Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Pimalai Resort and Spa helps in releasing 50 endangered sea turtles and millions of crabs

Pimalai Resort and Spa helps in releasing 50 endangered sea turtles and millions of crabs
October 23, 2022

Pimalai Resort and Spa, a five-star sanctuary on the southern Thai island of Koh Lanta, recognised for its preservation of the pristine environment, has been selected as the perfect place to release 50 endangered sea turtles and millions of crabs back into the Andaman Sea  - reflecting the strength and effectiveness of the Resort’s conservation efforts. The sea turtles could eventually grow to over a metre in length

In an important initiative, the resort’s team came together with officials from the government of Krabi province, Koh Lanta district, the Royal Thai Navy and the local business community to support three indigenous species.

Fifty sea turtles, which had been cared for by the Royal Thai Navy’s Turtle Conservation Center in Phang Nga province, were released into the ocean. These majestic creatures, which can grow over a metre long, were set free at Kantiang Bay, the 900-metre-long stretch of sand lapped by the crystal clear waters of the Andaman Sea. As sea turtles only return to safe and clean beaches to lay their eggs, the decision of use Pimalai’s shoreline is a vote of confidence in the resort.

The release was co-organised by Pimalai, local government departments and the Royal Thai Navy’s Turtle Conservation Center

Pimalai also helped to release 2,000 land hermit crabs into the wild. These adaptive crustaceans live on land but need access to the ocean to breed, so the resort’s unspoiled coast is their ideal habitat. Famously, hermit crabs change shells as they grow and often select discarded shells from other species. They are also natural beach cleaners and help to accelerate the decomposition process, which makes them wonderful housekeepers for Kantiang Bay!

Finally, the resort came together with the Thung Talae Forest Royal Development Study and Crab Conservation Center, a local organisation in Koh Lanta, to release more than 10 million flower crabs. Also known as blue swimmer crabs, this species is a popular delicacy in Thailand and many native fishing communities make a living from catching and selling them at markets. By replenishing the stock of crabs, Pimalai is helping to support village economies while also ensuring the sustainable survival of the species for generations to come.

Charintip Tiyaphorn, Pimalai’s Owner Representative notes “At Pimalai, we are fully committed to preserving the environment and letting nature thrive. Tragically, almost every species of sea turtle is now classed as endangered and the degradation of coastlines is threatening crab populations. The fact that the local authorities selected our beach as the perfect place to release these wonderful creatures reflects the strength and effectiveness of our conservation efforts. Sea turtles will only return to peaceful and unpolluted beaches, so our commitment to keeping Kantiang Bay unspoiled – including regular beach cleaning and having no motorised water sports – is delivering benefits for the entire ecosystem.”

With just 121 stylish rooms, spacious suites and spectacular pool villas spread across an area the size of 75 football fields, surrounded by native plants such as banyan trees, coconut palms, jasmine bushes, bird of paradise flowers and even century-old, 80-metre-tall ton yang trees, Pimalai feels like a private nature reserve. Wildlife abounds with species such as monitor lizards, eagles and hornbills all visible in the area, and marine creatures such as dolphins inhabiting in the azure waters offshore. This makes it ideal for guests seeking eco-sensitive escapes that allow them to reconnect with the Earth.

Travellers can head out and explore the wonders of Mu Ko Lanta National Park, above or beneath the waves, or take part in a wide range of low-impact activities such as kayaking, cycling, jogging, jungle trekking, Thai cooking classes, muay Thai boxing lessons, yoga sessions, spa therapies and more. Or they can simply dine at sensational seafront restaurants or take an invigorating dip in the two infinity pools, which appear suspended in the forest canopy, overlooking the ocean.

Pimalai forms part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s (SLH) Considerate Collection, an exclusive community of socially responsible and eco-conscious five-star hotels. It was also recently named as the best hotel in Thailand in the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best Awards” for 2022.  

For more information about Pimalai Resort & Spa visit pimalai.com

Image top:  Pimalai Resort & Spa turtle release; image above:  resort youth guests helped to release the sea turtles, which could eventually grow over a metre in length

Related Articles

16th June 2022 - Thailand’s Pimalai Resort relaunches its island cleaning initiative

13th March 2022 - Ancient wellness therapies revived at Thailand’s Pimalai Spa

21st May 2021 - Thailand’s Pimalai Resort looks to establish itself as world leading ecotourism destination

16th March 2021 - Thailand’s Pimalai Resort and Spa offers eco-sensitive excursions to Mu Ko Lanta National Park


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

PerfectGym

Perfect Gym Solutions is a software as a service (SaaS) solution purpose-built to service the fitness industry, with over 1000 clients servicing over two million gym members across 40 countries making…

read more

Access / Fitness / Marketing / Recreation / Technology

 
 

Myzone

Email for trade enquiries: Enquiriesapac@myzone.org  Customer support desk - Click Myzone support or go to ‘help’ on myzone app to access live support. Myzone® is the leading…

read more

Fitness / Sport / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Spill Station Australia

Compliant chemical storage and decanting solutions. Includes spill kits, spill containment pallets, chemical decanting decks and safety shower and eyewash equipment. See our full range of solutions

read more

Aquatics / Safety / Security / Venues

 
 

DAE Global

DAE Global is one of the world’s leading international creative and production practitioners, creating award-winning sport, culture and entertainment experiences for over 30 years.  It was…

read more

Culture / Entertainment / Events / Venues

 
 

Ticketworx Pty Ltd

Ticketworx (formerly House of Tickets) is Australia and New Zealand’s foremost ticket specialist servicing some 2,700 clients and producing in excess of 30 million per tickets per annum.…

read more

Entertainment / Events / Technology / Ticketing / Venues

 
 

ICP

ICP is an Australian-based company focused on indoor climbing. ICP will manage your project from initial design to completion and beyond, whether you're building an international-level climbing…

read more

Attractions / Fitness / Recreation

 
 

Humanforce

Humanforce is a global provider of workforce management solutions for companies who need flexibility to manage complex workforces. Companies use Humanforce to manage everything from time and…

read more

Hospitality / Retail / Technology / Venues

 
 

Altitude Training Systems

ATS are global leaders in altitude training and research. From mask systems and inflatable tents to simulated altitude facilities, we help all athletes gain the competitive edge. Our…

read more

Fitness / Sport / Technology

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business