Location
Nearest train station
Architecture
The Originals
Set on Phuket, The Slate is the creation of Prakaikaew Na-Ranong and her father Wichit Na-Ranong, the so-called “father of tourism” on the island. With the family’s deep-seated connection to the island, the pair intended to enrich the hotel with all things local from the outset. Architect and designer Bill Bensley used recycled materials during construction, including reclaimed wood and aluminum and upcycled design pieces from Phuket’s tin mining past. More than 90% of the decorative accessories were custom-made using local and reclaimed materials. The hotel’s gardens grow vegetables and herbs—including galangal, Thai basil, chilis, peppercorns, and rosemary—that are used in the restaurant to make local dishes. Leftover food is used in the staff canteen or donated to nearby schools whenever possible. The Slate also invites the community in through Shades, its in-house gallery that features sculptures, paintings, and photography by local and international artists.
Recyclable materials like reclaimed wood, concrete, steel, and aluminum were the principal materials used for building the resort. Old mining objects were upcycled for use in the interiors.
The hotel uses refillable glass bottles in guest rooms, minimizes all single-use plastic, purchases in bulk, and uses leftover food for the staff canteen or donates to nearby schools.
LED lighting and keycard-operated power switches in guest rooms are used. Linens are not changed daily unless requested by guests.
The hotel installed a water treatment plant to provide drinking water for guests and staff in refillable glass bottles. Rainwater is used in the gardens.
More than 90% of all decorative accessories are custom-made using local and recyclable materials. Food and beverages are mainly sourced from local sources or the on-site organic farm.
The hotel collaborates with local artists via Shades Gallery, runs an internship program for local schools, and involves community stakeholders whenever possible.
Guests are invited to enjoy the natural surroundings and village lifestyle, visit the local market, see the morning monks, visit Phuket town, trek through the rainforest, and more.
Recruitment starts from the hotel’s immediate vicinity. There is on-site training and an inclusive environment for both staff and guests.
We spoke with Prakaikaew Na-Ranong, one of the Originals behind The Slate, to learn the latest on the hotel’s conscious journey.
From the design to the concept to the cuisine, our philosophy is to embrace all things local.
We recruit locally, run apprenticeship programs, promote local Phuket culture and cuisine, and involve community stakeholders in relevant decisions whenever we can. Through our gallery and internship programs with international and local artists, we aim is to create a cultural exchange.
One challenge is the cost of investing in energy-efficient infrastructures and renewable energy. We promote open-air living, outdoor activities, and a connection with nature.
The Originals Wichit Na-Ranong & Prakaikaew Na-Ranong
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