PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Amara Singapore and Amara Sanctuary Sentosa Embrace
Sustainable Luxury With GSTC Certification
Nature within Amara Singapore and Amara Sanctuary Sentosa lobbies
Singapore, 7 August 2024 - Amara Hotels & Resorts is delighted to announce that both Amara Singapore and Amara Sanctuary Sentosa have achieved the prestigious Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification. This accolade, recognised as the gold standard for sustainability in tourism, acknowledges the hotels’ commitment to operating at the highest social and environmental standards in the global tourism industry.
Dawn Teo, COO of Amara Holdings, expressed pride in this milestone: “At Amara, we hold deep respect for the local environment we call home and beyond. Our hotels, cherished and maintained through generations, embody this commitment. It is paramount for us to adopt sustainable initiatives that safeguard our planet, ensuring future generations can continue to enjoy our hotels and their experiences. This certification stands as a testament to our dedication to prioritising sustainability in every aspect of our operations and design. We believe that regardless of the scale, each green practice contributes to alleviating the current climate crisis.”
As part of their transformative journeys, both Amara Singapore and Amara Sanctuary Sentosa have embraced a multifaceted approach to sustainability. This includes implementing an array of initiatives designed to reduce environmental impact and promote a sustainable lifestyle among guests and staff alike.
Amara Singapore’s in-room water dispensers and recycling bins
Eco-friendly room amenities
At Amara Singapore, advanced control units intuitively respond to occupancy patterns, adjusting the thermostat to conserve energy when rooms are unoccupied. This innovative technology markedly reduces the hotel's overall energy consumption. Additionally, water conservation measures have been implemented, such as low-flow showerheads and taps in the bathroom. Eager to foster a sustainable ethos among guests, Amara Hotels & Resorts has introduced compact and sleek recycling bins in all guest rooms.
Both properties have also curtailed the use of single-use plastics by replacing miniature toiletries with refillable dispensers. Filtered water dispensers are also installed in all hotel rooms at Amara Singapore, with Amara Sanctuary Sentosa set to follow suit, thereby eliminating the need for plastic bottles.
Sustainable Food Practices
Amara Singapore has partnered with Treatsure, a food waste reduction company, to ensure that surplus food from the hotel’s buffet spread at Element is redistributed rather than wasted. Guests can take away untouched yet pristine buffet food via the Treatsure app, significantly reducing food waste. The hotel also sources ingredients sustainably, supporting local producers whenever possible to reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation. For example, biodegradable tea bags from a local producer are also selected to align with the brand’s green initiatives. Meanwhile, kitchen waste is processed by an on-site food digester at Amara Singapore, converting organic waste into compost and other useful by-products.
Protecting the environment
To minimise pollution on the island, Amara Sanctuary Sentosa will provide bicycle rentals for resort guests, offering the opportunity to explore the island in an environmentally friendly manner. This initiative not only reduces emissions but also fosters a healthy, active lifestyle. The resort’s lush tropical gardens are meticulously curated to support and enhance local biodiversity.
Amara Sanctuary Sentosa’s Heritage Trail
Enhancing cultural heritage
Amara Singapore and Amara Sanctuary Sentosa are also committed to preserving and sharing Singapore’s rich cultural heritage, a key criterion for the GSTC. Amara Sanctuary Sentosa, built around a former British Army site, offers daily guided heritage trials, including access to the last two World War II air raid shelters to exist on Sentosa Island. Meanwhile, Amara Singapore immerses guests into the locale through various experiences. Walk through time with a former gang member to uncover the hidden stories of the underworld in Tanjong Pagar and Chinatown, or join the ‘Intan Tour’, which introduces visitors to the rich customs and traditions of the Peranakans. Guests can also try their hand at creating Singaporean favourites, with a hands-on culinary class that teaches the art of making popiah and local coffee/tea.
As Amara Hotels & Resorts continues to evolve, it remains committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainable luxury. The GSTC certification is not an endpoint but a milestone in its ongoing journey to create exceptional experiences for discerning travellers.
Please download high-res images here.
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For media enquiries, please contact:
Accela Communications
amara@accela.asia | asrs@accela.asia
Chu Jie Ying | Amara Singapore
Evelyn Suah | Amara Sanctuary
evelyn.suah@amarasanctary.com
About Amara Singapore
Strategically located in the city’s Central Business District in the heart of Tanjong Pagar, Amara Singapore is the brand’s flagship hotel. In addition to 389 thoughtfully appointed guest rooms and suites, the hotel provides a diverse range of onsite dining options, wellness facilities and versatile meeting spaces. The Club rooms and suites offer exclusive privileges, including access to the Club Lounge, for an enhanced stay. Adjoined to the vibrant 100AM retail mall and office tower, Amara Singapore has a plethora of dining, retail and entertainment options at its doorstep and provides the perfect base to explore the city. For more information, visit singapore.amarahotels.com and follow on Instagram.
About Amara Sanctuary Sentosa
Nestled on a hillside in Singapore’s premier island getaway, Amara Sanctuary Sentosa spans 3.8 hectares of manicured gardens and natural rainforest, offering a serene respite steeped in history. The resort’s 140 guest rooms, suites, villas and mansion bolster the resort’s unique character, weaving together its beautifully restored colonial architecture and modern design elements. Each structure exudes a sense of place and heritage, striking a perfect balance between the island’s rich history and contemporary features.
Amara Sanctuary Sentosa’s lush tropical gardens, a sanctuary for free-roaming peacocks, squirrels, and native flora and fauna, offer guests an immersive experience in harmony with nature. These verdant surroundings reflect the resort’s commitment to environmental sustainability, providing a tranquil oasis for travellers. Amara Sanctuary Sentosa’s comprehensive dining and wellness facilities complement the resort’s historic charm, creating the ideal setting for an idyllic island retreat. For more information, visit sentosa.amarahotels.com.
About Amara Hotels & Resorts
Amara Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning regional hospitality group offering a fresh approach to modern travellers by creating tailored experiences and cherished moments. Amara’s portfolio consists of four properties in three Asian cities, including the flagship Amara Singapore, Amara Sanctuary Sentosa, Amara Bangkok and Amara Signature Shanghai. Each property offers thoughtfully designed settings and facilities while embodying the Amara brand philosophy ‘Always Amara’, a commitment to authentic service and meaningful moments. For more information, visit www.amarahotels.com and follow on Instagram.