Anchalika Kijkanakorn from Akaryn Hospitality Thailand.

In a captivating episode of the Where2FromHere podcast, host Renae Leith-Manos engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Anchalika Kijkanakorn, the visionary founder and Managing Director of Akaryn Hospitality Management Services (AHMS) and of the Pure Blue Foundation.

Anchalika, a trailblazer in the hospitality industry, is credited with introducing the concept of ‘boutique’ hotels to Thailand.

She transformed her family’s beachside property into the first of many luxury retreats under the AHMS brand, including AKARYN Samui Resort & Spa, akyra Chura Samui, Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga, Aleenta Hua Hin-Pranburi, and the newly opened Akyra Manor Chiang Mai.

Her latest venture, AKARYN Koh Krabeay Retreat & Spa, is a collaboration with legendary designer Kenzo, promising an unparalleled luxury experience.

As the first female and Asian Chair of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), Anchalika represents over 570 independent properties globally.

She has been recognised by Forbes Asia as one of the '50 Heroes of Philanthropy,' underscoring her commitment to ethical business practices and social responsibility for her work with her company, the Pure Blue Foundation. All of her hotels have eliminated single use plastics.

The discussion delves into the complex environmental challenges facing Southeast Asia and explores innovative approaches to sustainability in the region many of which Anchalika has initiated.

Anchalika also shares her fascinating life journey of living across the globe, from the United States to Europe, before returning to her roots in Thailand.

In this interview, Anchalika reflects on her passion for travel, which sparked her interest in hospitality.

She discusses the unique ethos behind her brands, the concept of "Barefoot Luxury," and her focus on creating hotels that blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings while offering world-class wellness and anti-ageing programs.

Her insights into the evolving luxury travel market, the importance of attention to detail, and her predictions for the next big trends in travel make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of global hospitality.

Chapters - the chat between Renae Leith-Manos and Anchalika Kijkanakorn

00.00 Opening section
02.30 Akaryn Aleenta Hua Hin-Pranburi
05.00 Cycling from Hua Hin to the gourmet bakery at the resort
08.05 Building one of the first websites for hotels in Thailand
10.00 Ahchalika's life in Texas
13.00 Living in London after 10 years travelling the world working
15.26 The Pure Blue Foundation and sustainability in South East Asia
18.00 Singe Use Plastics are being eradicated
20.40 How to educate about sustainability and the small things people can do.
23.15 The beaches and where the pollution problems come from
25.30 Everything old is new again - upcycling bathroom products
27.40 The success of South East Asian and Asia Pacific countries
29.50 Where Anchalika travels in her own time
31.50 Where2FromHere

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Host & Executive Producer: Renae Leith-Manos
Editor: JC Tomelden
Graphic & Design: Giang Nguyen

For more luxury travel go to: www.renaesworld.com.au
Click here for more on Akaryn: https://www.akaryn.com/
Click here for more on Pure Blue: https://www.purebluefoundation.com/
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