Young Guardians of the Earth: A Timeless Sustainability Initiative for Kids at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An

Sustainability is a daily mantra at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai — and guests of all ages are invited to discover a cleaner, greener and more mindful lifestyle. With the launch of the Young Guardians of the Earth initiative in the summer of 2023, The Nam Hai takes kids on a fun-filled journey of sustainability and science.

A joint initiative by the gardening team and Chuon Chuon Kids Club, Young Guardians of the Earth is inspired by The Nam Hai’s strong commitment to preserving the environment for future generations.

This innovative program revolves around a specially created composting and gardening site, situated near Chuon Chuon Kids Club. Here, young guests can appreciate the delicate process of composting first-hand, as well as experience the joy of gardening with their own hands. As Landscaping Manager Ry Nguyen says, “The best way to learn about the importance of vibrant ecosystems is to actively participate in safeguarding them.”

“These activities also provide a great opportunity for kids to explore science, get moving and make new friends, all while soaking up plenty of fresh air and sunshine,” adds Ly Nguyen, Recreations Supervisor at Chuon Chuon Kids Club.

Young Guardians of the Earth hosts two activities for kids each week:

• Composting — Every Tuesday, 9:00 to 9:45 am. Learn the process of composting and get the soil ready for planting.
• Gardening — Every Sunday, 9:00 to 9:45 am. Plant seedlings in the little patch of soil prepared previously.

Guided by the friendly Four Seasons team, each educational session brings science to life in an enjoyable and hands-on manner, enabling kids to connect closely with nature and unlock the secrets of the plant world. Along with the benefits of composting, little ones learn the importance of the three environmental Rs — Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Plus, The Nam Hai team adds an extra R into the mix — Regenerate!

Local experts are on hand to introduce young botanists to the fascinating local vegetation found across the Resort’s tropical gardens. Parents, too, are welcome to join the experience, a wonderful way to foster care for the environment as a family.

To enhance the connection with Mother Earth and build a sense of ownership, each young gardener receives a selection of seedlings as a farewell present. These “green souvenirs” are enduring mementoes of Hoi An that kids can bring home to plant in their own gardens.

Sustainability in Every Season

Nestled along the culturally rich coast of Central Vietnam, Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai is certified as a “Green Hotel” by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), highlighting its commitment to sustainable tourism.

As a leading eco-conscious wellness retreat in Vietnam, the Resort puts sustainability centre stage, inspiring guests to forge a closer connection with the natural world. The on-site Herb & Vegetable Farm supplies more than 40 seasonal varieties of herbs, vegetables, fruits and flowers to the restaurant and spa teams. Additionally, several local ingredients are sourced from neighbouring farms, villages, noodle shops and rice paper makers.

In 2019, The Nam Hai launched its own bottling plant, eliminating more than 420,000 plastic bottles or 5.8 tonnes of plastic waste every year. Solar-powered heaters support the Resort’s water supply, while all organic and natural waste is fed into a high-grade compost to create nutritious fertilizer for the gardens. By composting approximately 4,000 tons of natural waste each year, the team has reduced the need for waste treatment and eliminated the purchase of organic fertilizer, thus cutting down significantly on greenhouse gas emissions and saving an estimated 240 large plastic bags each year.

Each moment at this luxury beach resort for families sparkles with the abundance of nature, inviting both parents and kids to discover the wonder of a life lived in harmony with Mother Earth.