Hotels Taking Steps Towards Sustainability in the World

Skinos Ilivatos Eco Villa & Estate is a beacon of sustainable hospitality, integrating a host of eco-friendly policies and practices. Harnessing renewable energy sources such as solar radiation and wind, this accommodation is 100% off-grid, operating solely on power generated from these natural elements. The building design itself is an ecological marvel, maximizing air flow and natural light to reduce dependence on artificial heating, cooling, and lighting. Furthermore, the property employs triple-glazed windows that efficiently regulate indoor temperatures.

Water conservation is robustly addressed with systems for rainwater collection, wastewater treatment, and reuse. Waste management practices include separating waste into at least three categories, providing recycling bins in guest rooms, and composting organic waste. The eco-conscious philosophy extends to aspects like non-toxic cleaning products, LED lighting, and the provision of bicycles for guest use. Remarkably, Skinos Ilivatos Eco Villa & Estate is a zero-energy building, achieving net-zero energy consumption annually through intelligent design and an automatic system that turns off lights and electrical appliances when guests leave their rooms. An additional unique feature of this eco-resort is its commitment to animal welfare, as the property doubles as an animal shelter and forbids any form of hunting or harm to animals, aligning with the hosts' vegetarian lifestyle.

For decades, Hotel Bon Sol Resort & Spa has been an embodiment of sustainable, eco-friendly practices, long before such approaches became popular. The hotel's initiatives include the installation of solar panels over 50 years ago, clever resource optimization like heating the swimming pool using heat generated by kitchen refrigerators, and preserving the local flora by creatively working around trees during construction. The hotel also nurtures around 8000m2 of garden space that contributes to a clean, oxygen-rich microclimate. Additionally, innovative water conservation techniques are employed, such as reusing filtered shower water for the toilets.

In a broader initiative to combat CO2 emissions, the General Manager and current owner, Martin Xamena, along with his son Alejandro Xamena, undertook a significant project in 2005. They acquired 250 hectares of land in Costa Rica and planted 220,000 teak trees to offset not only the hotel's CO2 emissions but also those produced by flights transporting guests to and from Mallorca. The project also includes the planting of many local tree species to bolster Costa Rica’s ecosystem. Constantly committed to recycling and water optimization, the hotel continues to find innovative ways to reduce its environmental footprint, thereby honoring the legacy of its founder, Antonio Xamena.

Hotel Das Rübezahl's commitment to sustainability is deeply ingrained in their philosophy, having been an integral part of their operations since its inception in 1959. For over three generations, the Thurm family has championed sustainability practices such as economical energy usage, regional produce sourcing, and resource-saving construction, among others. Key to these efforts is the use of advanced technologies such as photovoltaics and a state-of-the-art combined heat and power plant that has been meeting 90% of their electricity needs since 2021. Additionally, the hotel is equipped with energy-saving devices, primarily employing LED lamps with timers and motion detectors. Innovative measures like heat recovery from their cold stores to heat their pool and whirlpool further reduce energy usage.

The hotel not only promotes climate-friendly holidays, allowing guests to offset their carbon footprint with sustainable reforestation projects, but it also takes significant steps towards resource conservation. By employing water-saving devices and utilizing rainwater for tasks like flushing toilets and watering flowers, the hotel reduces conventional water consumption by up to 15% annually. Additionally, a commitment to local sourcing reduces transport-related emissions, and their Beauty Alm emphasizes the power of nature through the use of pure and natural cosmetics. Mobility solutions, including e-car charging stations, rental bicycles and e-bikes, and free local public transport for hotel guests, contribute to a low-impact travel experience. Furthermore, a robust commitment to biodiversity is evident in their natural compensation areas tended by six bee colonies, regular mountain tours educating guests about local flora, and dedicated spaces for threatened species.