A Vacation Experience With A Sustainable Twist
(Makati City, November 2024) Among the country’s most sought-after vacation spots, Palawan stands out not only for its stunning, pristine beaches but also as a haven for adventure enthusiasts. Picture yourself strolling along the soft, powdery sands as the sun rises, the gentle sound of waves lapping at your feet. Later, immerse yourself in the thrill of kayaking through the serene, lush mangrove forests, where the vibrant ecosystem teems with life, or embark on an exhilarating hike along winding jungle trails, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature.
Pineapple by the Sea by Four Points by Sheraton Palawan
Nestled in this breathtaking environment is the Four Points by Sheraton Palawan, perfectly situated along the picturesque Sabang Beach. This beachfront gem offers a tranquil retreat for sun-soaked days and relaxation. Yet, beyond just providing a picturesque escape, the hotel is also dedicated to fostering sustainable tourism, paving the way for an environmentally conscious way to enjoy your holiday amidst nature’s splendor.
Nestled along the breathtaking coastline of Sabang, the international resort and nature sanctuary stands as the inaugural property of its renowned multinational brand in the country. Spanning an expansive 5.3 hectares, this stunning beachfront haven seamlessly blends luxury with nature, offering guests a serene escape. With 168 exquisitely designed rooms equipped with comprehensive amenities, it serves as an ideal launchpad for discovering the natural beauty that Sabang has to offer.
Whether you’re traveling with family or indulging in a “bleisure” trip—combining business with leisure—Four Points Palawan takes pride in crafting an unforgettable experience tailored to every guest’s needs. General Manager Dietmar Platz emphasizes their commitment to providing an exceptional atmosphere conducive to relaxation and exploration, ensuring that every stay is a cherished memory.
Sabang is a remarkable destination known for its diverse natural attractions, all part of the renowned Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Key highlights of the area include the Subterranean River, the Sabang Mangrove Forest, and the Sabang Waterfalls. According to Platz, “We have eight kinds of forests surrounding us, providing numerous opportunities to observe Palawan’s unique wildlife.” In addition, visitors can explore the nearby Iwahig Firefly Watching Mangrove and Wildlife Park, and Isla Felomina is easily accessible via a short boat ride.
Four Points Palawan draws inspiration from its stunning natural surroundings, weaving the principles of sustainability and environmental stewardship into the very fabric of its operations. Building upon the esteemed legacy of Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa, a trailblazer in eco-friendly hospitality in the Philippines, the management team remains unwaveringly dedicated to enhancing the well-being of the local community. This commitment is evident in their efforts to create a harmonious balance between luxurious comfort and the preservation of the pristine environment that defines this beautiful region.
A key initiative is the partnership with Sabang Renewable Energy Corporation (SREC). This allows them to harness solar power as its primary electric source, with Four Points Palawan operating an impressive 300KW of in-house solar panels, channeled towards utilities, pumps, and other facilities. Energy conservation is also enhanced by the use of 100% LED lighting throughout the resort, and in employees’ quarters.
Another key element to this campaign is their focus on farm-to-table cuisine in all of their food & beverage outlets. Making this a reality on a daily basis is their very own organic garden, where the soil is fertilized using coffee grounds. Among the variety of produce they grow is Lettuce, Bokchoy, chili, Choy sum, Okra, Eggplant and more. Herbs and aromatics like Basil, Lemongrass, and Mint are picked fresh for use in their dishes and drinks. They even source their flora for centerpieces and floral arrangements from the same gardens. A rainwater collection system allows them to properly care for their gardens without doing any damage to Palawan’s pristine environs.
As Four Points Palawan services a large number of guests, they supplement their F&B requirements through a partnership with Sheridan Organic Farm. This expands their ability to access more locally-sourced vegetables and proteins. “We are dedicated to sourcing ingredients from within, and around, the resort to guarantee freshness and uphold the integrity of our dishes,” explains the resort’s Food and Beverage Manager Mark Anthony Antonio. This ensures a truly authentic farm-to-table experience for our guests.” On the average, they source over 150 kilos of vegetables, including pumpkin, kangkong, Calamansi, Petchay, etc. on a weekly basis from the farm. Sheridan also delivers 220 kg of grain, including the highly-prized organic black rice, featured in many of the resort’s signature dishes. Conversations are ongoing with Fish Right and USAID to find a sustainable seafood source, as well training local fisher folks from Roxas, Palawan on handling and processing seafood to meet the hotel’s standards.
Pineapples also figure into the property’s environment-friendly options. The plants are known to absorb greater amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to minimize their overall carbon footprint. Enzyme Cleaner made from pineapple peelings are used in all their kitchens, as part of a “waste to clean” program. Even the beer the hotel serves has its roots in these efforts – a special brew created by Palaweno Brewery, using pineapples grown in Bataraza, Palawan.
As with most large hotels, packaging and disposable items are a big concern. Management took on the challenge by making sweeping changes across its departments, starting with a ‘Zero Plastic Policy.’ On the F&B end, takeaway is delivered in containers made of cassava and wooden utensils. Glass bottles are used in lieu of plastic for drinking water in guestrooms and all outlets. They’ve invested in a reverse osmosis filter, a water tank, and a glass washer to clean and sterilize the bottles – ensuring the long-term viability of these efforts. With an average consumption of 2,800 bottles monthly, “…these initiatives, along with the use of larger dispenser bottles for in-room toiletries, and alternative energy sources, have the added effect of significant cost-savings for the hotel,” says the resort’s Executive Housekeeper Jaime Pinto. “This allows us to invest more in other sustainability projects for the hotel.”
Recognizing that banquets and conventions constitute a significant portion of the hotel’s overall business operations, the management has integrated these events into their comprehensive sustainability initiatives. During the initial intake process for event organizers, they are prompted to consider their requirements for stationery, such as pads and pens. Instead of providing these items, they are encouraged to make a positive impact by opting for a donation of essential supplies—such as notebooks, writing pads, pencils, and tote bags—to local schools in need.
Furthermore, the hotel has set an ambitious long-term objective to advocate for linen-less conventions. This approach entails hosting events where all tables and chairs are left bare, thereby eliminating the need for laundering tablecloths and napkins. By minimizing the use of laundry detergents and other cleaning products, the hotel aims to significantly reduce its environmental footprint. This initiative is particularly crucial given the hotel’s unique location within a UNESCO World Heritage site and National Park, where preserving the integrity of the ecosystem is of paramount importance. Through these thoughtful strategies, the hotel not only enhances its sustainability efforts but also fosters a culture of environmental responsibility among its event organizers and attendees.
This commitment to sustainability extends beyond its perimeter and into the big blue. Through the ‘Sea Turtle Saga’ initiative, Four Points Palawan supports marine conservation, particularly in protecting the sea turtles that nest on its beachfront, such as the Olive Ridley and Green Sea turtles. Partnering with the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), the resort safeguards nesting sites, monitors turtle populations, and educates guests about the importance of marine conservation.
Palawan’s outstanding biodiversity, its myriad of endemic flora and fauna, and innate wildness has earned for itself the reputation of ‘the Philippines last frontier’. Four Points Palawan has taken this to heart, ensuring that each step taken to deliver an unforgettable experience for their guests is built on a foundation of eco-tourism and sustainability. “In everything we do, Four Points Palawan strives to harmonize modern refinement with responsibility,” says Platz. “We want to create a haven that not only delights our guests but also honors the environment and the local community.” The hope is that guests take with them the joy of waking up surrounded by nature and all its beauty. And dream of coming home to it, and to Four Points Palawan, again very soon.
For booking information, please visit their website at www.fourpointspalawan.com, or call their landline at +63 48-550-9000. You may also send an email to [email protected]
Follow Four Points by Sheraton Palawan in social media: Instagram (@fourpointspuertoprincesa) and Facebook (@fourpointspalawan).
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