PURADIES NATURRESORT

Leogang, Austria. In the heart of Salzburger Land, not far from Zell am See, you will find the winter paradise of Leogang. A pioneer in terms of sustainability, the Leoganger Bergbahnen is the first ski resort in Austria to save 90% of its CO2 emissions by switching to a 100% renewable fuel by 2023.

With 270 kilometers of slopes, the connected ski area Leogang Saalbach Hinterglemm Fieberbrunn really leaves nothing to be desired. 70 ski lifts and 60 huts make all winter dreams come true! And right in the middle of it all: our eco suite PURADIES. A dreamlike nature resort on a plateau with all-round mountain views. With award-winning design. And a host family that is passionately committed to the nature resort and proves every day how sustainable and responsible modern luxury hospitality can be. The only question is deciding whether you would prefer to stay in the hotel itself or in one of the associated chalets… Maybe you need to come twice to experience both?

PURADIES-

HAUS AM TURM

Sterzing, South Tyrol/Italy. Whether on the family-friendly local mountain of the charming little town of Sterzing, the Rosskopf, or in the nearby ski areas of Ladurns or Ratschings-Jaufen – everyone will find the right slopes here. There are also idyllic cross-country ski trails and hidden snowshoe hiking paths. Not forgetting the longest toboggan run in Italy with an incredible 10 kilometers of toboggan runs!

The family-run boutique hotel HAUS AM TURM offers perfectly located accommodation – with plenty of charm, design and sustainable commitment. The location in the middle of the lively old town guarantees hustle and bustle on the doorstep, and as soon as you enter the lovingly managed hotel, relaxation sets in. Whether it’s the carefully prepared breakfast buffet, the sauna after a cold winter’s day or a glass of wine in the hotel’s own wine bar – there’s no greater pleasure than that!

HAUS AM TURM-

HOTEL OUTSIDE

Matrei in East Tyrol, Austria. The perfect starting point to experience the Hohe Tauern National Park. Ski tours, snowshoe hikes, cross-country skiing, winter hiking… Pure relaxation, paired with the impressive flora and fauna of the national park! Or why not take a detour to East Tyrol’s largest ski area, the Großglockner Resort Kals-Matrei? 16 lifts and 47 km of pistes guarantee the perfect winter’s day, all with an unobstructed view of more than 60 three-thousand-meter peaks!

When it comes to sustainable ski hotels, the HOTEL OUTSIDE is a must. The multiple eco-certified hotel not only impresses with its harmonious design, the spacious natural spa and the popular gourmet restaurant. The host family has long attached great importance to resource-conserving, responsible action in all areas of the hotel. A great commitment that not only benefits the environment, but also makes guests feel that tourism in harmony with nature – in the middle of nature – does not require any compromises.

HOTEL OUTSIDE-

PARADISO PURE.LIVING

Alpe di Siusi, South Tyrol/Italy. The highest alpine pasture in Europe is unique. The breathtaking peaks of the Dolomites are at their most beautiful here. No wonder that the Alpe di Siusi has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009. And the 180 kilometers of pistes, 80 km of cross-country ski trails, almost 80 lifts and 50 huts make active winter hearts beat faster!

The PARADISO PURE.LIVING offers an all-round sustainable retreat, located in the middle of the numerous ski slopes and yet wonderfully quiet and relaxed. The hotel’s catering is purely vegan, with world-renowned chef Aggeliki Charami developing a menu for the hotel that pays homage to the plant-based protagonists with creativity, balance and plenty of courage. A very special kind of winter hideaway, sustainably luxurious and excitingly different.

PARADISO PURE.LIVNG-

Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn

Skigebiet Rosskopf Monte Cavallo

Grossglockner Resort Kals Matrei

Nationalpark Hohe Tauern

Dolomitenregion Seiser Alm

Der Beitrag Eco Ski Hotels – Conscious Winter Luxury erschien zuerst auf eco suites | The key to luxury sustainable travel.

Studies have shown that international overnight arrivals constantly increase since the pandemic, and there is no change of that trend in sight. Travel is as popular as never before!

With headlines of natural disasters, extreme temperatures and catastrophic weather events, there is another trend rising in addition though: sustainable travel. Many travelers seek a more substantial approach towards vacation or business trips. One that thrives towards conservation of nature, the local communities and wildlife.

Reports show that 69% of travelers seek sustainable travel options. But what exactly are those?

We have the roundup of the trends that are shifting the tourism industry right now!

1. Community Based Tourism

This type of tourism puts the focus on supporting local communities while experiencing their way of life and culture. The aim is to involve the local community in the tourism sector and share the benefits, by creating jobs and economic opportunities, directly with them.

Travelers can support the local community by staying in locally owned hotels, dining in local restaurants and support local businesses. Not only is this a way of preserving cultural heritage but it also allows the traveler to truly engage with the community of his travel destination and promote cultural exchange.

2. Wildlife Conservation

Wildlife conservation is a crucial part of sustainable tourism, as wildlife tourism grows in popularity with more and more travelers seeking conscious encounters with nature.

Wildlife tourism can be a key factor in protecting endangered species and their habitats as well as supporting local communities. A WWF report shows that in Belize more than 50% of the population are supported by income generated through tourism activities that are related to the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System and its fisheries.

Responsible wildlife tourism means choosing tours and sanctuaries that prioritize animal welfare, habitat conservation and education about protecting natural heritage.

3. Carbon Offsetting

Carbon offsetting allows individuals or organizations to balance out their carbon footprint by investing in environmental projects. The schemes are used differently, by some people or organizations for a specific activity, like a flight or cruise, by others for their whole carbon footprint. Most of the projects supported are located in developing countries and designed to reduce future emissions.

The popularity of carbon offsetting has been constantly increasing – as has been criticism towards it. Some claim that carbon offsetting is a comfortable way for many to avoid changing their behavior and ways of consumption to make their lifestyle more sustainable. Of course there are others that claim that those who make the effort to reduce their footprint by carbon offsetting also take measures in their everyday lives to reduce their footprint directly.

The opinions towards carbon offsetting may vary, the trend to invest in the schemes certainly will continue.

4. Sustainable Travel Experiences

“Volontourism” – a combination of volunteering and tourism – is one to the most rising trends when it comes to conscious travel right now. Engaging in volunteer work while traveling is what many seek for, allowing travelers to contribute to local communities or conservation projects. The opportunities vary, from short-term activities like beach clean ups to being part of deforestation projects or supporting local community development programs.

5. Night Trains

What a comeback! Night trains are on the rise again, no wonder: comfort, convenience and of course eco-friendliness are what it took to bring them back into the spotlight.

A dense night train network all over Europe offers countless possibilities to travel across the continent without boarding a plane. The climate impact of night train travel in comparison to air travel is 28 times lower, making them the most sustainable choice for longer distances.

New routes are launching constantly, proving the success of the old-fashioned and just so modern way of travel.

6. Sustainable Accommodations

The demand for eco-friendly accommodation has been constantly rising in recent years. The range is huge: from basic campsites to “glamping”-resorts to boutique hotels and big hotel chains – travelers want to stay in a sustainable accommodation, no matter the destination. Eco-certifications have become more popular than ever, many of them giving the traveler a chance to spot truly conscious hotels and make an informed decision for their booking choice.

Sustainable accommodations contribute to minimizing the impact on the environment despite offering a unique and comfortable travel experience.

Our eco suites are the perfect proof of how luxurious a conscious hotel can be. Sustainable travel, without compromise.

Link to our eco suites-

World Wild Life Report Belize

United Nations Carbon Offset Platform

Night Train Overview Europe

Der Beitrag Top Green Travel Trends erschien zuerst auf eco suites | The key to luxury sustainable travel.

#1 KLE, Zurich

Chef Zineb Hattab found her calling after a few detours. Originally successful as a software engineer, she decided to follow her passion and started her career in gastronomy. She quickly became a rising star in top international gastronomy, cooking in gourmet restaurants in Bilbao and New York, among others.

She opened her own restaurant in Zurich in 2020 with the aim of creating purely plant-based dishes full of emotion and flavor. The careful selection of regional and seasonal products is at the forefront, followed by creative and detailed processing. The Michelin star award confirmed the success of her concept.

“Looking at the world as a source of inspiration, we share our love for the food from our small neighborhood restaurant.”

#2 EL INVERNADERO, Madrid

Chef Rodrigo de la Calle describes the essence of his cooking style as “High Green Cuisine”. His impact on vegan haute cuisine is tremendous, a culinary ambassador for the plant kingdom!

“We respect the product, accept its seasonality and fleeting nature, and follow the cycles of life marked by the seasons, thereby achieving its maximum expression. ”

Rodrigo de la Calle is considered one of the pioneers of plant-based haute cuisine. His philosophy shows that plants can be the pure essence of stunning gourmet dishes. With outstanding technique and creative yet elegant textures, his dishes are simply spectacular.

The restaurant offers various menus, some completely vegan, others with meat or fish components. Always seasonal, never the same, with the utmost respect for the products.

# TIAN, Vienna

Since opening TIAN in 2011, chef Paul Ivić has changed the Austrian culinary scene and made plant-based cuisine chic and hip. He has more than deservedly joined the ranks of Michelin-starred vegan restaurants.

With his “from root to leaf” philosophy, he aims to present the fascinating world of vegetarian and vegan haute cuisine. Modern and creative! With his “no-waste” policy, he pursues an extremely sustainable approach.

“In my kitchen, biodiversity, regionality and quality are just as important to me as humility towards our nature and natural processes!”

The great success of Paul Ivić’s approach has not only led to the opening of more TIAN restaurants, but also to a new platform on television, where he has appeared on numerous cooking shows.

#4 DE NIEUWE WINKEL, Nijmegen

Emile van der Staak’s restaurant is the only vegetarian restaurant to have been awarded two Michelin stars. A spectacular experience for anyone interested in plant-based cuisine!

His philosophy, which he calls “botanical gastronomy”, is to cook to make the world a better place. Emile van der Staak and his team select suppliers such as the “Ketelbroek food forest” and “Bodemzicht” very carefully and successfully campaign against the depletion of natural resources.

The Michelin Guide describes the extremely creative dishes as a “ground-breaking experience”, which explains why the restaurant has been awarded the rare – and, in terms of vegetarian cuisine, unique – distinction of two stars.

„Our food system is one of the biggest drivers of global warming. That’s why we only use plants: botanical gastronomy..“

Read more: Green City Guide Paris

Guide Michelin

Kle

El Invernadero

Tian

De Nieuwe Winkel

Der Beitrag Foodie Heaven: Vegan Michelin Star Restaurants erschien zuerst auf eco suites | The key to luxury sustainable travel.

TUXERHOF ALPIN SPA HOTEL

As soon as you enter the 5* hotel, you notice with how much attention to detail the host family has designed and developed the hotel. The prominent location on the Hintertux Glacier promises sporting adventures for all snow and ski enthusiasts. However, the TUXERHOF offers a wonderful retreat for all those who want to take a quiet day to relax or long for some warmth and peace after the slopes.

As soon as you’ve put on your bathrobe and packed your wellness bag, you’ll be spoiled for choice – where to go first? The sauna world beckons with a 2,200m² relaxation zone. A stunning outdoor infinity pool on the roof not only offers a wonderfully warm 32 degrees, even in winter, but also a spectacular view of the Tuxertal peaks. And the new indoor pool also delights younger guests and the HimmelREICH relaxation lounge is the “place to be” for cozy moments with a cup of tea and a good book in front of the fireplace. Wellness of superlatives, yet uncomplicated and cozy.

Despite all the luxury for their guests, the Schneeberger family sees itself as “guardians of the region” and attaches great importance to the compatibility of progress and preservation. Careful use of resources, a focus on regionality and commitment to the community are central cornerstones of their philosophy.

TUXERHOF-

FORSTHOFGUT

In the 5* hotel’s award-winning WaldSPA the spotlight is on the beauty of nature. The FORSTHOFGUT is certified with the European and Austrian Ecolabel and sets the highest standards for the compatibility of sustainable measures with the demands of comfort and luxury for the guest. All energy used to run the hotel is obtained from wood from the hotel’s own 40-hectare forest. The hotel’s own spring ensures the supply of clear mountain water. And the hotel’s own farm guarantees the cultivation of top-quality produce right on the hotel’s doorstep.

A spacious adults-only area offers a 25-metre-long sports pool with an incredible panorama of the Leoganger Steinberge mountains (and the ski slope right in front of you!) as well as a spacious sauna area with luxurious, cosy relaxation rooms. Leaning back, enjoying and switching off is the easiest exercise here!

For family fun, there are not only two children’s pools, the slide world and a water workshop for splashing around and exploring. The spacious indoor pool and family sauna make the wellness experience perfect for the little ones too! Or maybe it’s the perfect time to try out the children’s yoga session?

It comes as no surprise that the Forsthofgut has repeatedly received awards (not only) for its spa, including the prestigious Condé Nast Johansens Award for the best hotel spa in Europe. Wow!

FORSTHOFGUT-

GRADONNA MOUNTAIN RESORT

Kals am Großglockner lies in the middle of the mountains of the Hohe Tauern National Park, with views of the breathtaking peaks, and rightly gives the MOUNTAIN SPA at GRADONNA its resounding name! The design impresses with the integration of local Kals marble and lots of wood – modern, stylish, sustainable.

Several indoor and outdoor pools as well as a 700m² natural bathing pond ensure that water lovers are spoiled for choice. Always with a view of the fascinating mountain world, always at the right temperature, with wonderful relaxation zones and lounging areas for relaxing after the water fun. The sauna area offers a wide range of options, from Finnish saunas to the aroma steam bath and the “Room of Silence”. Relaxation made easy!

The pools are heated in a CO2-neutral way using waste heat from the refrigeration technology, while the hotel’s hot water is supplied by its own wood chip plant. The entire hotel is built in wood to a low-energy standard, environmentally friendly and at the same time luxuriously alpine. As a result the Gradonna Mountain Resort has received several awards for its commitment to sustainability, including “Europe’s Leading Green Resort” from the “World Travel Awards”.

GRADONNA-

Condé Nast Johansens Awards

World Travel Awards

Der Beitrag Green Luxury – Cozy Winter Wellness Hotels erschien zuerst auf eco suites | The key to luxury sustainable travel.

With the Haus am Turm you have created a boutique hotel between the mountain peaks of South Tyrol that combines modern design with tradition and history. How does sustainability fit into your hotel concept and where do you start?

Every modern business today should be planned, implemented and operated with sustainability in mind. It’s not just that you do this out of your own sense of responsibility or conviction or for your descendants and future generations, but also for your guests. Almost every educated European nowadays demands that measures are also taken in hotels to keep the ecological footprint as low as possible. Our guests welcome our choice of food for breakfast and for our restaurant: regional, organic, from local producers that are fairly remunerated and products for which old cultivation and breeding traditions are and preserved. Our body care products come from local producers, from organic herbs. The paper for all of our types of printing is produced in Tegernsee. Our hotel amenities are biodegradable and hardly cause any residual waste. Numerous plants are scattered throughout the house. Our high quality designer bed linen is woven in Italy, made from European cotton. We try to convince our guests to drink well water, it comes from the mountains in front of our doors. It does not need transportation with huge trucks through half of Europe, bottles do not have to be washed with toxic cleaning agents, which in turn end up in the sewage. We heat to a low temperature, also leave the heating 2 degrees cooler, the guest can regulate it themselves at any time. 2 degrees, which in total make up a lot of energy, as many hotels are overheated. Little things that make you think, but together make a difference.

With the Haus am Turm you combine a holiday experience of the highest comfort AND sustainable commitment for your guests. How do your guests accept your environmentally friendly approach?

We are often praised for our sustainable way of working and for the eco-friendly products we offer.

What advantages do you see in sustainable concepts in the hotel industry? How do you think the market will develop?

Today people in Central Europe are still measured by their car or cylinder size. We bet that in a decade it will no longer be the size of the car that counts, but what who’s contributing to reduce emissions. The ecological footprint will become the measure of all things. Everyone will have to show what they are doing to maintain social status. The urge to higher status has existed for thousands of years, it will always be there, the focus will be different.

In your opinion, can a luxurious stay in the upscale hotel industry really be environmentally friendly and fair without any loss for the guests?

Luxury is not always wasteful. Luxury will increasingly be associated with time, quiet and understatement. Those who have a certain degree of education internalize these values ​​today, but unfortunately this has not yet reached the masses. But luxury will also get a new focus, the really big 5-star hotels have already discovered this … but there are also many small ones, from agriturismos in Tuscany to wonderful beach hotels at the end of the world … they offer real quality and therefore have a certain price. It should be like that!

What is your personal favorite place in the Haus am Turm?

In winter by the fireplace in the vinotheque in the late afternoon, in summer on the roof terrace, with the dream view of the mountains and the tranquility in the midst of the lively city life.

Link to the hotel-

Picture credits: Hotel Haus am Turm

Der Beitrag An interview with Veronika Stötter, Hotel Haus am Turm erschien zuerst auf eco suites | The key to luxury sustainable travel.

For every traveler there are many ways to enjoy Paris responsibly – slow food, green accommodations, conscious stores and low-impact transportation are good ways to start.

Our Green City Guide for Paris highlights some of the conscious perks that the French capital has to offer.

FOOD & DRINKS

Le Potager de Charlotte

Aimed to “restore the image of plant-based cuisine” two brothers have created a restaurant that is all about contributing to a sustainable future while offering creative and modern cuisine.

Fully plant-based (both brothers have been vegan for several years) and designed to work with local and seasonal products whilst creating a changing and modern menu, the restaurant highlights what a vegetable garden has to offer.

https://www.lepotagerdecharlotte.fr/en/

Address: 12 rue Louise-Émilie de la Tour d’Auvergne 75009, 21 rue Rennequin 75017

Wild & The Moon

The international concept offers what they think the urban community needs: the power of what nature has to offer to feed the body and the soul.

With their restaurants spread out all over Paris you should certainly have the chance to stop by one of them while touring the city. The stylish restaurants offer everything that is good for the body and the environment: local, gluten-free, ethically sourced, seasonal and 100% plant-based ingredients, turned into breakfast bowls, sandwiches & burgers as well as cold pressed juices.

A great place to fuel up for a day of sightseeing and designed to proof that an urban lifestyle and slow food are the perfect pairing.

https://www.wildandthemoon.fr/

Bisou

A bar with 200 bottles and no menu – that is what makes Bisou special!

The bartenders will craft a cocktail after discussing your taste, preferences and mood. And as if having your own cocktail being especially designed for you wasn’t enough, Bisou is exclusively using fresh products from France.

Bisou ParisRespecting the planet is a mission at Bisou, with plastic straws banned and only seasonal products used to create the cocktails.

The place to be for a conscious choice of cocktails!

https://en.bar-bisou.fr/

Adress: 15 Boulevard du Temple 75003

SHOPPING

Mamamushi

Inspired by her travels to India, Maïssa Chahed, a Tunisian artist and Paris local, founded her concept store Mamamushi.

She developed a clothing line inspired by the materials and colours she discovered while traveling, sourcing the fabrics she uses for her clothing collection all over the world.

Her store is full of hand-crafted pieces, from handmade jewellery to one-of-a-kind accessorys and of course her carefully designed clothes – all with highest quality in mind, long-lasting and unique.

https://www.mamamushi.com/

Adress: 28 Rue du Chateau d’Eau 75010

ASAP

Standing for „As sustainable as possible” the brand is doing what it is called – trying to make fashion with the utmost sustainable approach.

The store is full of conscious fashion – vegetable leather items, recycled collections using yarn and fabrics from the stocks of fashion companies or the natural dye cashmere line.

All items are produced in Italy to ensure a short supply chain and preserve the tradition of craftsmanship, building a collection of products that a “evolved and conscious consumer” would love.

http://www.asaplab.it/work/about-asap/?lang=en

Adresse: 99 Rue du Bac 75007

HOW TO GET AROUND

Public transport in Paris is a good choice to get around the city. Ecological aspects are increasingly taken into account, e.g. with the goal that all busses will be 100% ecological by 2025.

If you want to rely on non-motorized transportation renting a bike is the best option. Use the many bicycle paths to make your way, they are well integrated into the traffic of the city and take beautiful routes.

WHERE TO SLEEP

Our eco suite Hidden Hotel is a wonderful choice to round up your conscious Paris experience.

Perfectly located in the heart of the city and yet offering some peace and calm, it is carefully designed to highlight natural materials and modern architecture. A wonderful combination of hospitality, design and a highly sustainable approach.

To the hotel-

Pictures ©Le Potager de Charlotte, ©Bisou, ©ASAP, ©Hidden Hotel

Der Beitrag Green City Guide Paris erschien zuerst auf eco suites | The key to luxury sustainable travel.

Chances are you will be greeted by a flock of geese before you reach the large wooden gate, the entrance to the castle hotel.

The hosts, the Earl Khuen-Belasi family, run the castle hotel with great dedication to the history of the house. The knight’s hall, the heart of the castle, is decorated with historical furniture as well as an impressive picture collection. Always tailored to the needs of the guests, cozy and with understatement.

In the rooms and throughout the house you will find treasures that tell of the history of the house and the region, successfully combined with modern elements. The hosts are pleased about the interest in the special ambience that they have created and are happy to provide information about the house and the special features of the region.

One highlight is a walk through the fields of vines of the own vineyard on the estate. Earl Khuen-Belasi is happy to offer his own wines to his guests for a tasting. You feel very close to nature at every turn you take, and the day begins with the rooster crowing. reminding you that the castle’s farm is just around the corner.

Long before sustainability became a defining element of our modern understanding, living and working in line with the environment has been common at Englar Castle, appreciating what nature has given you.

A stay Englar Castle is unique, magical and down to earth at the same time. And you always want to come back.

Link to the hotel-

Picture credits: Schloss Englar // eco suites

Der Beitrag Behind the scenes of Englar Castle erschien zuerst auf eco suites | The key to luxury sustainable travel.

While measuring only 51.1000 km², the island in Central America is home to over 500,000 documented species.

Truly a natural paradise, protected today by modern laws and innovative eco-friendly measures, when only a few decades ago it was on the verge of complete destruction.

During the 1970s and 1980s a large part of Costa Rica’s  rainforest was cleared in order to sell the wood for profit and to allow the land being used for livestock and agriculture.

When 80% of the rainforest was already destroyed, a complete turnaround in politics took place, making Costa Rica one of the most progressive countries in the efforts to preservation of the environment. The government realized that the country’s unique ecosystem had to be protected and laid the foundation for state-of-the-art environmental protection.

In Costa Rica, nowadays education and training are considered to be the essential basics for an environmentally conscious and sustainable approach in society.  It can be found throughout all business areas and does not have to be opposed by profit orientation, as Costa Rica proofs. 

Half of the island is overgrown again, more than a quarter of the island is protected under nature conservation, and a large number of national parks and protected areas were installed. 

In addition to the establishment of protected areas, the modern legal framework ensures the preservation of biodiversity, e.g. the ban on the extraction of mineral resources such as oil or gold.

Costa Rica’s commitment however goes far beyond protecting its flora and fauna. In 2007, the island state declared its goal of becoming climate neutral by 2021. Today, 98% of the energy requirement is obtained from renewable energy sources. Costa Rica’s rainforest, which consists of relatively young trees, binds huge amounts of CO2.

In many cases, combining commitment to environmental protection with economic challenges requires great effort and a willingness to compromise. Costa Rica once again shows innovative spirit by establishing a business area of sustainable tourism alongside its efforts to preserve and protect. 

Guests on Costa Rica are invited to enjoy the impressive biodiversity of the unique landscape while supporting the island’s efforts to keep the disruption to a minimum. In Costa Rica vacation means adventures exploring nature, far away from large hotel blocks, noisy party streets and neon city lights .

Costa Rica is perfect proof of how the future of sustainable tourism needs to be defined. In harmony with nature, full of adventure and comfort for the guests.

Our eco suite Rio Celeste Hideaway is the best example of innovative hotel luxury in Costa Rica – a paradise in the middle of a national park, surrounded by breathtaking nature and perfect for a luxurious kind of adventure trip, meeting all of our eco suites criteria! 

Link to the hotel-

https://www.visitcostarica.com/en

https://www.ict.go.cr/en/

Der Beitrag Costa Rica – visionary eco paradise erschien zuerst auf eco suites | The key to luxury sustainable travel.

eco suites: Why did you decide to work towards sustainability in your hotel and how do you manage being a sustainable destination and still creating a unique travel experience at the Kallichoron Art Boutique Hotel?

Carolina Alkalai: Simply, because we believe in it! Ethical and sustainable travel is the way forward, and trends show us that’s also what guests are after.

Every business has a purpose and values to adhere to. At Kallichoron, and as we grow as a hotel business, we are driven by our collective and individual commitment to operate in a responsible and sustainable manner, and in line with our values. The trust our guests, local community and our staff puts at Kallichoron, alongside our high standards to ethical behaviour, is fundamental to our actions.

We encourage our guests to explore Astypalea and immerse themselves in the culture by mingling with the locals, enjoy the local cuisine to celebrating regional festivals. It’d be a shame not to!  We use local produce for our breakfast and food baskets, and organic choices from our own garden where possible. Collaborations with respectable and equally environmentally conscious companies (such as TAF coffee) are vital.

Besides, today’s travellers want to know that the food they’re consuming is as healthy as it is delicious, organic and locally produced where possible, as well as special diets can be addressed.

How do your guests embrace your concept and what kind of travelers come to Kallichoron Art and Boutique Hotel?

Stellar customer experience has always been our core principle, reflected on everything we do. From the initial contact and reservation to the end of the journey we aim to make the guest experience as enjoyable as possible. Ultimately, a great service will most likely result in a returning visitor.

Our guests are mainly couples or solo travellers predominantly from Greece. Then the majority visit from Europe and the USA, all looking for an authentic and a “live like a local” travel experience.

The feedback we receive, online and in person, but most importantly the smiling faces show us that we’re doing something right!

“Grandma´s Breakfast” is an award-winning idea and provides guest with a special start to the day. How did you come up with the idea for it and what changes need to be made to implement it?

It became an idea, and one of the unique services offered since the beginning and the hotel opening in June 2014. To be honest, our setup was never perfect to accommodate a buffet breakfast, which we weren’t really fond of, while at the same time we knew that personalization is key, so we thought outside the box and made the best of it.

Greek Breakfast plays an integral part in Kallichoron’s hospitality. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients are used and restocked daily to ensure we provide our guests with a tasty and unique breakfast meal, made with care, as one would enjoy at home. Our foremost priority is to serve a well-balanced and enjoyable meal to each and every one of our guests. That is one of the reasons Kallichoron collaborates with the dietitian – nutritionist, Mary Micheli (MSc) who curates our breakfast list and can assist any guest that might have special dietary needs. The breakfast list changes seasonally, when fruits and vegetables are at their ripest, to make Grandma’s Breakfast truly satisfying and of the best quality.

So, the breakfast tray with the assorted choices of each guest is brought daily and served at the room at no extra charge. If preferred, there is also the option to be enjoyed at the hotel’s breakfast hall. Post COVID-19, we have also added the contactless breakfast delivery, as well as the Grandma’s Breakfast in a Basket option, where the freshest ingredients are delivered at your room so that you can prepare your breakfast yourself. There is also the Grandma’s Basket option for those who wish to enjoy a late breakfast or brunch by doing a picnic by the seaside.

​Breakfast can be ordered through Kallichoron’s App (available for Android and iOS devices), through the tablets found in every room or for by filling in the breakfast list in paper form for those who prefer it. As you can tell, we love breakfast! It’s important to mention that any edible and organic leftovers are not thrown out but feed our hens, which in turn give us eggs – we keep in line with the principals of the cyclical economy.

​​Lastly, Kallichoron received the Green Marketing Excellence Award 2015 for “Grandma’s Breakfast”, as an innovative way to achieve sustainability and adopt green practices in the Hotel Industry. Notably, Kallichoron is the only hotel in Greece that has received this recognition. Also, Kallichoron has been awarded in the Best Greek Hotel Breakfast at the Hospitality Awards 2019 for its unique personalized breakfast offering.

Do you expect the market to change? Do you think exclusive destinations will embrace becoming more sustainable?

The worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 has brought the world to a standstill, and travel and tourism have been the worst affected of all major economic sectors.

There’s nothing good about the coronavirus, but with lockdown, closed borders and a ban on travel, we witnessed a positive change to the environment when we were largely absent for the first time. Overtourism is just another form of overconsumption and we can admit that the normal we knew before coronavirus was not really working. Whilst in quarantine, trends show people seeking new cultural and travel experiences from their homes and we sincerely hope that this continues, when we are out of it.

So, I expect mass-tourism to reduce and quality and experience travel choices to increase, where people seek and research the destination they want to visit better, get to know the local culture and traditions and make a positive impact versus contributing to overcrowding and pollution.

What is your own favorite spot in the Kallichoron Art Boutique Hotel?

Definitely watching the sunrise, from any of our balconies! There are no words to give this feeling justice and one that should make everyone’s bucket list.

Link to the hotel-

Picture credits: Kallichoron Art Boutique Hotel

Der Beitrag An interview with Carolina Alkalai, Kallichoron Art Boutique Hotel erschien zuerst auf eco suites | The key to luxury sustainable travel.

However, tourism is also one of the world’s largest industries, creates countless jobs and contributes to the development of destinations outside of the tourist facilities.

Modern and future-oriented tourism therefore needs to pursue the goal of keeping the negative effects to a minimum.

But where to start?

A large number of organizations, institutes and bodies around the world are concerned with the question of what exactly constitutes sustainable tourism and how it can be implemented. For example the “Global Sustainable Tourism Council”, “The International Ecotourism Society” or “Fair Unterwegs”. The definitions for “sustainable tourism”, “eco-tourism” or “fair tourism” are just as diverse as the organizations.

The World Tourism Organization (UNTWTO) describes tourism in accordance with the objective of sustainable development as:

“Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.”

Many of the different approaches to finding a definition and objective overlap in key areas:

1. Ecological aspects

Reducing the impact on the environment plays an essential role in almost every definition. Starting with the massive use of land and soil for tourist purposes, through the consumption of resources in the accommodation, to the choice of means of transport – the ecological effects of tourism on the region and climate change are enormous.

Efforts to reduce or compensate these implications often are the  ones that travelers can control themselves: CO2 compensation payments for the flight or the decision to take the train, “no plastic” and “no waste” approaches in the accommodation or energy – and resource-saving construction methods of the hotels.

2. Economic aspects

Many definitions of sustainable tourism include the approach to support the sustainable development of a destination, including strengthening the regional economic power. The added value and the distribution of the profit generated should primarily take place in the region of the destination. The aim is to create local jobs, train and pay employees fairly and cooperate with local providers. Successful economic action and ecological and social management are not mutually exclusive.

3. Social and cultural aspects

These aspects are emphasized in a large number of definitions of sustainable tourism, even though measuring the social dimension of tourism is complex. Avoiding negative social impacts, such as the resettlement of the local population or the violation of human rights in the working environment, is the focus, as is the objective of actively contributing to improving the social environment of the local population. This, for example, by creating stable jobs in the region or promoting intercultural exchange. Always closely linked to cultural aspects such as the preservation and promotion of regional cultural assets and traditions.

While many aspects are overlapping in various approaches to define sustainable tourism, there is no generally applicable, universal definition of sustainable tourism. Regardless of the definition, the focus always remains on the goal: the implementation of the ecological, economic and socio-cultural aspects.

Read our post about the most common eco-labels in tourism –

https://www.gstcouncil.org/

https://ecotourism.org/

https://www.fairunterwegs.org/

https://www.unwto.org

Der Beitrag How is “sustainable travel” defined? erschien zuerst auf eco suites | The key to luxury sustainable travel.