Sun Siyam Pasikudah, nestled in the gorgeous Eastern region of Sri Lanka, has recently undergone a transformative renovation highlighting its commitment to sustainable luxury. Reopened in the latter part of last year, the resort now features locally made cane materials in its elegant décor and lush tropical greenery surrounding each of its 34 rooms. According to Chaminda Upul Kumara, Sustainability Project Manager at Sun Siyam Resorts, and Arshed Refai, General Manager of the Pasikudah property, the resort offers a unique blend of luxury and eco-conscious living.
Sun Siyam Pasikudah’s renovation underscores its dedication to sustainable practices, illustrating how luxury and eco-responsibility can harmoniously coexist. By incorporating even the tiniest details into the guest experience, the resort has achieved numerous eco-centered and social sustainability goals. This approach aligns with the growing trend of sustainable tourism, positioning the resort as an eco-conscious hospitality destination.
The lush greenery surrounding the rooms fosters a natural environment for guests, reducing the need for extensive artificial landscaping and promoting relaxation in harmony with nature. The use of locally sourced, hand-crafted cane materials supports the community and preserves traditional skills, contributing to the social and economic well-being of the Eastern region. Today’s travellers, increasingly conscious of their travel choices, appreciate these efforts, recognising the resort’s commitment to responsible practices.
A standout feature of Sun Siyam Pasikudah is its dedication to a sustainable food system. The resort grows its own produce, ensuring fresh, local ingredients are used in its culinary offerings. The dedicated gardening team meticulously cultivates a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs within the resort’s premises.
Guests enjoy the signature Ambarella welcome drink made from organically grown Ambarellas, providing a refreshing and nutritious start to their stay. The resort’s gardens yield a bounty of seasonal fruits like mangoes, which are used in culinary creations and welcome fruit baskets in guest rooms. This focus on local and fresh ingredients enhances the dining experience and supports sustainable food practices.
Community engagement Sun Siyam Pasikudah employs around 90 percent of its staff from surrounding towns, fostering a strong sense of community and loyalty. The resort believes in empowering its staff through various training and development programs, equipping them with the skills to excel in their roles and grow their careers within the vibrant hospitality industry. This approach not only supports the local economy but also ensures exceptional service for guests.
The resort’s commitment to local talent extends to community development projects such as beach cleanups, tree planting programs, and educational workshops on environmental conservation. Energy efficiency Sun Siyam Pasikudah continuously implements energy-efficient practices throughout the resort. This includes the use of solar and LED lighting, energy-saving appliances, and water conservation measures.
These efforts minimise the resort’s environmental impact and promote sustainable living. In addition to growing its own produce, the resort sources other ingredients and supplies from local vendors, strengthening the local economy. The staff actively participate in community initiatives, showcasing their commitment to the region’s development.
Sustainable practices at heart Recently, Sun Siyam Pasikudah announced the launch of the CarePhant project, an initiative to foster the well-being of a young elephant named Kalo at the Elephant Transit Home (ETH) in Udawalawe, Sri Lanka. Supported by Sun Siyam Pasikudah and in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) of Sri Lanka, this project embodies a profound commitment to biodiversity conservation and responsible tourism practices. The CarePhant project reflects the company’s broader sustainability efforts under the Sun Siyam Cares program, which focuses on reducing environmental impact, supporting community development, and preserving local heritage.
The resort employs a holistic waste management policy, contributing significantly to waste reduction, recycling, and composting whenever possible. This minimises the amount of waste sent to landfills. For guests, the resort offers convenient recycling and composting bins in their rooms and public areas, making it easy to contribute to the resort’s sustainability efforts.
Guests can also choose to reuse towels and linens, reducing water consumption needed for laundering..
