12 Oct 2016
Six Senses Samui finds success with organic garden
BY Jane Kitchen
Six Senses Samui has unveiled its latest sustainability initiative, Farm on the Hill, in its quest to be more environmentally conscious and to offer an authentic Thai farm experience to guests.
The farm’s inception was born from a landscaping necessity; the resort had a large volume of organic waste, such as branch trimmings, as well as unutilised grey water and lack of nutrient-rich soil. Bringing in around 20 goats, 80 chickens, and a simple greywater catchment system both solved the problem and created a unique experience for guests.
“Farm on the Hill started as a small home-grown initiative to support our commitment to sustainability in the resort and our operations, yet in a short time it has grown into a positive example of what can be done with strong conviction and minimal funds,” said Gary Henden, general manager.
Six Senses Samui now has nutrient-rich soil and is able to produce organic eggs, goat milk and an abundant crop of fresh vegetables. Other features include a natural reed bed system that filters and remineralises the grey water, which can be used for irrigation; a “waste-to-wealth” garden and a module aquaponic system that is constructed from reclaimed waste materials.
Farm on the Hill has also become a popular fun and learning experience for guests and members of the local community, the company said, who can feed the goats, collect newly laid eggs and pick organic produce for their next meal. Guests can also reserve Farm on the Hill for dinner and take in a private sunset tour of the grounds before enjoying a Thai barbecue.
“The project has inspired the team and the local community, who actively participate in its upkeep and in some circumstances have replicated at their own homes,” said Henden. “The farm is only the start of a much larger transformation, as we plan to evolve our landscaping to become even more purposeful.”
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