Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort Celebrates Resident Hornbill Couple with New Guest Experiences

Koh Lanta, Thailand, February 11, 2025: Ahead of Love Hornbills Day on February 13th, Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort announces the celebration of its resident hornbill couple, Gok and Gek, who have made their home in a tree on the grounds of the resort overlooking the azures of the Andaman Sea. Offering a perch above the resort’s picturesque Sea View Pool Villas, this special tree has affectionately been dubbed the Hornbill Hotel by the Avani team, symbolizing the property's commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism. 

In honor of the avian duo, Avani+ Koh Lanta is embracing its connection with nature through a series of interactive guest experiences. The resort has developed activities that promote conservation and showcase Koh Lanta’s vibrant ecosystem, all while respecting the local wildlife. Families can join in the fun with a Hornbill Heroes adventure booklet filled with creativity, learning and fun nature-based activities. Kids can spot Gok and Gek in their natural habitat and learn about their role in the local environment.

AvaniKids ignites curiosity through wildlife themed arts and crafts, complemented by a special bedtime story session featuring When Gok Met Gek - a captivating tale illustrated by a talented Thai artist. To make the experience even more memorable, children will be treated to hornbill-shaped cookies, adding a delightful and delicious touch.

Families can snap memorable moments at hornbill inspired Instagram hotspots, from a vibrant wildlife mural to a perch beneath the iconic Hornbill Hotel. As the sun dips below the Andaman Sea, guests are invited to toast the view with Hornbill Highballs, G+G gin and tonics, or Beaky Blast mocktails - best enjoyed from treetop tables with panoramic ocean vistas.

John Roberts, Group Director of Sustainability & Conservation at Minor Hotels, commented, “At Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort, the emphasis is on nurturing the natural surroundings while offering guests memorable experiences. Gok and Gek’s presence is a testament to the thriving ecosystem here, and the resort is excited to introduce guests to the beauty of local wildlife through engaging activities. Oriental pied hornbill are one species that have adapted to live with human presence, and their familiarity with the resort and guests—while keeping a safe distance— certainly reflects that."

The new guest experiences align with Avani's broader commitment to sustainability. Avani+ Koh Lanta Resort actively participates in various conservation efforts, including the Dugong Food Survival project, which supports the restoration of seagrass beds crucial for the local marine ecosystem. Additionally, the resort's Edible Flower Farm showcases sustainable practices, offering guests unique culinary experiences through in-house cooking classes and innovative menu options.

Guests seeking a memorable getaway in Koh Lanta can immerse themselves in the magic of the Hornbill Hotel at Avani+ Koh Lanta.

For more information and to book, please visit: www.avanihotels.com/en/koh-lanta- krabi, email avaniplus.krabi@avanihotels.com or call +66 075 626 999.

About Avani Hotels & Resorts:

Avani Hotels & Resorts, part of Minor Hotels, was launched in 2011 and designed for the millennial- minded traveler whose priorities are style, value and comfort. The brand is an upbeat and contemporary hotel concept that delivers the perfect balance, with a focus on good sleep, designed social spaces, locally inspired sustenance and friendly service. Avani welcomes guests to over 43 hotels located in Asia, Australia, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East, Africa and Europe, with an exciting pipeline of properties to come.

To learn more about Avani Hotels, visit www.avanihotels.com.

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Avani Hotels & Resorts is part of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty program, enabling travelers to savor every moment at home or away, while being recognized and rewarded at participating hotels and resorts worldwide. For more information, please visit www.ghadiscovery.com.

About Minor Hotels:

Minor Hotels is a global hospitality group operating over 560 hotels, resorts and residences in 58 countries, pursuing its vision of crafting a more passionate and interconnected world. As a hotel owner, operator and investor, Minor Hotels fulfills the needs and desires of today’s global travelers through its diverse portfolio of eight hotel brands – Anantara, Avani, Elewana Collection, NH, NH Collection, nhow, Oaks and Tivoli – and a collection of related businesses. Minor Hotels is rapidly accelerating its global growth ambitions, aiming to add more than 280 hotels by the end of 2027.

Minor Hotels is a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world's largest alliance of independent hotel brands, and participates in the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty program.

For more information, please visit minorhotels.com and connect with Minor Hotels on Facebook and LinkedIn.