Six Senses Kaplankaya

Built into rock formations and designed with green roofs and biophilic walls, the resort is home to a rich array of Turkey's botanical species, including olive, cypress, oleander, sage, and thyme. 

With a keen focus on environmental responsibility, the resort rigorously monitors its energy, water, and carbon footprint data, utilising automation systems to optimise energy usage. Renewable energy sources power the resort, as validated by an I-Rec certificate, while a heat recovery cooling system significantly reduces LNG consumption and carbon emissions.

In waste management, the resort implements various strategies. The resort operates a composting machine, recycles waste water for landscaping, and utilizes dripping systems to minimise water usage. The glass crusher and special waste bins contribute to waste reduction. The resort actively involves guests in sustainability efforts, providing eco-friendly reminders and offering electric vehicle options.

Since adopting a Plastic Free and Zero Waste philosophy in 2016, the resort has made tangible progress, evidenced by a 45.45% increase in waste diverted from landfills and a 17.73% decrease in solid waste per room night in 2023. Notable achievements include a 75% decrease in CO² emissions per room night and the recycling of 31,456 kilograms of paper, plastic, and metal.

The resort's Climate Warrior Program engages both guests and local communities in environmental education and action. In collaboration with neighbouring schools, the resort educates children about climate change and sustainability, fostering a generation of local sustainability advocates. In 2023, 260 local students participated in this program. The resort also engages its younger guests in learning about upcycling, recycling, and gardening during their stay.

The resort's organic farms and gardens play a pivotal role in its Eat With Six Senses approach to food and drink. By growing approximately 289kgs of its own fruit and vegetables on-site annually, and sourcing from local farms and vineyards, the resort ensures that its guests enjoy fresh, whole, seasonal, and high-quality food that's grown-in, not flown-in, thereby reducing packaging and transportation impacts. The composting machine produces nutrient-rich soil for the organic garden, while the glass crusher in the kitchen reduces waste bottle volume by up to 80 percent.

As part of the ‘Supporting Local Women's Livelihoods’ project, the resort hosts a monthly Local Market event at Six Senses Kaplankaya, specifically designed to bring together village women who create local products and handicrafts. The profits generated from these sales directly contribute to empowering these women to establish their own livelihoods. Additionally, the resort offers training and information sessions to educate these women about relevant laws and procedures, helping to legitimise their businesses and expand their markets through social media channels.

Through the project, the resort not only provides financial support but also invests in the development of essential skills by purchasing equipment and offering educational courses. A notable outcome of the initiative is the creation of the soft toy mascot, 'Ege', the Mediterranean Monk Seal, which is handmade by women involved in the project. 'Ege' serves as a symbol of the resort's commitment to empowering women and promoting economic independence.

In 2023, the project supported 12 women, and the resort remains committed to continuing and expanding its efforts to assist more women in their region on their journey towards economic independence.

In 2023, 41% of the resort's employees were women, reflecting its dedication to providing equal employment opportunities. It has established documented procedures for Equal Employment Opportunity and has implemented comprehensive safety standards that cover all employees, with a specific focus on the safety of female employees.

The resort recognises the growing threat of invasive species to native ecosystems in the Mediterranean Basin due to increasing sea temperatures. To combat this issue, the resort supports the efforts of the Mediterranean Conservation Society by purchasing invasive Lionfish and other edible invasive species. By promoting their capture and consumption, the resort helps alleviate fishing pressure on struggling native species while also introducing new menu options for guests.

To address the issue of plastic pollution, the resort employs sustainable purchasing procedures, selecting suppliers based on sustainability criteria and actively working to reduce plastic use. In 2023 alone, the resort eliminated 600 kg of Styrofoam from nature by replacing single-use Styrofoam with reusable hard plastic cases in fish deliveries. Additionally, the resort prioritises purchasing processed fish from brands with sustainability certificates and avoids farmed fish in its menus.

In addition to these proactive measures, the resort actively engages in coastal clean-up activities and awareness-raising events involving students, local government agencies, volunteer organisations, and hotel staff. Guests are encouraged to participate in these efforts, furthering the impact of marine conservation initiatives. In 2023, these clean-up efforts resulted in the removal of 590 kg of trash from the marine ecosystem.

Furthermore, the resort has adopted 10 Mediterranean monk seals through SAD-AFAG, an NGO dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating this vulnerable species. This initiative not only supports conservation efforts but also serves to educate guests and local communities about the importance of marine life preservation. Additionally, the resort facilitated training sessions conducted by SAD-AFAG in local schools, reaching 258 individuals in 2023.