Bangkok, Thailand – 1 July 2025 – Conrad Bangkok proudly announces the official launch of the city’s first rooftop apiary at a hotel — a pioneering sustainability initiative developed in collaboration with Janaroon Bee Farm, one of Thailand’s leading ethical beekeeping organizations based in Phetchaburi province. This innovative project represents a significant milestone in the hotel’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and experiential luxury, while promoting ecological awareness in the heart of the Thai capital. It also forms part of Hilton’s global Travel with Purpose strategy, which aims to drive responsible travel and tourism by advancing sustainability and social impact across its properties worldwide.
Perched 115.5 meters above ground on the hotel’s expansive 1,160-square-meter rooftop, Conrad Bangkok’s apiary spans 72 square meters on the east-facing terrace, where it benefits from steady breezes and optimal morning sunlight. The apiary is maintained twice a week—every Monday and Thursday— by professional beekeepers and the hotel’s team to ensure the optimal health and productivity of the bee colonies.
Conrad Bangkok’s apiary houses five hives, each containing approximately 25,000 to 30,000 Western Honey Bees (Apis mellifera), a species originally native to Africa. Honey harvesting takes place every four to five months, yielding an estimated 25 to 30 kilograms per cycle. This careful management and harvesting schedule reflect the hotel’s commitment to sustainable and high-quality honey production – an initiative that directly support Hilton’s Travel with Purpose goals of reducing environmental impact and promoting biodiversity.
“Partnering with Janaroon Bee Farm represents a meaningful alignment of values around sustainability, education and community involvement," said Timothy Sainsbury, General Manager of Conrad Bangkok. “Our rooftop apiary is not just an environmental initiative—it’s a vibrant expression of our commitment to responsible luxury and urban biodiversity. We are also pleased to share that the apiary is officially certified by the Operation License for Health Hazardous Business, issued by the Pathumwan District Office."
This certification underscores the hotel’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and hygiene in its beekeeping operations, ensuring that all practices align with local health regulations. The license marks a significant milestone in the apiary’s development and reinforces its role as a model for sustainable urban agriculture within the hospitality industry.
Initially sourcing its organic honey from a trusted local producer known for sustainable practices, Conrad Bangkok was inspired by the product’s quality and versatility to embark on an innovative journey: establishing its own rooftop apiary with support from Janaroon Bee Farm. The goal was to produce small batches of honey exclusively for use across the hotel’s dining outlets. This visionary project was spearheaded by Executive Chef Ryan Dadufalza and Executive Sous Chef Simone Poser, whose shared passion for culinary excellence and sustainability played a pivotal role in bringing the concept to life.
“As chefs, we’re always seeking ingredients that tell a story—and honey is one of nature’s most remarkable," said Dadufalza. “Establishing our own rooftop apiary allows us to work with an ingredient that’s not only fresh and hyper-local, but also deeply meaningful. It’s a way for us to connect our guests to the land, the seasons and the importance of sustainability—one dish at a time."
A milestone moment: Executive Chef Ryan Dadufalza and Executive Sous Chef Simone Poser
conduct their weekly inspection of the hotel’s rooftop beehives, ensuring the health and productivity of their buzzing residents.
The rooftop apiary at Conrad Bangkok is the result of a visionary collaboration between the hotel and local beekeepers. With over a decade of experience in deep forest beekeeping and bee conservation, Phanchalee Treetrapetch, CEO of Janaroon Bee Farm, saw a unique opportunity to bring the world of bees closer to the urban community.
“Many Thai people, especially those living in cities, lack access to the natural environments where ethical beekeeping takes place," said Phanchalee. “By creating small, accessible learning centers like this rooftop apiary, we can spark curiosity and foster a deeper connection with the natural origins of honey."
Phanchalee noted that Hilton’s strong commitment to environmental responsibility made them an ideal partner to amplify the message of bee conservation in a meaningful and impactful way. Aligned with the farm’s mission to conserve and propagate native bee species under its Black Queen brand, the project also serves as a platform to raise awareness about the critical role bees play in maintaining ecological balance.
With bee populations declining by over 30% annually, the initiative supports Hilton’s Travel with Purpose goals by educating the public on the importance of bees as both economic contributors and essential pollinators.
Adapting traditional beekeeping practices to an urban rooftop came with its challenges—from ensuring a consistent food source for the bees to managing their interaction with hotel guests. Through thoughtful planning, including planting nectar-rich flowers and using natural repellents, the team successfully created a thriving environment for the hives.
“This project has shown that with the right approach, urban spaces can support meaningful conservation efforts," Phanchalee added. “It’s a powerful way to build emotional connection and responsibility toward nature."
Janaroon Farm’s beekeeper and the hotel’s culinary team harvest their first batch of rooftop honey,
with the city skyline providing a stunning backdrop to this sweet collaboration.
Conrad Bangkok’s general manager, Mr. Sainsbury, emphasized that this initiative marks just the beginning of a broader vision for bee-related innovation at the hotel. He highlighted the significant potential to enrich guest experiences and promote sustainability through creative applications of honey and urban beekeeping. As part of the next phase, the hotel will introduce exclusive guest experiences under the Conrad Moments program, including bespoke turndown amenities for suite guests, honey-inspired culinary creations across all dining outlets—such as Liu, KiSara, Café@2 and Diplomat Bar—and spa treatments that harness the natural benefits of honey.
The honey harvested from the rooftop apiary will be featured prominently in these offerings, while guests will also have the opportunity to participate in guided rooftop tours, honey tastings and seasonal workshops designed to bring the story of the bees to life.
The rooftop apiary is part of a broader transformation at Conrad Bangkok, aligning with global trends in eco-conscious travel and wellness-focused hospitality. Through its partnership with Janaroon Bee Farm and in alignment with Hilton’s Travel with Purpose strategy, Conrad Bangkok has created a safe, educational and inspiring space that connects guests with nature in the heart of the city.
