Christian de Boer | Managing Director | Jaya House River Park
Christian de Boer is a hospitality leader who believes that sustainability and responsibility are not just ideas, but essential actions. As the Managing Director of Jaya House River Park in Siem Reap, he has made it his mission to redefine what it means to operate a truly conscious hotel. Under his leadership, Jaya House River Park stands as an example of how tourism and environmental awareness can exist together, creating a balance between luxury and responsibility. His belief in mindful living and ethical practices has shaped every part of the hotel’s identity, from its vegan food offerings to its strong commitment to eliminating single-use plastics. At EliteX, we are proud to have Christian de Boer as part of the edition: 05 Most Influential Leaders Shaping the Future of Veganism, 2025.
For Christian, going vegan is more than a trend. It is a conscious choice and a small but powerful step towards creating a better world. He believes everyone can begin this journey in their own way, whether small or big, and that collective effort can lead to meaningful change. Jaya House River Park, as part of the UN One Planet Network, fully embraces this philosophy. The hotel has been recognized for being completely free of single-use plastics and for taking a serious, action-oriented approach to sustainability. Every initiative, no matter how small, reflects a desire to make a sincere difference.
“Luxury and sustainability can beautifully coexist when guided by purpose and sincerity.”
The transition towards a vegan-friendly environment at Jaya House River Park has been intentional and thoughtful. Beyond offering a variety of vegan food options, the hotel has taken steps to make its entire wine list vegan as well. This decision reflects Christian’s belief that responsible hospitality should extend to every experience a guest has. From the food they eat to the environment they enjoy, guests are encouraged to be part of a journey that supports both their health and the planet.
In the world after COVID, Christian and his team have worked hard to respond to the changing expectations of travelers. They recognize that people now value safety, wellness, and conscious choices more than ever before. To adapt, Jaya House River Park introduced a second open-air lobby to ensure social distancing and expanded the breakfast area for comfort and safety. Several other thoughtful measures were implemented to create a sense of security without losing the warmth and personal connection that define the Jaya House experience.
A significant part of this evolution has been the introduction of a more nutritious and creative plant-based menu. After conducting extensive research and collaborating with culinary professionals, guests, and travel experts, the hotel partnered with Vegan Food Quest to design an exceptional vegan dining experience. This collaboration has resulted in a menu that combines health benefits, creativity, and local flavors. The use of organic and locally sourced ingredients adds authenticity while supporting community farmers and reducing environmental impact.
Christian is a strong advocate for the health benefits of a whole-food, plant-based diet. He understands that veganism is not just about avoiding animal products but embracing foods rich in nutrients, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. A vegan diet, according to many studies, has anti-inflammatory effects and promotes long-term wellness. By offering such meals at Jaya House River Park, Christian ensures that guests enjoy food that nourishes both body and soul.
What sets the hotel apart is its belief in equality of choice. Every guest, regardless of their dietary preference, deserves the same level of quality and variety. The decision to increase plant-based dishes ensures that everyone can find something delightful, reflecting the hotel’s belief in offering a balanced and inclusive menu. A highlight from their tasting events, the “Smashed Avocado with Pistachio Dukkha,” became an instant favorite, with over seventy percent of guests naming it the best dish. Its popularity shows that great taste and vegan food can go hand in hand.
“Responsible hospitality should extend to every experience a guest has, from the food they eat to the environment they enjoy.”
The collaboration with Vegan Food Quest has been an important part of this journey. Vegan Food Quest works across Southeast Asia to make vegan travel easier and more enjoyable. They support hotels, resorts, and travel agents with training and consulting, ensuring that vegan-friendly options continue to grow across the region. Their work in hospitality training, menu development, and curated vegan tours helps travelers explore destinations like Siem Reap and Bangkok with confidence.
Through Christian’s leadership, Jaya House River Park has become more than just a luxury stay; it is a symbol of responsible travel and conscious living. His work reflects a deeper purpose – to create a hotel experience that respects the environment, supports the community, and inspires guests to make kinder choices for themselves and the planet. In every sense, Christian de Boer and Jaya House River Park prove that luxury and sustainability can beautifully coexist.
