Anantara’s Abu Dhabi desert resort enhances sustainability initiatives

April 17, 2021

The Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort in Abu Dhabi has launched a series of new sustainability initiatives that build upon a broad platform of existing energy and carbon-saving practices, staying strong to its sustainable luxury ethos.

With Anantara-operated property having gone 100% plastic straw-free back in 2018, the new initiatives include the resort moving to completely phase out plastic water bottles by the end of April 2021.

The plastic bottles will be replaced with biodegradable bottles made of a sustainable material made from corn, where lactic acid is extracted and converted into 100% plant resin, which biodegrades in 80 days.

Recycled in bio-degradable bins, it either goes to composting or is reused to make new plant resin bottles.

Renewable energy has also been implemented across the property, with solar panels harnessing the power of the desert sun to create hot water for all guest rooms and villas, and for the resort’s laundry. The solar water heating system is environmentally friendly, absorbing free and renewable solar energy and using it to produce hot water economically, reducing the use of conventional energy, such as electricity, by up to 80%. The resort used the power of the sun effectively to fulfil their commitment of sustainable luxury and save an estimated 97,000 kw/h per month.

Making strides towards zero waste, the kitchens at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara now make their own compost for an onsite vegetable greenhouse and herb garden, which in turn supply organic produce for signature items on the menu. 100% of the grey water is used to irrigate the resort gardens, while cardboard, oil, paper, and bars of soap are all recycled.

Guests are encouraged to help protect the environment and minimise waste and consumption through various onsite programmes for smart water and power usage. To further encourage responsible travel, visitors arriving in electric cars will find complimentary car charging stations at the resort, which have recently been installed.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara’s sustainability practices have earned the resort Gold status in the Green Growth Awards, which cover a wide range of CSR goals from Environmental Stewardship to Health and Safety and Human Rights. In 2013 the resort was awarded Green Globe Certification for its energy-saving and environmentally sensitive architecture, as well as its efforts in waste management and water consumption, and the resort has achieved this certification every year since.

Anantara is a luxury hospitality brand for modern travellers, connecting them to genuine places, people and stories through personal experiences, and providing heartfelt hospitality in the world’s most exciting destinations.

The portfolio currently includes over 40 stunning hotel and properties located in Thailand, the Maldives, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Mozambique, Zambia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Tunisia, Portugal and Spain, with a pipeline of future properties across Asia, the Indian Ocean, Middle East and Africa.

Initiatives include using biodegradable water bottles across the resort, made entirely from sustainable material. Furthermore, renewable energy has also been implemented across the property, with solar panels harnessing the power of the desert sun to create hot water for all guest rooms and villas, and for the resort’s laundry.

Images: Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort and its sustainability initiatives. Credit: Anantara.

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