Nyne Hotels Redefines Luxury Through Sustainable Hospitality Practices

At a time when environmental responsibility is no longer optional but imperative, Nyne Hotels takes the lead with its practical approach to sustainability. Blending eco-conscious operations with luxury, the hotel group has implemented comprehensive green initiatives across all properties.

Nyne Hotels’ bioclimatic architecture harmonises with Sri Lanka’s natural environment. All properties maximise natural light and cross-ventilation in lounging and dining areas, significantly reducing energy consumption while enhancing guest comfort. The thoughtfully landscaped gardens serve a dual purpose: creating serene guest environments while naturally cooling surrounding areas through strategically placed trees and foliage.

The culinary program at Nyne Hotels encourages and practices sustainable dining. Most properties feature productive home gardens that supply kitchens with fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables, reducing food miles while ensuring peak freshness. At Nyne Yala, the majestic Kara tree does more than provide shade; its tender fried leaves offer guests an authentic Sri Lankan culinary experience.

“Our food philosophy begins with respecting both the environment and our local communities,” says Charles De Zylva, at Nyne Hotels. “By sourcing over 80% of our ingredients from within a 10km radius, we support small-scale farmers and family businesses while dramatically reducing our carbon footprint. It’s a win-win approach that results in fresher, more flavorful dishes for our guests.”

The commitment to sustainability extends to menu engineering and waste reduction. Nyne’s chefs design flexible menus that utilise similar ingredient bases across multiple dishes, minimising waste. Any surplus food after service is repurposed into staff meals, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Nyne Hotels’ sustainability initiatives extend far beyond property boundaries. At Nyne Bentota, the team works closely with local communities to protect and preserve vital mangrove ecosystems, a commitment maintained since inception. Regular beach cleanups keep coastal areas free of plastics, while ongoing mangrove nurturing programs contribute to coastal protection and biodiversity conservation.

The hotel group’s employment policies further demonstrate its community focus, with priority given to hiring from local communities whenever possible. This approach not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with staff commuting but also ensures economic benefits directly support surrounding areas.

Nyne Hotels maintains a results-oriented approach to sustainability with several key initiatives including:

• Plastic-Free Pledge: All properties have eliminated single-use plastics, replacing them with sustainable alternatives.
• Energy Efficiency: Comprehensive use of LED lighting and solar heating systems throughout all properties.
• Waste Management: Segregated waste management systems with organic waste converted to garden compost.

Understanding that meaningful change requires collective action, Nyne Hotels actively involves guests in its sustainability efforts. Thoughtful programs like linen reuse options and energy conservation incentives allow visitors to contribute effortlessly during their stay. These initiatives demonstrate how sustainable practices can be seamlessly integrated into the luxury travel experience.

“We don’t view sustainability as a trend, but as our fundamental responsibility,” emphasises Charles. “Every decision we make, from how we design our properties to where we source our ingredients, is guided by this principle. True luxury shouldn’t come at the expense of our planet or communities.”

Nyne Hotels invites other hospitality providers to join in adopting sustainable practices, proving that the industry can be a powerful force for environmental stewardship. For more information on Nyne Hotels’ sustainability initiatives, please visit nynehotels.com/sustainability.