‘Our philosophy here in Yao Noi is that every drop counts. Everything from water to timber, we will re-use and recycle so it doesn’t go to waste. We want to make sure Yao Noi stays a green island.’ Pimjai Doungnate, Six Senses Yao Noi, Koh Yao Noi
Armed with a masters degree in psychology, Pimjai Doungnate’s love for human behaviour has led her to have a huge impact on the leafy island of Koh Yao Noi. In the five years she has worked at Six Senses Yao Noi, she has helped turn the resort into a near-100% self-sustaining venture, leaving no stone unturned when it comes to minimising their carbon footprint.
Chickens and goats provide eggs and milk, while fruit trees not only provide food but also valuable habitats for hornbills, too. It’s not just a farm to table concept Six Senses Yao Noi employs, but a table to farm philosophy as well, with waste food used as feed for the animals and compost. Even timber is reused, with 80 sunbeds and the animal farms created so far from spare wood. It’s a complete cycle. When you visit, you can get involved, too.
‘We have our own water plant and in 2018 we celebrated four years, including the dry season, where we haven’t had to import any water from the mainland. That’s something we’re very proud of.’
‘Guests are always so interested in what we’re doing to make things even more sustainable here. We can show them all our different projects and even offer a complimentary activity where they can teach English to local schoolchildren. They can really help give back that way.’
Pimjai has made terrific progress over the past five years, but that doesn’t mean she’s resting on her laurels. She wants the resort for be plastic-free by 2022 and she’s eyeing up a way to use solar energy, rather than depending on energy from the mainland.
Rest your head
Enjoy a 13 night journey around Thailand from £3,220 per person. Stay 3 nights at Anantara Golden Triangle, 3 nights at Tamarind Village, 7 nights at Six Senses Yao Noi on varying board bases. Including international, domestic flights and transfers.Discover more here!
