True natural luxury in harmony with the surroundings is the focus of the latest addition to the ADLER family. The resort was developed in close cooperation with the local community as well as the WWF and the previous owners of the property. The result is a resort that blends seamlessly into the landscape.

The gentle architecture is enhanced by herb beds and olive groves, from which some of the food for the kitchen is obtained. The farm-to-table concept is lived here right before the guests' eyes. The Mediterranean Sea is equally omnipresent. Directly from the hotel, guests have access to the wide, almost deserted beaches of Sicily's south coast.

The ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA is the second hotel of the ADLER Group, after the ADLER Lodge RITTEN, to become part of the Green Pearls® partner network. More information about Green Pearls® as well as the hotels can be found on the respective microsites at www.greenpearls.com. 

Click here for the article (French only)

As an organic country hotel with attached guesthouse and vacation apartments, it is a relaxing retreat surrounded by nature for couples and families as well as business travelers. The own 30-hectare certified organic farm and the fruit orchard with apples and pears supply the guests with regional delicacies. Anything not grown by the hotel itself is purchased from organic farms in the immediate vicinity.

Only certified natural and organic cosmetics are used at the Nature Spa with spacious outdoor facilities. Moreover, bioenergetic meditations according to the method of Viktor Philippi that activate the immune system, metabolism and nervous system are offered.

"Organic" as an attitude to life and a holistic concept - This is also apparent throughout the interior, which is mostly made of timber sourced from the hotel's own forest and carpentered on site. Other materials like marble, silver quartzite and stones were selected for their longevity or the regional importance. The hotel's own wood, mainly so-called beetle wood, also comes into use for energy generation in the woodchip plant. Power is either supplied by the local public utilities (hydroelectric power) or produced by the photovoltaic system on the roofs of the hotel and indoor riding arena. 

Beginners and advanced riders can take lessons in western riding at the horse ranch belonging to the Gerbehof. Furthermore, Gerbehof provides horse-supported coaching for individuals, clubs or teams, exploring one' s personality and strength with the help of horses. Vacation with the own horse is also possible. 

Read more at www.greenpearls.com or on the hotel's website.

Go to the article here.

• HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio
• ADLER Lodge RITTEN
• Gut Nisdorf
• Berghotel Rehlegg
• Biohotel Grafenast
• SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA
• Schlosshotel Blankenburg

Click here for the online edition of the Gourmet Journal (german only)
 

Mentioned are:

• Inkaterra Hotels
• LA VIMEA
• Keemala

The full article can be found here (French).

Megadiverse Country vs. Industrial Nation

Indonesia is one of the largest rainforest areas in the world and home to many rare animal species. Sumatra's national parks, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are home to the last orangutans still living in the wild. The Sumatran tiger and the Sumatran rhinoceros also live here. The rainforest is also home to many rare plants such as orchids and rafflesias. North Borneo and West New Guinea are home to two of the five centres of the greatest biodiversity on earth... With its enormous biodiversity, Indonesia is one of the world's mega-diverse countries.

Indonesia is also an industrial nation and the largest economy in Southeast Asia. The most important sources of income include the mining of raw materials such as gold and copper, the cultivation of coffee, cocoa, rice and, above all, oil palms. Indonesia is the world's largest producer of palm oil. The steadily growing demand for palm oil, however, brings with it ecological and social challenges. The heavy clearing of forests in favour of new palm plantations or the exploitation of labour are just some of these. Indonesia is also a country that is especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Natural disasters such as erosion, droughts and floods have become more frequent in recent years. But a change is emerging. Awareness of sustainable development and environmental protection is increasingly taking root in the minds of politicians, the population and trading partners.

Green Initiatives in Indonesia

The Indonesian government along with numerous political organisations and nature conservation associations from Indonesia and western countries are working in various action alliances for the conservation of nature as well as better working conditions. These include projects such as the "Action Plan for Sustainable Palm Oil" or the initiative for "Sustainable Agricultural Supply Chains in Indonesia" of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The goals are sustainable production, forest conservation and social inclusion. Small farmers and their families in particular benefit from this - and of course the environment.

More and more green initiatives are also finding their place in tourism, strengthening regional structures, focusing on environmentally friendly cycles and supporting species conservation. Two of our Green Pearls® partners have been pioneers in green tourism for many years and show how diverse the possibilities are for tourism providers to engage sustainably.

Puri Dajuma Cottages & Spa  – Harmony with the Gods, with Nature and Between People

Puri Dajuma Cottages & Spa in Bali, with its 18 traditional Balinese cottages, a new luxury villa and two suites, is a family-run eco-resort that benefits an entire local community both economically and socially. The employees come almost exclusively from the surrounding villages and the resort prefers to work with service providers from the immediate vicinity. Qualified training of the local residents through school education, further training courses or the promotion of community initiatives, comprehensive health care as well as adequate insurance cover were also part of the Puri Dajuma's social initiatives.

The two chefs, Dedi Putra Susila and Rudi Setiawan, ensure that the resort uses mainly seasonal products and that the ingredients come from local markets, farmers, and fishermen. Puri Dajuma Cottages & Spa also focuses on 100% nature in the spa area: with recipes of essential oils made from regional products such as coconut oil, jungle honey, lemon, cucumber, and banana, which are prepared and applied with knowledge passed down through generations.

Eco Beach Tent by Billiton - A Relaxing and Climate-Friendly Holiday

Environmentally conscious travellers can also spend a relaxing and climate-friendly holiday in the Eco Beach Tent by Billiton. The refuge is located on the island of Belitung, which lies off the east coast of Sumatra in the Java Sea in Indonesia.

"Local wisdom is the foundation for unforgettable and authentic experiences for our guests." This is the credo of Eco Beach Tent Resort. Living according to the traditions and experiences of the locals, in harmony with nature.

Eight luxurious tents invite you to completely relax just a few steps from the water. They have been carefully planned and handcrafted from local wood and natural materials to keep the carbon footprint as low as possible. The environment also benefits from minimal use of chemicals in all green areas. The guest rooms are equipped with biodegradable soap and shampoo and for food packaging the glamping resort uses the local Simpur leaf, which is also used by locals in Belitung. Fruit and vegetables come from the resort's own organic farm.

Most of the employees are local residents - from construction workers to the clerks and chefs to the sales staff. The training of the employees helps to give new impulses and bring about urgently needed changes in people's behaviour. The Eco Beach Tent also supports its own sea turtle conservation programme on Kepayang Island, which can also be visited by guests. The turtle eggs are stored and incubated there until the hatchlings are released into the sea.

Indonesia's ecological challenges are vast, but first steps have already been taken. Tourism companies such as Puri Dajuma Bali and Eco Beach Tents by Billiton are successful examples of how environmental awareness, social responsibility and regional promotion can go hand in hand with attractive offers for travellers and unforgettable holiday experiences.

For more information about the Green Pearls partners, please visit www.greenpearls.com.

Journal des Palaces specializes in luxury hotels and hospitality and gourmet restaurants.

You can find the article here.

What is Sustainable Urban Development?

Sustainable urban development should ensure that residents can easily live an environmentally friendly and socially responsible lifestyle. This primarily means that the infrastructure is designed for pedestrians and cyclists and that public transport is expanded so that it is easy for people to do without their cars.

Environmentally friendly projects are promoted and new green spaces are created, which not only improves the microclimate but also the air quality in the city. The green oases also serve as social meeting places for people of all social backgrounds. As part of sustainable urban planning, new buildings should be built using sustainable, if possible, recyclable materials. This avoids waste and helps to protect the environment.

Where people come together and face challenges, new ideas are born. Large cities and metropolises have always been drivers of innovation and new solutions, also with regard to sustainability. A sustainable city brings with it a high quality of life. However, there is no one universal solution. Instead, different approaches are being experimented with everywhere. At times they are profound and all-encompassing, other times they are individual actions, projects or places, and sometimes the future is already here, as you can see in the following examples. 

More Plants for a Better Microclimate in Milan

The Porta Nuova district has reshaped Milan's skyline. On an old industrial site in the middle of the northern Italian city, a completely new district has been created that invites people to wander, relax and socialise. The empty, dilapidated factory buildings were replaced by high-rise buildings by various architects. Two of these skyscrapers are a model for biodiversity in urban spaces: the twin towers of the Bosco Vertikale, the vertical forest.

Trees stand on the balconies, shrubs and grasses overgrow the railings. Almost 800 trees, 4,500 shrubs and thousands of other plants, specially selected and prepared for this project, green the skyscrapers and offer birds and insects a habitat in the middle of the big city.

A green retreat is the roof terrace of our Green Pearls® partner Hotel Milano Scala, where various plants also grow and thrive. Above the rooftops of the vibrant city, you can end the evening here surrounded by fruit, vegetables and herbs. The lushly planted roof garden and the green façade of the hotel improve the microclimate in the hotel and the immediate surroundings. This is particularly effective as a stay at the Milano Scala itself does not produce any harmful emissions that would have to be captured by the plants. The entire hotel is powered by energy-efficient heat pumps and geothermal energy.

Sustainable Neighbourhood development in Vauban, Freiburg

Similar to the Porto Nuova district, a former military site was converted for the "Vauban" rather than a new area being developed. The Vauban district was completed in 2006 and is energy self-sufficient, virtually car-free and environmentally responsible. The houses are all passive, low-energy or even plus-energy houses, and the connections to public transport and the well-developed network of cycle paths make a car superfluous for most people. An active neighbourhood community takes care of incorporating and implementing the residents' wishes and further shaping the neighbourhood.

The Green City Hotel Vauban is located on the edge of Vauban. It is the ideal starting point for exploring the sustainable district on foot or by bike and is itself a prime example of sustainability in action. Architecturally, it relies on resource-saving and green practices paired with a clean, no-frills design. Heating and cooling are designed to be energy-efficient, and electricity comes from a photovoltaic system integrated into the roof surface. The hotel is also an inclusive business: half of the employees are disabled or handicapped. Great importance is placed on the training and further education of the team. The focus is very much on the social component, both within the hotel and with external suppliers and producers.

Paris as a Pioneer for Green Urban Planning

For years, the greater Paris Region has been strongly committed to the sustainable development of the city area. Environmentally conscious projects are promoted, social measures are taken and green building projects are supported. Among other things, there is the "EcoQuartier" quality label, which not only guarantees the environmental friendliness of a neighbourhood, but also focuses on the residents' satisfaction.

One such EcoQuartier is the Clichy-Batignolles neighbourhood in the north-east of the city, which was built on a former freight station. The image of the district is characterised by the diverse yet harmonious styles of the buildings. The façades are greened, made of wood or other resource-saving materials and the houses all have a very low energy footprint, which is in part comparable to that of a Passive House. A large park has been created in the centre, visually balancing the tall buildings and offering the residents of the neighbourhood recreational opportunities and space for sports and games.

There are also small green oases outside the sustainable neighbourhoods. One example is the Hôtel Le Pavillon, which is completely dedicated to sustainability. The boutique hotel in a former convent is a quiet haven thanks to its somewhat hidden location and the green inner courtyard, while still being right in the middle of the action. The Eiffel Tower, Seine and Champs-Elysées are all within walking distance. The rooms are uniquely furnished and offer relaxation without disturbing electromagnetic radiation. The locally and organically produced food is complemented with fruit, herbs and vegetables from their own small garden.

Micro Forest in Erlangen

In many cases, new neighbourhoods simply cannot be built. But sustainable developments within a city can also have an effect on a smaller scale. The initiative of individuals or groups is often the decisive factor. This is the case at the Creativhotel Luise.

Here guests can enjoy a delicious, ecological zero-waste breakfast to start the day full of energy. The huge hotel garden is also always worth a visit. A so-called Micro Forest is being created on part of the almost 1500 square metre area, based on the Japanese model. A wide variety of trees and other plants are growing in a very confined space and are expected to develop into an extremely diverse habitat within the next ten years.

Since the 1980s, the Creativhotel has been operating according to environmentally friendly principles. It is one of the most climate-positive hotels in Germany and offers a large garden as well as a green roof terrace for relaxation. If you prefer, you can also spend the night in a completely renewable hotel room®. Only natural and renewable raw materials were used for the interior design, showcasing that anything is possible!   

The best practice examples of our Green Pearls® partners illustrate the fact that sustainable urban development does not always take place on a large (or even larger) scale. It can be driven by individual businesses and also by individuals themselves. It can be the greened balcony, the support of sustainable and regional shops and initiatives and, of course, leaving the car at home. Our Green Pearls® partners are leading by example.

Green pearl Klosterhof, Bavaria (Germany)

The wellness hotel Klosterhof - Alpine Hideaway & Spa is located in a solitary location on a sunny plateau in the Berchtesgadener Land. The four-star superior hotel with its 65 stylish rooms and suites was personally and individually furnished by the host family Färber. All rooms have a view of the forest or mountains and are air-conditioned - in combination with the large Artemacur Spa and the Health Center, a cozy retreat for an unforgettable wellness vacation in Bavaria.

The Klosterhof is a magical place with 500 years of history. Once part of an Augustinian monastery, the property was rebuilt according to ecological principles. Always in mind: a balanced union of tradition and modernity.

"It is the connection to nature that grounds us and gives us perspective," is how Henrike and Andreas Färber describe their motivation. Their daily actions pursue the goal of continuously making sustainability a central element of the mindset at the Klosterhof, in order to constantly improve the quality of life for the partners, their team and themselves, and to protect the environment.

For its sustainability concept, the Klosterhof recently became the first hotel in Germany to be awarded the "EU Ecolabel", a certification recognized throughout the EU.

Green pearl Hotel Weihrerhof, South Tyrol (Italy)

In an excellent location directly on the shores of Lake Wolfsgrubner, the family-run Hotel Weihrerhof with 23 rooms, wellness area, indoor pool and a large lakeside garden is a feel-good place in the middle of nature. Whether wellness, rowing, swimming or relaxing on the sunbathing lawns, the lake shapes the vacation days at the Weihrerhof. The latest guest highlights are the boathouse sauna made of local larch and pine wood and a new boat harbor with rowing and pedal boats.

For the operators Manuela and Klaus Pichler, respectful and careful treatment of the surrounding nature is an important element for sustainable tourism in South Tyrol. Therefore, they too would like to strengthen communication around their green initiatives.

At Weihrerhof, 60 percent of the energy is generated by their own photovoltaic system. The additionally purchased electricity also comes from renewable energy sources. When buying groceries, priority is given to products with the shortest transport route, and when it comes to cleaning, the hotel dispenses with chemicals as far as possible by using micro-dry steam. The spa area and guest bathrooms also focus on the environment: the hotel's own natural cosmetics line 'BergSea' is based on organic products from South Tyrol and the Wolfsgruben Lake water. For its sustainability, the hotel is one of the first establishments in GSTC-certified.

With the Weihrerhof, after the APIPURA hotel rinner and the ADLER Lodge RITTEN, a third hotel in the Oberbozen/Ritten region is a Green Pearls® partner. More information about the hotels and their green initiatives can be found here.

You can read the whole article here. 

But not all holiday homes and apartments are created equal. While one accommodation may feature a secluded location and complete self-sufficiency, another offers the additional amenities of an attached hotel complex or shared services for several accommodation units. Wellness facilities will also differ. In today's newsletter, we present which concepts our Green Pearls® partners pursue and what sets them apart from the rest.

Individual and Private: The Classic Holiday Home Vacation

A completely self-contained property, built according to environmentally friendly principles, economical in consumption, high-quality furnishings - and all to yourself? The POU DE GLAÇ in northern Spain makes this possible. If you are looking for a peaceful and natural environment, this is the place for you.

The historic collection of buildings has been lovingly renovated in a resource-efficient way and now offers three eco-friendly holiday accommodations for two to six people. A room for events is also available. A special highlight is the historic ice fountain that gives the Refugio its name. In a space where ice could once be stored until June, today is a space for everything from exhibitions to dinners to yoga retreats. The new saltwater pool with a view of the Pyrenees rounds off the green holiday experience.

A magnificent view of the mountains is also available at the Summit Lodges Pfunds in Tyrol. The Spiss family has built two log cabins according to the traditional Canadian natural log construction method. The orientation has been optimised to minimise wear and tear from the weather, while maximising the amount of natural light that enters the building. The green holiday homes have two separate bedrooms, two bathrooms, a cosy living area with an open fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen. A special highlight is the private sauna. Two friendly families or a group can book both lodges together and can enjoy an extra portion of privacy.

Enjoying freshly baked bread on your own terrace in the morning and take in the view over Sölden - no problem at The Peak! Several apartments and two chalets give guests plenty of privacy and space. All accommodations are equipped with a kitchen, and dogs are also welcome in some. During construction, the focus was on the reuse of old wood and local materials. Thanks to the photovoltaic system, the two chalets are completely self-sufficient and hiking trails and ski slopes start right on the doorstep. If guests ever want to enjoy slightly more distant routes, this is also possible in a sustainable way and without a car. In summer and winter, a ticket for public transport is included in the price.

Luxury and absolute privacy are offered by the LENI MOUNTAIN Chalet. This stylish and comfortably furnished holiday home with its own natural bathing pond and wellness area is located in the middle of the Ötztal Alps just outside Sölden. But it's not just the exposed location that makes it a special hideaway. The whole concept is based on sustainability, and the chalet is completely self-sufficient. The interior is made exclusively of natural materials and, in addition to breakfast and beverage service, a private concierge ensures that the sustainable holiday experience is just perfect.

Self-Catering or Hotel service? Both are also Possible!

Enjoy the advantages of your own holiday home or apartment and make use of hotel services such as restaurants, wellness or advisory services as required: This is what hotels that have their own holiday homes or apartments offer. They enable guests to organise their stay to suit their individual needs while at the same time enjoying the amenities of the hotel infrastructure.

The climate-neutral Biohotel Sturm relies on such a concept. The hotel's former kitchen house, which has been converted into a comfortable holiday home, offers space for up to six people and has its own kitchen and private terrace with garden area. This is located directly next to the snack garden and the natural swimming pond, which the guests of the holiday home can also use. Not in the mood for a hiking tour through the Rhön or a home-cooked meal? Relaxing hours in the Rhön spa or a gourmet dinner in the organic restaurant Otto's are just a few steps away. The use of the spa area is free of charge for holiday home guests, breakfast, dinner or wellness treatments can be booked in addition.

Like the Biohotel Sturm, the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in Bad Herrenalb offers a climate-neutral vacation in its holiday apartments. Guests can organise their day according to their personal preferences in the 2- to 3-room flats and explore the Black Forest, while the amenities of the hotel are available right next door. The breakfast buffet and use of the spa area with swimming pool and saunas are included in the price. If desired, there is even a cooking and spice package for the stay, the results of which can then be enjoyed on the private balcony.

Hotel comfort and holiday home feeling in mini format is offered by the Biohotel Grafenast in the Tiny House or "high-end caravan" with organic toilet and wood cooker. On only a few square metres, two people will find everything their heart desires. They are completely independent or can use the infrastructure of the hotel next door. The choice is entirely up to you.

Private, Green Accommodation with Shared Facilities

Another opportunity to enjoy an independent and sustainable holiday are aparthotels such as the eco aparthotel The Dreamers Club. Guests stay in their own flats and share the large garden with plenty of options for rest and relaxation. The interiors made of natural materials, the colourful design of the accommodation units and the spacious outdoor areas of the holiday flats in Croatia create a Mediterranean feel-good atmosphere and make you forget about the world outside. Guests of The Dreamers Club can also enjoy the optional services of the resort, such as the breakfast buffet, tapas or cocktails - served either in the garden lounge, on their own terrace, or in their flat.

At the LENI MOUNTAIN appartements in Sölden, the culinary meeting point is the LENI MOUNTAIN Café and Bar. Coffee, cakes, drinks and Tyrolean specialities offer a great change to the food prepared in the large flats themselves. The new wellness area, a bread roll service, and a laundry service also make these vacations a time for indulgence.

Gut Nisdorf on the Baltic Sea coast also offers spacious holiday apartments. Families in particular will get their money's worth in the flats with their own kitchenette. But couples will also feel at home on the farm grounds near the Bodden with their own small beach, natural pond and sauna area. The common meeting place for Gut Nisdorf holidaymakers is the hotel restaurant with terrace, where you can enjoy the breakfast buffet included in the price for all guests or the evening menu that is part of the half board. All meals are prepared with certified organic products.

A new addition to Green Pearls® is the A' Cràpa Mangia in the middle of the Italian Cilento National Park. The A' Cràpa Mangia estate faces the sea and is situated on a hill from where you can look out over the entire bay of Santa Maria di Castellabate and the Gulf of Salerno.

During the renovation of the former estate and its stables, special emphasis was placed on the preservation of the old structures and the use of sustainable and traditional building materials. Nine of the eleven accommodation units have a fully equipped kitchen where hobby cooks can really let off steam. Ingredients from the immediate surroundings, such as their own olive oil, are available in the courtyard bar, as are the pre-ordered bread rolls. The best place to enjoy your meal is on your own terrace with a view of the sea. La Dolce Vita, but sustainable!

Sustainable holiday homes are an alternative for all those who value independence and flexibility on vacation. But even those who don't want to completely forego the comfort of a hotel will find what they are looking for with the Green Pearls® partners. More information about these eco-friendly accommodations can be found at www.greenpearls.com. 

The spacious estate is surrounded by fruit and olive trees. The owners were committed to sustainability from the very beginning. Thus, during the loving renovation, attention was given to preserving the historic architectural structures of the 17th century. Natural stone, wood, iron and stucco lend the rooms a special charm.

By the way, A' Cràpa Mangia is an old Cilentan greeting that literally means “the goat eats”. And when the goat ate, the people were also well. Like today at  A' Cràpa Mangia.

More information about the apartments, their green initiatives and offers is available at Green Pearls® and on the property's website. Green Pearls® is an international information platform and communication agency for sustainable tourism. Each Green Pearls® partner unites high standards, active environmentally friendly initiatives and social commitment.
 

Relaxed Summer of Culture in Erlangen

Can Erlangen still be considered an “insider tip”? The city in north-eastern Bavaria certainly has a lot to offer. Thanks to the free audio guides for classic city tours, it can be visited at any time of day or night. If that's not exciting enough for you, you can also explore Erlangen in the form of a puzzle or a story. On the path of the Foxtrail or myCityHunt tours, the city must be saved from the supposedly sustainable construction projects of a dubious entrepreneur or a strange plant disease during a heat wave. 

For music fans, the Kulturinsel Wöhrmühle is a highlight with well-known acts in a great location. This year, the open-air festival will finally take place from the 14^th  to the 24^th of July and is a must-visit for all pop and indie music lovers. The Creativhotel Luise offers the ideal oasis of calm after a concert. The Creativhotel has revealed two more top tips for next year: The International Comics Salon takes place in mid-June and beer lovers will get their money's worth at the traditional Bergkirchweih at during Pentecost. If you don't want to wait, we can highly recommend a visit to the beer museum.

Cultural and Fashion Metropolis Milan

Milan is a true cultural hotspot in northern Italy. The zero-emissions Hotel Milano Scala is the perfect base for experiencing Milan's cultural summer first hand - quiet and relaxed, yet right in the middle of it all. Theatre lovers in particular will be pleased to know that the prestigious Teatro al Scala is right next door. This summer, "Rigoletto" and "Giselle", among others, will be performed there. In addition, the city can be explored with a variety of themed city tours, for example, a look behind the scenes of various designers on the Milan Fashion Tour. 

Less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel is the Parco Sempione urban landscape garden. In the Triennale Milano, the museum for Italian design, an exhibition about the unknown ("Unknown Unknowns") can currently be visited. This exciting exhibition focuses on "what we don't know" and invites open discussion and interdisciplinary consideration. The discussions can then be continued in the evening on the hotel terrace with a view over Milan, enveloped by the scent of the herb garden. 

Freiburg Green Creative Spot

Pull out your pencils and sharpen your ears: In July, the Freiburg city poetry slam championships will take place. Of course, you can just listen, spellbound, to the young creatives and writers. But you can also let them and the city inspire you to go on your own writing excursions. It is also possible to take part in a writing walk, which allows visitors to experience Freiburg and the surrounding nature from a completely new perspective. Clean lines, modern architecture and space to breathe are what the Green City Hotel Vauban offers. The structured environment invites creative thinking, making it the ideal setting to immerse yourself in Freiburg's literary scene. 

Anyone visiting the city between the 13^th and the 31^st of July will not be able to avoid the “Zelt-Musik-Festival”. Well-known acts from all over the world perform every evening on several open-air stages and guarantee a festive atmosphere. After all the excitement of a concert, it is all the more relaxing to return to the tranquil atmosphere of the Green City Hotel Vauban.

Theatre and Industrial Monuments in the Baltic Summer

Panevėžys is not only the industrial centre of northern Lithuania, but also the cultural capital of the region. It is characterised above all by industrial architecture, which stands in charming contrast to the city's historical buildings. This is also the case with the cultural monument that houses the ROMANTIC Boutique Hotel & Spa: in 1841, the first mechanical mill in the country operated here. There is hardly a better place to experience the summer of culture in Lithuania and Panevėžys. 

Numerous museums and galleries invite you to take a short or longer look during a stroll through the city. Panevėžys is also the final stop of a narrow-gauge railway that is almost forgotten in the rest of Europe. Visitors can admire steam locomotives and signallers in the adjoining museum. In addition, rides on the hand trolley or the rail tricycle are possible in summer. 

The cultural summer weekend is then rounded out with a visit to the theatre in the Juozas Miltinis Drama Theatre. The theatre, built in a modern style, looks back on an eventful past. In addition to performances, tours of the building are also offered. At the end of an eventful day, you can indulge in high-quality organic food in the ROMANTIC's restaurant before drifting off to sleep within the historic walls.

In Search of Historical Footprints in Berlin's Green Hinterland

The Landgut Stober itself is practically a main cultural attraction. As part of a brick ensemble created by the industrialist family Borsig, it attracts visitors from near and far. But the Landgut Stober is not only highly recommended as a destination, but also as a starting point. Around the hotel is one of the oldest landscape parks with ancient trees that has been preserved in its original form. It invites you to stroll and relax, especially during hot summer days. Ribbeck with its castle and numerous small studios, concerts and shops is only a short bike ride away. 

The Landgut Stober is just a few kilometres from the gates of Berlin. By train, it takes just over half an hour to reach the city centre with all of its bars and clubs, museums and theatres, cinemas and concerts. Visitors can explore the Berlin underground with a guided tour, climb the TV tower at the Alex or simply let themselves wander. Back at the hotel, guests can expect exquisite cuisine and an almost magical atmosphere that makes the hustle and bustle of the big city seem like a distant mirage.

The Art Metropolis and Cultural City of Paris

Shakespeare in Paris? Yes, please! In the Catelan Garden of the Bois de Boulogne, actors take guests into the play worlds of the theatre poet in various themed gardens. The works are presented in a variety of ways: sometimes with puppets, sometimes as a fairy tale, a circus, or a reading. In addition to Shakespeare, visitors can also immerse themselves in the plays of other poets and dramatists such as Molière or Jean de la Fontaine. 

The centrally located boutique hotel Hôtel Le Pavillon is ideal for experiencing summer in Paris in style. Housed in an lovingly restored convent, it offers guests an oasis of well-being with plenty of greenery, creative details and a rich breakfast buffet. They are well prepared for a day full of theatre and poetry. Or perhaps a visit to one of the many museums and galleries? Or exploring Le Recyclerie, an old railway station? Here artists from all over the world organise exhibitions or events - also on sustainable themes. Maybe discovering the maritime ambience along the Seine during the "Paris Plages", when deckchairs and palm trees take over the banks is more your style?

After two years, the event calendars are finally bursting at the seams again and we are pleased that the selection of cultural summer highlights around our Green Pearls® partners was so difficult for us to narrow down. We can say with a clear conscience that there will be something for everyone, whether you are a fan of literature, a music lover, or a theatre-goer. Our Green Pearls® partners not only offer a fantastic setting for this cultural summer, but also love to assist their guests in choosing which events to attend.

For three generations, the Thurm family has been running the alpine 4* superior boutique hotel. With its 54 deluxe rooms and design suites, a large wellness area, private spa and gourmet cuisine, Das Rübezahl focuses entirely on individuality, an exclusive feel-good ambience – and, of course, on sustainability.

This includes, among other things, the use of natural and local materials, a respectful cooperation with employees and suppliers as well as a green power supply. Since 2021, 90% of the electricity requirements have been generated by photovoltaics or a modern combined heat and power plant. 

The wellness garden was recently expanded with special flower and herb meadows to provide space for endangered species to flourish. The natural cycle and the native flora and fauna are also the focus in the two hotel restaurants. For both the Louis II restaurant, which serves healthy and light cuisine, and the award-winning Gams & Gloria, products are sourced from regional suppliers wherever possible and the choice of dishes follows the seasons. 

Guests of Das Rübezahl can offset their personal carbon footprint and relax on their CO2-neutral getaway through a reforestation project.

For more information about the hotel, its green initiatives and offers, please visit Green Pearls® and the hotel website.

Find complete article here.

In the category “Responsible Business Model & Partnership”, the hotel in Bad Herrenalb is right at the top of the podium in TourCert's fairwärts Good Practice competition. The SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA receives the 1st place for the creation of the CSR – position “Development of sustainable awareness”.

Since 2018, Stephanie Schießl is responsible for this position and takes care of the sustainable development of the hotel. The industry's only full-time position combines active environmental protection with social commitment and entrepreneurial thinking. Stephanie Schießl raises sustainable awareness within the staff, among guests and all partners, and integrates sustainability along the entire value chain of the hotel operation. For the last year she has also been a guest lecturer in CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) at DHBW Ravensburg.

The SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA's successful sustainability initiatives include: a significant reduction in its carbon footprint per overnight stay, Bio-Gold certification, the development of an in-house waste ABC, a biodiverse snack garden, upcycling workshops and numerous collaborations such as NABU's cork collection campaign and Sinnlicht's wax collection point. Just a few weeks ago, the team around managing director Stephan Bode announced the successful Green Sign certification. 

Detailed information on the sustainable commitment can be found in the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA's sustainability report.

LA VIMEA, Italy's first 100% vegan hotel, is enticing guests with an attractive spring offer for a stay in the gourmet and hiking region of South Tyrol. 

Guests who book until May 20 for three nights at LA VIMEA in Naturno will receive one night free, including vegan half board.

In the Adults-only hotel in the sunny Vinschgau, guests will find maximum relaxation, rest, and wellness opportunities. The kitchen of the LA VIMEA pampers its guests with creative, vegan cuisine.

Special Offer “PrimaVera”:

• For all the new inquiries made within the period 21 April – 16 May 2022 with the booking of 3 nights, LA VIMEA grant +1 night free of charge including vegan half board.
• This offer is only valid as an inclusive 4-nights package for booking with the promo code “PrimaVera” for stays 21 April - 20 May 
• Tourism tax is not included, the offer excludes other discounts.
• The special offer and the number of rooms are limited. 
• To book Special offer, the request with promo-code "PrimaVera" should be sent to info@lavimea.com

But who actually imagines all this? And who makes sure that everything is prepared at the right time? We asked our Green Pearls® partners who is in charge, what is the philosophy behind the food selection and what is most important in a sustainable kitchen.

Satya Beeknoo - Zeavola Resort 

"I pledge to honour and pass on cooking, culinary culture and the constant evolution of it." This is what Satya Beeknoo said when he was appointed a member of "Disciples Escoffier International". The international organisation brings together a total of 25,000 selected chefs and professionals from over 26 countries. Its aim is to promote and preserve culinary culture and tradition.

Satya Beeknoo is the chef and spirit of the kitchen at the Zeavola Resort on Kho Phi Phi Island. Here, as a master of Thai cuisine, he prepares traditional dishes authentically and to the highest standards. His international gourmet dishes are also among the world’s best. The celebrity chef follows a completely sustainable approach with a focus on regional products and short supply chains. He has developed numerous ideas to constantly optimise kitchen processes, save resources and avoid waste. The whole team benefits from his knowledge, have embraced his sustainability philosophy and also passed it on to suppliers, farmers and fishermen. Beeknoo has also broadened the range of vegan dishes.

Hannes Pignater – ADLER Lodge RITTEN

The chef at ADLER Lodge RITTEN is Hannes Pignater. Before moving to Oberbozen, the nature lover and family man worked for five years as head chef at the ADLER Lodge on the Alpe di Siusi - after stints abroad and successful competitions that earned him the gold medal at the Professional World Championship in St. Gallen and the silver medal at the Culinary Olympics in Erfurt.

Now he has moved his Mediterranean-Alpine culinary art to the Ritten. And in a kitchen that brings him even closer to his guests - the open room concept in the ADLER Lodge allows them to watch him create the six-course evening menu with his team. He sources most of his ingredients, such as the goat cheese or first-class fish from the mountain lakes, from the surrounding area. "The local products have priority," says the 38-year-old South Tyrolean. "But radically regional is not my thing. If the mozzarella from Napoli is better than the South Tyrolean, then I have an easy decision."

“Topfen” (similar to quark) with green celery and grapes, Schüttelbrot (traditional flat bread) risotto, whitefish fillet with peas and ham or Calamarata, farmer's sausage with fennel and sheep's cheese are all skilful refinements of South Tyrolean classics; artfully and lovingly arranged, just the sight of the plates brings a smile to the guests' faces. Which in turn fills Hannes’ heart with joy.

Viola and Mamma Piera – Relais del Maro

A day at Relais del Maro begins with Viola. Viola is the chef, but above all, she is the master of the famous breakfast buffet which she prepares herself early in the morning. From eggs and bacon to fruit salad, cheese, cold cuts and fresh bread. It is her two hands that work for the guests of the Ligurian Albergo Diffuso. She mixes, prepares, bakes, garnishes and all in line with her motto: nothing is thrown away! And when breakfast is over, what's left over is made into a tasty lunch! However, Viola learned many of her skills from Mamma Piera. Mamma Piera, the mother of hotel manager Elena Scalambrin, is the head chef and someone who lets very few people in on her secrets of Ligurian culinary traditions. The recipe for the delicious tomato sauce that is always used for bolognese, pasta and pizza at Relais del Maro comes from her. Piera is not only a hard worker, but also a master pastry chef: all the cakes for afternoon tea and breakfast are created by her. The same goes for the roast beef, the light desserts for lunch and the many jams. Together, Viola and Mamma Piera are an unbeatable team.

Massimo Cvek – Maslina Resort

With the end of the winter break, Massimo Cvek takes over as the new chef at the Croatian 5-star boutique hotel Maslina Resort. The 31-year-old focuses on local products and the diversity of Croatian cuisine. Reduced ingredients, prepared with "wow factor", that is his mission - "It doesn't take much to make people happy. A dish like lobster tail with buttermilk, leek oil and potato foam consists of only four ingredients - and tastes wonderful." The further expansion of the resort's own organic garden is also one of his labours of love, featuring classic flavours such as thyme, sage, cherry tomatoes and fennel. But also some more unusual ingredients such as wild asparagus, dandelion or wood sorrel, whose edible pink blossoms are perfect for decoration, will soon be found here as well. Cvek has already come up with a speciality for his guests: he has started to pickle and ferment the pines that are typical for the Hvar island landscape. Another project is his own pork salami, cured in sugar and seasoned with spices and wild herbs from the garden. "I want our guests to experience the island with all their senses.

Massimo Cvek worked for many years in upscale restaurants and hotels, on cruise ships and yachts. During his training, he worked in the Michelin-awarded kitchens of Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Oxfordshire, Thorntons Restaurant in Dublin and Restaurant Ikarus in Austria.

David Rawe – Mawell Resort

"For me, cooking is much more than "just" cooking. It's about making people happy. As chefs, we can do just that with our work - and every day anew. The greatest appreciation for us is when guests come up to us and say: Wow, that was delicious, that was really fun to eat!" 

This is the enthusiasm with which David Rawe, chef at the Mawell Resort and whose whole life has been shaped by cooking, speaks. For it's not only at work that he is concerned with the texture and preparation of fish, meat, vegetables and fruit. He also spends a lot of his free time in nature: fishing, collecting wild garlic in spring or mushrooms in autumn. Cooking something great from foods that can be found everywhere is what excites him. What can the nature around us provide us with and when? In his opinion, sustainable cuisine should mainly deal with this question. Respect for the products, whether vegetable or animal, is also important to him. 

Just as the interplay of individual flavours and components as a whole leads to a taste experience, cooking itself is absolutely a team sport. Fully respecting colleagues, each with their individual strengths is paramount for Davis Rawe. The "old" days of shouting and throwing pans in the kitchen are long gone - at least at Mawell.

Whether from a small Thai village or from South Tyrol, with Ligurian roots or from maritime Croatia - very different personalities with very different stories work and innovate in the kitchens of the Green Pearls® partners. However, they all have one thing in common: respectful treatment of nature and its resources. 

There is still so much to share from the sustainable kitchens that we would like to introduce more chefs in the next newsletter. Look out for part two to discover more from Leutasch in Austria, Tenerife or Bali.

Interview with Hotel Manager Fabienne Anthamatten

GP: Fabienne, 60 years ago the Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt was founded by your grandparents. How did everything start?

FA: The Bella Vista was a project of the heart and soul for the family ever since they first broke ground on the site. In the early 1960s, my grandfather Theodor Perren picked up a shovel and dug the foundations for the hotel. Then, in 1962, the first guests stayed in the Garni, which had 24 rooms at the time. My grandfather was still active as a passionate mountain guide and farmer during that time and was happy to pass on his knowledge of nature and his black-nosed sheep. Meanwhile, my grandmother, Margrit, looked after the guests and their three children and spoiled everyone with her fine apple pie. My mother Bernadette, the youngest of the three siblings, then took over the Bella Vista together with her husband Franz in 1978.

GP: Is your father Franz also a Zermatt native?

FA: No, he is originally from southern Germany and came to Zermatt through his profession as a baker. And luckily, he brought many new ideas and recipes with him to the hotel business, some of which are still being used in our bakery. It was also my parents who, back in the early eighties, offered a breakfast buffet which was unusual for the time, with lots of homemade food, fresh juice and loose-leaf teas.

GP: That means that Bella Vista has evolved not only with the times, but rather, has always been a small step ahead of them. Does that also apply to the present? Does the hotel’s range of services fit the current needs of the guests?

FA: Yes, I am convinced of that. The Bella Vista is a small but very special hotel that offers the ideal holiday home to all those who would like to keep all their options open, but still prefer a family setting to a large hotel. The warm atmosphere of “togetherness” strikes a chord with the guests, many of whom are looking for a break from the anonymous rush of their everyday life.

GP: What makes a holiday at Bella Vista so special?

FA: With us, guests have countless opportunities to get active in the surrounding mountain world. But our Alpine Spa Bella Vita also offers all the essentials to relax in peace and allow yourself be pampered. We are happy to assist our guests with all our experience and recommendations and enjoy the friendly exchange we have with them very much. 

GP: Speaking of indulging - is it possible that the breakfast buffet is another reason why so many visitors become repeat guests?

FA: Definitely ;-). Homemade food is our passion. And breakfast is indeed a real highlight for many guests. For us, culinary delights are a great way to communicate the traditions and specialities of the region. This also applies to the other specialities such as the traditional Valais plate or my mother's homemade soup. Once a week we offer our popular cheese evening with raclette and fondue. Of course, with the matching Valais wine.

GP: 60 years is a good reason to toast together. How will you celebrate the anniversary?

FA:We have created a small booklet that tells our story and shows what we now have to offer. We also gave ourselves a new logo. Our guests who stay more than five nights will receive a white wine from the valley with our own label in the anniversary year. And who knows, maybe there will be a special offer for the summer. It's worth checking our website from time to time!

GP: The Hotel Bella Vista not only represents family-like and an upscale feel-good atmosphere, but the environment and sustainability are also very important to you. How does that show to the guests? 

FA: We only use hydroelectric power for our hotel operations and, with a few exceptions, we only use regional products from our neighbours. The breakfast eggs, however, come from our own chickens. We also avoid unnecessary packaging and plastic bottles wherever possible. This, as well as the use of organic detergents and cleaning agents or the economical use of resources, has become second nature to the whole team.

GP: You have been Green Pearls® members since last year. Why did you take this step?

FA: Our guests appreciate our efforts to be environmentally friendly, the respectful interaction in the hotel and our regional ties. Beyond personal recommendations and other marketing channels, the Green Pearls® platform is a very good way to communicate our sustainable commitment even to an even wider audience. Furthermore, green tourism receives even greater attention than ever before with every publication, which is particularly close to my heart. I am also committed to this in my work on the board of the Zermatt Hoteliers Association.

GP: What do we see when we look through your eyes into the future of Hotel Bella Vista?

FA: We see great potential in the expansion of the spa area. The demand for private spa facilities has increased significantly with the new pressure of the pandemic. The rooms are constantly being renovated and adapted to meet our guests needs. We will also continue to offer yoga retreats. My sister Stefanie is a trained and passionate yoga teacher. Of course, we also want to implement more sustainability ideas and continue to develop and improve ourselves. And all this with the aim of making our guests feel at home during their holidays with us.

GP: Thank you very much for the interview, Fabienne. We congratulate you with all our hearts on your anniversary and wish you, your family and the Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt all the best for the next 60 years!

While many tourism businesses continue to operate as they have in the past and struggle to make significant changes to their offerings, there are an increasing number of hoteliers who are already operating in a sustainable and climate-neutral way. Read on to learn more about the ways Green Pearls® partners have found to offset their emissions and where guests have opportunities to compensate their own CO₂ footprint.

The many possibilities for CO₂ compensation

If desired, guests can ensure their time spent at the Schwarzwald Panorama is completely climate-neutral. The CO₂ emissions during their stay are reported and offset by contributing to recognised climate protection projects. For this, the hotel works with Climate Partner. The projects supported include a mountain forest project for biodiversity on the Schauinsland near Freiburg, a forest conservation project on Papua New Guinea and support for environmentally friendly production processes in a Colombian brickworks. On its own initiative, the hotel is also doing everything it can to greatly reduce its own CO₂ emissions. To this end, the company's total environmental impact, including annual CO₂ emissions, is recorded and analyzed, and residual emissions that cannot be avoided are offset in cooperation with Climate Partner.

Strengthen guest engagement through transparency and incentives

CERVO Mountain Resort Zermatt cooperates with myClimate for CO2 compensation. The carbon dioxide emissions generated by the production of its own beer and meat dishes in the restaurants are offset, and guests can also make their stay CO₂-neutral via myClimate. For only CHF 3 per night, guests can offset the CO₂ emissions of their stay and support the hotel's sustainability initiatives. As an added incentive, CERVO then doubles each offset franc. With part of the total, the hotel supports a myClimate foundation carbon offset project in Brazil. The remaining amount is invested in sustainability measures on site or in operational sustainability such as the conversion to renewable energies or the sustainable planting of the outdoor area.

Become a climate hero at the click of a mouse

The Schlosshotel Blankenburg also likes to encourage its guests to make their contribution to sustainable travel. With its certification partner GreenSign and the organisation Klimapatenschaft, the hotel has selected two climate protection projects through which guests can compensate for their stay. Alternatively, they can also get involved by donating a tree or adopting a bee. Simply online, and all at the click of a mouse. As proof of their climate-neutral hotel stay, guests receive a personal certificate - the Klimaheld Certificate.

Support projects in the region

On its path to carbon neutrality, Kasbah du Toubkal in Morocco's Atlas Mountains is cooperating with the High Altas Foundation (HAF). The organization helps people in rural communities plant trees such as walnut, olive, and fig trees which also provide economic benefits. HAF operates 11 fruit nurseries in Morocco with nine tree species and plants 1.3 million seeds annually. This also includes plantings in the Azzaden Valley, where Kasbah's trekking lodge is located. "We can't personally offset the carbon footprint of a flight full of vacationers, but we can do our best to link a guest's stay to that offset and physically show how that relates to supporting the economic activities of the entire region," says Mike Mc Hugo, Co-Founder and Manager Kasbah du Toubkal.

Longstanding commitment to sustainable development projects

Back in 2019, the Biohotel Sturm was awarded as a climate-neutral hotel. It is one of the first in the hotel industry to voluntarily compensate its emissions according to the Kyoto Protocol and since 2019 has offered climate-neutral stays at all of its accommodations and guesthouses at no extra charge. In addition to a steady reduction in CO2 emissions generated, the hotel offsets all remaining emissions through compensation projects in Uruguay and Rwanda. The projects supported are VCS Forest Uruguay, which now operates eucalyptus plantations on former pasture land. Along with the GS Cooking Stove Project in Rwanda, which issues cooking stoves to the rural population in particular so that they no longer have to cook inefficiently with wood or charcoal. This reduces the annual rate of deforestation in the areas and promotes health by reducing the risk of respiratory diseases.

Mandatory climate impact assessment for organic hotels

As a member of the Biohotels Association, the Gut Nisdorf is also obliged to report on their CO2 footprint. This is assessed using a questionnaire and evaluated by the company Fokus Zukunft. The special thing about this assement is that not only the heating costs and electricity consumption are determined, but the consumption of goods as a whole. Detailed for each product, the working routes of the employees and other items. This produces a reliable figure for the actual CO2 emissions of the company, which are then offset by reforestation projects in Uruguay and Peru. Through various sustainability measures, the Gut Nisdorf has managed to reduce its emissions per day to about 1/6 of the hotel average in Germany.

The partners mentioned here, as well as all other Green Pearls® partners, are on a constant mission to continue reducing their carbon footprint while developing and implementing innovative sustainable measures.

The seven apartments and two chalets of The Peak Sölden are furnished in contemporary alpine style and with their different sizes offer a cozy retreat for small and larger families or groups. Pets are also welcome in selected apartments. The new accommodation units provide box-spring beds, infrared seating and rain shower or bathtub, and bread service is included. The location directly at the slope allows a beautiful view over the alpine landscape and Sölden.

The owners Monika and Ronald Kneisl are closely connected with the region and nature. Their love of the mountains and nature is evident in the environmentally conscious design of the chalets and vacation apartments. The wood used in the interior as well as the exterior is sourced from local forests of the Ötztal region and all renovation work was carried out by local companies. The sustainable energy concept of The Peak includes the e-charging station at the house as well as the planned photovoltaic system.

Other sustainable Green Pearls® vacation home and apartment partners in the Alpine region are LENI Mountain Apartments & Chalet in Sölden and Summit Lodges Pfunds. An overview of all vacation homes and apartments on Green Pearls® can be found here.

Sustainable thinking from the very first brick

Fabienne's grandparents built the property in 1962, where it was a “just” a humble hotel. Her grandmother looked after the guests, and her grandfather was a farmer and shepherd and often a mountain guide. When Fabienne's parents took over the Bella Vista in the 1970s, where they gradually transformed it into a crown jewel. The breakfast buffet - which was unusual and innovative for the time - included homemade delicacies, fresh fruit and loose-leaf teas from the garden. But what has remained from the founding generation to this day and runs like a red thread through the family philosophy is the warm care of the guests.

In addition to deep-rooted warmheartedness and hospitality, sustainable thinking and action also shaped Fabienne's childhood. She can well remember how her parents always reminded her to separate waste, even to completely avoid it if possible, and to only take as much food as they could eat. Fabienne and her two sisters helped in the garden to gather berries to make jam – everything was recycled, be it from an animal or a plant. In short, Fabienne was born with an appreciation for nature and sustainability.

The 3rd generation takes responsibility

The three sisters - Christine, Fabienne and Stefanie - have been involved in the business from an early age and gradually followed in their parents' footsteps before Fabienne finally took over the management of the hotel in 2017. For Fabienne, what lasts has value - and she is acutely aware of the great responsibility towards her fellow human beings and the environment. Her daily motivation: the love of nature and the region. Her motto in life: 'Deeds not words'. That is why the use of hydroelectric power, regional products from the neighbours, breakfast eggs from their own chickens or the avoidance of unnecessary packaging and plastic bottles are now an integral part of the hotel business. With many ideas, both large and small, in her daily work, Fabienne is laying the foundation for a sustainable future. Because the Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt is a project close to her heart!

With commitment to the future

Fabienne is on the board of the Zermatt Hoteliers' Association and advocates for a sustainable way of thinking that also questions long-established traditions. In her private life, the nature-loving hotel manager and child of the mountains spends a lot of time in the Zermatt Alps. Once a year, she makes a trip to the Gorner Glacier with her family to measure how far it has receded. "We are observing a great change here in the Alps, which obliges us to handle our resources carefully and to set priorities on the essentials - on the necessities of life!" And that’s exactly what she does!

Spanish farm POU DE GLAÇ with an icy past

Our journey takes us back to the 17th/18th century, to an estate in the Spanish hinterland of the Costa Brava, situated directly on the Rec d'Estany stream. The old flour mill, the barn, the vault and the ice fountain are bustling with activity. For several centuries, this was used as a natural refrigerator with the help of stored natural ice, which enabled the landowner's family to enjoy a higher standard of living.

The owner of the grounds around the heritage-listed ice fountain (Pou de Glac) played by the old mill and the idyllic stream herself as a child. This personal connection is noticeable in the many loving details that have been considered during the transformation of the site into eco-friendly, sustainable holiday homes. The natural materials, especially wood and natural stone, contrast beautifully with the exposed steel and cement as well as the modern furnishings. A flawless blend of old and new architecture. The POU DE GLAÇ - ECO TOURISM holiday homes at this beautiful and sustainable place of well-being have only been available for booking for a few weeks.

Historical ambience meets modern luxury at Schlosshotel Blankenburg

The journey continues in the Harz Mountains, in the middle of the 19th century. We stop at the former barracks of Duke Wilhelm's "Herzoglich Braunschweigische Leibbataillon" in Blankenburg, where Wilhelm's soldiers stayed from 1860. Until the end of the Second World War, the castle barracks repeatedly served as a training centre for recruits and as accommodation for various military units. After the withdrawal of the Soviet military administration in 1946, the barracks were converted for residential purposes.

In 2009, the conversion of the historic building into a four-star hotel began. The challenge: to balance monument protection and the modern vision of an organic hotel. The thermal renovation of the building shell along with the new roof and basement insulation form the basic framework for the thoroughly sustainable focus of the hotel, which has even introduced its own system for environmental management. Despite complete energetic renovation, the historic spirit of the building envelopes you as soon as you enter the Schlosshotel Blankenburg with its high ceilings, large windows and classic furnishings. Modern bathrooms, a wellness area with sauna landscape, relaxation and treatment rooms as well as a completely new building housing the reception and the restaurant have been added. The six-legged friends also find a home after the renovation in the new insect hotel on the grounds.

Princely history at the Naturresort Schindelbruch 

It is only a short trip from Blankenburg to Stolberg, but we are now heading back to 1928 - the year in which the Princes of Stolberg Stolberg decided to build the "Schindelbruch Hunting Lodge" above the small village of the same name in the southern Harz. In GDR times, the house was turned into a holiday home and, after the fall of the Wall, into the "Harzhotel im Schindelbruch". In 2003, the gradual renovation and expansion of today's Schlosshotel began.

Owner and managing director Dr. Clemens Ritter von Kempski brought his personal interest in sustainable issues to the table from the very beginning and realised his vision of operating the hotel in an eco-friendly way. Now, it is time to travel to the recent past of the nature resort, because in 2013 the "Pearl of Schindelbruch and favourite place of the wellness guests" opened - the bathhouse. The resort's newest jewel is the Landresidenz, which was completed in spring 2021. After the renovation, the nature resort received several awards for the intelligent saving of resources and its excellent quality management.

In a second part of our little journey through time, we will explore the historical origins of other Green Pearls^® partner hotels.

In the main house with its restaurant, bar and lounge, two spacious terraces and a large spa area, guests enjoy all the advantages of a hotel. The spacious chalets, which are set around an idyllic natural pond, offer plenty of privacy. Every guest will find their preferred recreational offer here, from relaxing spa treatments and yoga sessions to hiking excursions or discovery tours to Bolzano.

A highlight of the sustainable hotel is the large panoramic pool with healing salt water, which is at a pleasant temperature in every season. Guests can relax in the forest sauna surrounded by lush green trees. The four treatment rooms in the spa area offer a wide range of soothing treatments.

The panorama restaurant spoils visitors with new interpretations of culinary classics using fresh products from the region. The focus is on seasonal ingredients and long-standing partners. In the "ADLER Lodge Inclusive Arrangement", the lunch buffet as well as drinks are all-inclusive for guests.

The article is only available in german.

In addition, an interview with Green Pearls^® Managing Director Stefany Seipp appeared in the issue. Click here to go to the homepage of SPA inside.

The articles are only available in german.

Today our journey to the Thuringian Vogtland at the so-called Zeulenrodaer Lake leads us to Hans B. Bauerfeind, the founder of the Bio Seehotel Zeulenroda and the holiday village MANOAH - Häuser am See.

From entrepreneur to hotelier

Hans B. Bauerfeind found his way back to his home town of Zeulenroda via the family business, Bauerfeind AG. The medical aid production company was moved to the west in 1949. After reunification, the company returned to its home in the Thuringian Vogtland, where the production facility of the well-known family business is still located today.

The entrepreneur also discovered the birthplace of his hotel at the beautiful Zeulenroda dam. An old, ailing concrete block still bears witness to a former FDGB (Free German Federation of Trade Unions) holiday home from GDR (German Democratic Republic) times. The two-part box-like building accommodated up to 1000 beds at that time. Bauerfeind lamented the decay of the ruin - this beautiful location should be enjoyed! And so, the vision of his own lakeside hotel began to take shape in his daydreams. He invested 29 million euros and a lot of hard work in the construction of the new hotel according to his ideas. It takes a lot of courage, entrepreneurial spirit, and passion to turn a concrete box into a multi-award winning organic hotel in only 15 years.

From conference hotel to family-friendly wellness hotel

A lot has happened since the hotel opened in 2001. For example, the hotel has been on the list of the top 10 best conference hotels since 2003 and in 2006 it became the first organic conference hotel. The focus on sustainability in all areas of the hotel quickly developed into a unique selling point. Since then, Bio Seehotel Zeulenroda has received numerous awards, such as the EU Ecolabel for outstanding commitment and EMAS certification. It was also the first German hotel to receive the GREEN BRAND Germany award. But Hans B. Bauerfeind is not resting on his laurels. He still has a lot to do and it is not about awards, but about the well-being of the guests.

Since the lifting of the drinking water restrictions on the dam, the Zeulenrodaer Lake has become a true holiday paradise, and beaches, hiking trails, and water sports facilities have been created. This paved the way to a family-friendly wellness hotel in a fantastic location. In 2016 the Panorama Spa was built on 1,600m² with a view of the beautiful nature of the dam. Today the Bio Seehotel Zeulenroda is still the perfect conference venue, but also a popular wellness oasis for families, couples, and active sportsmen.

More than organic: The strengthening of a region

The switch to purely organic products took place in 2005, but it was not an easy path to take. Around 6,500 products had to be converted, staff trained and processes adapted. But neither Hans B. Bauerfeind nor Marco Lange, today's hotel manager, would do anything different today. For them, cooperation with companies from the region is particularly important. Since 2019 the Bio Seehotel has been a certified partner of "Thüringer Tischkultur": a network of restaurateurs, hoteliers, direct marketers, traditional craftsmen from timber, glass, and ceramic production. The hotel works closely with many companies from the region. Organic cheese and beef are purchased from the Ökohof Helmsgrün. The farm was awarded the animal welfare prize for natural and humane husbandry. The Büttner dairy supplies the hotel with cheese made by hand according to traditional Thuringian recipes. Regional honey from orchard meadows is sourced from a Bioland apiary.

Bio is an internal attitude

Hans B. Bauerfeind is himself a connoisseur. He remembers times when he could talk for hours with Marco Lange, then the hotel's chef de cuisine, about various types of oysters and vegetables. At home with his children, he always enjoyed cooking. The vegetables were still grown by himself, animals were slaughtered by hand.

"Organic is an internal attitude", says Hans B. Bauerfeind. It's about living healthier, using less chemicals and rediscovering the true taste of food. Seasonality and regionality are important factors in the selection of organic food and the creation of dishes at his hotel. The focus is on traditional Thuringian cuisine. By founding his own organic butcher's shop and bakery, he also has the opportunity to decide even more freely what is put on the table, and can also respond more quickly and easily to customer wishes. However, organic does not stop with the selection of food. Eco-friendly paper, phosphate-free cleaning agents, organic bed linen are just a few of the important points in running an organic hotel. Organic has no limits, he says, and there is always room for improvement. Bauerfeind regularly brings the latest developments home with him from organic trade fairs.

MANOAH - Häuser am See (Houses on the lake)

The latest project of Hans B. Bauerfeind and the hotel director Marco Lange is the holiday village "MANOAH". It is not only a showcase project for sustainable tourism but also a kind of lighthouse project for the Zeulenroda Lake region to further strengthen Thuringia as a tourist region. Manoah means "place of rest", "gift" or "present" in Hebrew and stands for the lifestyle of the holiday homes on the lake. The holiday village consists of 21 houses in a purist architectural style. The chalet-like solid wood cottages were built from high-quality natural materials. There are 3 types of accommodation from 60-80 m² for up to 8 people. There are also 6 barrier-free cottages. The holiday homes were built by the company Thoma from Austria according to the specially patented building system Holz100 and the so-called "moon wood" from sustainable forestry was used. The wood comes from trees felled in accordance with the forestry moon calendar. The trees are felled in winter when the moon is waning just before the new moon. Due to these conditions, it is said to be particularly stable, durable, fire-resistant, and resistant to pests. The walls were also connected by a plug-in system and with the help of wooden dowels. Glue, metal, poisonous chemicals, or wood preservatives were therefore avoided. These cottages made of solid wood are said to be particularly health-promoting and life-energy-giving.

A lighthouse project for sustainable tourism

The holiday village was opened in October 2020 and offers its guests a fantastic getaway location. From the terraces of the houses, you have a view of the lake, and the surrounding woods invite you for long walks, hiking, and cycling. The holiday homes are self-catered and in the so-called MANOAH market guests can visit and find, in the future, everything their heart desires: freshly baked bread, rolls, barbecue packages, regional specialties, or picnic baskets. All organic and as plastic-free as possible. In addition, the beach house "Da Rosario", the patisserie Bergmann, or, of course, the Bio Seehotel can be used for culinary excursions. The holiday village is car-free and so instead of a carpark, in front of each holiday house a different "tree of the year" has been planted. This theme is also reflected in the decoration and design of each house. In the interior, natural materials such as slate, natural stone, and wood have been used as far as possible. Both in the construction and in the interior design, attention was paid to environmental friendliness and regionalism in all areas. 

Hans B. Bauerfeind is a pioneer in ensuring that Zeulenroda has been a "state-approved resort" since 2019. The dam, which citizens affectionately refer to as the Zeulenroda Lake, is now a holiday paradise for low-impact, sustainable tourism.

The article is only available in german.

Biohotel Sturm - the way to more organic

Today our path leads us to the Rhön, more precisely to Mellrichstadt where we will find the Biohotel Sturm along with Christa and Matthias Schulze Dieckhoff.

The hoteliers, who learned their trade from scratch, had a vision, and their journey to achieve this vision was not always easy. They have been working hand in hand since 1987 in the hotel which was built in 1976. It was founded and constructed by Christa Schulze Dieckhoff's father, a building contractor named Otto Sturm. It was the first professionally managed hotel and restaurant in the region, not far from the former East Germany border. In the early days, the hotel was filled with bus travelers attracted by the nearby border. After the opening of the border new concepts and strategies had to be found and the passionate biker and hotelier Matthias Schulze Dieckhoff was able to, very successfully, develop attractive offers for motorcyclists.

In 1996, the couple leased the hotel from her parents and invested in its expansion. Eight years later, they purchased the house and created a swimming pond on the two-hectare plot, which is filled with Grander revitalized water in today's bio-hotel. Their investment capital was exhausted for the time being, but not their ideas and visions! They used holiday trips to find new inspiration. "It is important to get out and have a look around", emphasizes Christa Schulze Dieckhoff. The couple deliberately chose to talk to colleagues in order to obtain detailed information.

A view over the garden fence

It was the view over the garden fence that showed the way. "Our garden is the bridge to the Rhön", Christa Schulze Dieckhoff realized. By purchasing the neighboring plot of land, it was possible to expand the garden to three hectares. Wellness, the garden, and the natural swimming pond have since been the main elements of the new concept. Consequently, the whole property has shifted to a focus on regional and organic farming. Here too, the two hoteliers were pioneers, because many people at that time viewed the term “organic” very differently. Despite numerous hostilities, the couple steadfastly held on to their "organic idea". In 2005, log cabin saunas made of Rhön wood with room dividers made of Rhön basalt were built on the property boundary. Only two years later, the Austrian architect and hotelier Ike Ikrath, whom the couple met and was inspired by on one of their vacations, designed a modern wellness area.

Organic - holistic - not only in the hotel

Christa and Matthias Schulze Dieckhoff have been following their sustainable conviction since 2004, and the only thing missing was a certification. So, in 2009, the couple decided to turn the Hotel Sturm into a certified organic hotel. In the beginning, they struggled with the loss of some regular guests, but until today this decision has more than paid off. The Biohotel is pleased about an above-average occupancy rate and satisfied guests who trust the regional and organic concept.

The hoteliers emphasize a very important aspect again and again: They have also incorporated their convictions for their hotel into their own lives, they themselves only live organically. Their philosophy is not to missionize, but rather to inspire.

A tip to industry colleagues is to involve guests in planning. The regular guests of the Biohotel Sturm are always eager to discover new things. For example, a barefoot path was created in 2018 and a flower meadow as a home for insects is in the planning stage.

Sustainable and fun, this is the best way to describe the atmosphere at Biohotel Sturm.

Today we would like to present some examples of Green Pearls® Hotels and their projects.

SCHWARZWALD PANORMA: SchwaPa BIO Kids

"The obligation to support or establish regional projects." In 2018 Stephan Bode, owner of the Hotel SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA signed the WIN Charter of the German state of Baden-Württemberg. After a long period of development work, the SchwaPa BIO Kids project launched in May 2019 with 15 school children.

The aim was to teach primary school children in the third and fourth grades about food, how it is processed and environmental protection measures that can be put in place. A total of five events were held on the topics of harvesting, animal husbandry, food production and processing, cooking, service, nutrition, etiquette, sustainability, recycling, biodiversity and climate protection. The pupils were not completely unprepared, as the school already offered a nutritional “Driver’s License”. Stephanie Schießl was responsible for overseeing the entire project and is also the CSR representative of the SCHWARZWALD-PANORAMA. She was where everything comes together. Principal Patricia Fischer from the Falkensteinschule was in charge of the project and Martina Shakya from Heilbronn University was also involved as head of the Sustainable Tourism Development Department. The patron was District Administrator Helmut Riegger.

At the end of the project, it was planned that the children would invite their parents and all those responsible to coffee and homemade cake at the table they had set themselves. The Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences also presented the participants with a certificate after a small test.

For Stephan Bode, the goal was to give the children an opportunity to put into practice what they had learned and to commit themselves to sustainable development in the future.

Unfortunately, the project was discontinued after five sessions due to the Corona restrictions. However, the feedback from parents and responsible persons involved was overwhelmingly positive.

Farmhouse Smiling Gecko: Refill Not Landfill

The Farmhouse Smiling Gecko is part of the worldwide project "Refill the World". Refill Not Landfill was founded in 2016 by Christian de Boer (Jaya House Hotels) and Dean McLachlan (JustRide Motorbike Adventures) and is a global campaign to reduce the amount of disposable plastic drinking bottles and other disposable plastic waste.

Refill Not Landfill aims to reduce plastic bottles and promotes the use of reusable drinking bottles. In doing so, millions of disposable plastic water bottles can be replaced and free water refill stations can be offered at participating companies and partners around the world.

The Farmhouse Smiling Gecko uses the refillable bottles on their tours and sells them in the small hotel shop. Refillable glass bottles are used in the guest rooms.

Keemala - Hotel Project Food Waste

The Keemala has managed, with great dedication, to create a 100% circular path for their food at the hotel. The organic garden covers almost 50% of the demand for ingredients. Different kinds of mushrooms, salads, morning glory, lemongrass, ginger, galangal, chili, basil, aloe vera and much more grows there. This significantly reduces the CO2 footprint both in the production and delivery of food and the farm-to-table concept means that guests always have the freshest possible ingredients. Some time ago, the garden was expanded to include more local green plants known for their immune-boosting properties, such as Malindjo leaves and green Chireta. The Keeemala works together with "Scholars of Sustenance" in Phuket and distributes unused food from the restaurant to disadvantaged communities and orphanages throughout Phuket. This helps to reduce food waste while also helping families and children in need. Compost not only helps enrich the soil and increase crop yields but also significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Food waste from Keemala's kitchen is composted daily in a simple process.

Gili Lankanfushi and marine life 

The Eco-Luxury Resort is committed to minimizing its ecological footprint by implementing sustainable initiatives such as reducing energy and water consumption and effective waste management. Gili Lankanfushi works closely with EarthCheck, the world's leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for sustainable travel and tourism, and received Silver certification in 2017.

Marine Biology and Nature Conservation

Two dedicated marine biologists work at the resort and support the ambitious Coral Line project. The aim is to protect and replenish the island's house reef, preserve biodiversity and to alleviate periods of coral bleaching. The project started in 2014 and today the nursery has 160 coral ropes. Each of these ropes consists of 50 small coral pieces attached to a five-meter long rope which suspended from a frame five meters below the surface of the ocean. The growth of each coral fragment is closely monitored over a period of three years before it is carefully transplanted to the house reef. All data on coral growth is recorded in a master database and published online at lines.lankanfushi.com. Gili Lankanfushi's coral nursery is very successful and the Gili Veshi team works closely with marine biologists in the Maldives to advise and help replenish the coral nurseries of other islands after coral bleaching occurs.

Seaweeds are considered the lungs of the ocean and are a vital part of the local ecosystem. They provide habitat for fish, crustaceans and young sea cucumbers, which serve as food for the local turtle population, while also helping reduce CO2 levels. Gili Lankanfushi is committed to protecting and replenishing the island's seagrass beds and regularly monitors the regrowth of seagrass in the area surrounding the resort.

Inkaterra: Andean Bear Rescue Center

The only bear species native to South America is the Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus). It lives in an area that stretches from Venezuela to Bolivia in the western Andean region which includes coastal deserts, foothill forests, cloud forests, evergreen forests, plains and highlands. It is listed on the IUCN Red List as an endangered species, which classifies it as threatened with extinction due to poaching and habitat loss.

In 2001, the Andean Bear Conservation Centre was established at the Hotel Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo. Its mission is to study the rare bears that have been captured illegally with the aim of gaining a better understanding of their behavior in the cloud forest.

Currently, four bears are living in the sanctuary managed by the NGO Inkaterra Asociación (one female bear has even been successfully released back into the wild). The sanctuary includes an enclosure with trees, ramps and a freshwater pool, as well as a 2980m² area where two bears - a male and a female - have been released for reproduction and reintroduction into the wild. Skin and other medical checks are constantly conducted in coordination with the National Services for Nature Reserves (SERNANP).

Inkaterra Asociación, in cooperation with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and SERNANP, contributed to the publication of the National Andean Bear Conservation Strategy in Machu Picchu, a model for other wildlife management programs.

Kasbah du Toubkal and social committment 

In line with its commitment to local communities, the hotel charges a 5% fee in favor of the local village association "Association des Bassins d'Imlil" and "Education For All" www.educationforallmorocco.org. The Association des Bassins d'Imlil supports the needs of all of the surrounding valleys and provides the ambulance for the locals and guests. Other community projects that have been initiated include a waste collection system and provisions to the village of Hammam. Education For All helps to provide a college education for girls from the rural High Atlas.

Berghotel Rehlegg: Black Alpine Pig

Hannes and Franz Lichtmannegger from the Berghotel Rehlegg have initiated a very special project. Together with regional farmers, they breed the Black Alpine Pig, a species threatened with extinction. For the first time in more than 100 years, it is once again being bred in Bavaria.

The climate-positive certified restaurant obtains 90 percent of all food from the region. Their meat and fish come exclusively from organic, small-scale farming, which initially posed a problem when looking for meat from pig farming that focuses on animal welfare. The pink “fattening pigs” are not hardy enough to be kept on pastures all year round, among other things due to the fact that they have hardly any skin pigmentation and do not tolerate much sun. The solution is the hardy and outdoor-ready Black Alpine Pig, which had been extinct in Bavaria for over 100 years. He applied to the Italian protection organization "Pro Patronomio Montano", which is committed to the preservation of genetic diversity in the Alps, for some of the few surviving animals and, after extensive testing, he was able to produce six piglets. In cooperation with the partner farmers, Franz Kuchlbauer from Ramsau (district of Berchtesgadener Land) and Sebastian Kettenberger from Tittmoning (district of Traunstein) the breeding of the Black Alpine Pigs was resumed.

Currently, there are forty black Alpine pigs roaming the grounds of two partner farmers of the Berghotel Rehlegg.

Okelmann’s

The Hotel Okelmann's in Warpe in Lower Saxony makes monthly donations to organizations that are committed to the preservation and protection of nature (NaBu, Plant for the Planet).

Among the Green Pearls^® partners are a number of BIO HOTELS members. We asked our organic hoteliers what motivated them to go the extra mile and switch to 100% organic.

Biohotel Sturm, Rhön

"Biohotel Sturm is a company that believes that many things have to change when it comes to the environment, food and animal welfare. Our lives have changed. It's important not only to market a great product every day but also to have the best guests in the world. With 30 years of experience as a hotelier, our life has become much more fulfilling since our "organic step" forward. Respect, recognition, appreciation - you experience all these much closer!" Matthias Schulze Dieckhoff

Over 40 years ago, building contractor Otto Sturm founded the hotel, where daughter Christa Sturm and her husband Matthias Schulze Dieckhoff worked since 1987 and then took over the management in 1996. They bought the hotel in 2014 and since then the couple has pursued a constantly developing, sustainable strategy. One of the cornerstones of their philosophy is the preservation of nature. The host family has always preferred regional suppliers from the Rhön. Their desire to do so grew even further with the evolution of the Rhön into a Biosphere Reserve and the ongoing sustainable development of the hotel. In their search, the owner family came across the BIO HOTELS group, a dedicated community organized as a registered association. All members are 100% certified organic by state-approved bodies. The members receive an organic control number similar to that used in agriculture. Food and cosmetics are 100% certified organic, and this is a reliability that has created trust among guests.

"Our actions are determined by what happens to things and how everything is connected. It's like having new glasses on," Matthias Schulze Dieckhoff describes the philosophy of the hotel.

Biohotel Grafenast

The history of the Biohotel Grafenast begins in the early 80s with the peace movement. "World Federalists" came to the region and presented the hotels there with a great challenge: to offer exclusively vegetarian meals. What is taken for granted today was a small sensation back then. The Unterlechner family from Pillberg got involved and from then on offered vegetarian dishes.

Since 1986 the hotel has been called a "Bio Aktivhotel" (Organic Active Hotel) and has changed all its offerings. In the beginning, this meant the loss of many regular guests, since at that time many people associated organic with bland flavors and giving up delicious variety. Quite the opposite to today, where organic products are booming.

Dr. Hansjörg Unterlechner, the father of the current owner, was the mastermind and founding member of the "BIO HOTELS" association and was on the board of directors from 2001 to 2010.

Since 2007 Peter Unterlechner and his wife Waltraud have been running the business and are proud members of BIO HOTELS. There is a lot of support among members, great cooperation, a strong fellowship, a common outward appearance and a remarkable shared philosophy.

Bio Familienhotel Gut Nisdorf an der Ostsee-Boddenküste

The Bio Hotel Gut Nisdorf on the sheltered Bodden coast spoils families by offering a carefree and relaxing holiday for all members of the family. The estate is located directly on the Baltic Sea (Grabow Bodden), not far from the island of Rügen.

For Sabine Stange and Jürg Gloor, the sustainable use of resources has always been extremely important. Even in Berlin, long before the move to Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, they were shopping in organic food stores. The move to the manor house in pristine nature with their first harvest with natural flavors, without artificial fertilizers or environmental toxins, reinforced their already determined mindset.

The manor house was ecologically renovated and equipped with high quality, solid wooden furniture. The hosts were guided by the idea of preserving a future worth living for future generations and inspiring other people to be more mindful of their impact.

A large part of the food that was processed in the kitchen was organic right from the start, but the hoteliers did not have the opportunity to really advertise this.

At an event, Jürg Gloor struck up a conversation with a representative of BIO HOTELS, who suggested switching completely to organic. After careful consideration, the hoteliers joined the BIO HOTELS association in 2013. The members, united by the organic idea, come from the most diverse regions of Europe. There are only a few BIO HOTELS in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The joint marketing is strong, the individual hotels all reap the benefits. Individuals profit from being a part of a large network.

The high-quality organic food is sourced regionally as much as possible and then freshly processed so that little waste is produced (Zero Waste Kitchen). Fish and game are caught directly from the region and are only offered when available.

In addition to regular organic certification, Sabine Stange and Jürg Gloor measure their CO2 footprint, which is constantly being reduced. Since the beginning of 2020, the hotel has been climate-neutral and supports environmental projects that either save CO2 or actually reduce CO2, for example through reforestation.

The article is only available in german.

The article is only available in german.

Statistics about Sustainable Traveling 

If the various statistics are to be believed, environmentally conscious and socially responsible travel is the trend. Most reports and surveys show that people are willing to opt for a greener holiday. While a survey by TripAdvisor in 2017 showed that 60% of travellers were still interested in environmentally friendly travel, a survey by booking.com in 2018 indicates 87% of travellers worldwide intend to make their travel more sustainable. As many as 39% confirmed that they were able to realise their green plans, while 48% said that they never or only rarely succeed in travelling in an environmentally friendly way.

But what exactly does sustainable travel mean? Sustainable travel has a different meaning for every traveller: for most people, it is the choice of eco-friendly accommodation, a sustainable destination or local and authentic experiences.

Communication and Transparency 

A major point of criticism from many travelers continues to be a lack of communication and transparency. Travelers often criticize that there are not enough green offers and demand more sustainable travel ideas, however, there are many attractive offers worldwide. What is often missing is clear: comprehensive and transparent communication. This concerns both destinations and their surrounding regions along with many hotels and holiday homes. Travelers do not want to spend hours searching the Internet for green destinations.

The Story of Green Pearls®

When Green Pearls® was launched in 2012, sustainable travel was more of a niche market. The development over the last seven years shows that responsible tourism certainly has reached many people worldwide. Our green pearls, which can be found all over the world, show what can be achieved, even as a small hotel. And behind each of these hotels is a visionary, creative individual.

The Incubator 

One of the first green pearls and also the incubator for Green Pearls® was Tongsai Bay on Koh Samui in Thailand. It was built by Khun Akorn Hoontrakul, the owner of the Imperial Hotel Group. In 1985 he spotted the bay from the sea and it was love at first sight. Within days he bought the land with a plan to build a resort with minimal impact on the natural environment. He slept on the beach for three months to ensure that the cottages were correctly positioned, that no trees were cut down, no animals were injured and that there was as little interference with nature as possible.

After his death, his son Gob and daughter-in-law Goya continue to run the resort in line with his philosophy. This story is all the more remarkable as it takes place in 1987, a time when nobody really thought about travel and the impact on our environment. In 2009 Stefany Seipp, the founder of Green Pearls®, met the current owners of Tongsai Bay Gob and Goya and the story of Khun Akorn has never left her mind. She has often thought about how visionary hoteliers such as Khun Akorn, Gob and Goya could have a voice and worldwide recognition. 

Green Pearls® all over the world 

Even then, there were people for whom conscious travel was important, who were looking for local experiences and after intensive research, the label, communication agency and information platform Green Pearls® was founded in 2012. Here, travelers can find sustainable accommodation, green destinations, restaurants, business hotels and projects – worldwide.

All these hoteliers are united by the conviction that tourism should be designed in such a way that future generations can still experience and enjoy tourism. They are all committed to environmental protection and socially responsible travel. As a pioneer starting 2013 with less than a handful of green pearls, Green Pearls® now has 82 partners worldwide. Partners such as the country of Thailand, with whom they develop concepts to make tourism more environmentally and socially responsible with the idea of tourism that benefits the communities. Green Pearls®, for example, are the small hotels and holiday homes in Piedmont away from the tourist streams, hotels in Austria with the ambitious goal of "import self-sufficiency" or a manor house in Germany that accommodates families and provides for small and large guests alike with maximum. 

2019 was a good year for sustainable development. Many people around the world have made a strong case for sustainability. Whether it's people like Greta Thunberg, Prince Harry, Larry Fink of Blackrock, or issues such as flying ashes, climate change and plastic, or the global Fridays for Future movement, travelers around the world have begun to be more mindful of their environmental impact.

Let us overcome the crisis together and plan your next holiday after Corona in one of the many green pearls worldwide. Support the many people who work every day for a more harmonious coexistence and future for the environment.