The foundation has also made concerted efforts to engage with local communities, particularly schools, where the next generation can learn about the importance of protecting fragile marine eco-systems.

Concerned about the amount of plastic waste that finds its way into the ocean, the charity is now focusing its efforts on eliminating single-use plastic at the origin through the introduction of re-usable stainless steel water bottles.

“As part of our ongoing support for the Pure Blue Foundation, all Aleenta and akyra hotels aim to become single-use plastic free by 2020,” says Anchalika Kijkanakorn, the group’s founder and managing director. “The akyra TAS Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel is taking the lead on this initiative by becoming the first new hotel in Asia to launch without single-use plastic in its rooms or food and beverage outlets. This will soon be followed by akyra Manor Chiang Mai, which is on track to be free of single-use plastic by August 2018.”

Upon check-in, guests at akyra TAS Sukhumvit Bangkok will be offered the possibility to donate to the foundation in order to get a stylish Pure Blue Foundation branded stainless steel water bottle that can be refilled throughout their stay. Self-service drinking water will be conveniently dispensed on every floor to make refills easy, and guests will be advised to take their bottles with them on excursions around the city.

“We are also encouraging our partners and suppliers to adopt a more environmentally sensitive approach to business, and our cooperation with The Lab Fitness Studio is the first step in extending the zero plastic policy into the wider Bangkok community,” she adds.

The Lab’s founder and managing director, Richard Cohen, decided to become the first company to collaborate with Pure Blue Foundation’s plastic-free initiative. The hotel offers 100 reusable stainless steel bottles to the Lab to be used at the gyms.

“With our newly renovated and upgraded gyms in Phrom Phong and Silom, together with our 100-per-cent no single-use plastic policy, we will continue leading the industry by contributing to a fitter, healthier, eco-friendlier Bangkok,” Cohen says.

In addition to stainless steel water bottles, other eco-friendly features implemented at akyra TAS Sukhumvit Bangkok include essential oil-based bathroom amenities presented in locally manufactured celadon ceramic containers, as well as toothbrushes and combs made from corn starch. Biodegradable garbage bags will be placed in the rooms and the plastic foil used for room amenities and in-room dining will be replaced by pinto boxes and glass jars.

The hotel group also tries to apply this concept in various areas, leading to opportunities such as supplying the properties’ retail shop with an innovative brand of swimming shorts, Riz. This brand from UK offers a more soulful, sartorial, and sustainable approach to men’s swimwear, with swimming shorts made from recycled plastic bottles, diverting further waste from entering the sea.

To learn about the Pure Blue Foundation, visit http://www.PureBlueFoundation.com

For the new akyra TAS Sukhumvit Hotel, visit http://www.theakyra.com/bangkok/sukhumvit/

ONCE JUST the stepping-off point for visits to Angkor Wat, Siem Reap has today become a destination in its own right, with luxury hotels and trendy restaurants popping up all over town.

The newest kid on the block is the Shinta Mani Angkor – Bensley Collection and it’s already winning hearts with its chic modern design, first-class hospitality and great cuisine. The hotel is the latest addition to Shinta Mani Hotel’s portfolio in collaboration with acclaimed architect Bill Bensley.

Built on land that once housed a handicraft market, it boasts 10 opulent Khmer-style villas and the five-star Bensley Butler service to ensure the complete holiday experience.

I fly in from Bangkok on a rainy day but my spirits are immediately lifted by the Bensley all-inclusive experience package that includes a fast track immigration service.

While my fellow travellers remain stuck in the queue, I am greeted as a VIP guest by a polite butler who offers me cold drinking water and a cold towel as well as a complimentary pocket Wi-Fi device for social network connectivity.

It’s just a 10-minute drive from the airport to the resort in the heart of the town and I soon find myself relaxing with a herbal drink in the elegant lobby while my butler checks me in.

Bangkok-based Bensley, who is well known for his luxury resort design, has adopted the unique architecture of King Jayavarman VII for this castle-like resort.

Surrounded by shady tropical landscaped gardens, the white arch-shaped entrance welcomes guests with a glittering glass facade and over-size three-dimensional murals carved to portray the rippling folds of King Jayavarman’s robe.

Spread over two floors, each villa occupies 156 square metres and offers privacy and the ultimate in extravagance, complete with a lush tropical garden that literally brings the outside in.

I spend two nights in the Villa 3, which is entered by an old-fashioned wooden door that has me confused for a while until I realise it opens and locks the traditional way rather than with a high-tech key card.

The terrace is furnished with a lounge sofa set that leads to a private nine-metre lap pool and a kitchenette complete with Smeg coffee machine, tea making facility, glassware and local snacks.

Perfect for families and honeymoon couples, the rooftop living space on the upper floor is adorned with a sofa bed and bar stools.

The villa itself is divided into two pavilions. The monochromatic master bedroom is graced with a collection of gold home furnishings and white low-relief murals of King Jayavarman VII. The king-size bed is made up with luxurious linens and fluffy pillows, also designed by Bensley to ensure deep sleep. There’s also an en-suite marble washroom with a separate toilet, a washbasin and all the amenities you could possible need.

The compact living space with direct access to the pool is where I choose to eat my complimentary in-room breakfast while watching a Thai drama series on a smart TV with satellite channels.

Reached by a marble walkway through the tropical garden is the bathroom with its floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Flower petals float in the outdoor bathtub that shares space with the separate shower.

While the indoor zone has a long counter, a pair of washbasins and a walk-in closet with a towering mirror packed with bathrobes, slippers, safe box, hairdryer, scales, umbrellas and torches.

During the day, guests can take advantage of recreational facilities like standard-size swimming pools, pool bars, restaurants and the Shinta Mani Spa by Khmer Tonics at sister properties Shinta Mani Shack and Shinta Mani Angkor.

The next morning, I am enrolled a two-hour Khmer cooking class created by the Kroya Restaurant and at 10am a chef and my butler take me to explore the colourful fresh market and learn about local ingredients.

Back at the hotel, the chef and his team demonstrate how to make such popular Cambodian dishes as Fish Amok, Beef Soup, Green Mango Salad with poached prawns and Sweet and Snowy Rice Pudding.

With easy access to archaeological sites and shopping venues, the hotel provides Remork (local tuk tuk) transportation within Siem Reap around the clock – just ask the butler – as well as sightseeing tours.

In town, there’s entertainment of Phrae, the Cambodian Circus, which delights travellers with a fantastic performance by its troupe of young local talent in acrobatics, dance, circus and visual arts telling Cambodian folklore.

Those seeking gifts for the folks back home will find handcrafted products, jewellery and artworks at the Shinta Mani boutique. Proceeds from sales are donated to the Shinta Mani Foundation to support education, healthcare programmes and small start-up businesses for children and villagers in Siem Reap’s remote areas.

AT A GLANCE

High point: Good location, spacious villa, shady landscape and friendly staff members

Low point: Too much black in the colour scheme, meaning the rooms tend to be invaded by mosquitoes,

Pay for it: The Bensley Bed and Breakfast package is priced at US$450 (Bt14,400). The Bensley All-inclusive Experience package costs US$850. Both prices are valid through October 31

Find it: Junction of Oum Khun Street, Siem Reap

Contact it: (+855 63) 969 234 or email smabc@shintamani.com

Browse it: http://www.ShintaMani.com/angkor-bensley-collection

The hotel, which is near BTS Sky Train but also offers free parking, caters to all kinds of occasions, from social events and corporate meetings to exclusive private functions. The meetings and conference facilities on level eight offer versatile spaces for a customisable experience. The 282-sqm Tanjong Pagar Grand Ballroom and Surawong 1 & 2 (two breakout rooms) boast wall-to-wall windows with natural daylight and awe-inspiring city views.

Guests also can hold parties at Element restaurant, either indoors or on the al fresco terrace, and at the rooftop AkaAza rooftop, as well as in the Signature Club Cabana Rooms on level nine and at the Amara Suite,

Whether it’s a private party, a community celebration or remembrance, a corporate party, of professional getaway, Amara Bangkok has it all.

Packages start at Bt7,200-plus per event for up to six persons. Terms and conditions apply.

Find out more by calling (02) 021 8812, email: events.bangkok@amarahotels.com or visit http://www.Bangkok.AmaraHotels.com.