Immersed in nature's glory in the beautiful countryside of Mae Rim valley, it is Earth Day every day at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai. For a glorious three decades, the resort has maintained its uniqueness, preserving the culture of rice cultivation that has been practiced in the Mae Rim region for generations. "Our resort is a true example of sustainable experiences with a keen focus on the restoration of nature," says Sean Mosher, General Manager. "Our team is dedicated to integrating this into every area of our operations - whether they are guest facing experiences or immersive team activities." The resort's terraced rice paddies within the landscape are sown and harvested by hand using native farming techniques, free of machinery and chemicals, maintaining their natural state including the quality of the soil. "As part of our rice farming initiative, we conduct an annual rice donation program where the bountiful harvest is shared with the nearby community," he adds.
Connecting Guests to the Earth Through Experience
As part of the resort's guest experiences, the Rice Planting activity gives guests an opportunity to learn about sustainable farming practices, encouraging them to think about the long-term health of the environment and the importance of sustainable food production. "This Earth Day, guests will be introduced to vegetable planting and the use of in-house fertilizers to nurture the earth and reduce the use of harmful chemicals," shares the resort's Health and Wellness Manager Dheeraj Singh Patwal.
Mindful Movement in Nature
Dheeraj will also lead an immersive Sunrise Yoga session, inviting guests to practice mindfulness in nature. "By taking time to reflect on the natural surroundings, this activity fosters a sense of awareness and appreciation for the planet," he suggests. The practice of mindfulness allows guests to slow down and take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the earth, supporting Earth Day's mission of living more consciously and sustainably. The additional 15-minute breathwork further enhances the sense of connection to the natural world, encouraging guests to reflect on their personal relationship with the environment.
Sustainable Dining, Sourced Locally
Local fruits and vegetables are best when enjoyed in season, and by sourcing them from local communities, it helps build a lasting bond and create goodwill. Taking the sustainability drive outside the resort's boundaries, the culinary team is tasked to source as many ingredients as they can locally, with a focus on seasonality. Executive Chef Alvin Dela Cruz highlights the Zero Carbon Footprint Set Dinner that emphasises the importance of sustainable sourcing by featuring ingredients grown within the resort's own gardens, significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation and packaging. "By promoting locally sourced and organic ingredients, the dinner highlights the benefits of supporting local farmers and reducing the environmental impact of mass production and global food transportation," he says. The three-course menu is designed to highlight the beauty and taste of food grown with minimal environmental impact, reinforcing the Earth Day message of reducing pollution and waste through conscious consumption.
Sustainability as a Way of Life
The team lives and breathes eco-conscious practices to educate and inspiring people to act for the planet. This aligns with Earth Day's goal of educating and inspiring people to act for the planet. Hands-on initiatives such as no-bin day, mindful consumption and waste reduction tie into Earth Day's call for more sustainable practices in everyday life. "These activities help foster a culture of sustainability within the workplace and empower our employees to make healthier and more environmentally conscious food choices, which can extend beyond Earth Day into their everyday lives," says Sean.
Experience the beauty of sustainable living at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai. To learn more about Earth Day activities, call +66 (0) 53 298 181, email reservations.thailand@fourseasons.com, or connect via the FS Chat App.