“Eco-conscious” may not be the first thing that jumps to most travellers’ minds when it comes to China’s industrial-focused southern Guangdong province, however the city of Foshan is helping to shift that following the recent opening of a new green Element-brand hotel.
The Element Foshan Nanhai – the brand’s second property in Greater China (after the Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town) – has a number of eco-friendly features, from eco-certified spaces to health-focused services. The 329-room hotel is built using sustainable materials and practices, and include elements such as natural light, energy-efficient kitchenettes and organic bathroom amenities, among others.
“Element Foshan Nanhai is the second Element Hotel to open in Greater China with four more signed projects in the pipeline, appealing to a new generation of health-conscious guests,” said Marriott International’s vice president of brand and marketing for Asia-Pacific, Mike Fulkerson.
“It’s a fresh and vibrant brand that appeals to long-stay business travellers as well as the growing market of multi-generational family travellers in Asia. Having a kitchenette to prepare fresh meals and free bikes to borrow are great for families and active professionals, because time away from home shouldn’t meant time away from life.”
A key feature of the property is its healthy F&B offerings, including what it calls a “Rise” breakfast at the Salon restaurant, along with a 24-hour self-serve pantry called Restore that features ingredients for guests to use in preparing their own meals.
“These days, travellers are trying to stay healthy whilst on the road and it’s not exception in China,” said the hotel’s general manager, Jimmy Xue. “We give guests the option to maintain their fitness regime with a state-of-the-art fitness centre open 24-hours a day, an indoor heated saline swimming pool and a complimentary Bikes to Borrow programme so guests can explore the nearby surroundings.
Located within walking distance of Nanhai Central Park, the hotel is also about 40 minutes from downtown Guangzhou.
Element has been expanding its presence in Asia recently, and made its Southeast Asia debut back in May with the opening of the Element Kuala Lumpur.
