Marasca Samui Partners with SCG to Become First Hotel in ASEAN to Attain Fitwel Design Certification

Tuesday 11 March 2025 11:53
SCG, in collaboration with Marasca Samui, is supporting the hotel in setting a new benchmark in sustainable luxury as the first hotel in ASEAN to achieve Fitwel Design Certification. This internationally recognized standard for building wellness—awarded by the Center for Active Design and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)—reinforces Marasca Samui's dedication to eco-conscious hospitality. Additionally, the hotel is progressing toward LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, further solidifying its commitment to environmental sustainability. The project is backed by expert consultancy from SCG Building and Living Care Consulting.
Marasca Samui Partners with SCG to Become First Hotel in ASEAN to Attain Fitwel Design Certification

"Marasca Samui is not just about offering a casual-luxury beachfront experience; it also focuses on providing guests with a sustainable travel experience," said Alex Magaton, General Manager at Marasca Samui. "By achieving Fitwel certification and currently pursuing LEED certification, we aim to demonstrate that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand. We invite everyone to join us on this journey toward a greener and healthier future together."

With a strong commitment to the well-being of guests and employees—Marasca Samui's most valuable asset—the hotel has adopted the Fitwel Commercial Site standard, earning a 1-star rating. Key strategies in this achievement include:

Prime Location with Accessibility

Strategically positioned on Chaweng Beach, one of Koh Samui's most vibrant and sought-after destinations, Marasca Samui offers guests direct beach access with breathtaking ocean views, near public transportation and essential amenities, including retail stores, restaurants, local markets, and public parks.

Eco-Conscious Design

Marasca Samui integrates environmentally friendly features during the design process, to be in line with LEED standards, including:

  • Energy-efficient building design
  • High-performance thermal insulation systems
  • Designated smoke-free zones
  • Enhanced ventilation systems for improved indoor air quality
  • LEED-compliant construction management, minimizing pollution, protecting soil conditions, and efficiently managing waste
  • Stringent safety protocols ensuring worker and environmental protection

Inclusive and Employee-Friendly Policies

Marasca Samui actively supports its local community and workforce through to following initiatives:

  • Local Employment Support: Prioritizing local hires to strengthen the community
  • Equal Opportunity Employment: A non-discriminatory recruitment policy ensuring fairness for all
  • Employee Well-being: Continuous improvements based on annual satisfaction surveys, focusing on commute satisfaction, workplace comfort, wellness initiatives, and green workspaces
  • Art & Green Spaces: Featuring local artisan artworks, lush greenery, and 'Homegrown', an organic herbal garden where guests can consume chemical-free produce daily.

Community Engagement & Cultural Integration

Marasca Samui takes pride in promoting health-conscious community activities, such as the "Canteen Project", where guests prepare and enjoy traditional Thai dishes, including Khao Yum and Som Tum, using locally sourced, nutritious ingredients. This initiative fosters cultural appreciation and social responsibility as guests collaborate with the staff to create these meals, which are then shared with the local community.

Additionally, Marasca Samui incorporates local craftsmanship into its guest experience by featuring Surat Thani Krajood products in its rooms. To further support the community, guests are welcomed with a pantry basket filled with local snacks, offering them an authentic taste of the region while contributing to the sustainability of local businesses.

Health-Focused Building Operations

In addition, Marasca Samui integrates building management practices that prioritize guest and employee well-being, including:

  • Organic cleaning and pest control solutions to minimize chemical exposure
  • Emergency preparedness through first aid and fire safety training
  • Safe and well-illuminated spaces with adequate lighting throughout the premises
  • Responsible hazardous waste management, fully compliant with legal standards

As part of Narai Hospitality Group, Marasca Samui continues to set a new standard for sustainable, well-being-focused hospitality in ASEAN. By seamlessly integrating luxury with sustainability, the hotel provides guests with a refined yet eco-conscious retreat while reducing its environmental impact. Committed to green building practices, wellness initiatives, and community engagement, Marasca Samui exemplifies the future of responsible travel.

Source: SCG

Marasca Samui Partners with SCG to Become First Hotel in ASEAN to Attain Fitwel Design Certification