerships: we collaborate with local organizations to promote environmental awareness and support sustainable initiatives.
4. conscious sharing initiatives:
– guest workshops: we offer educational workshops on sustainability, waste reduction, and mindfulness, empowering our guests to make a positive impact in their own lives. these workshops not only help reduce environmental waste but also inspire a ripple effect of positive change, as guests take these nature-positive practices home with them.
- staff training: our staff undergoes regular training on sustainable practices to ensure they are equipped to implement and promote these initiatives.
by integrating these practices into our operations, 'neera retreat' is demonstrating how hotels can thrive while minimizing their environmental footprint. we believe that by empowering nature and adopting a circular approach, we can create a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come. -
Special Prize Question 2: “Regenerating ecosystems”: In what inspiring ways does your work contribute to the restoration and stabilization of natural ecosystems?
at 'neera retreat', we're committed to fostering a sustainable future by regenerating ecosystems and inspiring positive change. our approach focuses on empowering individuals to make a difference, starting with small steps.
in the hotel industry, achieving true eco-friendliness can be a challenge. traditional practices often prioritize convenience and cost-efficiency, making it difficult to adopt truly sustainable operations. however, at 'neera retreat hotel', we believe that starting with an eco-conscious heart is what allowed us to create a space that is genuinely green.
we have built 'neera' differently by keeping sustainability at the heart of everything we do:
- energy consumption: most hotels have a huge demand for electricity, from air conditioning to lighting and amenities running 24/7. it’s common for many to rely heavily on non-renewable energy sources. at 'neera retreat hotel', we overcame this by designing our building with energy-saving features like natural ventilation, smart energy-efficient systems, and solar power, which has allowed us to reduce energy usage compared to the average hotel of similar size.
- single-use plastics: eliminating single-use plastics in the hospitality industry is a significant challenge, as toiletries, food packaging, and cleaning supplies often rely on plastic. we designed 'neera' with eco-conscious choices, such as refillable water bottles, fabric hair wraps, toothpaste tablets, and an eco-kit that encourages guests to use reusable containers and biodegradable cleaning products. these initiatives help us reduce plastic waste on an annual basis.
- waste management: many hotels send a large amount of waste to landfills because separating waste for recycling can be complex. we decided to take a different approach by implementing waste separation bins and composting both in guest rooms and in public areas. in our first year, we achieved a recycling rate of 74.82%, which allowed us to reduce landfill waste by 15,261.45 square meters.
what makes us different is our unwavering commitment to sustainability from day one. by incorporating eco-conscious values into every aspect of our design and operations, we demonstrate that a hotel can care for the planet while still providing a warm and welcoming experience for guests. we hope this inspires others in the industry to start small and create a positive ripple effect, as even minor changes can lead to significant impacts. -
Special Prize Question 3: “Education and storytelling”: How does your work make complex bioeconomy concepts accessible and engaging?
at 'neera retreat hotel', we believe that education and storytelling are essential tools for making complex bioeconomy concepts accessible to our guests and everyone.
- storytelling through 'story about neera': we break down complicated sustainability topics in our hotel into bite-sized, relatable stories. through our 'story about neera' series on Fabebook, Instagram and our website, we share episodic articles on how our hotel is built with recycled and upcycled materials, how we minimize waste, and how our operations align with eco-friendly practices. each story is written in a simple, approachable way helping guests understand the positive impact of our efforts on the environment and inspiring them to see how easy it is to implement these practices in daily life
- signage and QR codes: we create a variety of signs to explain our initiatives. for example, in the guest rooms, trash bins are divided into three types, each labeled to indicate which type of waste belongs in each bin. additionally, each bin features a QR code that explains the importance of waste separation. we also have signs that describe the purpose of our eco-kits, which contain reusable utensils designed to help guests reduce single-use plastic. in the bathrooms, we provide fabric hair wraps as an alternative to plastic shower caps. furthermore, all items made from recycled or upcycled materials are clearly labeled to indicate their composition. this approach inspires guests to recognize the potential for transforming various types of waste into valuable, new products.
- hands-on workshops: we offer engaging activities such as our “let’s go eco” workshop, where guests learn how to manage waste in their daily lives, compost organic matter, and reduce single-use plastics. these activities not only teach practical skills but also make abstract concepts related to the bioeconomy feel more personal and actionable.
- complimentary hotel tour: we invite guests on a complimentary tour where we walk them through the eco-conscious design of 'neera retreat hotel'. during these tours, our team guides guests through the hotel, sharing the story from the design concept to the values that 'neera' aims to convey. we explain how every choice— from our energy-efficient systems to our use of local, sustainable materials—supports a regenerative bioeconomy.
through these efforts, we aim to empower our guests to take what they’ve inspired back home and become part of the ripple effect in their own communities. together, we can build a more sustainable future, one step at a time.