Add Your Heading TexGlam Habitat Hotel’s visit to InterContinental Phuket Resort reveals how sustainability, Thai culture, and local creativity come together to shape the future of hospitality.t Here
PROUD Kamala & “License to Clean”
A standout highlight of the visit was the PROUD Kamala initiative – a long-term program dedicated to maintaining the beauty and cleanliness of Kamala Beach. Through active community participation and the innovative “License to Clean” catamaran, the resort removes debris from the ocean and shoreline while educating the public on marine conservation. This forward-thinking project shows how hospitality businesses can extend their responsibility beyond the property line and directly support their environment.
From Food Waste to Fertilizer
We also explored the resort’s food waste-to-fertilizer program, which converts kitchen scraps into organic fertilizer for local schools’ vegetable gardens. This initiative not only reduces waste and carbon footprint but also strengthens food security and education for children. Witnessing this circular model of resource use inspired us at Glam Habitat to consider similar practices that can benefit our community partners.
Celebrating Thai Traditions & Local Wisdom
Another key focus of our study was how the resort elevates Thai traditional culture within a modern hospitality setting. InterContinental Phuket Resort actively merges local wisdom with contemporary lifestyles — from showcasing heritage recipes in fine dining experiences to integrating traditional crafts and rituals into guest activities.
They also use heritage and local products, including organic fertilizer made from the resort’s own food waste (processed via an Oklin food waste composter) which is donated to local schools—such as Kamala Kindergarten School—for their vegetable gardens. This produce is then sometimes used in the resort’s restaurants, creating a closed-loop system: reducing food waste, supporting local education and agriculture, and bringing local flavors & wisdom directly into the dining experience.
This approach preserves intangible cultural heritage while creating authentic travel moments. It also demonstrates that sustainability is not just about the environment but about safeguarding identity and traditions for future generations.
Giving the Spotlight to Phuket’s Creative Talent
Beyond environmental initiatives, the resort collaborates closely with local artists and artisans to bring authentic creativity into its spaces. From curated art installations and handcrafted décor to cultural performances, these partnerships give Phuket’s creative community a meaningful platform to shine. Guests are introduced to the island’s diverse artistic expressions while artists gain opportunities for income, exposure, and skill development. This synergy supports local livelihoods and keeps traditional craftsmanship alive in a fast-changing tourism landscape.
A Model for Sustainable Hospitality
From this visit, Glam Habitat Hotel gained valuable insights into how a hospitality business can successfully balance business performance with environmental care. We saw first-hand that sustainability, cultural preservation, and community support can work hand in hand to create a richer guest experience and a stronger local economy. Inspired by InterContinental Phuket Resort’s initiatives, we are committed to exploring new ways to enhance our own practices and to support Phuket’s people, culture, and environment.
