Sustainability at Six Senses Kaplankaya
Built into rock formations and designed with green roofs and biophilic walls, the resort is home to many of Turkey's botanic species (nature's aromatherapy of olive, cypress, oleander, sage and thyme). As shared custodians of this extraordinary setting, we're careful to conserve the raw beauty of our secluded beaches, dramatic landscape, and local heritage. The resort’s farms and gardens play an important role in our Eat With Six Senses approach to food and drink. Through growing much of our own fruit and vegetables on-site, and sourcing from local farms and vineyards, we can ensure that our guests enjoy fresh, whole, seasonal, and high-quality food that's grown-in, not flown-in, reducing packaging and transportation impacts. Our composting machine produces nutrient-rich soil for our garden. The glass crusher in our kitchen reduces the volume of waste bottles by up to 80 percent. Treated wastewater is reused for landscaping irrigation and our heat recovery cooling system reduces our LNG consumption and carbon footprint. We continue to apply our Plastic Freedom and Zero Waste philosophy, which we launched in 2016 by eliminating plastic straws. We use marble dispensers to eliminate plastic containers for liquid soap, shampoo, conditioner, and hand and body lotions in guest rooms, common areas, and our spa. We invite our younger guests to learn about upcycling and recycling as well as gardening – ask us what programs we're running during your stay! If you’re lucky, you might even spot some of the local wildlife such as woodpeckers, rabbits, foxes, and even the odd wild boar.
Environmental Responsibility
As we are committed to wellness and sustainability, we are continuously developing new initiatives to maximize the health and well-being of our guests and the local ecosystem.
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Marine Conservation
Six Senses Kaplankaya and the Kaplankaya Facility Management Sustainability teams have successfully led a large-scale coastal clean-up project. A total area of 450,000 meters squared, along 12 kilometers of coastline, was targeted to be cleared of marine litter, with 176 dives conducted as part of the initiative. This project, funded by the Six Senses Kaplankaya Sustainability Fund and executed by the Kaplankaya teams, is only one part of ongoing marine clean-up efforts.The project has revealed large amounts of waste, including car tires, ropes, and ghost nets. Our team of biologists, along with volunteer academics, are carefully documenting these findings. The results will be shared with the relevant authorities, alongside guidance highlighting the impact of pollution from nearby fish farms.
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Local Climate Warriors
Local Climate Warriors is an initiative conducted by Six Senses Kaplankaya in collaboration with our neighboring village schools. The program aims to build a brighter future for children by teaching respect for nature and the environment, whilst improving learning facilities. We support cleaning, renovation, and maintenance of nearby Kazıklı Village school, in addition to welcoming students from local villages to the hotel to experience sustainability initiatives beyond the classroom. During their Climate Warrior visits, school children have the opportunity to participate in training and hands-on activities to learn about climate change and environmental awareness, and how to work towards becoming local sustainability advocates.
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Reducing invasive Lionfish
Increasing sea temperatures as a result of climate change is making the Mediterranean Basin more suitable for species belonging to warmer ecosystems, such as the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. Transported through the Strait of Gibraltar, Suez Canal, and in ships’ ballast waters, these new species have no natural predators and pose a significant threat to the native ecosystem. In order to combat the impacts of these invasive species, the Mediterranean Conservation Society has been monitoring their populations, in addition to working to protect native species. Six Senses Kaplankaya has been supporting this effort by purchasing invasive Lionfish, and other edible invasive species, to promote their capture and consumption. This reduces fishing pressure for struggling native species, helps remove populations of new foreign species, and provides some new variety in our menus!
Social Responsibility
Working directly within our community, we make positive impacts by employing and purchasing locally and by giving back through education and sustainability awareness projects.
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Special-Ed Classes
In 2024, this project focused on renovating a special education classroom at a primary school in nearby Akbük, providing essential materials, offering awareness training for families and students, and conducting workshops on peer bullying and social adaptation for neurodiverse children. To date, we have reached 195 individuals through these training sessions. As part of our ongoing efforts to raise awareness, we actively engage with the students during visits, especially on days such as World Autism Awareness Day, when we invite guests to wear red ribbons in support.
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Supporting Local Women's Livelihoods
We host a monthly Local Market event at Six Senses Kaplankaya, inviting and promoting village women who make local products and handicrafts. Sale profits assist the women to make a livelihood of their own. For further support, we provide information and training about relevant laws and procedures to legitimize their businesses and help broaden their market through social media. We also get projects off the ground through the purchase of key equipment and educational courses to build skills. Handmade by women within this initiative, our soft toy mascot ‘’Ege’’, the Mediterranean Monk Seal, can be found in guest bedrooms for you to take home. The proceeds go towards assisting more women in the region to achieve economic independence. In 2024, 36 women were supported by the project.
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Improving Lives: Animal Shelter and Sterilization
Caring for the welfare of stray animals and supporting population management improves the well-being of the communities where they live. In 2024, we donated 281 kilograms of animal food to the local cats and dogs shelter. Additionally, 83 cats and dogs received necessary sterilization and vaccination treatments, significantly contributing to their health and well-being. Our project enhances the livelihood of stray animals while promoting public health by fostering healthier pets, safer communities, and a more sustainable ecosystem. As part of our efforts, we funded the establishment of a dedicated examination room at the Didim Animal and Nature Preservation Society’s shelter, our project partner.
