Khaolak Merlin Resort

Located on a picturesque stretch of the Andaman Coast north of Phuket, Khaolak Merlin Resort has been at the forefront of sustainable tourism in the Khao Lak area.

Tucked between the lush greenery of the rainforest and the inviting warm waters of the Andaman Sea, Khaolak Merlin Resort provides an enchanting eco-friendly escape. With sustainability as its guiding principle, the resort has joined a growing network of Thai businesses committed to promoting responsible tourism. Guests can enjoy a picturesque and environmentally conscious stay while contributing to efforts that preserve the area’s natural beauty and biodiversity.

Responsible Thailand Awards

Khaolak Merlin’s commitment to sustainability earned accolades from the Responsible Thailand Awards in 2020 and 2021. The continuing good work of this family-run eco-resort was recognised again in the 2024 Awards with Khaolak Merlin winning the Responsible Conservation category.

The judges for the Responsible Thailand Awards were impressed with Khaolak Merlin’s various conservation programs and partnerships. The judging panel noted the strength of the resort’s education and research programs. This includes valuable work with the slow loris population and an annual biodiversity survey of over 200 species of animals near the resort.

During the judging period, Khaolak Merlin successfully demonstrated an array of achievements. This included sourcing 80% of food locally, composting waste, recycling initiatives, and reducing single-use plastics. The resort’s plans for a Nature Lab to be set up with a resident biologist are also exciting and inspiring.

Preserving ancient trees

When Khaolak Merlin Resort was built, special care was taken to protect nearly 300 ancient trees found on the property. Today, the resort partners with the Big Trees Project, employing expert arborists to maintain the health of these towering natural wonders. This collaboration ensures the safety of guests while preserving the resort’s lush, shaded landscape.

Love Wildlife Foundation

In collaboration with the Love Wildlife Foundation Thailand, Khaolak Merlin Resort contributes to the protection of Southeast Asia’s diverse wildlife, including endangered species like the slow loris. The natural rainforest setting within the resort grounds provides an ideal habitat for these shy, nocturnal creatures, along with an array of other fascinating species.

Guests can embark on a night safari, go bird-watching, and enjoy tree-walk activities with the opportunity to observe flying squirrels, parrots, and other animals thriving within the resort’s serene environment.

To help educate guests, an illustrated booklet about the local flora and fauna can be found in every guest room. Additionally, multilingual signs throughout the property highlight fascinating facts about the ecosystem, enhancing the visitor experience.

Nature Lab

Khaolak Merlin employs a resident biologist who is responsible for training the hotel staff about biodiversity and sustainability.

In 2025, the resort will establish a ‘Nature Lab’ recreational area where the resident biologist can create a tailored space for biodiversity education and activities. Guests will be encouraged to join in with monthly biodiversity survey activities such as insect collection or bat identification.

Sustainable water and waste management

Khaolak Merlin Resort is a pioneer in sustainable resource management. Their efforts include:

Water conservation
Wastewater undergoes organic treatment before being reused to irrigate the resort’s gardens and refill decorative streams. This process has even encouraged freshwater fish to thrive in the waterways. Clean water management also minimises environmental harm by preventing chemical contamination of nearby seas.
Waste reduction
The resort implements rigorous waste separation and recycling of materials where possible. Organic waste is provided to local farmers as pig feed or repurposed as compost to nourish resort gardens.
Plastic-free alternatives
To reduce single-use plastics, the resort offers eco-friendly solutions like biodegradable straws and reusable cloth bags, setting a thoughtful example for sustainable tourism.

Empowering the local community

Responsible tourism extends beyond environmental preservation to also include the well-being of local communities. Khaolak Merlin Resort ensures that the people supporting your holiday benefit meaningfully by:

Employing locals
Many resort staff members hail from the surrounding region, fostering a direct connection between guests and the local culture.
Sourcing locally
By purchasing goods and supplies from nearby businesses, the resort supports economic growth in Khao Lak.
Community volunteering
Organised initiatives such as beach and temple clean-ups not only bring community members together, but also offer opportunities for guests to participate and give back.

Stay at Khaolak Merlin Resort

Khaolak Merlin Resort demonstrates how hospitality and sustainability can go hand in hand. From preserving wildlife and ancient trees to supporting local livelihoods, the resort serves as a shining example of what it means to operate responsibly while delivering unforgettable guest experiences.

By choosing Khaolak Merlin Resort, visitors enjoy the best of southern Thailand while contributing to a greater purpose — protecting the environment and supporting the vibrant communities that make this destination so special.

To book a stay at the award-winning Khaolak Merlin Resort or learn more about their work to support responsible travel in Thailand, visit their website and social media channels:

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