Sustainability and Luxury combined

Keemala is a luxury retreat that exemplifies sustainability in every aspect. From the use of rainwater to the implementation of energy-efficient lighting and organic farming methods, Keemala sets a benchmark for eco-friendly practices in the region and the luxury industry. The treehouse-style villas were constructed using recyclable and locally sourced materials. The resort's organic garden provides approximately 50% of the ingredients for the resort's operations. This includes the production of lettuce, morning glory, lemongrass, ginger, galangal, chili, basil, aloe vera, and more. In doing so, the carbon footprint of both the production and delivery of food is significantly reduced, and guests are offered healthy and fresh vegetables. For the hotel, sustainability also includes social responsibility, as evidenced by its support of local initiatives that focus on educating children in the region. Food surplus is distributed to underprivileged communities or orphanages throughout Phuket.

What makes Keemala unique

The secluded location on the west coast of Phuket offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in beautiful natural surroundings while experiencing local and historical traditions in a personalized and luxurious manner. Keemala represents a natural and sustainable philosophy based on the history of four fictional ancient Phuket tribes, the 'Pa-ta-pea' (earth), the 'Khon-Jorn' (wanderers), the 'We-ha' (sky) and the 'Rung-Nok' (nest). Thus creating a unique connection between the guest and the local culture and a deep understanding of the local people.

Sustainable travel: Taking advantage of the low season

Despite the rainy season on the Thai west coast, happening from May to October, these months are an opportune time to visit the Land of Smiles. While there is an average of 20 days of rain, these periods are usually short and followed by sunny conditions. Temperatures range from a comfortable 25 to 33 degrees Celsius, with water temperatures hovering around 27 degrees Celsius.

Those who have the Choice ... will find the Perfect Accommodation

Keemala luxury resort offers four different types of accommodations. Each has a different theme based on the history of the four mystical clans.

Clay Pool Cottages

The "Pa-Ta-Pea" (earth) clan consisted of farmers, fishermen, gardeners, carpenters, blacksmiths, and miners. They built their houses at ground level, using earth as the basic material for walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture. Even the beds on which they slept were made of earth and clay.

Therefore, clay has been integrated as the basic material in the authentic design of the Clay Pool Cottages. Divided into separate living and sleeping areas, the cottages offer plenty of space and an authentic Thai experience. There is also a private pool for relaxation.

The cottages overlook the rainforest and have a spacious bathroom with monsoon shower, outdoor shower and freestanding bathtub. The villa is 126 m², including the pool and outdoor terrace.

Tent Pool Villas

The "Khon-Jorn" (wandering clan) was a traveling community of gatherers, herders, artists, merchants, and explorers who traded with other tribes. Because they were nomads, they built tented houses that were easier to transport.

The interior design of the Tent Pool Villa draws inspiration from the Khon Jorn lifestyle. The tranquil tent-style villas are nestled in the rainforest with sunset views. At night, guests are surrounded by the soothing sounds of the jungle.

The spacious bathroom has a monsoon shower, an outdoor shower, and a freestanding bathtub. The villa measures 140 m² including the pool and outdoor living area.

Tree Pool Villa

The way of life of the We-Ha (Heaven) differed from that of the other clans. They raised their houses for a greater sense of freedom. This clan valued the talents of healers, creators, architects, and inventors.

Therefore, the distinctive design of the Tree Pool Villas includes a master bedroom on the upper level and a spacious living and dining area on the lower level. These two-story villas also feature a private pool.

The tree houses offer views of the rainforest and a spacious bathroom with a monsoon shower, outdoor shower, guest toilet, and freestanding bathtub. The villa measures 169 m², including the pool and outdoor relaxation area.

Bird’s Nest Villas

The Rung-Nok clan (Nest) comprised artists, musicians, poets, astrologers, and philosophers. They subscribed to the belief that the future could be discerned in the stars and enjoyed an opulent lifestyle. Rung-Nok traditions thus inspired the design of these villas with private pools, which resemble a kind of bird's nest in appearance.

The Bird's Nest Villas overlook the ocean, rainforest, and resort. The spacious bathroom has a monsoon shower and a freestanding bathtub with views. The villa spans 185 m² including a pool and sundeck.

Culinary Experiences

In this unique setting, Mala Restaurant offers a diverse menu of dishes from the Southern Thai, Western, and Indian worlds, complemented by freshly baked pastries. Additionally, there is an excellent selection of vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free dishes.

On-site activities

At Keemala, guests can enjoy a range of activities and experiences that offer both relaxation and adventure.

• Several trails lead through the lush rainforest.
• Yoga, Pilates, Thai Chi classes, and Thai boxing are more athletic options.
• The Mala Spa offers a variety of holistic wellness treatments ranging from meditation sessions and aromatherapy to sauna and steam baths.
• Guests can learn the secrets of healthy cooking and participate in a traditional Thai cooking class on-site.

Offer for a Romantic Getaway for Two

Until the end of October, Keemala offers a unique package for travelers. The Wellness Retreat package is designed to intentionally rejuvenate body and mind in the midst of nature. In addition to luxurious spa treatments and personalized yoga sessions, the delicious cuisine is designed to inspire all the senses.

For two guests, the following services are included:

• Two nights accommodations with daily breakfast
• One private yoga session (60 minutes)
• One Keemala Signature Massage (60 min)
• One spa cuisine meal with healthy organic beverages
• One private Thai boxing session (60 min)
• Check-in to the villa with personal villa host service
• Gourmet welcome drink upon arrival
• Daily fresh tropical fruit and minibar replenishment (non-alcoholic beverages)
• Holistic activities such as meditation and cooking classes

Prices start at EUR 880 net. The package is available until October 31, 2024, and can be booked by sending an email to stay@keemala.com and referring to the “Couple Retreat Package” 

For more information about the Keemala, please visit the hotel's website and the Green Pearls® page. Or contact us directly via press@greenpearls.com

Welcome to Keemala

Perched above Kamala Village overlooking the Andaman Sea, the villas of Keemala nestle into the hills of Phuket. During construction, care was taken not to interfere with the natural contours of the landscape. The forest was also preserved as much as possible, which means that guests can now wander through the original jungle between the villas.

Sustainable Architecture inspired by Phuket

The four different types of villas are based on four clans that once populated a fictitious old Phuket. Each of these clans brings its own values and characteristics, which are reflected in the architecture and furnishings of the villas.

Preserving Phuket's traditions and culture is important to them, the siblings and owners of the Keemala Tarn and Note Somnam tell us, as are family values. The Somnams are a traditional family of the island who have established themselves in the local hotel and tourism industry. With the Keemala, the siblings are pursuing the goal of making tourism on Phuket more sustainable and offering guests an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

And the 38 private villas provide the perfect haven. The architecture combines natural materials, plenty of glass to bring natural light into the rooms and traditional elements that create a connection to the culture on Phuket and the mystique developed for the Keemala around the four clans. Plus: each villa has its own pool.

Start the Day Slowly and Consciously

Back to the smell of fresh croissants. They are made at the Keemala according to an original French recipe and served every morning for breakfast. Guests can either visit the Mala Restaurant or order an in-villa breakfast. This is served on traditional pintos, three- to six-tiered trays on which the elements of the breakfast are arranged. This way, you can start the day with your favorite person at your own pace and listen to the sounds of the jungle from your private terrace.

Active and Mindful - A Day at the Keemala

The Thai hotel's focus is strongly on mindfulness and wellness. This is evident in the way it treats nature and its guests, along with the individual amenities that distinguish the Keemala. Guests are encouraged to take time for themselves, for example during yoga sessions or personal fitness classes. Muay Thai, a traditional Thai martial art, is also part of the wellness programme.

In addition, the "Enchanted Forest" that surrounds the Keemala invites guests to wander. Numerous secluded retreats and hideaways are ideal for togetherness or personal, tranquil moments.

Tip: Get married in the Enchanted Forest

Colourful, vibrant, unique - nothing is more special than a wedding in Keemala's Enchanted Forest. Experienced wedding planners design the dream wedding together with the guests so that no wishes remain unfulfilled on the big day and the happy couple does not have to worry about a thing. In addition to the vows (according to Western or Thai traditions), an Enchanted Forest wedding also includes a Spiritual Blessing Ceremony, which makes the intimate celebration even more beautiful and unique.

Farm-To-Table and Enchanted Garden

In addition to the jungle, guests can explore the garden that supplies the luxury hotel's kitchen with fresh vegetables, seasonal fruit, herbs and mushrooms, and see the farm-to-table approach for themselves. The animals, such as the rescued water buffalo or the ducks, are always happy to receive visitors as well.

Around 60 percent of the food used in the kitchen now comes from the gardens. Most of the remaining produce comes from the surrounding region.

The popular afternoon tea, which can be served in your own villa on request, is no exception. The traditional flavours of Phuket are found here in the form of bite-sized morsels consisting of freshly harvested herbs, vegetables and fruit. Whether classic, vegetarian or vegan, afternoon tea can be adapted for all dietary preferences.

Between Tradition and Modernity: Mala Spa

Holistic wellness is at the heart of the Mala Spa. The focus here is not only on relieving physical ailments of the guests, but also addressing psychological and spiritual concerns as well. Traditional Thai healing methods are combined with modern beauty and massage treatments and natural plant extracts. The Mala Spa's signature treatments also reflect the mythical clans and their philosophies. Couples' treatment rooms with sauna, steam bath and outdoor rain shower offer guests a unique and private experience.

New in 2023: Forest Bathing Retreat in the Enchanted Forest

It has been proven time and again that forest bathing has therapeutic and healing effects. At the Keemala, guided forest bathing in the tropical jungle is combined with meditation, treatments and other moments of indulgence and relaxation. The three-day retreat is perfect for "recharging the batteries" and reconnecting with yourself.

The grand, indulgent end to the day: a gourmet dinner

Although the Mala Restaurant is in itself a special place for dinner, the team at Keemala takes it to the next level with Destination Dining. At special locations, a selected Signature Dinner for Two is served, consisting of five courses of your cuisine of choice: Western, Thai, Indian, Seafood and more. Dine by candlelight on the rooftop and enjoy the view of the sea or spend the evening together at the foot of the Tree Towers in a hidden hideaway - a magical end to a unique stay.

Tip: Traditional Southern Thai Cuisine

Samrab Pak Tai takes guests on a journey into the culinary world of Southern Thailand. The local specialties are served for two at a location of choice, including in their own private villa. This allows guests to enjoy the regional flavors in intimate togetherness.

More information about the Thai luxury resort and its green initiatives can be found on the dedicated microsite at www.greenpearls.com. You can read the profile of Tarn and Note Somnam here.

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Looking over the Chef's Shoulder

The concept of the "open kitchen" is becoming more and more popular. On the one hand, it emphasizes the transparent sustainability communication of hotels: "We show you what ingredients we work with". On the other hand, it offers guests the opportunity to interact with the chefs directly and even make special requests. Misunderstandings are a rare occurrence.

Open Kitchen in the Rhön

This flexibility is also appreciated by the STURM team in the Rhön biosphere reserve. Every evening, dinner is prepared in front of the guests in the open kitchen of the Otto|s. There is time for conversation, during which one or two insider tips are shared. For example, how to use the various fresh herbs that come directly from the hotel's own garden. 

The chefs also love to share more about the local origins of the products and the seasonal recipes.

Live-Cooking in the Alps

Every Thursday, guests at the alpine hideaway Klosterhof have the opportunity to look over the shoulders of Chef Sascha Förster and his team. The live cooking session takes place on the sun terrace in summer and revolves around everything that can be grilled: From classics to fish and vegetable creations, everyone will find what they are looking for. In winter, the live cooking evenings have the motto "Bavarian Soulfood". Guests experience Bavarian classics interpreted in a modern way in a cozy atmosphere.

Top tip: For a few weeks now, the Klosterhof's evening dinners have the motto: "Your Mood defines your Food": Three surprise menus enchant guests with top international cuisine, herbal specialties, or vegan-vegetarian delicacies. Whatever you feel like.  More Information.

Pick up the Wooden Spoon Yourself

If simply watching is not enough, you can also step behind the stove yourself in some sustainable hotels and learn the secrets of sustainable cooking. In the cooking courses, emphasis is placed on giving participants their own appreciation of food as well as a focus on regionality and seasonality. In addition to the numerous practical tips and recipes, of course.

Cooking Classes in the Alps: From Ayurveda to Kaiserschmarrn

At the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio, Ayurvedic chef Gabriel regularly offers courses where guests can experience Ayurvedic cuisine. The focus here is on spices and their beneficial effects. There are even dedicated spice workshops as well as a smoking workshop.

Mindful indulgence and slow food are the focus at the gourmet hotel Die Forelle at Lake Weissensee. Add to this the zero waste philosophy of the kitchen team and the foundation for very special cooking courses has been created.

Chef Hannes Müller and his kitchen team regularly offer workshops and courses for hotel guests. In addition to one-day workshops lasting 3-4 hours, the Koch.Work.Shop.Tage (Cook.Work.Shop.Days) are also on the agenda for autumn. Every day, participants can expect a workshop with a specific theme. The topics are regionally and seasonally inspired and designed to teach participants respect for nature and food. For example, there is a workshop that revolves around the complete processing of fish - from nose to tail fin.

The autumn Koch.Work.Shop.Tage will take place from the 8th to the 13th of October.

Not only an active guide but also a trained chef – "Berg-Baschdi" takes the guests of Hotel Das Rübezahl and their preferences up to the hotel's own Rohrkopfhütte. After the hike, the participants learn there how to properly prepare Allgäu specialties such as Kässpatzn and Kaiserschmarrn. And all of this is done in style in a mountain hut with a breathtaking panoramic view.

International cooking experiences in Thailand and Sicily

The unique experience of the luxury Thai resort Keemala also includes Sunday cooking classes, in which all guests are allowed to participate. Participants are introduced to Thai cuisine in small groups or in pairs. The cooking classes take place in the middle of the Enchanted Forest, where participants learn how to prepare herbs and fruits.

The ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA offers excursions and courses in the local surroundings with the goal of supporting local partners while at the same time bringing guests closer to Sicilian life and cuisine. For example, a cooking course in the famous Valle dei Templi in cooperation with the archaeological park administration is a very new addition. Here, Sicilian cuisine is combined with its historical roots.

Ready for more great cuisine at home?

For more inspiration on sustainable cuisine, slow food, and cooking experiences, click here:

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Plant Power - Milk Alternatives in Sustainable Hotels

More and more people are becoming aware of the impact our diets have on the climate and the environment. One trend is to eat less animal products. And that includes cow's milk! In this article, we take a look at what alternatives are available, what their environmental footprint is, and how our partner hoteliers are experiencing the change.

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Vegan Berry Sorbet - A Recipe from the STORM

Sun, warmth, ice cream time! We and the STURM team share our favorite summer recipe for a vegan berry sorbet. Very easy and sustainable.

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Work where others vacation

One last zoom call, close the laptop, and take a deep breath. The workday is over. Now you're looking forward to a visit to the spa, maybe a few laps in the pool. This is what your sustainable workday could look like. In this blog post, we'll introduce you to sustainable hotels for your workation. We will also answer some of the questions you may have as you prepare for your trip and show you what to look for when choosing your destination.

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The Qi flows by the Moselle - Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten

Discover with us a very special wellness hotel on the Moselle River. The Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten does many things a little differently, relying on Traditional Chinese Medicine and focusing on sustainability from start to finish.

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Which passport opens the most doors for you, or better, borders? This question is answered in the current Passport Ranking.

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Eating ice cream without a guilty conscience? Instead, eat vitamins and micronutrients together with the creamy dessert. That should be possible! With Functional Icecream. (German only)

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Authentic and sustainable travel - that's what we all want, right? This article presents ways in which cities can balance tourism and livability for locals, creating a positive experience for both sides.

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Climate resilience has been a household word for us at least since the disaster in the Ahr Valley. Here, 12 examples of climate-resilient urban projects are shown - an inspiration from which we can all learn something.

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Diving while Traveling: The Sustainability Controls

A diving trip can also be sustainable. The possibilities are very similar to those for other vacations:

1. Journey and Length of Stay

The longer the stay at the destination, the more likely that a long journey will be worthwhile. Even with air travel, the relative impact decreases with the length of the stay. So instead of flying to Thailand for a week of scuba diving, divers should plan more time to explore and get to know the country outside their dive destination.
 

2. Luggage and Equipment

Of course, one prefers to dive with one's own equipment. But on a diving trip, you should keep a close eye on the total weight of your luggage. Tanks and weights can usually be rented locally without any problems. Perhaps the diving jacket doesn't necessarily have to come along either. The less weight, the less fuel (whether in the car or on the plane) is consumed.
 

3. Choice of Accommodations and Dive Centers

A sustainable scuba trip also includes the conscious choice of a dive center. Instead of simply selecting the first one that comes along, diving travelers can look for a sustainable philosophy, which is reflected, for example, in the fact that the dive center is involved in environmental and marine protection projects. Also, avoid the ones that guarantee sightings of large marine animals and may require hours of motorboating to find them.

After the journey, accommodation is the main source of emissions on a trip. Therefore, booking sustainable accommodation is essential to reduce your carbon footprint. Some hotels also offer diving courses and a dive center themselves, from which guests can enjoy their tours and dives.

Corals off Ko Phi Phi, Thailand

In Thailand, divers can stay at Zeavola on the island of Koh Phi Phi. A colorful, vibrant underwater world awaits them off the coast with an abundance of fish, corals and occasionally larger visitors such as rays or sharks. Zeavola is actively involved in the preservation of this unique underwater world and also encourages its guests to treat nature with respect. In addition to guided dives, introductory dives, PADI diving courses, night dives and underwater photography courses can also be booked.

The Zeavola ensures that dive groups are kept small. Local dive guides decide together with the guests where the tour will go depending on tides, wind, boat traffic and the number of divers in the Marine National Park around Koh Phi Phi.

Dives in the Marine Nationalpark on the Sechelles

The Seychelles are not only a dream for honeymooners, but also for divers who will feel as though they are in paradise. Cerf Island Resort is located right on the edge of the Sainte Anne Marine National Park, offering perfect conditions for snorkeling and diving trips. Motorized water sports are prohibited. From crabs and reef fish to sharks and sea turtles, guests can experience a wide variety of marine life in their natural habitat.

4. On-Site Behavior and Community Involvement

Even if you travel to a destination for diving, you should not miss the opportunity to experience the country and the local culture as well as support local businesses, for example buying souvenirs from local artisans.

Furthermore, there are always opportunities to get involved in order to preserve the dive sites for future generations. Dive centers or hotels such as Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives provide opportunities to participate in coral restoration projects. It should also be part of every diver's routine to pick up any rubbish underwater, take it ashore and dispose of it appropriately. You should also avoid touching living creatures, especially corals. Being mindful of your own fin stroke and keeping a careful eye on buoyancy are also important in order not to accidentally destroy anything.

Alternative Destinations in Europe

As fantastic as tropical destinations are, you don't always have several weeks at a time for a longer trip. Fortunately, Europe also offers unique diving spots that are worth a trip. Shorter holidays also offer the opportunity to try out unassuming or underrated destinations.

Scuba Diving in Sicily

Clear water and a colorful underwater world can also be found in the Mediterranean. Around the southern Italian island of Sicily, for example, there are numerous diving spots where you can experience the wildlife of the Mediterranean. But that's not all: even as an amateur diver, you can dive to archaeological sites and explore ancient harbors and columns. Other unique spots include caves and shipwrecks. Some experience is often required as there can be strong currents around the island.

Most dive centers are located in the region around Palermo. If you are looking for a quieter place to stay, the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA is the place for you. The wellness resort is located on the south coast directly at the Torre Salsa nature reserve. Wild beaches and pristine nature, lots of peace and quiet and an extensive wellness program await guests here. If you don't want to drive all the way to Palermo, you can also find a dive center in Agrigento.

Scuba Diving in the Baltic Sea

Yes, the Baltic Sea also offers numerous diving spots that are worth exploring. Be it seemingly endless seagrass meadows with crabs, fish and pipefish, or one of the many wrecks, some of which are not very deep. Along the coast of Schleswig-Holstein, for example, there are several sunken ships lying at a depth of about 20 meters. Between all of these dive sites lies the town of Timmendorfer Strand. Here, if you want, you can enter the water directly at the jetty ( caution: boat traffic; don't forget your buoy). Not far away, the Lifestyle Hotel SAND offers a sustainable place to relax with rooms furnished in the Scandinavian style, a rooftop sauna and late breakfast.

By the way: Even non-divers can explore the underwater world of the Baltic Sea, for example on a guided snorkeling trip organized by BUND. The starting point is the Umwelthaus in Neustadt/Holstein.

Freshwater Diving in the “Zeulenrodaer Meer”

Even though it calls itself a sea, the Sea of Zeulenroda is a reservoir with a water depth of about 30 meters. There are seven diving sites around the lake where you can discover, for example, the ruins of an old harbor and mill as well as freshwater fish such as pike and perch.

One of these diving sites is located directly on the property of the Bioseehotel Zeulenroda. The hotel has its own organic bakery and butchery as well as a large spa area. For a dive at the entry point at the hotel, you must request permission from the hotel. Only experienced divers should enter the water here.

The Vogtland diving tower is available for practice or for the cold season. It takes just under forty minutes to get there from the Bioseehotel. The tower has a depth of 10 meters (an adjustable floor also offers the possibility of reducing the depth) and offers ideal conditions for training and practicing. Courses and trial dives are also offered here.

Scuba Diving Holidays worldwide – They can be done sustainably

Whether far away or on your doorstep, diving can be a sustainable activity if you are mindful of nature under and above the waves. This mindfulness is often taught to diving students during their training. This mindfulness is also practiced when traveling: through involvement in a coral restoration project, or collecting rubbish on the beach and underwater.

Included are two dives in the beautiful reef scenery of the Zeavola. In addition, there is a lot of information and techniques on how to get the best out of your underwater pictures.

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Island Tourism, but make it sustainable

When you travel to an island, you shouldn't ignore the impact of your travels. Tourism has many effects on the country and the people who live there, and not all of them are positive. On islands, the effects are often bigger. 

Arrival

It takes more time to travel to an island than it does to vacation on the mainland. In most cases, it is not possible to simply hop on a train and then get off at the destination. The Maslina Resort and the Eco Aparthotel The Dreamers Club are both located on the Croatian islands of Hvar and Korcula, which are accessible by ferry. Thus, it is still possible to make the journey by train and ferry sustainable. 

If you were looking to travel to the Seychelles, for example, and wanted to go to Cerf Island Resort, the only option would be to fly. However, even such a trip can be sustainable if you stay long enough. As a tourist, you support the local economy much more and thus ensure a positive effect of your trip. At the same time, you get to know the country and the people in an entirely different way.

Special experience: The 4 Rivers Floating Lodge in Cambodia can only be reached by boat. But the lodge itself is the island. The luxury tents are on rafts anchored on the river. An island trip of a special kind. 
 

Transportation

Naturally, an island is surrounded by water. That means that all products and foodstuffs that are not produced on the island itself have to be delivered by boat. This requires fuel and emits CO2. 

To minimize such transport routes, many Green Pearls® partners rely on growing their own food. Keemala on the Thai island of Phuket, for example, obtains most of its food from its garden. The Zeavola on Koh Phi Phi and the Tongsai Bay on Koh Samui in Thailand also grow fruit, vegetables, and herbs. This also enables the hotels to guarantee their guests that they have only the best, organic produce on their plates. 

Garbage and Waste

Maldives tourism, in particular, is repeatedly criticized for generating masses of garbage. But not only do these islands have to deal with the waste of tourists. Indonesian islands such as Bali face a similar problem. 

Sustainable resorts such as the Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives, the Puri Dajuma on Bali or the Eco Beach Tent by Billiton on the Indonesian island of Billiton are committed to reducing waste. They set a good example by avoiding plastic products as far as possible and promoting waste separation and recycling. Gili Lankanfushi has also purchased a Rocket Composter to recycle organic waste. The humus produced as a result has since been used to create a garden that supplies the hotel with fresh food. 

Local Economy

However, island tourism does have a positive impact on some aspects of local culture. Tourism is one of the most important sources of income for many islands. Tourism can help economies grow and become more diverse. Tourist facilities such as hotels or tour operators bring work to regions that otherwise offer few prospects. Most of the employees at Puri Dajuma are from the region. The OCEANO Health Spa Resort in Tenerife is one of the largest employers in the area and most of the team is from the region. 

Car-free island of Juist

One approach to sustainable island tourism is to consciously choose a sustainable island. Juist in the German North Sea is such an example. The island aims at being carbon-neutral by 2030. With a species-rich flora and fauna, it could almost be called a biodiversity hotspot. The wealth of species can be experienced during a mudflat hike, a bike ride across the island or a walk through the island villages. By the way, you don't have to worry about cars on Juist: The isle is completely car-free. Only doctors, the Red Cross and the fire department are allowed to use motorized vehicles. Even garbage collection is done with horse-drawn carts.

Traveling sustainably on an island

Tourists can take an active role in making their island travels fair and environmentally sound. Open eyes and a willingness to put more time into research are all that's required. Is there an alternative to the flight? Which travel provider supports the island in its sustainable efforts? 

If you organize the trip yourself, you can already choose sustainable accommodation from home. At Green Pearls®, for instance, you can rest assured that all partners are committed to their suppliers, and are committed to preserve the fragile ecosystem and support the local population. So, get ready to escape the autumn chill and start your island journey. 

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We recommend these blog articles about island tourism:

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10 Sustainable Hotel Restaurants You Must Try

Vacation means to you: good food? Trying something new? Not having to cook? And all of it sustainable, please! Then you've come to the right place with these green gems' restaurants.

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Sustainable travel at a glance: Background, facts and tips

Learn more about sustainable travel, sustainability in general and find out how you can make your trip more sustainable. And most importantly, why you should!

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Composting and waste recycling: from classic to innovative

Ever wondered what actually happens to all the organic waste in your hotel? We asked the Green Pearls hoteliers.

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Flying high: Paragliding in Germany, Europe and the world

Marvel at the world from above, feel the wind in your face and simply fly. That's what paragliding is all about. We reveal the most beautiful spots worldwide and explain why you should definitely try paragliding.

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The Vietnamese island of Co To has banned tourists from bringing disposable plastic to the island since September 1.

To the article

Business travel is also becoming increasingly sustainable. Larger companies in particular are opting for more environmentally friendly practices in business travel.

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Podcast recommendation: In just under half an hour, Vicky Smith, founder of Earth Changers shares a few things about sustainable and responsible travel. Listen in! (Podcast language: English)

To the Podcast

The 35-year-old German is an experienced hotelier and has been working in Thailand for many years. After completing his hotel management training, he gained his first experience in the luxury sector at the Grand Hotel Breidenbacher Hof in Düsseldorf. This was followed by positions at the "China Club Berlin" at the Adlon in Berlin, the Layana Resort & Spa on Koh Lanta and the Dusit Thani Krabi, Thailand. In 2016, he joined Zeavola as the EAM of Food and Beverage, which became both his family and his calling.

After the long break of 7 months, all staff members are now back at the resort. Everyone is looking forward to finally being part of the Zeavola family again and welcoming guests. Lion Imhof explains: "As born hosts, we all want to share our passion and hospitality with everyone who enters Zeavola and carry on the vision as well as the philosophy of Florian Hallermann."

Zeavola's sustainable initiatives have radiated far beyond the borders of Koh Phi Phi since its inception 16 years ago. The resort intends to maintain this focus in the future.

Lion Imhof is particularly pleased that celebrity chef Satya Beeknoo, an important component of Zeavola, could be won back for the relaunch. Beeknoo, who also likes to take time to cook something individual for guests, has been responsible for the resort's kitchen since 2018. The member of the "Disciples Escoffier International" association pursues a completely sustainable orientation. Under his leadership, the kitchen team reduced its monthly consumption of cooking oil by more than half, strengthened its relationship with suppliers, farmers and fishermen by focusing on regional products, and came up with innovations such as the reusable transport boxes and a composting machine to reduce organic waste.

In July 2020, Chef Satya and two teammates from Zeavola Resort won the Iron Chef reality show competition.

Preparations for the opening are currently in full swing! All further information about the resort you can find here.

Welcome back - Dream holiday in Thailand's eco-resorts

From the 1^st of November, tourists can once again enjoy quarantine-free holidays in Thailand - provided they are fully vaccinated and come from a country classified as safe by the government.

The Zeavola on Phi Phi Island is taking the relaxed entry regulations as an opportunity to reopen its doors from 1 December 2021 for the first time since the nationwide lockdown. For the reopening, the sustainable luxury resort is offering a ‘Welcome Back Package’. The package includes 3 nights' accommodation incl. breakfast, arrival and departure transfers Zeavola/Phuket, Thai dinner, 30-minute head and shoulder massage (supplement for New Year's Eve Gala Dinner, 150 € per person).

Thailand holidaymakers will also find a delightful contrast to the hectic Christmas hustle and bustle in many countries at the Hotel Keemala, nestled in the middle of the Kamala forests on the island of Phuket. The eco-resort with its 38 uniquely designed villas and cottages hosts two special evening events for Christmas and New Year's Eve:

• ‘Christmas Eve Dinner’ held at Mala Restaurant and the In-Villa with canapes, seafood and non-alcoholic cocktails (price per person approx. €90).
• ‘Emerald Jungle Vibes Celebration’ including cocktails & canapés under the tree canopy, 5-course menu in the Enchanted Hall followed by countdown and music on the roof terrace. (Price per person. approx. 120 €).

Féliz Navidad in a suite over the Atlantic Ocean

Tenerife offers a fitting destination over the holidays for all those who enjoy the mild climate on the Canary Islands. At the foot of the Anaga Mountains, far away from mass tourism, lies the OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel. With its special health programmes and the new Centre of Healthy Motion, the OCÉANO offers its guests every opportunity to unwind and recharge their batteries, far away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

• The hotel's Christmas special: 7 nights in a Design Suite from 21.12. to 28.12.2021 including half board, Christmas menu with drinks and cultural programme. Price per person from €1,551. Further room categories and prices can be found here:

Excursions to the picturesque mountain landscape of the UNESCO biosphere reserve Anaga, to the Esperanza forest or to the volcanic landscape of the national park around the Pico del Teide can be combined with one of the many wellness, fitness and sports offers of the OCÉANO.

Balinese inspirations to welcome the new year

Since the 14^th of October, tourists from a number of countries have been allowed to enter Bali again, so the eco-luxury resort Puri Dajuma Cottages & Spa in West Bali is offering a special package for the time around the turn of the year.

• The 4 days / 3 nights package includes 3 nights in a traditionally built Balinese VIP cottage with sea view and breakfast, 1 dinner, 1 exclusive island excursion with visit to a traditional market, a turtle conservation farm, the fishing harbour and a temple, 1 aroma massage per person and a free upgrade to a higher room category depending on availability. Price € 390. (Valid for 2 people, booking period 15.11-31.12.2021, stay between 1 December 2021 and 15 January 2022).

With a wide variety of options including outdoor yoga, surfing and sailing, hiking, cycling or one of the eco-tours to the small local villages, the island's waterfalls or Bali's outback - the Puri Dajuma is an authentic and sustainable place to escape the commercial Christmas rush.

More countries are to be added starting Dec. 1. At that time, the serving of alcohol in restaurants, which has been banned for months, is also expected to be allowed again. 

However, vaccinated travelers from all other countries will still have to spend seven days in quarantine - or take part in model projects in certain regions, such as on the islands of Phuket and Ko Samui. Under the programs, which require some strict rules to be followed, quarantine-free vacations for travelers with two vaccinations from numerous countries have already been possible again since July.

More information is available here.

The article is only available in German.

The stay on Phuket is only possible in SHA+ Safety and Health Administration) certified hotels. The certificate indicates that at least 70% of the team is fully vaccinated and that all necessary hygiene and distance rules are followed.

A list of all SHA+ hotels is available here.

Detailed information around the Phuket Sandbox entry rules is available here.

The article is only available in german.

The article is only available in german.

The article is only available in german.

The article is only available in german.

Outlook for the future

Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of TAT, also gave an outlook on future projects when announcing the winners: Thus, in the next year a new animal protection law is to be adopted. In addition, the number of visitors in the national parks in Thailand is limited and together with the Thai hotel federation hotels are called to do without one-way plastic and to avoid garbage.

The winners of this year's Responsible Thailand Award are:

• "Marine and Nature" - Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort (for its marine research center)
• "community-based tourism" - Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary
• "Animal welfare" - Samui Elephant Sanctuary
• "Eco Lodge / Hotel" - Koh Jum Beach Villas
• "Hotel" - Khaolak Merlin
• "Green Steps" - Nutty's Adventures

The full article is available in English in the TAT News.

In Thailand, for example, the sea has recovered from its visitors, rare and otherwise shy birds have shown up again in daylight, more wildlife has been spotted and on Koh Samui, sea turtles have been laying their eggs on the beach for the first time in years. Also, our partner Inkaterra in Peru could notice a relief of nature. Different animal species, such as small rodents, squirrels, sloths, and many bird species have returned to Peru and discovered new places. And a young seal, which according to the German Oceanographic Museum in Stralsund undertook its first big excursion, was spotted at the fishing port on the Bodden coast very close to the Bio- and Family Hotel Gut Nisdorf.

These changes should influence our thinking about traveling and have a conscious and lasting effect on our planning. A 2019 Statista study shows that 57 percent of tourists from German-speaking countries plan their vacations in a socially responsible, resource-efficient, and environmentally friendly way. For 23 percent of those interviewed, sustainability was already an important aspect when planning their vacation trips in 2018.

The positive trend towards sustainable tourism is already a highlight for us anyway. So we are looking optimistically into the coming year and hope that even more people will become aware of their responsibility and consider travel to be ecological and sustainable.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a healthy year 2021!

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Biohotel Sturm: certification „Bayern blüht - Naturgarten“

There is also good news from the Biohotel Sturm: the hotel's garden was officially awarded as a nature garden at the end of October. With its garden concept, the Biohotel Sturm makes an active contribution to the protection and preservation of bees and other endangered animal and plant species.

The Bavarian State Institute for Viticulture and Horticulture (Bayerische Landesanstalt für Weinbau und Gartenbau) awards the certification "Bavaria blooms - natural garden" („Bayern blüht – Naturgarten“) to promote a sustainable and ecological design of gardens. In order to receive the certification, several criteria have to be fulfilled. For example, chemical fertilizers and pesticides as well as substrates containing peat for soil improvement must be avoided. In addition, a high level of biodiversity, i.e. a large ecological diversity, must be demonstrated. More details on the criteria and the awarding procedure can be found here.

The garden in the Biohotel Sturm is maintained by landscape gardener Barbara Horsch and the bio farmer Rudi Ledermann.

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CHRISTMAS RECIPE FROM ECO PARK HOTEL AZALEA

The Eco Park Hotel Azalea reveals a vegan Christmas recipe. Have fun cooking it and enjoy your meal!
Read blog post

WELLNESS DAY: PAMPER YOURSELF AT HOME

How about spending a spa day at home during the Corona pandemic? Our Green Pearls^® partners have the right tips for a time-out at home.
Read blog post

SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES TO THE MINIBAR

For a long time, the minibar was a standard feature of every hotel room. But this expensive luxury is environmentally harmful and also unnecessary. Learn more about sustainable alternatives to the minibar in this blog post.
Read blog post

ART IN HOTELS

Art and hotel form an exciting combination and offer an ideal platform for art and artists. Whether as decoration, support of local artists, or expression of the hotel owners' interests. Read more about art in Green Pearls^® hotels.
Read blog post

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Lonely Planet has awarded the "Best in Travel 2021". This year, the award was given to places and people who are committed to society, diversity and sustainability.

Here you can find the award

What was your most memorable train ride? The Guardians' readers tell you theirs in this article.

Read the whole article here

The #oekoropa Award of the Goethe-Institut was awarded to ten teams of students from Romania, Great Britain, Greece, Denmark and Germany. The institute had called upon the young people in early 2020 to develop sustainable concepts for travel in Europe.

More information

Zeavola's chef Satya Beeknoo and his sustainable approach

Satya and his team now largely avoid fried dishes that use a lot of oil, which ultimately has to be imported. The chef uses mainly local products and almost completely avoids imported items. The cooking techniques shifted to grilling, steaming, and “Au Papillote”. Instead of imported fish, there is the “Catch of the Day”, where 100% local and sustainable products are used and the guests are informed about the environmental benefits. Satya's recipe for healthier and lighter cuisine is to avoid heavy sauces, fats, and dairy products. As a result, the kitchen team reduced the monthly consumption of cooking oil from 24 cans (4 liters) to 11 cans per month, which not only reduced costs but also relieved the strain on the sewage system while benefiting the health of the guests.

By focusing on regional products, their relationships with suppliers, farmers, and fishermen were strengthened. The whole team learned more about the food on offer and in return, they were able to communicate their philosophy and sustainability goals to the suppliers.

As the products are transported by boat weekly from Phuket to Phi Phi Island, the kitchen team introduced reusable crates in which all products such as fruit and vegetables are transported without the need for plastic bags. All items that need to be refrigerated are placed in reusable iceboxes. With these measures, the resort has been able to reduce the 12 kg of plastic packaging to just 1.5 kg per month, which is good for the environment and significantly reduces waste costs.

One of the biggest challenges in every hotel is the organic waste caused by leftover food. Zeavola took this to the landfill in Krabi, and then the kitchen team began to weigh the wet waste. It was about 40 tons of organic waste per year! The question that arose was how to reduce this waste and turn it into something useful. The answer: a composting machine from Redonatura, which enabled the kitchen team to compost the wet waste into a highly concentrated fertilizer within 24 hours. The result was an amazing reduction from 40 tons of waste to 4 tons of fertilizer for the gardens. This reduced waste costs by 35%, thus protected the environment and while also boosting plant growth. Most importantly, the dedicated staff welcomed this new practice and are very proud to be able to improve the natural environment of their country.

Iron Chef Competition Thailand

On the 8^th of July 2020, Chef Satya and two teammates from the Zeavola Resort won the Iron Chef reality show competition. During the preparation phase, the trio was looking for a suitable concept for the competition and found it in sustainability.

Iron Chef Thailand is a competition in which all participants receive two secret ingredients and have to make five different dishes. Only the decoration and garnishes are able to be organized and prepared in advance.

Satya and his team decided on the “concept of sustainable living”. It was about demonstrating simplicity and respect for nature. They also wanted to show how they could support the local community and create a wow factor with a local product by turning it into an amazing culinary experience. The focus was on regional products such as wild rice from the southern province of Phatthalung and caviar from Hua Hin.

All the vegetables used were local and easily available in the markets all year round (green banana, snake beans, coconut, and fresh herbs).

In the end, the Zeavola team won because of the excellent cuisine, the timely completion of the tasks, and the emphasis on local products.

Although the competition was a highlight for the participating chefs and for the entire Zeavola team and its owner, a short event like this does not create awareness of sustainability. Sustainability can only grow over a long period. Team members need to develop new ideas, they need to be trained and motivated to follow these new procedures. But the most important aspect is that the whole process must be enjoyable.
 

Fire-roasted tomato - crab biscuit Phi Phi

• 3 onions, finely chopped
• 1/2 large fennel bulb, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 5 tomatoes (halved and roasted in Tao Charcoal)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 clove of garlic, crushed 
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 300g of Pukatoy (small local Thai crab)
• 250ml brandy
• 150ml white wine (dry wine)
• 1L crab stock (made from the shells and boiled water)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Lemon juice, freshly squeezed (only a few drops to taste)
• 150ml mascarpone
• 300ml fresh cream
• 1 lemon
• 10g paprika powder
• 100g Enoki mushroom
• Edible flowers (for garnishing)
• Micro Greens (for garnishing)
• 100g cornflour (for fried shrimps and enoki mushrooms)

Decoration

• 150 g white crab meat.
• Crispy fried Pukatoy and Enoki mushrooms and crab meat to garnish as a side dish.
• Crispy Fried Pukatoy and Enoki.
• Marinate with salt and pepper, dust with cornflour, and then fry over medium heat until golden and crispy.

Method

1. Heat a large pot, add crabs, stir until dry, flambé with brandy.
2. Add the olive oil, then add the chopped onion, fennel, carrot, roasted tomato and bay leaves and cook for 10 minutes over low heat until the vegetables are soft.
3. Add the crushed garlic, stir and cook for another minute.
4. Then add the tomato puree, the brown crab meat, and the white wine. Stir for 2 minutes, then add the stock to mix everything together.
5. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 20 minutes on a low flame.
6. Puree the soup with a hand blender. Strain the soup through a fine sieve into a clean pot, taking care to extract as much liquid as possible.
7. Before adding a few drops of lemon juice, warm the soup slightly, stir well, and season to taste. If necessary, add 1-2 teaspoons of mascarpone to intensify the taste. Season to taste with freshly ground black pepper.
8. Serve the soup on flat soup bowls.
9. Place some of the crispy crab and enoki in the middle of each bowl and garnish with fresh herbs and a dash of paprika double cream.
    

Garbage piles in national parks

Many tourists also mean a lot of waste. The Khao Yai National Park therefore took an unusual measure in mid-September to punish environmental sinners. Campers who left their garbage in the park got the garbage sent home by mail. Names and addresses were also given by the park administration to the local police. The popular excursion destination provides sufficient trash cans, but they were not used. The return policy of the park administration now sends a clear signal for environmental protection.

National parks in Thailand

Thailand has over 300 national parks, frequented by more than 20 million people in 2019. The planned closures for a few months are a further step towards a more sustainable tourism in Thailand.

Tongsai Bay has a large organic garden that supplies the kitchen with the majority of the food and herbs used in their delicious meals.

A young and talented chef

Chef Thanawut Chaiwanwut - or simply Chef Eak, as he is usually called, comes from Phuket and developed his culinary skills at the Professional Training School in Songkhla. He began his culinary career 12 years ago as a simple kitchen hand and has worked his way up thanks to his talent, ambition, and passion for cooking and has worked in a number of 5-star resorts in Phuket and Krabi. His start in 2015 as the Executive Chef of Tongsai Bay, fell in the middle of the busy high season, and he brought lots of ideas with him in his luggage! He began with the menu of the Po-Lad Beach Bistro & Bar, which is located directly on the beach. The menu was enhanced with an Asian influence and includes a large selection of seafood along with classics such as juicy steak and hamburgers.

Chef Eak at the Black Swan in Oldstead

In 2017 there was a wonderful opportunity for Chef Eak to further his culinary knowledge in a well-known Michelin star restaurant in the UK.

Mr. and Mrs. Deans, guests who married in Tongsai Bay in 2000 and have returned twelve times ever since live in the region around the Black Swan. Mrs. Deans worked there on a part-time basis and was also the nanny of the current chef, Tommy Banks, and his brother. While they were having dinner one evening at the Black Swan, the idea was conceived that the Executive Chef of Tongsai Bay could continue his training and develop his culinary skills at the Black Swan. The chef of the Black Swan, Tommy Banks, very much liked the proposal.

"What I experienced at the Black Swan was a high level of professionalism. They are very focused. Everyone has their own individual orders, and when the service starts, everyone has their own place. The pressure is very high, and it's a long, hard, and stressful job, but at the end of each day you feel an amazing sense of achievement and your colleagues become good friends."

Thanawut Chaiwanwut – Chef Eak

Chef Tommy Banks' menu consists largely of ingredients grown by the Banks family themselves. Chef Banks loves the freshness of local produce, and his menu features innovative and delicious combinations. The standards for freshness and quality are non-negotiable for him. This approach to ingredients has helped shape Chef Eak and he uses the knowledge he has gained to create new exciting recipes. The two-week internship in the Black Swan showed him a new world of eating. He developed his palate and learned how to balance the taste of a dish. He learned to cook more creatively and how important time management and discipline are. The time spent in the Black Swan has most certainly taken him to the next level.

• Ecological sustainability focuses on the conscious and resource-efficient management of the natural environment.
• Economic sustainability means doing business in such a way that future generations will not be disadvantaged.
• Social sustainability aims to establish a society where the community’s overall wellbeing is considered and labour and human rights are respected.

Tourism and Sustainability

Tourism has a special role to play in the issue of sustainability as it also contributes to changes in the climate, along with the use and exploitation of resources and people. Travelers want to enjoy nature and local, authentic experiences and sustainable tourism is becoming increasingly important all over the world in times of rapidly advancing climate change, over-tourism and unequal social factors.

Governments around the world have recognized the importance of sustainability and sustainable tourism. They make rules and laws, but it is the people who have to change their mindset and implement them in their day-to-day lives to make a difference.

At Green Pearls^®, we are very fortunate to work with pioneering people every day. Our hoteliers deal with environmental protection and social sustainability on a daily basis and inspire their employees and guests with their ideas. Managing employees, working conditions, training, safeguarding staff and safeguarding the interests of local communities are key issues.

Today we would like to introduce 5 hoteliers and their social concepts. Especially in times of crisis caused by COVID-19, hotels worldwide have a unique responsibility.

Creativhotel Luise – knight in shining armour

During the Corona crisis, the Creativhotel was deeply committed to supporting the local community. Right at the beginning of the crisis, a neighborhood aid scheme was set up with its main purpose being to protect the risk groups and help those who were alone. Neighbors were able to contact the hotel at any time and employees went shopping for them and ran errands or similar.

Another project was the Erlanger Carepaket - an aid package from the city of Erlangen for its residents.

This package contained numerous products from Erlangen retailers and the surrounding region and could be sent to people who one would like to thank or send well wishes to. Packages could not only be sent to specific people, but senders could also choose a "for strangers" option. The hotel chose fitting locations and people who deserved a special thank you during the Corona period, some of these included the local hospital and laboratory staff, nursing staff in the senior care home, postmen and many more. A total of 423 packages were purchased within 2 weeks. "We were very happy about the enthusiastic response to this project, which enabled us to support not only many retailers, but also many 'crisis helpers' a little bit," the hotel said.

In joint cooperation with the city of Erlangen, the Creativhotel also took in Corona patients who only had mild cases, but no suitable accommodation (for example a refugee home, hostel, etc.) to quarantine themselves in. Therefore, some families and individuals spent their quarantine period in a secured area of the Creativhotel.

Bio Children's and Family Hotel Gut Nisdorf

Sabine Stange and Jürg Gloor from the Bio Children's and Family Hotel Gut Nisdorf are part of the Common Good Economy movement, which was founded in 2010 by Austrian journalist Christian Felber and now has members all over the world. Its aim is to create an alternative to the capitalist market economy: Money and markets should serve the people and not vice versa. Instead of just economic growth, the aim is to constantly increase the common good. The well-being of the people is beginning to move more into the center of economic activity.

For the owner couple Jürg Gloor and Sabine Stange, the main focus is on working sustainably and for the benefit of all.

Children and Nutrition: The Bio Breadbox Initiative

In numerous cities and regions in Germany, local organic breadbox initiatives are working as a network to ensure children have access to healthy, nutritional food. Gut Nisdorf has also been involved for three years now, packing a reusable breakfast basket with ingredients from organic farming for first graders from the area to help them the best start to their school day. The aim of this initiative is to convey to children how important and valuable a healthy breakfast is as well as where it comes from.

Zeavola's contribution to mitigating the effects of COVID -19 for employees

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the hospitality industry in Thailand, where tourism is an important economic factor, particularly hard.

For the eco-boutique hotel on Phi Phi Island, sustainability also means protecting the workforce and the local community. The management of the resort decided to close the hotel on March 26, 2020, to allow employees to travel home before a lockdown. Due to Florian Hallerman's quick action, it was possible to send all employees home except for the emergency team before Thailand stopped all travel. This was good for both the employees and the hotel.

As a result, expenses for meals, electricity, water, sewage and even TV channels and WIFI were reduced significantly.

With the help of the Thai government, hotels were able to send their employees on vacation and pay them up to 62% of their regular salary with additional loans bridged the time until the first social security payment. All employees were therefore still able to provide for their families. In a joint staff vote, it was decided to dissolve the existing pension fund and pay it out to the employees so that another 3 months of payments could be secured. The small team that had stayed in the hotel took care of the hotel, the equipment and the jungle garden. Unfortunately, even the Zeavola could not avoid dismissals, 21 employees were dismissed in accordance with the applicable labor laws. Some of them took early retirement and received the full compensation package according to their years of service. Through the Thai social security system, many of them received compensation for 6 months, which gave them the opportunity to find alternative work during the upcoming travel season. The Sea Gypsy community was also affected by the lockdown. As the school was closed, Zeavola stopped the weekly meal for school children and teachers. However, the community was still supported by monthly rice contributions.

Tongsai Bay focuses on local engagement

Tongsai Bay on Koh Samui has followed a sustainable philosophy ever since it first opened its doors in 1987 and is one of the pioneers of sustainability in Thailand. Long before people around the world began to think about the impact of tourism on the environment and local communities, Tongsai Bay's founder, Khun Akorn Hoontrakul, had realized his vision of a sustainable hotel. Many employees have been with the resort for over 30 years and see themselves as a family. 95% of the team are from Thailand and 25 of the 200 employees are from the island of Koh Samui. It is important to the hotel to regularly provide training opportunities to their employees and foster an awareness of the environment through these training, only then can change be achieved. In order to support their employees during the closure of the hotel in the lockdown, free meals were offered and salaries were partly paid with the help of the Thai social security system. The employees are now receiving further training with a special focus on the new situation through Corona. The Eco Hotel also continued to support social projects such as the animal shelter, schools, temple projects and "Sisters of Samui", a project that feeds more than 1000 homeless people every day.

Gili Lankanfushi : GILIS SEAS – social & environmental awareness and sustainability

The 6-star hotel in the Maldives follows strict rules both in terms of the environment and social responsibility with its GILIS SEAS Program - Social & Environmental Awareness and Sustainability. Almost all employees are locals who receive intensive training and support. Whenever possible, the resort tries to purchase local and fair-trade products to keep transport distances as short as possible and to support regional producers. The suppliers are also selected according to criteria such as fair payment, good working conditions, and local employees. The hotel regularly provides a free ferry to Male and Himmafushi for the staff so that they can see their families, visit friends, or go shopping. The residents of Himmafushi can also use it and the hotel also supports the school there and pays the salary of a full-time English teacher there.

Inkaterra: Pioneer in sustainability in Peru

Since 1978, Inkaterra performs scientific research and invests in the development and education of local communities. The small hotel chain thus takes a pioneering position in terms of sustainability. More than 4,000 locals have already been trained since the foundation. Inkaterra offers career opportunities on hospitality, field guidance, and agroforestry projects on cacao and Brazil nut.  Regular workshops and conferences are organized for local communities to raise awareness of environmental protection.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said, “This is a historic rural tourism contest that has involved the successful collaboration of a broad range of public and private sector bodies and educational institutions. We want to promote and encourage rural tourism villages to be strong and self-reliant. This is in line with the national policy to promote rural development, create jobs, and develop a sustainable economic foundation. The awards would also meet TAT’s objective to integrate tourism with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially the poverty-alleviation target.”

The awards are allocated in the categories "The Top 5 Rural Tourism Villages" and "The Top 5 OTOP Tourism Villages". OTOP stands for "One Tambon One Product". The program supports locally produced goods of the 7,255 Thai tambons (sub-districts). OTOP products include local produce such as handicrafts, clothing, pottery, jewelry and accessories, household items and food. They are popular with both domestic and foreign tourists.

A total of 25 villages were nominated for the rural tourism category and 100 OTOP villages. A committee of experts will examine the applications before traveling to selected communities to determine the winners. The Rural Tourism Award will be announced on September 27^th. The OTOP villages will be honored later this year.

The city was chosen to serve as a model for travel in the "new normality" and should encourage tourists to return to the area. Four tourist attractions have been checked for the standards of the certificate and approved as safe. These include the Nature Conservation Project of the Sea Turtle Centre, the Thai Island and Sea Nature History Museum and two beaches in the area of the Marine Support Point.

Precautions in terms of hygiene and safety are an essential aspect of sustainable travel. Only those who travel safely and do not endanger their health will travel responsibly - for themselves and others.

The full article is available in English in the TAT News.

Thailand is often underestimated when it comes to its sustainable efforts, however, it is setting an example globally through the projects that King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who passed away in 2016, initiated more than 50 years ago. We have just reported on some of his projects in our newsletter.

Today's first part of the journey takes us to Thailand, or more precisely to the island of Koh Phi Phi on Phuket. There you will find the Eco-Luxury Resort Zeavola. The motto of the resort is "back to simplicity", it is modeled on a Thai village and endeavors to offer its guests authentic and local experiences, combined with the desire to strengthen intercultural exchange.

Florian Hallermann

Since 2008, Florian Hallermann has been the administrator and General Manager of the resort. After being responsible for eight hotel openings throughout his career, he found his destiny in Zeavola. Florian Hallermann grew up in a very environmentally-conscious family in Vienna, so it was a matter of the heart for him and also for the owner of the Zeavola to focus on sustainability. One of his first official acts as General Manager was to abolish plastic toiletries. He changed everything to regionally produced refillable ceramic bottles and was able to save about half a million plastic bottles over the last twelve years! This was the beginning of an ever-increasing shift towards sustainability. Over time, Florian Hallermann has learned to listen to the voice of nature. The Zeavola is embedded in a very fragile ecosystem and it is vital to listen to nature as a guide. Every step against it has consequences. However, Florian Hallermann is not only concerned with the environment, but also about the surrounding communities as well as the hotel employees and their families. The Owners and General Manager attach great importance to socially acceptable working conditions that benefit everyone; happy employees also increase guest satisfaction.

His biggest challenge in implementing sustainable projects is the lack of knowledge about the latest technologies and practices. There is no technical manager, so initiative and creativity are required to keep up to date and find new technologies.

Florian Hallermann has achieved a lot, his sustainable initiatives have been awarded worldwide. He dedicates his life and work to make tourism more sustainable.

He has written a book about his experiences. Little Green Book.

A Slovenian Family Living Sustainability in Friuli

Josko Sirk, a pioneer and an inspiring personality

The Friuli is a hidden landscape in the northeast of Italy and belongs to the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. The Relais la Subida is situated here in the middle of dense forests and rolling hills. It also has an Osteria and a starred restaurant.

When he was only sixteen years old, Josko Sirk's father passed away and left him an Osteria in Cormons on the Slovenian border. The family, whose origins actually lie in Slovenia, have called the Collio, the border area with Slovenia, home for more than 500 years.

The young couple, Josko and Loredana Sirk, had a dream to make the Osteria a unique and sustainable place while combining Slavic and regional cuisine. The vision was to serve what the surrounding soil and the seasons had to offer and to do it creatively.

Michelin Guide and a star 

Their perfect implementation of regional and seasonal cuisine and overall success proved them right and their restaurant was awarded a star by the Michelin Guide.

In 1983, Josko and Loredana designed the Relais La Subida as a place for green tourism. It is situated in a dense, mixed forest with the idea to model the hotel on a small, typical farm settlement. The first "della Nonna" buildings with their white walls and warm terracotta or wooden floors exude the charm of long-forgotten times and the newer "Case del Bosco" enchant with a view into the treetops. Guests sleep in a four-poster bed in the hayloft or relax in a comfortable tub bath surrounded by tall grasses. Josko and his son Mitja also revived the old Acetaia tradition - vinegar production. The process begins with the selection of the best Ribolla-Gialla grapes, followed by two summers of natural fermentation. Traditional Sirk vinegar has a total production time of 5 years! The Sirks see their vinegar as an independent, valuable product and not only a by-product of wine.

Mitja also cultivates the local vineyards and, in accordance with the family philosophy, produces a Friulano wine that is regional and sustainable.

Sustainability has many facets and approaches, in the coming months we will continue to introduce more people and the driving forces behind it.

In this "new normality", the hotel has set the goal of providing both safety and comfort. The well-being of all guests and team members is of the greatest importance and the hotel has taken a close look at the safety precautions to maintain health and has created a concept that maintains protection and certainty.

The Tongsai Bay strictly follows the guidelines of the local government and the World Health Organization. The standard operating procedures include increased cleaning and hygiene measures in accordance with the new requirements of the industry. All areas of the hotel from public areas, spa and gym, as well as the beach and pools, are covered by safety measures so that you can have the most secure vacation possible while staying at The Tongsai Bay.

With this step, the Thai tourism industry will be enabled to adapt to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the context of the COVID-19-crisis. The goal is to make sustainable, integrative and community-based tourism the "new normality".

On June 5^th, World Environment Day, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by both partners, which is considered one of the highlights of this year's 60^th anniversary by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

“Thailand is known all over the world for its superb tourism products and services, and the friendliness and hospitality of its people. In future, however, we will have to better balance quantity versus quality, and marketing versus management. This will be our agenda going forward. It will send a strong positive signal right throughout the industry not to lose sight of the long-term objectives of tourism.”

- TAT Governor, Mr. Yuthasak -

The full article is available in English in the TAT News.

For many years at Green Pearls®, we have been working to travel in a more environmentally friendly, authentic and socially responsible way and to respect our hosts more. We see travel as a personal experience and not as something to simply consume. It would be desirable in terms of nature and also for the inhabitants of the destinations to rethink that a quick weekend trip to Mallorca by plane or five days on the Maldives.

Travel more consciously

It is not a matter of not traveling at all, but rather traveling more consciously. But what exactly does that mean? It implies that we put the distance we traveled to get to the destination and the length of our stay in relation to each other, think about how we live on the site, and think the means of transport and what we can do to offset CO2. We have never been more aware that we live in a global world. We have a shared responsibility to make travel more environmentally friendly and socially responsible. The environment has been recovering in times of the lockdown, but what happens afterwards? It's up to us whether we continue to be mindful or revert back to "old habits".

Green Pearls® shows that responsible travel does not mean sacrificing amenities, but rather it means creating new experiences that resonate - even when we return home.

These seven Green Pearls® hotels and holiday homes combine sustainable practices and the highest levels of guest comfort

Thailand: Zeavola

The Zeavola Resort is located on Koh Phi Phi, in an archipelago of six islands. Phi Phi Island with its hilly landscape and towering cliffs are surrounded by unique beaches and emerald green sea. The Zeavola Resort is built like a typical fishing village: "Back to simplicity and nature" is the motto of the five-star resort. Barefoot luxury directly on the beach, exceptional service and unspoiled nature will let you feel like you have discovered paradise.

Germany: Okelmann‘s

Natural holidays, allowing yourself to drift and simply enjoy, that's the best way to describe the Okelmann's in the small community of Warpe in Lower Saxony. The hotel has been family-owned for four generations and is now managed by two daughters. Humans and nature are in the foreground here. In the café Heimatliebe, the guests are spoiled with fresh ingredients, some of them from the hotel's own garden.

Lithuania: Hotel ROMANTIC

The ROMANTIC Boutique Hotel & SPA is located in a historic building with a long history. In 1841 the first mechanical mill in the country was put into operation here and today it is one of the most important monuments in Lithuania. In 2002 the 4-star ROMANTIC Hotel was opened by Dalia Remeikaitė and her daughter Dovilė Šipelienė with a focus on sustainable management. The goal of the two dedicated women is to prove that nature-oriented and environmentally friendly ideas and the corresponding sustainable lifestyle are realistic and realizable for everyone.

Maldives: Gili Lankanfushi

The Eco-Luxury Resort is only 20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport in Malé - the capital of the Republic of Maldives. The resort has 45 spacious overwater villas made of wood and glass. Gili Lankanfushi is located on a private coral island in the middle of a sparkling lagoon, footbridges lead to the spacious villa accommodation. It is a place where you will arrive as a guest, leave as a friend and return as a family.

Italy: Sagna Rotonda

The breathtaking nature of Valle Maira in Piedmont is an insider tip for hikers, nature lovers and winter sports enthusiasts. The Sagna Rotonda offers furnished, self-sufficient holiday apartments in traditional houses fit for the whole family. Guests can explore the mostly untouched valley alone or together with host Giovanni.

Austria: Outside

"A special place in the middle of the outdoors, where we can feel ourselves again, switch off in peace and quiet, where regional ingredients are transformed into delicious dishes, and where we can simply enjoy while being surrounded by good company".

This is how the Hotel Outside describes itself. Nestled in the picturesque landscape of the Hohe Tauern National Park, guests have a fantastic view of the spectacular mountain scenery from their rooms. Natural materials in the rooms, an organic breakfast with regional delicacies and many activities in nature guarantee a relaxing and unforgettable holiday.

Indonesia: Puri Dajuma

The Puri Dajuma Cottages & Spa is located in the western part of Bali, which is not very well known for tourism. It consists of 18 traditional Balinese cottages, a luxury wooden villa ("Pondok Segara") with fantastic views of the beach and two suites, one for families and the other for honeymooners. Guests enjoy a perfect harmony of 4-star comfort and sustainability.

Schloss Wartegg on Lake Constance reopened its doors last week and is happy to welcome back guests. Enjoy the blossoming flowers, fresh green leaves and the spring weather in the large park, stroll through the Demeter garden and pay a visit to the hotel sheep – relaxing and unwinding is easy at Schloss Wartegg. And look forwarding to enjoying creative and seasonal organic cuisine for breakfast and dinner.

In Austria, hotels may reopen from the 29^th of May onwards subject to certain conditions. Here too, of course, the 1.5 m social distancing must be observed, as well as the obligation to wear a mask, proper hand hygiene, and sneezing and coughing etiquette. In the Genießerhotel Die Forelle am Weissensee in Carinthia, preparations are in full swing - both in the hotel and in the accompanying restaurant. Possible concerns are directly addressed by owner and head chef Hannes Müller: "We want to offer our guests a wonderfully relaxed stay and naturally we make sure that all hygiene regulations are observed."

Home office, home schooling and the corona lockdown are particularly difficult for families. The Biohotel Grafenast in Tyrol, therefore, has special offerings for stressed families: "We would like to support families and invite them to recover from the stress of the past months. That's why children who stay in their parents' room from the 6^th of June to the 19^th of July 2020 and from the 15^th of August to 6^th of September 2020, will receive a 50% discount. The children's discount is also valid for single parents and from 5 nights or more."

The Naturhotel Outside is located in one of the most beautiful places on earth, surrounded by the impressive mountain world of East Tyrol - and is looking forward to your visit from the 19^th of June! Let the stress disappear into the beautiful nature surrounding you as you hike past mountain lakes, larch forests and rushing streams.

Relaxation through the power of nature is what the Naturhotel Waldklause in Ötztal has on offer: Deeply rooted within the region, you can enjoy regional delicacies, explore the Tyrolean Alps and relax in the spacious wellness area - what more do you need?

We are already looking forward to further re-openings and to our next getaway!

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We posted them as an Easter breakfast treat, but actually we like to eat them all year round: quinoa pancakes! Not only are they super delicious, but they also bring back memories of our last Peru trip with Inkaterra!

Click here for the recipe

The Kasbah du Toubkal in the Moroccan Atlas Mountains perfectly combines hiking with getting to know the local Berber culture. Find out what sustainability means to owner Mike McHugo on the blog.

Hoteliers Up Close: Kasbah du Toubkal

An old, heritage listed granary directly at Lake Ziegelsee in Schwerin: today, this is the location of Hotel Speicher, a climate-friendly 4* hotel. We are happy to share its story with you:

Sustainably renovated: Hotel Speicher

Some mountain tribes live in the region of Mae Hong Son. Within the structure of community-based tourism, they are slowly opening up to travelers. We introduce you to the DoiSter Organisation, where you can learn traditional handicrafts during their CraftStays.

Handicrafts in Mae Hong Son

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The Puri Dajuma Beach Eco-Resort & Spa in western Bali currently remains open. A small team of 12 employees takes care of the few guests of the resort from morning until night. The Puri Dajuma Team has come up with a special system: The 48 employees in total have been divided into 4 groups, each working for one week. In this way, all important positions can remain occupied and the staff can continue to be employed. Of course, all safety and health measures are also observed and kept at a distance at the Puri Dajuma.

The current situation is disastrous for hoteliers and restaurateurs. The campaign "Leere Stühle" (Empty Chairs) in cities across Germany has drawn attention to these businesses: one chair per business was placed on the main square of the respective city. The aim is also to show that hotels and catering businesses are quite capable of implementing the necessary hygiene rules and contact requirements. Among others, the Bio Kinder- und Familienhotel Gut Nisdorf was one of the participants.

The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts worldwide have launched a competition for all content creators: the "Curated Journey Video Competition". Participants receive exclusive access to The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts' video and content bank, which contains recordings of all hotels, destinations and experiences, and are also allowed to use their own content from hotels in the region. A public vote will be held between the 12^th and the 22^nd of May 2020 for the top five videos. The winner will receive a fantastic 7-night stay including breakfast in one of the group's hotels, e.g. in our Green Pearls® partner hotel The Pavilions Himalayas – The Farm. 

Health at home: Although we are unable to take part in the fasting treatments at the OCÉANO Hotel Health Spa in Tenerife at the moment, the hotel's medical director, Dr. Georg Kettenhuber, regularly shares tips on the hotel's Facebook channel on how to find inner balance and support both physical and mental health.

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„For hundreds of years, indigenous groups have warned that destroying the environment leads to disease and adversely affects lives and culture. Is the world now ready to listen?“

Read about the indigenous communities that predicted Covid-19 on BBC

„The coronavirus pandemic has shut down many of the most popular national parks, creating a forced experiment: What happens when animals who make their homes in these protected space have (mostly) free rein of the park grounds?“ 

Read the full story about the US national parks and their animal residents here on CNN

Are you looking for some special travel inspirations for the time after the lockdown?

Check out these tips and wishes from thirteen Lonely Planet writers

Since november 2019 authorities have found eleven turtle nests wchich is the highest number of nests found within the last two decades. 

>> Read the full post here

Offering an idyllic retreat from everyday life, Keemala’s commitment to exquisite simplicity has impressed guests and the hospitality industry well beyond the walls of its sumptuous villas. With more than 20 global and regional award wins under its belt, the resort continues to set the bar in curating and delivering sincere, mindful experiences that bring guests back to the roots of Phuket and Thai culture, celebrating and preserving the integrity of natural resources, and promoting a balanced lifestyle through an extensive holistic living and spa program.

In the 4 years since the first guests stepped through the majestic Welcome Pavilion, Keemala has hosted over 100,000 travelers from more than 100 countries. Driven not only by the desire for unparalleled service but also the quest to preserve Phuket’s delicate environment, the resort has implemented well- rounded sustainability initiatives ranging from elimination of single-use plastics to a small-scale farm-to-table approach, water conservation and recycling effort, and an ethical animal treatment policy.

As a result, Keemala has never generated a single-use plastic bottle or drinking straw in its time, preventing an estimated 200,000 bottles and 80,000 straws from going into the ocean, among other significant environmental contributions.

Keemala is an all-pool villa resort ideal for guests and couples looking for a rustic, yet lavish, retreat from everyday life. The resort is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Interview with Florian Hallermann from Zeavola Resort on Koh Phi Phi, Thailand, in #6 of the magazine Wideoyster.

>> Read the full article here

"Back to simplicity": the Zeavola Resort in the German FEEL GOOD Magazine 

>> Read the full article here (starting on page 52, only in German)

"A green pearl on Thailand's second-biggest island": the Tongsai Bay on Koh Samui in German FEEL GOOD Magazine 

>> Read the full article here (starting on page 46, only in German)

SUMAS, or otherwise known as the Sustainability Management School, is a business management school that educates students to the highest standard in practices that allow sustainable impacts on the environment, on economic development, and society in general. The school is creating a new breed of leaders that will drive principles of sustainability in their everyday business practices in marketing, finance, supply chain, and production industries. Founder and President of SUMAS Ivana Modena, together with seven international students spent three days at Zeavola Resort & Spa exploring award-winning sustainability practices.

The pillars that support SUMAS encompass business operations that integrate environmental and social responsibility into their practices; critical thinking to develop innovative ideas to create a greener economy and the celebration of gender and ethnic diversity. Zeavola recently published their ‘Little Green Book’ which embraces each of these pillars; their achievements have been audited and recognized by Travelife, an internationally recognized accommodation sustainability program. In over 50 countries and with over 1,500 members using practical tools and resources to improve their business's environmental, financial and social impact. Strict criteria have been set in various areas to assess individual hotel performance in the areas of human rights, labor, community engagement, and environmental impact.

Zeavola Resort's passionate general manager, Florian Hallermann, spearheaded an intensive three-day training camp for seven resident students and 13 that were live streaming from the school in Switzerland. The hotel is a well-oiled machine with a cohesive team that wholeheartedly believes in its sustainability mission. Time was of the essence so the students were introduced to each of the activities that are carried out daily by various departments and team members. Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s), measurement tools, progress, and final results were available for analysis and discussion. Florian explained his journey from sporadic sustainability project implementation to, with the help of Travelife, structured, planned and accountable plans.

To complete the camp; Zeavola and SUMAS teams joined forces and together cleaned Nui Bay. The bay is a hidden gem and often sadly overlooked by the municipality and visitors. While idling international tourists enjoyed the beach, the team collected over 30 sacks of garbage, a 300kg ball of tangled fishing nets and a lonesome kayak. After many trips to the bay, all of the rubbish was loaded onto the garbage boat for appropriate disposal.

In the current issue of In the Moment magazine, Karen Edwards writes about "getaways to enrich the soul" – one of them is Zeavola Resort: "Zeavola on Phi Phi’s northeastern tip is much more than a resort with impressive spa facilities – the ethics behind the resort are extraordinary too. [...]"

This latest achievement is a testament to Keemala’s commitment to the sustainability of the environment while maintaining the highest standard of luxury for guests. This also marks the fourth win by this prestigious award initiative in the four years since the resort’s opening.

Among the resort’s diverse efforts in the area of sustainability, Keemala is recognized for its immersive garden-to-table and sustainable cuisine approach, zero-waste meetings and events, plastic waste-free policy, and a strong commitment toward the ethical treatment of animals. The resort is also home to rescued animals including water buffaloes, goats, ducks and guinea fowls.

Established in 2006, the World Luxury Hotel Awards is a pinnacle of achievement in the luxury hotel industry offering international recognition as voted by guests, travelers and industry players alike. This annual award features some of the world’s leading and most iconic properties among its top ranks.

Find more information on Keemala's webpage.

>> Read the full post here

Overtourism is simply no fun – neither for the holidaymakers, the locals nor the environment. Due to the high number of tourists the cities are crowded, prices rise and the housing situation for the inhabitants worsens. Wild animals and plants are displaced or destroyed and nature can no longer recover and suffocates in the garbage that people leave behind everywhere.

Empty beaches, relaxing saunas – winter at the North and Baltic Sea

Why not visit the North Sea in winter instead of summer? It may be too cold to lie in the sun, but you can still listen to the soothing sound of the sea around Juist. The weather is also pleasant in winter and the long beaches around the Strandhotel Kurhaus Juist can be discovered every season. Long walks along the beach will clear your head and afterwards the fireplace bar of the "White Castle by the Sea", the saunas and the Rasul steam bath are just waiting to warm up frozen guests again.

At the Lifestylehotel SAND the sauna with a view of the Baltic Sea on the roof terrace is a very special highlight – especially in winter. The hotel is close to Timmendorfer Strand and a great location for New Year's Eve: Guests can welcome the new year with the sound of the sea and toast with a cocktail on the rooftop bar.

Relaxation at the crackling fireplace

The Hofgut Hafnerleiten in Lower Bavaria is the ideal place to enjoy the Advent season and escape the pre-Christmas stress. A fireplace in a small cottage by the lake, a book and delicious food – that's all we need.

Welcome spring in the mountains

In spring, when the first flowers are blooming and nature comes back to life, it is particularly beautiful to hike in the Alps or discover the mountains by mountain bike. The crisp mountain air is refreshing after a long winter and between the ski season and the summer holidays, there are not so many tourists on the trails.

The Berghotel Rehlegg is located in the heart of the Berchtesgaden Alpine National Park and the heated outdoor pool with breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains is ideal for relaxing after a hike. A network of hiking and mountaineering trails with a total length of around 300 km gives guests a direct connection to the beautiful nature around the hotel. If you want a change of pace, you can travel to the "Mozart city" of Salzburg which is only 30 minutes away and far less crowded in spring. The Hintersee near Ramsau is also particularly beautiful: it lies in the middle of forests and mountains as if enchanted. If the crystal-clear mountain lake is still too cold for swimming, but visitors can simply rent a rowing boat and enjoy the dreamlike scenery.

The Genießerhotel Die Forelle is at home on the shores of Lake Weißensee in Austria, the highest swimming lake in the Alps. Even if there is a cold spell in spring: the small health oasis with saunas, fitness and relaxation rooms, a steam bath and massages is a wonderful place to relax after a walk around Lake Weißensee. In the evening, finest slow food is served, always in harmony with the seasons.

Discover Thailand from a different perspective in summer

May to October is rainy season in Thailand, which is why the country is far less visited in summer than in winter. But even then, it is still not cold, the temperatures are between 20 and 30 degrees. Away from the streams of tourists, guests can get to know the country from a much more authentic side. This is especially so on Phi Phi Island at the Zeavola Resort. The island is known for its hilly landscape with striking cliffs surrounded by unique beaches and emerald green sea. "A visit to Zeavola is an unforgettable journey of discovery back into nature. Take a step back to simplicity, enjoy unspoiled nature, a pristine beach, exceptional service and feel at home in paradise," General Manager Florian Hallermann describes the green resort.

Enjoy the autumn hustle and bustle in the mountains

When it gets cooler in autumn and the leaves begin to change color, you don’t need to escape this season. Instead, you could welcome the changes – for example in the Dolomites! At Mi Chalet you can watch the colorful autumn through the large windows by the cozy fireplace. Another highlight in autumn is the Maira valley: in the middle of the wild valley at around 1,700 meters lies the secluded Sagna Rotonda. Surrounded by original forests, guests may even spot some deer during their walks.

The perfect time for a city trip? Low season!

City trips are ideal during the low season: whether spending romantic winter days at Hôtel Le Pavillon in Paris, enjoying the first cocktail on the roof terrace of Hotel Milano Scala in spring, a hot chocolate in the green quarter of Freiburg at Green City Hotel Vauban or a stroll through the old town of Erlangen around Creativhotel Luise – it's just so much nicer if you don't have to share the cities with thousands of tourists.

In the last four weeks Zeavola Resort on Phi Phi Island, Thailand, has scooped Best Hotel in the 2019 Responsible Thailand Awards organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Wanderlust magazine. It was also voted Best Eco-Friendly Resort in Thailand and Best Honeymoon Hideaway Resort in Thailand in the Haute Grandeur Global Awards.

Mr. Wattana Watjanakomkul, UK representative for Zeavola Resort, collected the Best Hotel Award on stage from Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sport, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, on 4 November at the World Travel Market in London.

The TAT said that the awards recognize organizations in the travel and tourism industry that have made an outstanding contribution to sustainable tourism developments, helping protect the country whilst engaging and educating tourists on local environmental issues.

For the TAT award, readers of Wanderlust magazine nominated 339 organizations. A panel of five travel industry experts whittled the list down to six winners in marine, nature and heritage, animal welfare, community-based tourism, eco-lodge, green steps, and best hotel categories.

A TAT/Wanderlust statement said that the judges were impressed by Zeavola Resort’s 42-page Little Green Book, an eco-manual and motivational booklet for tropical resort managers. It was published by Zeavola’s General Manager, Florian Hallermann in June. The manual gives practical tips on reducing water consumption and single-use plastic and how to aerate the water and efficiently turn wet waste into compost, among other initiatives.

On receiving two different eco-awards in a few weeks, Zeavola’s General Manager said that Zeavola’s Little Green Book had caught the travel industry’s imagination as it was an easy-to-use summary about turning environmental theory into practice. “The book shows what responsible hoteliers can do to make a positive difference through reducing, reusing, recycling, respecting nature, and listening to local communities,” he said.

At the Haute Grandeur Global Awards in Kuala Lumpur on 19 October, apart from winning the Best Eco-Friendly Hotel in Thailand Award, Zeavola Resort also won the Best Honeymoon Hideaway Resort in Thailand Award. On receiving the awards, Hallermann said that the 53-villa Zeavola Resort was known around the world as a sanctuary for honeymooners, due to its “back-to-simplicity approach matched with barefoot luxury and personalized service”. In 2019 there has been an upsurge in honeymooners visiting Zeavola from markets such as Mexico, Brazil, Europe and especially the USA. Hallermann said the three awards should be dedicated to Zeavola’s staff.

“It’s their local knowledge and commitment to welcoming guests and being smart about environmental matters that make Zeavola Resort a truly remarkable experience for guests.”

For further information take a look at Zeavola's homepage and download Zeavola’s Little Green Book here.

Zeavola is a multi-award-winning barefoot luxury island resort on Koh Phi Phi Don in southern Thailand. The resort is built around the designs of a traditional Thai village and cocooned by jagged rocks, the softest sand, and the verdant jungle. Guests step back into simplicity and enjoy finding peace and balance by immersing themselves in nature. Florian Hallermann has been the custodian of the resort for over a decade, and with the dedication of his close-knit team has created a resort that has climate change prevention and conservation at its very core.

Zeavola has recently undergone a stringent audit to receive the Travelife Gold Certification. Travelife certifies hotels against a Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standard that has 163 criteria to meet. Travelife offers a lifetime of support as part of their membership agreement, self-assessment programs and a plethora of resources that assist in making necessary changes.

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council created criteria and suggested indicators for hotels to aid sustainable tourism efforts and effective sustainability planning, maximizing social and economic benefits for the local community, enhancing cultural heritage, and reducing negative impacts on the environment.

Travelife is an internationally recognised accommodation sustainability company that comprehensively addresses business management, ecological impact, and social issues. Tourism professionals and environmental experts developed Travelife in 2007 in response to a global movement that was demanding ethical travel. Travelife delivers and advises on responsible operations that facilitate the betterment of climate change and conservation, social issues and labour rights. Travelife has over 1,500 hotel members across 50 countries that use their practical tools to improve their business's environmental, financial and social impact.

Zeavola’s business practices have encouraged the team to have pride in their achievements, and they realize that big things happen when everyone makes small changes. Zeavola’s Little Green Book talks about community spirit and teamwork and shares with transparency their sustainability efforts and achievements, which ultimately result in guests feeling more informed and positive about the impact of their travel.

Zeavola will continue to strive to be the respected authority of sustainability possibilities within a remote location. Read more about Zeavola's sustainability management in this interview with the hotel's GM Florian Hallermann. Here recently also published the Little Green Book featuring the various sustainable initiatives at Zeavola resort. 

For more information, please contact Florian Hallermann by email gm@zeavola.com.

Presentation of Green Pearls, Biohotel Sturm, Lifestylehotel SAND, Keemala, Relais del Maro, Naturhotel Outside as well as Chumphon and Ranong in Thailand in autumn/winter issue 04/2019 + 01/2020 of German print travel magazine REISEfieber.

Presentation of Tongsai Bay in section "travel" on fogsmagazin.de

>> read full article here (only in German)

In 2007 they founded the follow-up organisation Andaman Discoveries. It continues the work of NATR and establishes community-based tourism projects together with the affected villages. In recent years, more and more communities who also want to develop themselves sustainably and open themselves up to soft tourism have joined the initiative.

In 2014 they also founded the North Andaman Network (NAN) Foundation, which specialises in implementing development projects in the villages. Together, these three organisations now support various sustainable projects, such as child and adult education, community centre development, mangrove forest conservation, along with training in waste management and organic farming. In some of the projects you can also volunteer and contribute to sustainable development.

From, for and with locals

But what does that really mean? Community-based tourism offers are now quite common in Thailand. You can have the chance to meet the locals and can enjoy unforgettable experiences and actually immerse yourself in the culture. Whether at a community dinner, a city tour with locals, joint projects or in a homestay. What's particularly nice about the concept is that the locals themselves decide to open their village to tourism and thus also have another source of economic support. This in turn means that the local community as a whole is better off. Moreover, traditions can be preserved and the locals are happy to pass on their culture and customs. Such an experience also has many advantages for you: Instead of just looking at the culture from the outside, you'll really immerse yourself, learn about local handicrafts or cook traditional dishes and visit places you wouldn't otherwise go.

Immerse yourself in nature and culture in Phang-ngas

Along the Andaman coast of Thailand, you will find various cultures and religions: from Muslim and Buddhist through to Moken (sea nomads) villages. Together with a local translator you can explore the villages, get to know the country and the people during the two or three-day tours with Andaman Discoveries. The “Phang-nga Bay Tour” takes you to the small fishing village of Ban Sam Chong nestled on the shores of a mangrove channel. Here you really dive into nature and culture, because the village with its many houses on stilts can only be reached by boat! During the day you will go by kayak through the mangroves, learn how people here fish and dye their textiles with natural colours. A special highlight awaits you on the second day, when you take the longtail boat out to sea early in the morning and admire the sunrise over the Andaman coast!

Snorkeling, art and nature on Koh Surin

You will have a very special adventure during the "Moken Experience" in Koh Surin National Park. The Moken, often referred to as sea nomads, have always lived in harmony with nature and have been at home in the Andaman Sea for thousands of years. Snorkel together in the breathtaking underwater world and get to know the culture of the Moken a little more. An arts and crafts workshop will show you the traditional weaving techniques and how to weave a bracelet from leaves. During a walk through the jungle you will learn which plants and herbs are used for medical purposes or for building houseboats.

Pressekontakt
Fremdenverkehrsamt Thailand
Bethmannstr. 58
60311 Frankfurt
T: +49 (0) 69-138 139 0
F: +49 (0) 69-138 139 50
E: info@thailandtourismus.de
W: www.thailandtourismus.de

Sustainable travel is a give and take: experiences and encounters on the one hand, opportunities to preserve the culture, flora and fauna on the other. We search for authentic experiences when we travel, so we should also help to preserve this authenticity.

All of our partners support their local communities and social projects. It is especially nice when guests can also participate in these projects and experience the hospitality of the local people themselves – who also benefit from community-based tourism. They help decide how tourism develops and also have an additional source of income.

Homestays in India and unspoilt nature

For those who want a truly authentic experience of the Assam tea region and the culture of India, the Wild Mahseer in the eastern Himalayas will gladly organise one or more nights with a host family. At the homestays in the small communities, guests can not only explore the village, but also enjoy the delicious homemade cuisine, help with chores around the farm or try their hand at traditional handicrafts. Travellers can immerse themselves in the local culture and exchange ideas with the local people, while the communities of Mishing, Nysishi and Garo in turn have access to another reliable source of income.

Thailand: Extraordinary experiences to remembered forever

Thailand is one of the most popular and most visited destinations in Asia. Community-based tourism is not only good for the country, but also benefits travellers fleeing mass tourism. Thailand is known for its impressive biodiversity and lush green landscapes. A homestay is a great way to discover them and experience the life of the local people in a genuine way: Holidaymakers can learn to cook traditional Thai dishes, help create artisanal handicrafts or even accompany fishermen in their daily routines.

Organisations such as "Local Alike" work hand in hand with local people. Residents offer a wide variety of activities, from working on a mangrove farm to seafood dinner on a boat. The prices are set by the local provider, "Local Alike" receives only a small handling fee. Every tour, every experience contributes to the preservation of culture and nature and directly supports the communities.

Food for school children at the Zeavola Resort

The Thai Zeavola Resort invites all guests to visit the local Baan Laem Tong school and help with serving meals. Every Friday, the Zeavola staff cook for students and teachers. The project is financed by the hotel and its guests who donate up to €3,000 a year. Around 40 students come from a small Moken village just five minutes from the Eco-Resort. The Moken, also known as sea nomads, are very grateful for the support of the resort as food and funds are often scarce due to the remote location. Those who help here can get to know life on Phi Phi Island from a different perspective.

Holidays in the Berber homeland

The Kasbah du Toubkal is situated at the foot of Jbel Toubkal, the highest mountain in Northern Africa. And it's not a hotel in the traditional sense, but rather an invitation into the home of the Berbers who run it. The local community and the hotel guests should always have the chance to benefit equally. For guests, a stay at the Kasbah du Toubkal offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the Berber culture and lifestyle. 95 % of the employees come from villages in the region, and 80 % from within a distance of 2 kilometres. This is what sets the the Moroccan hotel in the Atlas Mountains apart from many others.

The Imlil Village Association – financed by a five percent overnight surcharge – supports local projects. A school for 80 children in a remote valley, for whom it would otherwise be impossible to attend school, has already been built. Other examples include financing a waste disposal system and making the first ambulance and driver in the area possible. The "Education for All" project particularly supports young, disadvantaged girls and gives them the opportunity to complete school and go to university.

Eco Luxury and Nature Experiences in Peru

The Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba is located in the Cusco region which brings together a diverse offering of unique natural experiences, social responsibility, guided excursions and a range of cultural activities. We highly recommend an excursion to Cusco Centre for Traditional Textiles: here, the employees showcase how wool is spun, naturally dyed and then woven into a wide variety of textiles. The women here have a secure job with fair wages. Each of them is responsible for their own craft from the wool production to the sale and for a single poncho this can take up to three months – so keep this in mind when negotiating!

The Inkaterra Asociación conducts ecological research within the Inkaterra hotels, in which guests can also participate. Above all, the Inkaterra Guides Field Station is an enriching experience for nature lovers, researchers, students and volunteers and invites everyone to explore the Peruvian Amazon through interactive excursions. That way, the rainforest can't be closer or more authentic.

Presentation of Keemala in Ajouré online magazine as well as on Ajouré travel website

>> read full article in online magazine here (only in German) and on the Ajouré travel website here (only in German)

Endangered coral reefs on the Maldives

Small islands such as the Maldives are particularly susceptible to the damaging effects of climate change: rising sea levels and damage to coral reefs, which actually protect the atolls, pose serious threats. “The impact of climate change is particularly evident in our house reef, whose situation has deteriorated further due to the effects of El Niño,” says Smrutica, Marine Biologist at Reethi Faru Resort. "Coral bleaching now affects more than half of all of the corals. Every summer, as temperatures continue to rise, we are confronted with the effects on coral reefs. You can see how the rising water temperature causes them to die off: the normally brown-coloured, living corals gradually become lighter and eventually turn completely white."

More and more guests are asking about the effects of climate change on the resort and the marine ecosystem, Smrutica adds: "I am very often asked about climate change and sustainability, especially since the last coral bleaching. For the most part, these questions come from guests who are already aware of the problem, but sometimes guests who see dead corals for the first time while diving ask what has happened."

Drought, heat and new pests in the Black Forest 

Around the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in Bad Herrenalb, the hotel team has seen an increasing number of pests in recent years. Not only local pests, but also those which originate from warmer regions abroad. The plants are not only exposed to drought, but also to other, foreign dangers. However, another factor has become very noticeable, especially in the last two summers, is the fact that the rising heat has led to heat-stroke, less strength and general discomfort for employees and guests alike. “Experiencing the effects of climate change first-hand may increase your understanding and openness to sustainable services,” says Stephanie Schießl, Sustainability Officer of SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA. "This helps raise awareness of the importance and necessity of sustainability".

'Friajes' the Peruvian rainforest

In Peru, the weather continues to become warmer and warmer. Especially at the coast with its partly desert-like, partly tropical climate, the transition between summer and autumn beings to blur. However, the most noticeable changes are in the rainforest region around the Amazon: "During the dry season between April and November there were only two to three 'friajes', now they come almost every month", Claire Andre from Inkaterra tells us. The 'friajes' are cold fronts with rain and strong winds, which bring temperatures of about 12-20°C from Patagonia and usually stay for three days.

From natural irrigation to air conditioning and shadowing

At the Mawell Resort in Baden-Württemberg, the longer dry periods in summer are particularly noticeable. Due to this, there is a much less water available in their own well, which is also used for irrigating the natural pond on the property. There are also numerous effects in the surrounding region: germination and blossoming phases begin earlier due to the warm winters, but are then interrupted by frost, which leads to the loss of yield for the surrounding winegrowers and farmers.

Temperatures also have a direct effect on hotel operations: “Even with today's best building practices, insulation and the like, these measures are no longer enough to prevent buildings from heating up. However, due to climate change and the associated higher temperatures, the guests expect an air-conditioned hotel room - climate change or not,” explains Julia Schneider from Mawell Resort. "Future investments must therefore not only be made in the air-conditioning of existing buildings, but also in providing additional shading options.”

Shared commitment

This year the Thai island of Phuket experienced one of the worst droughts of all time, so much so that joint efforts are becoming increasingly urgent from the Keemala's point of view. “What many of us have learned from this experience is that we can no longer be satisfied with what we have already done in terms of sustainability. We need to do much more to reduce consumption and protect resources, whether through new service standards or innovative programmes," says Samornpun Somnam (Tarn), Executive Director of Keemala.

From the very beginning, the Keemala has paid close attention to minimising plastic waste, using paper straws and being committed to forest conservation and the use of sustainable materials during construction. However, this dedication should be intensified in the future: “We want to move towards a 'zero waste' approach. We have expanded our organic garden and have integrated it into our guests' experiences. We offer Zero Waste Meetings and Retreats and eliminate plastic waste directly at the source by working with suppliers who also adhere to our principles. In addition, we only use natural and regional materials for decoration to further reduce the carbon footprint," Tarn said.

Read the full post here on The Midnightblue Elephant