JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa has introduced Southern Thailand’s first on-site bean-to-bar chocolate factory and boutique, developed in partnership with Duc de Praslin Chocolaterie Boutique & Atelier. The concept was presented at the resort’s Summer Garden Party on August 6, themed Rooted in Chocolate.
The boutique highlights cacao grown in Phang Nga, with at least 85 per cent of the cacao used sourced locally through monthly standing orders with farmer cooperatives at fixed prices, with 1.6 tonnes purchased to date. Plans are in place to expand sourcing volumes and extend supply to other Thai regions.
Guests are invited to explore the chocolate-making process through workshops, tastings and themed menus. Pod to Bar sessions allow participants to trace the journey of Thai cacao before crafting their own chocolate bars. Family-friendly classes, seasonal tastings and cacao tree planting in the resort’s 11-hectare JW Garden will further connect visitors with the origins of the product.
The resort’s whole-ingredient approach extends into its kitchens, where cacao husks, nibs and pulp are incorporated rather than discarded, and garden trimmings are composted. The JW Garden also supports wider guest experiences, including guided walks, herb-picking and farm-to-table dining.
The boutique’s debut was marked by cacao-infused cocktails, tasting stations, a Pod to Bar workshop and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a JW Garden tour and a shared-table dinner featuring chocolate-inspired dishes.
For more information, visit JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa.
A Marriott International veteran with more than 15 years of hospitality experience, he most recently served as senior director, revenue strategy – South Asia, overseeing commercial strategy and business performance for more than 150 hotels across the region.
