Page 21 - #181 May 2023

Explorar El Nido Treehouses Koh Phangan
Philippines Thailand

As for new openings, their upcoming project is the Explorar El Nido Sustainability is at the core of the brand’s essence and is an integral
in Palawan, Philippines explains Huby, who goes onto say that it is the element of their offer. They actively recruit from the nearby community
brainchild of visionary developers Gemmalyn and Rick Crosby and will and try to purchase their supplies from local farmers and fishermen.
feature 69 treehouses designed by Underwood Phuket, a one of a kind They also recently started an ambitious project to deploy solar panels in
jungle spa and a tree bar with views over the pristine jungles of El Nido both of their properties and designed it to have extra output that they
and the ocean. can share with the local communities’ centres and schools. They also
“We are particularly enthusiastic about the emphasis on environmental encourage their guests to pay it forward and join them in beach clean-
protection and sustainability that is at the very core of this project and ups or diving expeditions to clean up reefs and remove ghost nets that
was included in the development process from the very beginning,” are damaging the local sea life.
highlights Huby. On the topic of guest loyalty and what makes the Explorar name
Additional new sites are being considered in Phuket, Bangkok and stand out, Huby explains that he believes guests see the genuine efforts
Chiang Mai within Thailand and Bali in Indonesia as the fast-growing put into creating a unique experience where they are treated as unique
company looks for new properties that will continue to attract digital individuals and that they appreciate the comfort and ability to enjoy
nomads and millennials. Aside from the right locations, they are also extended stays with them and at the same time, discover or experience
looking for the right people and the right partners. It is important to something new and exciting.
the company that they find like-minded partners that share their “Our crew is what makes us stand out. We have built up a young and
commitment to sustainability and care for the people who are willing to highly motivated team that combines the dynamism of a start-up and
work on developing a truly unique experience for guests. the experience of having worked in very challenging hospitality projects.
“It is at the core of our thinking to offer guests and travellers Our key priority will be to maintain this special team spirit and manage
something new every day. This could be in our hotels where we offer to extend it together with Explorar as we grow throughout the region.
new events or activities every day: local cooking classes, relaxed pool We want to continue to build an innovative, kind spirited and genuine
parties or art exhibits with local upcoming artists. But if guests want to hospitality brand that puts creativity and the happiness of our people,
venture outside, our local crew is happy to show them truly new and crew and guests alike as our absolute priority,” Huby points out.
authentic experiences that are not mentioned in guide books.” As our time with the CEO comes to a close, Huby highlights that for
At the forefront of their marketing and sales strategies is social the coming six months, their priority is to continue to test new concepts
media and e-commerce. Their marketing strategy focuses on creating on their properties with the objectives of making both Explorar Koh
organic and genuine content either by themselves or in collaboration Samui and Explorar Koh Phangan must visits on each island.
with micro-influencers who get to capture and share authentic images “To support our rapid growth and ambition, I am focusing heavily on
and videos with their respective audiences. They also continuously recruitment of top management and our crew alike. We are looking for
research the latest digital marketing innovations and trends outside very special people who combine genuine care for our staff and crew,
the hospitality industry and implement these to maximise the reach extensive experience in hospitality development and
of their direct and social media campaigns and increase their direct operations and start-ups problem solving skills and
conversion booking rate. energy,” Huby concludes.