Male Solo Travel Role Models in the Media

Many people dream of taking a year off after school to travel the world or quitting their jobs to become travel bloggers, and (thanks in part to media hype) it seems as if they all succeed. Or at least, a lot of them. The truth is, very few do. Out of my entire graduating class of over 100 people, only one went solo traveling to Thailand. And he didn’t even become a travel blogger. How many do you know?

Travelers on YouTube are trending

Some male YouTubers that I enjoy watching with my family are Joe Khatab (Saudi Arabia, 18.3 million subscribers) and Ibn Battuta (Palestinian refugee from Jordan, 3.1 million followers). Both make a living from traveling and have been on the road alone for years.

Johnny Ward left Ireland in 2006. Since then, he has traveled to every country in the world in 11 years and earned around $3 million with his blog, “oneStep4ward”. (However, he is no longer traveling alone, as he has married and settled in Thailand with his wife. He discusses this in his post about visiting Keemala in Phuket in cooperation with us.)

Traveling to Improve the World

Many men seek adventure while traveling. Some do so sustainably and try to help others along the way. For example, I found the late German survival expert Rüdiger Nehberg very likable.

“Can one person really make the world a better place? Of course, who else!” –  Rüdiger Nehberg

Douglas Maclagan, an Englishman, also traveled alone in his younger years until fate brought him to Nepal. There, he built the sustainable resort The Pavilions Himalayas – The Farm. Learn more about the inspiring story of the resort with impact here.

Today’s Solo Traveler (Findings from the ITB)

When the travel industry says that solo travel has recently become a trend for men, too, they are primarily referring to those who lead “normal” lives. For example, there’s Uwe, my father’s former colleague, born in 1960, who always books group tours for his solo vacations. (He books alone and connects with his fellow travelers.)

At the ITB Berlin 2025 tourism trade fair, Sonja Salzburger from the Süddeutsche Zeitung examined the solo travel trend.

Her findings and the resulting 2026 forecasts

• Many solo travelers are older (One indication of this is that, according to Tui, solo travelers prefer to arrange meetings via Facebook.)
• They are not tied to vacation periods and prefer to travel in the off-season
• According to a Tui survey, only 4% travel alone because they lack travel partners.
• The most frequently cited reasons in the Tui survey are: “I value independence” (33%), “time for a personal challenge” (25%).
• According to the Research Association for Vacations and Travel (FUR), 11.1% of German vacationers (7.13 million) traveled alone in 2023
• Solo travelers do not differ from others in their choice of destinations.

Ready for a (sustainable) solo trip?

As you can see, when traveling alone, you don’t have to worry about seeming friendless. Instead, you can enjoy having time to yourself and being flexible, free, and independent. If you travel in the off-season, you’re also being sustainable because it spreads out tourism, secures jobs, and makes it easier to regulate environmental impact.

To make your trip more sustainable, there are two things you should keep in mind:

• Getting there (by train, if possible, to be eco-friendly)
• Accommodation (here, of course, we recommend our Green Pearl® partners)

Sustainable vacation packages for solo male travelers

We asked our network which Green PearlsⓇ hotels often welcome male solo travelers and if any have special offers for this group.

“Men’s Active Health” at OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel in Tenerife

The OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel on the Canary Island of Tenerife (with a warm climate all year round) is one hotel where you will find many solo travelers. The hotel is located directly on the Atlantic Ocean and offers wellness programs, fasting cures, and health programs. “More women travel alone because of the focus on yoga, wellness, and the spa,” says Simone Schleicher from the hotel. “But we also have a steady stream of men traveling alone.”

There is a special activity program designed for this target group to help them achieve a defined shape and increase their energy levels:

• Single room with a sea view
• Health spa diet (made with regional, organic ingredients)
• Use of the spa area, including the thalassotherapy pool, fitness center, saunas, and seawater pool
• Introductory consultation with a doctor and HRV (heart rate variability) measurement
• Three therapeutic treatments
• Three personal training sessions
• One foot reflexology massage
• One Express Power Lift for Men
• Five free sessions in the yoga and relaxation program

To the offer: OCÉANO Men’s Active Health

“Me Time” at the My Arbor Tree Hotel in South Tyrol

Would you rather be in the mountains than at the beach? If so, the adults-only, sustainable hotel My Arbor near Brixen is a great choice. At this luxurious wellness hotel, you can enjoy the solar-powered sauna and meet other solo travelers. The hotel welcomes guests aged 16 and older and ensures that they can tailor their stay to their preferences.

“We have indeed noticed an increase in solo travel. Solo travelers are certainly welcome here and can choose from a wide variety of activities.” —Alexandra Huber, My Arbor host family

The trend of solo travel is popular among both women and men. Although there are no special offers exclusively for men, the MY SPECIAL TIME offer is suitable for everyone.

Sustainable hotels for motorcyclists/bikers?

The Relais del Maro in Liguria, Italy, reports that men who travel alone often come for a biker getaway, some of whom have already formed groups beforehand. As a motorcyclist, you’re never really alone. “They enjoy motocross tours in the mountains and cold beer on our terrace,” says Martina Dellarbar. The hotel itself is an Albergo Diffuso, or a dispersed hotel, spread across several former residential and commercial buildings in the village of Borgomaro.

Bikers frequently check in as guests at the STURM Wellness Hotel in Mellrichstadt, Germany. Before the hotel transitioned to offering only organic, natural, and sustainable products and services, it was a “biker hotel,” which many guests fondly remember.

Solo male travelers are welcome guests at the STURM. Julius Schulze-Diekhoff, a member of the host family, reveals that a special offer for men is already in the works.

Question: Is vacationing by motorcycle environmentally friendly?

It depends primarily on the type of motorcycle you have. As the ADAC explains in its 2025 market report, electric motorcycles are still relatively rare. In contrast, some of the latest motorcycle models are 20 times dirtier than cars with combustion engines because they have huge engines. In other calculations, a motorcycle performs better than a car if only one person is in the car.

However, the problem is that motorcycling is usually practiced as a “leisure sport” and thus blows extra CO2 into the air. Therefore, we only consider electric motorcycles to be acceptable as a “hobby.” If at all. Here, it works out well: Both the Relais del Maro and the STURM provide electric charging stations 🙂

“Men’s time out” at the Hotel Das Rübezahl

As a man, you don’t necessarily have to drink beer and ride motorcycles (honestly, we can return that cliché to the 90s). In 2026, men can treat themselves to a wellness retreat. That’s at least how the Hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allgäu region sees it. They offer back massages, head and neck massages, and a four-course meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant—just for you! Wouldn’t that be nice?

• Click here for the offer: Men’s Package! 16.06.2025 – 23.12.2025, Hotel Das Rübezahl

Men traveling alone and sustainably

As you can see, the world is your oyster when traveling alone, and many hotels have special offers just for you. A recent survey showed that many people use solo travel for self-reflection.

Consider your relationship with your environment and the planet. Every decision you make has an impact, and that includes travel. By choosing the hotels we’ve introduced you to, you can help make travel more sustainable.

Der Beitrag This is what solo travel for men will look like in 2026 erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Why are we all so stressed out, anyway?

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that stress is one of the greatest health risks of our century. “Everyone experiences stress sometimes,” they write. However, they also note that “too much stress can lead to physical and mental health problems.”

When I think about my circle of acquaintances, it seems like everyone is “stressed.” The hoteliers in our network are always talking about being stressed or extremely busy. Thomas Steiner from the OLM Nature Escape aparthotel in South Tyrol even wrote me to say that he was “under a lot of pressure” (fortunately, due to positive events only, as he later reassured me).

In fact, for many people, stress has become a permanent state. There’s always a lot to do, the calendar is full of appointments, and the smartwatch diligently beeps, reminding us to get up from our desk for five minutes or take three deep breaths!

The magic word in this rat race could be “calmcation,” an enticing combination of “calm” and “vacation.”

But do I really need to take a vacation to experience a “Calmcation”?

Do I really need to travel and spend money if I’m not going to do anything? Couldn’t I just stay home and do nothing? You could. But then, why don’t you “just” do it every now and then?

How many “buts” popped into your head just now? The laundry, tidying up, that one email, dinner, washing up, the family, your smartphone… Somehow, “just doing” nothing doesn’t work out. And when it does, you quickly start feeling guilty because the laundry and clutter haven’t been taken care of.

In a (sustainable!) hotel, on the other hand, you don’t have to cook, clean, do laundry, or check your emails—you’re on vacation, after all! You can’t quickly stop by the office or take care of one last thing, it’s perfectly acceptable that you’re not there—and not doing anything!

• Incidentally, sleep tourism is another similar trend that we have already reported on in our blog..

Sustainable hotels for your calmcation in Germany

Doing nothing between the fields and forests of Lower Saxony

For a calmcation, it’s best to go somewhere quiet and away from crowds. For example, Warpe in Lower Saxony. Never heard of it? Then it’s time you did! Because that’s where the Eco-Hotel Okelmann’s is located. When it comes to “doing nothing,” hosts Kristin and Maren Okelmann have a clear opinion:

“We are the perfect place to enjoy some leisurely relaxation. Whether you’re enjoying the sauna or hot tub, receiving a massage, or simply relaxing on a daybed in the quiet room. There are also numerous sun loungers in the garden where you can read, daydream, or meditate in peace.” – Kristin Okelmann

Still not convinced that Warpe is the right place for you? You might change your mind after reading our blog post about this charming village and learning why Warpe is worth a visit.

Sustainable Calmcation in the Rhön region

Are you familiar with Mellrichstadt? The town, with a population of around 5,000, is located in the Rhön region of Bavaria. Located there is the STURM, a wonderfully relaxed hotel and one of our long-standing Green PearlsⓇ partners, offering organic cuisine, a natural swimming pond, and large gardens. Julius Schulze Dieckhoff, the son of hosts Christa and Matthias, has been involved in the hotel business for some time as well. I asked him if Mellrichstadt isn’t sometimes boring for people his age. His answer:

“It’s true; the Rhön is not a hotspot for mass tourism. Sometimes I wish there was more going on here, but that’s precisely the advantage if you’re looking for peace and quiet, or a “calmcation.” Although there are no huts to stop at while hiking, that’s precisely why the nature here remains so unspoiled and the silence so unique.” – Julius Schulze Dieckhoff, STURM

We particularly recommend the new, award-winning Garden View Rooms—there isn’t even a TV to distract you from relaxing here—instead, you can enjoy a panoramic view of nature 🙂

Peace and quiet amidst the fresh air of the Black Forest

Bad Herrenalb is much better known, at least in Germany. The climatic health resort with its thermal baths attracts many tourists seeking relaxation. Ideal if you want peace and quiet without being alone (if you know what I mean). One wonderful place to unwind is the sustainable health hotel SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA. The Circular Living rooms have a particularly soothing indoor climate thanks to their natural materials and a design, that grounds you and creates a calm atmosphere. Nathalie Riegsinger from the hotel’s marketing department recommends the following for a “calmcation”:

“The view of the valley, the fresh Black Forest air, and the seclusion of nature beckon you to relax. Well-marked hiking trails through Bad Herrenalb’s healthy climate begin right outside the door.” 

Other Green PearlⓇ partners in Germany for your Calmcation

#1 Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa, Bayerisch Gmain, Berchtesgaden

The sustainable Hotel Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa is nestled in a secluded spot in Bayerisch Gmain, surrounded by the Berchtesgadener Land mountains. Here, you will find places to retreat almost everywhere: in the reading corner with mountain views, in the quiet sauna garden, or in the spacious rooms. A place where silence and nature naturally slow you down.

#2 Naturresort Gerbehof, Lake Constance

“More than wellness — soul wellness” is how Ursula Wagner, the host, describes the concept. The organic hotel on Lake Constance boasts a natural style. Whether you’re sitting in the stone circle in the forest, relaxing in the sauna, or listening to the birds chirp in the garden, you’ll find inner peace at the Naturresort Gerbehof, and the relaxation will last long after your stay. The alternative concept behind “wellness for the soul” is discussed in more detail in “Retreats for the Soul.”

#3 Gut Sonnenhausen, Glonn near Munich

Gut Sonnenhausen is a beautifully restored old manor house surrounded by a permaculture farm and nature reserve. Filled with contemporary art, it is perfect for spontaneous, meditative walks or reading a book in the library. Guests who enjoy company can relax in the courtyard, and those who prefer solitude can find quiet benches along the high trail overlooking the clearing.

#4 Hotel Luise, Erlangen

A calmcation in the middle of the city? It’s possible. On the green roof terrace, by the waterfall in the inner courtyard, or in the private spa at the Hotel Luise in Erlangen—an urban retreat where you can unwind amid the hustle and bustle of the city. Even better? Thanks to the hotel’s many eco-friendly initiatives, you can do good by simply doing nothing. 

#5 Hotel Das Rübezahl, Füssen, Allgäu

With its boutique spa, fireplace lobby, and small themed libraries, Hotel Das Rübezahl invites you to experience the tranquility of a digital detox, while enjoying a magnificent view of Neuschwanstein Castle at the same time. Click here to learn more about the digital detox concept.

Sustainable Calmcation in Austria

Austria has many enchanting places that are perfect for doing nothing. I particularly recommend the Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld. Seefeld is a well-known vacation region in Tyrol, but this traditional monastery hotel has a unique and tranquil charm all its own. Centuries-old walls combine with the comforts of a five-star hotel, making it ideal for truly letting go and feeling completely relaxed.

As host family Seyrling puts it:

 „Doing nothing. No appointments, no plans—just you, a deck chair, and the tranquil beauty of the mountains. This is exactly what you’ll find in the Garden of Eden (the hotel’s lawn and natural grounds). Surrounded by old monastery walls, lush greenery, and the soft rustling of leaves, you’ll find a comfortable deck chair or hammock—perfect for simply switching off.”

In East Tyrol, you will find the Naturhotel Outside, which is located in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park. Many people come to the hotel to hike, but it’s also a great place to relax. The cozy lobby with a fireplace and the newly designed Nature Spa with healing saltwater baths are perfect for relaxation.

Relax and unwind in South Tyrol

South Tyrol combines impressive Alpine panoramas with an Italian lifestyle — the ideal combination for an escape from everyday life. Two adults-only hotels center their concept around tranquility:

My Arbor, Brixen

 “My Time” is the motto, and it’s evident everywhere. Whether you’re relaxing in the infinity pool with a view of the Dolomites, lounging in a deck chair among the treetops, or enjoying a cup of tea by the fireplace, you’ll discover that doing nothing becomes an art form here. Many guests report that at My Arbor, they can finally breathe deeply again and consciously make time for themselves.

LA VIMEA Vegan Hotel, Naturns

LA VIMEA is a holistic, adults-only vegan retreat and a haven for anyone seeking peace and inner balance. The sunny terrace by the natural pond and the cozy winter garden with its soft armchairs are particularly popular spots for reading, daydreaming, and unwinding. A small library with books on vegan nutrition and healing methods completes the offerings.

OLM Nature Escape, Sand in Taufers

“Here, conscious idleness is not only permitted—it’s celebrated,” say the hosts at OLM Nature Escape. (I quoted Thomas earlier in this article.)

“Our spacious garden offers many secluded spots where you can completely unwind. The deck chairs are spaced far apart and provide ample space for privacy. On sunny autumn days, our garden is an ideal place to recharge in the mild sunshine. In our apartment suites, you can relax on your private terrace or practice yoga in the specially designed niche. Here, everyone can find their personal place of power.” – Astrid Hellweger, OLM Nature Escape

Three places to do nothing in Ritten

Those who prefer a family-friendly and nature-oriented atmosphere will find three wonderful places to stay in Ritten. The APIPURA hotel rinner offers a peaceful and warm atmosphere, as well as proximity to nature, with its own apiary and organic cuisine. The Hotel Weihrerhof’s philosophy is “Just Be There” — no schedules or appointments, just a jetty by the lake, a good book, and mountain views.

The ADLER Lodge RITTEN is a luxurious, couples-only retreat. The relaxation room, located in the middle of the forest, invites you to unwind while your private chalet offers a fireplace and a balcony with an unobstructed view of the Dolomites. The all-inclusive package featuring regional specialties ensures you can relax completely.

Find peace in Switzerland

The small, boutique Bella Vista Zermatt hotel offers several inspiring places for you to relax and unwind. For example, there is a relaxation room with a view of the Matterhorn and an Arvenstube with waterbeds surrounded by soothing Swiss stone pine wood.

“When the weather is nice, we recommend our terrace for a ‘calmcation,’” says hostess Fabienne Anthamatten. The terrace is in a quiet location, and like the relaxation and yoga rooms, it offers a breathtaking view of the Matterhorn. And be sure to enjoy a cup of tea made with herbs from their own garden!

Calmcation as part of a long-distance trip: Croatia, Tenerife, and Peru

Of course, you can also combine your Calmcation with a trip to a farther-away country — ideally as part of a longer stay. After all, when it comes to long-distance travel by plane, short trips are not sustainable. So, its best to plan long-distance trips over longer periods of time and take a break in between to process what you’ve experienced. A calmcation, even if only for a few days, is perfect for this.

Hotel Korinjak, Kroatien – Island Iž

Surrounded by pine forests and the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, doing nothing becomes the order of the day. Whether you’re relaxing in a hammock, enjoying the view from your terrace, or strolling along hidden paths, the Hotel Korinjak—the only hotel on the island—invites you to simply drift away. The only sounds you’ll hear are the lapping of the waves, the chirping of crickets, and the rustling of olive leaves—the perfect companions for finding your inner peace.

OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel, Tenerife

“At OCÉANO, guests will find many places to retreat to, relax, and unwind,” reports our Green Pearls® partner on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. They recommend a daybed in the green garden with a book, the rooftop terrace with sweeping sea views, or an early swim in the Piscina Natural, a seawater pool located directly in front of the hotel. The library, which has books in three languages, also invites you to linger. A fitting complement is “Ocean Balancing in the Thalasso Pool” (see picture).

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, Peru – Sacred Valley of the Incas

Anyone who travels to Peru will be overwhelmed by the countless impressions, which is precisely why it is worth taking a calmcation break every now and then. The Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba in the Sacred Valley is perfect for that. From its spacious terraces and gardens, you can enjoy views of the Andes while listening to birds chirp and the gentle rustling of the mountain winds through the trees. At the Mayu Spa, treatments with traditional Andean ingredients offer deep relaxation, and the small pool reflects the mountain panorama. Here, pausing becomes a philosophy — a soothing reprieve that restores harmony to body and mind and prepares you for your next adventure in Peru.

It’s good for you to do nothing

Inaction can promote creativity. Various studies and experts have pointed this out. However, some participants in these studies had to sit alone in empty, white rooms or copy numbers from a phone book, which is more akin to a self-experiment. But that’s not what a calmcation is about! Calmcation means sitting on a bench and letting your gaze wander over the mountain landscape without any appointments. You decide spontaneously. Should I go out for dinner? Should I relax on the hotel bed? Shall I go for a short walk? All of this takes place in beautiful and inspiring surroundings. It’s just like the partner hotels presented here.

Oh, and by the way: Julius from STURM ended our conversation with the sentence:

“You can even leave out the part about “Sometimes I wish there was more going on here.””

And when it comes to a Calmcation, less is more—literally 🙂

Der Beitrag Calmcation—is it worth paying for the opportunity to do nothing? erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

This is the eighth installment in our series “Tips for a sustainable weekend getaway“. Look for a new green idea every three weeks on our blog!

Workation days in the Allgäu

But what could a Workation weekend look like in detail? If you can’t think of anything right now, we’ve come up with something together with Das Rübezahl. 4 nights, inspiring surroundings, delicious food and mountain views – not only will you be able to work productively, but also come back feeling refreshed.

Wednesday (arrival):

After work, off it goes. Off to Füssen in the Allgäu – to the beautiful landscape of the German Alps and the fairytale panorama of the German royal castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau.

For a sustainable trip, you should take the train. It also has the advantage of allowing you to leave the office earlier and get the rest of your work done during the trip. The Füssen train station is just 3 kilometers from the Hotel Das Rübezahl in Schwangau, and the hotel offers a free shuttle service to support a climate-friendly trip!

👉 Another environmentally friendly way to get to Füssen is to take the long-distance bus, as we described in this blog post.

After checking in (from 3pm) and exploring the hotel, you can enjoy dinner in the cozy Louis II restaurant until 9pm. The menu of the day is always made with fresh organic ingredients from the region, and there’s always a vegetarian/vegan option. (Personally, though, I would go for the Allgäuer Kässpatzen – the classic on the menu.)

Thursday (Workation Day 1)

Wake up at the usual time – only not at home, but at the hotel, where you can enjoy your first coffee with a view of the mountains and a delicious breakfast buffet. It’s a completely different feeling when you open your work laptop, isn’t it?

It is this fusion of work and vacation (work + vacation = workation) that makes this type of travel so appealing. Instead of going to the office, you just find a nice spot in the hotel with your laptop and work materials. At Das Rübezahl you can choose between:

• The desk in the hotel room
• Terrace, balcony or conservatory of your hotel room (there are 54 individual rooms in total)
• The conference room of the hotel
• Outside in the wellness garden or garden barn
• In the pavilion with a mountain backdrop

After work, you can relax in the wellness area with panoramic sauna and natural swimming pond.

Friday (Workation Day 2)

If Thursday’s remote work went well, today is a special day – in the remote office on the mountain! (After all, you want your colleagues to be jealous, too. 🙂)

For this, you put the laptop in your backpack and climb up the Tegelberg to the Rohrkopfhütte right after breakfast. The hut at 1,320 meters is part of the hotel and as a Workation guest you can spend a whole day here in the mountains (with WLAN).

There are two hiking trails to the Rohrkopfhütte – we recommend the easy ascent via the road. Here you hike moderately uphill for about an hour.

Saturday (vacation day):

Your weekend begins differently this time, because even though you’ve been working for hours, you’re already in a vacation mood and settled into your hotel. You now have a number of options for Saturday:

• Hiking or cycling. The hotel offers bike rental at the reception (bikes and e-bikes) and guided hiking and biking tours with active guide Bergbaschdi.

👉 You can get to know the active guide Bergbaschdi in this interview.

• Visit the royal castles of Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau or the Museum of the Bavarian Kings in Hohenschwangau. Tickets are also available at the reception. Info: A visit to the castles is only possible in combination with a guided tour – it takes about 45 minutes.
• Spend a relaxing day in the wellness garden and maybe take a 10 minute walk to the Rübezahl apiary. On some days, the hotel’s own beekeeper, Sebastian, offers a tour of the apiary.

Sunday (departure day):

Check-out is possible until 11 a.m., allowing you to safely store your luggage until departure and continue to enjoy the spa and all hotel amenities.

When you return to the office on Monday, it will be like you were on vacation – without losing a single day of work!

7 tips for a sustainable workation

1. Leave your home without leaving appliances on standby to avoid unnecessary power consumption.
2. Choose a sustainable travel option such as train or long-distance bus.
3. Bring travel food from home and avoid the use of single-use packaging for food and beverages while on the road.
4. Bring your own slippers for the spa area so you don’t have to use the hotel’s disposable slippers.
5. Choose sustainable accommodations, such as the Hotel Das Rübezahl.
6. Send emails and messages without needlessly large images or videos. Here are some ways to reduce the carbon footprint of your emails.
7. Use your vacation time for environmentally friendly activities, such as hiking, and avoid less sustainable things (such as helicopter tours, to take an extreme example).

PS: The benefits of fresh air for the brain have been proven, for example, by this study from the Max Planck Institute for Human Development.

Save this article for your next weekend trip!

Der Beitrag A sustainable workation-weekend in the Allgäu erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Sebastian Remmler (36), “Bergbaschdi”, climbed his 54th five-thousander (in Turkey) last year and has climbed many mountains in East Africa and South America. At the time of the interview, he was preparing for his trek to Nepal, which was set to start two days later.

A hiking concierge with WhatsApp service

Green Travel Blog (GTB): What exactly is a hiking concierge? You already work as a hiking guide at Hotel Das Rübezahl, how has your work changed?

Basti: The most important new feature of the hiking concierge is that people can contact me without meeting me in person. For example, instead of asking me about the right shoes to wear when already on the hike, they can contact me in advance via WhatsApp. Or even if they are alone in the mountains, I am available as a contact person. A lot of people find this helpful because they often don’t know their way around in the mountains.

GTB: What was the weirdest question someone ever asked you?

Basti: Many strange questions are about the weather. You can’t plan for it, even with weather apps. But other than that, I have to say that people are pretty mature 🙂

These are the most common hiking mistakes

GTB: What do you think are the most common hiking mistakes?

Basti:  I once had a guy who was hiking with brand new Haferl shoes and no socks. I told him that was a pretty bad idea. Because those Haferl shoes tend to cause blisters, especially without socks. He said: “Holidays in Bavaria have to hurt.” He went through with it, got two huge blisters and spent the rest of his vacation walking around the hotel in flip-flops.

In recent years, mountaineering has become an extreme sport. Everyone’s trying to beat everyone else’s record, and many people are only interested in having the best time on Outdooractive. And when people are running and panting like that, many people lose interest in hiking simply because they are not practicing it properly!

GTB: What attitude do you want to convey?

Basti: For me, soul healing is part of hiking and mountaineering. To be at peace with oneself. But that only works if I don’t put pressure on myself. I always say: “No matter how fast or slow you walk; you are always faster than those who don’t walk at all!”

“Rhythm is the key to success in mountaineering.”

Basti: I climbed 54 five-thousanders and achieved all these goals with a bit of ambition, mental focus, fitness and the right rhythm. Rhythm and pace is something that the younger generation does not understand. I don’t have to run up the mountain in 20 minutes.

To help them understand, I am lucky enough to know the flora and fauna pretty well, and I try to explain everything along the way. If you take the time to do that, you can be more aware of your surroundings and not pass everything by.

You have to be patient, especially with the animals. Here on the Tegelberg, for example, you have a good chance of seeing chamois. You just have to be willing to take breaks and be quiet where it’s nice. I can take an hour off and still get there!

GTB: Unless I have to hurry because it’s getting dark soon…

Basti: Even then, you still have a headlamp, and nobody dies at 15 degrees Celsius in the summer-nights.

The most beautiful hikes on the Tegelberg

GTB: If someone came to you with no idea and wanted to explore the area, which tour would you recommend? Do you have a favorite tour?

Basti: Yes, the Rohrkopfhütte. The Rohrkopfhütte is THE classic introductory tour. There are two ways to get there. The Schutzengelweg is a bit more challenging because it is a bit steeper, but it is really suitable for almost everyone! It takes a good hour to hike moderately uphill. The Tegelberg is very well developed for hikers. But not lonely. There is always a downside.

GTB: That’s right. And what is your personal favorite when you are with advanced hikers who have a good basic level of fitness and maybe even some experience hiking in the Alps?

Basti: In terms of the view and the landscape, I think the tour over the Marienbrücke to the Tegelberg is spectacular. It’s super fun and varied. There are two or three places where you have to use your hands. Then there’s always the view of the castle, the foothills of the Alps or the barren Alps. I think this is the most beautiful tour in the area.

“Summit conquerors” are celebrated

GTB: And which of your many hiking trips do you like to think back to?

Basti: To Ethiopia. We climbed Ras Dashän, the highest mountain in Ethiopia, and when we came back, the whole village had a party. They slaughtered their biggest goat, made a huge bonfire, and the “summit conquerors” were all decorated with flowers.

I was fascinated by the fact that they were celebrating us when their focus is on a completely different life. The villagers there don’t waste time and money flying to a foreign country and then climbing a mountain somewhere. But they are still very happy to have you with them. So that was cool.

GTB: Then I hope you will have similar great experiences in Nepal and wish you a good trip. Thank you for your time!

👉 👉 Hotel Das Rübezahl offers its guests a hiking concierge as well as guided hikes as an included service. For more information, visit the hotel’s website.

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Der Beitrag “A lot of people are hiking too fast” – Interview with hiking concierge Bergbaschdi from the Allgäu erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Awareness of sustainable living continues to grow. And that has implications for weddings, honeymoons and honey getaways. Here are practical tips on how to minimize your carbon footprint on your romantic getaway. You will also learn about romantic and sustainable accommodations that will make your honeymoon unforgettable.

Fun fact: While people have been getting married for centuries and you can find different wedding traditions and customs around the world, the honeymoon is not so old. The post-wedding trip originated in England in the 19th century. Wealthy middle-class couples traveled after their wedding to visit various relatives. This is no longer the case. On the contrary, most newlyweds want to spend some time alone (away from their relatives) after the hustle and bustle of the wedding. How you do this is entirely up to you – there are no dos and don’ts! 🙂 .

How to plan a sustainable honeymoon

Depending on how you travel and how far you go, getting to your honeymoon can consume your entire annual carbon budget.

According to Atmosfair, everyone has a personal “climate budget” of 1,500 kilograms of CO2 per year – if the Paris climate goal of 1.5 degrees of global warming is to be achieved. A long-haul flight is already passing the budget.

However, some destinations are so far away that we can’t get there by train, and vacation time is limited. But there are still a few ways to make sure you travel sustainably on your honeymoon.

• Select more sustainable means of travel: Be intentional about choosing your mode of transportation, take your time and make the journey to your destination. Maybe you can even make a few stops along the way and experience more. 
• If air travel is the only option, you can offset the CO2 emissions either directly with the airline or a provider like Atmosfair.
• Support local businesses: sustainability is not only aimed at the environment, but also social togetherness. To avoid services in vacation regions from being taken over by corporate and external chains, you should ensure that you buy and consume from local businesses. By supporting the locals, you keep the money in the region and the culture alive.
• Respect for each other: even if your vacation is all about enjoying and relaxing, always be aware of your environment. For example, in some areas’ water is very scarce, which affects the local population. Therefore, be careful with the resources.
• Book sustainable accommodations: Pick accommodations that are sustainably oriented. For example, they use sustainable products, conserve resources and create fair working conditions. Below you will find some recommendations. 

The best places for an unforgettable (and eco-friendly) honeymoon

Our Green Pearls® partners have great offers for your honeymoon: For example, you can enjoy a romantic break in one of the chalets at ADLER Lodge RITTEN in South Tyrol. In the evening you can sit by the fireplace or use the private sauna. The chalets are located around a natural swimming lake on the edge of the forest and are built of local wood. The special service includes all-inclusive catering with ingredients grown directly on the lodge’s property according to the farm-to-table principle.

Honeymoon offers at ADLER Lodge RITTEN

The sustainable hotel has created two special honeymoon packages for honeymooners staying in a Chalet or Junior Suite:

Honeymoon Deluxe

• 1 bottle of AETOS Brut Rosé (from the Sanoner family winery) and fresh fruit in your room upon arrival
• Romantically decorated room
• 1 “Almglück for two” treatment for couples (90 minutes)
• 2 x 50-minute ADLER Harmony Spa treatments
• Lodge All-Inclusive Package: includes meals (breakfast, lunch and gourmet dinner) and exquisite beverages (juices, aperitifs, wines and cocktails)

per room € 355.00 (offer valid in 2024 in addition to the room rate)

Honeymoon

• 1 bottle of AETOS Brut Rosé – Sanoner Winery and fresh fruit in your room upon arrival
• Romantic bedroom decoration
• 1 “Feel Good Massage for Couples” (50 minutes)
• Lodge all-inclusive arrangement: all drinks and meals included during your stay

260.00 per room (offer valid for 2024 in addition to the accommodation rate)

Wedding Holidays in the Tyrolean Mountains

Another hideaway with a private sauna and fireplace can be found in Tyrol at Summit Lodges Pfunds. The lodges are built in the American log cabin style and are luxuriously furnished. There is a private kitchen and a large balcony with views of the mountains. The area is ideal for hiking and exploring nature. If you are looking for undisturbed togetherness (perhaps with your dog), you are in good hands in the Tyrolean mountains around Pfunds.

Honeymoon in the ‘Love’-Apartment on the croatian island

The Aparthotel The Dreamers Club is located on the island of Korçula in Lumbarda, Croatia. On the second floor you will find the apartment “Love”. From there, you have a fantastic view of the sea. This accommodation is often chosen by wedding couples.

The team creates a particularly evocative atmosphere. “ We serve breakfast in their room or on their private terrace and make sure that everything is very romantic. They almost leave our eco-apartment hotel more in love than when they arrived.” You will definitely have fond memories of your honeymoon here.

Romantic Honeymoon in Italy

For a particularly romantic and intimate honeymoon in Liguria, visit the picturesque village of Borgomaro. The Relais del Maro is an Albergo Diffuso and is spread over several former residential and commercial buildings in the village. This type of hotel has helped save small villages in Italy from decay, and the initiative has paid off in Borgomaro. You can experience authentic Italian village life surrounded by olive groves, lemon trees and waterfalls. The Mediterranean coast is also not far away.

If you let the hotel know in advance, the team will prepare a cinematic love nest for you. Candles, bouquets, a romantic dinner, flower petals – the works. The team will even give you a bottle of wine for the special occasion – and at the Relais del Maro they are always carefully selected.

Honeymoon in the royal Allgäu panorama

A real honeymoon pro is the Hotel Das Rübezahl with the nickname “Romantic Hideaway & Spa”. Located in Füssen, the hotel overlooks the fairytale castles of Neu Schwanstein and Hohenschwangau. The sustainable hotel has many surprises in store for your honeymoon – for example, you can have your room romantically decorated with a heart of rose petals on the bed while you dine in the restaurant. Make love locks with your names on them, take a carriage ride, or hike through the Allgäu mountains while the hotel’s good fairies prepare a private picnic for you. Or pamper yourselves at the spa and simply enjoy your time together.

Sustainable Honeymoon in Paris

What would a honeymoon guide be without the city of love? Walks along the Seine, selfies in front of the Eiffel Tower, and a portrait of you painted by the street artists on the Place du Tertre as a souvenir. If this is your idea of a honeymoon, there are many ways to make your trip eco-friendly. For starters, you can get to Paris by train from almost anywhere, and it’s also the best and easiest way to get around the city without a car. In addition, the Green Spirit Hotels offer eco-friendly accommodations. The three hotels are located in the 7th arrondissement, within walking distance of all the sights, and are individually decorated. And they are affordable for honeymooners on a budget!

Honeymoon in Thailand

If Thailand is a long distance trip for you, it is obviously less sustainable than a vacation in the region. However, we still believe in traveling to distant destinations for international exchange and to spread the wealth. (Read more about this in our article: Are we still allowed to fly?)

Keemala in Phuket, Thailand is not only a wonderful place for your honeymoon, you can even get married or celebrate your anniversary here. The various cottages and villas of this green wonderland in the middle of the tropical jungle offer you plenty of privacy and the perfect opportunity to enjoy your togetherness in a special ambience.

Make yourself comfortable or explore the surroundings

With a sumptuous menu in the villas, a private pool and spa facilities, there’s really no reason to leave the house. And if you like, you can take a walk in the enchanting forest or visit one of the nearby beaches. Keemala’s honeymoon package includes romantic nightly room service, as well as a bottle of sparkling wine and a couple’s spa treatment.

So many great options! We’re curious: what are you planning? Or, where did you spend your honeymoon and what tips do you have?

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One of the easiest ways to make your life more sustainable often starts in the bathroom. There are now so many great alternatives for shampoo, shower gel, make-up and the like that you’ll hardly notice the change!

The environment, however, does notice – and so does your body! According to statistics, the average person uses 10 different cosmetic products every day. And thus, has the potential to ingest up to 130 toxins! These include silicones, parabens, microplastics and fragrances, to name just a few. None of these substances are acutely life-threatening, but in the long term, both the environment and humans can suffer. Natural cosmetics do not contain any of these problematic ingredients.

Natural cosmetics can help to improve your skin and hair, many people can have reactions or irritations to some of the ingredients in conventional cosmetic products. Fragrances in particular can cause redness, blemishes and swelling. Many of these issues can be solved by switching to natural cosmetics.

How to recognize good natural cosmetics

Although animal testing for cosmetics is banned in the EU, this does not apply to chemical ingredients. These are not only used in cosmetics, but also in other products such as cleaning agents or medicines. With certified natural cosmetics, consumers can usually be sure that no animals had to suffer for the product. The various certifications have cut-off dates for this: for the BDIH seal, for example, no raw materials are allowed that were tested on animals after 1 January 1998. The well-known bunny logo with the protective hand even applies to the period from 1979.

You can also use barcode scanner apps such as Toxfox and Codecheck to find out how much nature is really in your natural cosmetics. Or, you can simply use one the cosmetics lines from one of our Green Pearls® partners.

Natural cosmetics from and in sustainable hotels and where to get them

Traditional natural cosmetics

Bali has its own beauty secrets to share with the world. However, one of the most important pieces of advice from the Indonesian island is: moisture keeps you young! Both internally, by drinking plenty of water, and externally, by making use of nourishing creams. The Puri Dajuma team reveals that in Bali, this includes recipes that have been passed down through generations.

Puri Dajuma’s skincare collection is based on essential oils and 100% natural ingredients such as coconut oil, jungle honey, lemon, cucumber and banana. You can try these out directly at the Dajuma, specifically at the Lola Spa. There you can enjoy head massages, a cream face massage or a hair mask.

Holistic care according to Ayurvedic teachings

In the Mountain Ashram Spa of the CERVO Mountain Resort in Zermatt guests can enjoy a specially developed natural, vegan, animal-free cosmetics line. The products are inspired by Ayurvedic medicine and have a calming, energising or detoxifying effect. The cosmetics and oils are an ideal match for the holistic treatment approach of the Mountain Ashram Spa.

With the ‘Alpine Woman Apricot Sensation’ for women and the ‘Pioneer Man Alpine Herbs’ for men, CERVO has launched its own collection of cosmetic lines. In addition, there are other series such as the moisturizing ‘Aloe Vera ‘, or the ‘Flow and Ayurveda Massage Oils’. Other products are also currently being developed.

One of the new signature products is the “Mountain Ashram Detox Body Scrub“, made with natural ingredients from the Swiss mountains: hazelnut oil, pine needles and sage. Allow 5 minutes for application, massaging the body scrub in circular motions from the feet to the heart. This should not only refine your skin texture, but also promote blood circulation.

Regional ingredients for natural cosmetics in the hotel

In South Tyrol, you can also experience a special natural cosmetics line – that of the ADLER Resorts & Lodges. For the ‘ADLER SPA Aktiv’ line, they use the best ingredients from three different regions of Italy, where the ADLER Resorts & Lodges are located: Plants and flowers from South Tyrol for skin cell protection and regeneration, grapes and thermal water from Tuscany for prevention and nourishing the skin, and algae extracts, citrus fruits and seawater from Sicily for cleansing and detoxification.

Only raw materials from organically controlled cultivation which are free of preservatives and colorants are used for the ADLER cosmetics line. The innovative technology ensures that the raw materials are gently broken down, and the active ingredients can be optimally absorbed into the skin. You can buy the products not only on the spot, but also in the ADLER online store.

South Tyrolean BergSea cosmetic line

In South Tyrol, on the Ritten, the Hotel Weihrerhof has also developed its own cosmetic line using ingredients from the region. The BergSea cosmetics line is certified organic and packaged in recycled PET. The basis of the skin care line is the water of the Wolfsgruben Lake. Located at 1,200 meters above sea level, Lake Wolfsgruben is one of the cleanest bathing lakes in Italy. There are also other ingredients from the Ritten, such as Swiss stone pine and hay. The products can be purchased from the hotel’s online shop for as little as 19 euros.

What natural cosmetics do sustainable hotels use?

Of course, not all of our Green PearlsⓇ partners have developed their own line of cosmetics. That’s why we also asked them what natural cosmetics they use – both for spa treatments and for you as a guest in your hotel room. Here are some of the brands our partners recommend:

TEAM DR. JOSEPH

Several of our partners rely on certified natural cosmetics from Team Dr. Joseph. The brand has been around since 1986 and is produced in Italy (South Tyrol). Team Dr. Joseph is vegan, cruelty-free and produced and packaged climate- and plastic-free. The natural cosmetics are also designed for holistic treatment. In addition to consumer products, the brand also has a partner program for hotels and spas.

Team Dr. Joseph natural cosmetics can be found at the sustainable Hotel My Arbor, also in South Tyrol (on the Plose near Brixen), and in Germany at the romantic Hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allgäu and at STURM in the foothills of the Rhön.

“Team Dr. Joseph is characterized by outstanding quality and delivers excellent results. The active ingredients include local trees, which suits us very well” – My Arbor (The hotel is built on stilts in the middle of the forest).

Phamos Nature

Hotel My Arbor also uses certified natural cosmetics Phamos Natur in the spa. The founder of the German company, Margot Esser, was involved in a car accident in the USA in the 1980s and suffered severe burns to her face and upper body. She was taken to a shamanic natural healing clinic where she was treated with Aloe Vera. The beneficial treatment and convincing effect led her to develop her own Aloe Vera products – and she has been doing so very successfully for over 35 years.

The Aloe Vera plants are grown in a sustainable mixed culture in Ecuador. Following the wisdom of the Mayan farmers, Phamos Natur ensures that “all plants want to grow together in families”.

Walde Organic Soap

At Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Austria, you will find Walde’s organic lavender liquid soap in every room. Walde is the oldest soap factory in Austria, with almost 250 years of history. Although the soap is not certified as a natural cosmetic, there is an organic line where all ingredients are organically grown.

Doctor Eckstein

The Birkenhof ***** Spa & Genussresort in the Upper Palatinate Lake District uses the indie brand Doctor Eckstein. The entire product line is based on nature and is produced in Germany. However, they are not certified natural cosmetics.

Is natural always better?

You may have guessed from our last two examples that we are cautious about this. As with food, it may be that smaller companies or start-ups cannot (yet) afford certification. For us, this simply means: read the ingredients (yes, we know how difficult it is with cosmetics!), look at the company website and if you have any doubts, ask critically. If the company is truly and honestly committed to sustainability, they will be happy to answer your questions!

What do you look for when choosing your cosmetics? And do you have any tips for sustainable beauty lines?

What do you look for in your cosmetics? Would you try a hotel’s collection? Let us know!

Continue Reading: How beauty care and environment are related

Continue Reading: Organic, plastic-free and zero-waste: What makes cosmetics sustainable?

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Cocoa ceremony and yoga retreats on an annual cycle

For the year 2024, Gut Sonnenhausen is offering yoga retreats based on the cycle of the year. The former stud farm south of Munich could not be more appropriate. Located in the middle of a nature reserve, you can feel the seasons. In the midst of nature, you can take a wonderful break and focus on yourself during a yoga retreat.

The yoga retreats are led by professional yoga teacher Thail De La Paz and take place in February, March, September, November, and December. The centerpiece is the Cocoa Ceremony. This shamanistic ritual focuses on the consumption of real cocoa. The ceremony is designed to “open the heart” and perfect for those interested in a guided journey to their inner self.

4-hour signature flow from east to west

Experience a complete cleansing from the outside in with the Signature Treatment at CERVO Mountain Resort in Zermatt, Switzerland. It consists of six treatment stations from east to west. The journey begins with a hammam scrub in the steam room, followed by a Bhutan-inspired hot stone herbal bath. At the third stop, choose between a Swiss stone pine or Ayurvedic Abhyanga massage in the Mongolian yurt. Followed by a break with fresh juices and fruit. The journey continues with a foot, hand, and facial treatment using the CERVO Apricot and Mountain Herb cosmetic line. Finally, the journey ends with a Tibetan singing bowl ritual.

During this treatment, you will be guided by trained therapists and leave feeling cleansed and relaxed, both physically and mentally.

Long-term pain relief

If you are plagued by all kinds of aches and pains for which conventional medicine has not yet found a cure, a stay at the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu may help. Located high in the German Alps, this ecologically run wellness hotel takes a holistic approach.

“The holistic theme is important to us because it is the basis of our HolisticLife concept.”

HUBERTUS Mountain Refuge Allgäu

Signature treatments include:

• HolisticDeep: A treatment that targets the deep muscles for long-term pain relief and improved mobility. Manually treats the source of many blockages and tensions.
• HolisticReset: The holistic treatment concept is suitable for acute and chronic illnesses, tension, and sports injuries. “In a perfect symbiosis of anamnesis and therapy form, a therapeutic approach to the iliopsoas (soul muscle) and the temporomandibular joint takes place, bringing the entire body back to its baseline – RESET.”

In addition to treatments, you can enhance your well-being by hiking in the surrounding countryside, swimming, and taking a sauna – and enjoying the hotel’s healthy organic food.

Reduce stress while on vacation

Stress has a significant impact on our physical and mental health. An anti-stress treatment combined with a (short) vacation can be just the antidote. STURM in Röhn (Central Germany) offers holistic, energetic treatments performed by shiatsu practitioners Carmen and Sabine. They combine the Japanese art of healing with a mindful touch to calm the mind.

“The energetic treatments have a decelerating effect when stress levels are high – that’s why we recommend taking them at the beginning of your vacation.”

STURM

Stress management in Thailand

Our Green PearlsⓇ partner Keemala on Phuket in Thailand offers special Unwind programs for people with “high-pressure careers”. Not only do they offer exercises and spa treatments, but they also teach stress management techniques one can practice at home.

“During the retreat, guests learn how to recognize the onset of stress and to use effective techniques to consciously reduce stress.”

Keemala

The sustainable resort also offers yoga and nature experiences in the Thai jungle, as the villas are located in its canopy. Here it is important to walk barefoot to feel nature directly.

Thalasso and ocean balancing on the Atlantic Ocean

The OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel in Tenerife is located directly on the Atlantic Ocean and has a special relationship with the sea. That’s where Thalasso comes in, a treatment method named after the ancient Greek word thálassa = sea. It uses the powers of the sea. Including (heated) seawater, sea air, algae, sand and mud.

With Ocean Balancing, you will receive a therapeutic signature treatment in the 34-degree Thalasso Pool (seawater pool), which combines weightless floating and aqua massage.

Aroma bath with aquapuncture

Water also plays an important role in your unique spa treatment at the Hotel Luise in Erlangen, Germany. Here you can create your own herbal bath for the aroma bath with aquapuncture. The herbs are either homegrown or from sustainable suppliers in the area. Aquapuncture uses warm water from ten specially arranged jets to relax the muscles in your shoulders, back, and lower back.

Zero body floating experience

Things get more futuristic at the vegetarian Dolomite hotel Paradiso Pure.Living on the Seiser Alm. During the Zerobody Floating Experience, you lie on a warm surface and feel completely weightless.

“The Zero Gravity System provides complete relaxation for the body and mind. It allows you to float as if in the depths of space, surrounded by colorful lights and soft music. Guests staying with us in the Dolomites particularly appreciate the Zerobody Floating experience after an active day of skiing or hiking”

Paradiso Pure.Living

Exceptional wellness with the power of the forest

My Arbor is located in the middle of a spruce forest on the river Plose near Brixen in South Tyrol. This forest is the inspiration for many of the specially developed Wellness treatments. Through a questionnaire, you can be assigned to a specific type of tree (larch, Swiss stone pine, mountain pine, or spruce) and then be treated according to the properties of these trees. The hotel has a 2,500 m² wellness area with saunas, an infinity pool, and a panoramic whirlpool. The hotel’s top priority is “the satisfaction and relaxation of our guests after a spa treatment”.

Signature spa treatments on the Ritten

Even higher up in South Tyrol, at 1,200 meters on the sunny Ritten plateau, Hotel Weihrerhof is located directly on the Wolfsgruben Lake. Its spa area offers a wide range of treatments as well as three specially developed signature treatments. One of them is called “Ionad – Centering” – a ritual for unblocking the respiratory muscles. This is done by stimulating the energy pathways from the feet to the hands to the neck and head. The 70-minute treatment includes head acupressure and allows you to breathe deeply, relax, and be free.

Alpine Ayurveda

On the German side of the Alps, at the Hotel Das Rübezahl in Allgäu, you can learn about Ayurveda. An ancient Indian art of healing, Ayurveda is considered to be the oldest system of medicine in the world still practiced today. It is about holistic healing and health and includes both health and nutritional teachings.

Read more about Ayurveda wellness in sustainable hotels in our article on Ayurvedic teachings and treatments

At Das Rübezahl, Manuela Kellner, Spa Manager, and Ayurveda Therapist, will advise and treat you. Should you wish to delve deeper into the subject, you can receive detailed advice during a one-hour coaching session. During this session, you can determine your Ayurvedic type (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha) or focus on specific issues such as diet, sleep problems, or life balance. You can also book treatments with Manuela, such as the Abhyanga full body oil massage.

Massages specially tailored to you

If you still haven’t found the right treatment for you, we recommend Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Tyrol. The 3,500-square-foot spa, featuring a heated outdoor pool, a panoramic rooftop pool, and seven themed saunas, is called FEEL.YOUNIQUE®. In addition to the treatments offered, you can have a YOUNIQUE massage (65 minutes) tailored to your needs. You can choose from various elements such as cupping glasses, basalt stones, fascia tools, or aromatic oils. The holistically trained therapists have a wealth of experience and will tailor the treatment exactly to your wishes and needs.

Sustainable in more ways than one

The best thing about Green PearlsⓇ Partner Signature Treatments is that they are sustainable. They take place in natural environments, using natural materials and natural cosmetics. The Spa Worlds are powered by the most environmentally friendly methods possible, and the featured hotels are committed to minimizing their carbon footprint. Not only does this mean less impact on the environment, but you can enjoy an atmosphere free of “chemicals” or artificiality. In addition, you can rest assured that the therapists are paid fairly.

Except for Erlangen’s Stadthotel Luise, all of the aforementioned partners are located in the heart of nature, so you can combine the treatments with forest bathing, swimming, or mountain hiking to further enhance your well-being. And in Erlangen? Numerous rustic pubs invite you to end the day with a relaxing Bavarian beer 😉

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Can’t it be more sustainable? A question many of our Green PearlsⓇ partners ask themselves all the time. As a result, hotels and resorts have implemented a variety of measures to reduce electricity, water and heating costs, as well as waste and CO₂ emissions. Many of these measures can also be implemented at home! The beauty is that it often only takes one step to live greener for many years to come.

Going green – Planning and implementation

Living sustainably involves so many things… Do you sometimes feel like you are inconsistent, getting bogged down, and maybe paying too much attention to the wrong things? You’re not alone! And rest assured, it’s almost impossible to be perfect in all aspects. But from time to time, it’s worth taking a look at your own behavior and identifying where you can improve. To that end, let’s take a look at a few areas of the home to see what improvements can be made and which ones will have the biggest impact.

10 tips for a more sustainable home

#1: Power supply

Before we look at the biggest power consumers in your home, you can start by looking at the sources from which you draw electricity. One of the easiest tips: Switch to green power! Switching to a new power provider is easy – particularly since it’s part of the provider’s service to help you do so.

When making the switch, make sure it is truly green electricity, 100% renewable and not nuclear or coal-fired. You can find comparisons of green power providers in your area on the internet. You will also find the electricity tariffs there – green electricity is usually a bit more expensive, but if you implement some energy saving measures (see point 2), it shouldn’t be noticeable.

Power plant on your balcony

Many of our Green PearlsⓇ partners generate their own electricity. Some accommodations, such as the newly opened OLM Nature Escape in South Tyrol, are completely energy self-sufficient. Many others generate at least a large percentage of their own power. Das Rübezahl, for example, a boutique hotel in southern Germany near Neuschwanstein Castle, has been generating about 90 percent of its electricity needs since 2021 with its own photovoltaic system and a combined heat and power plant.

If you want to be an active part of the energy transition, but don’t have the opportunity to install a full rooftop solar system or geothermal probes right now, you could consider a balcony power plant. This is particularly worthwhile if you have a south-facing balcony. A Balcony Power Plant is a small, plug-and-play solar system that allows you to generate up to 600 watts of electricity (soon to be 800 watts) without the need for permits or bureaucratic hurdles.

• The installation of a Balcony Power Plant is simple and can be done by anyone. The system can be connected to a household outlet (via the supplied inverter and cable).
• The electricity is not stored or fed into the grid. This means that it must be used directly. Therefore, it is particularly worthwhile for the operation of refrigerators and freezers.
• According to the Consumer Advice Centre, a standard 380-watt balcony system (optimally positioned) can generate 280 kWh per year. This corresponds to the annual consumption of a refrigerator and washing machine in a two-person household and saves around 56 euros in electricity costs.
• The cost of a single module is between 360 and 600 euros. This means that it will take several years to recoup the investment. So, make sure that you can position it optimally to get the most out of its output. Otherwise, it is just a nice gimmick that makes you feel good.

#2: Power consumption

You can reduce power consumption in every area of your home. This not only conserves resources, but also saves you money. Electricity is often used unnecessarily anyway due to standby functions, etc.

These are the top 10 energy wasters in the home, according to EON:

1. Old heat pumps
2. Electric stove
3. Freezer
4. Fridge
5. Lighting
6. Dryer
7. Dishwasher
8. Washing machine
9. TV
10. W-LAN

Although televisions and wireless LANs are at the bottom of the list, it’s estimated that our entertainment devices consume about one-third of all electricity! So it reallly pays to use energy efficient devices.

• When choosing a TV, check to see if it has HDR (High Definition Range). This feature makes the picture look more vivid but uses a lot of power. You can safely turn off HDR, especially when watching things like news, YouTube channels, or cooking shows!
• You can also save power by using a power strip with a red off button. This way, you can turn off all devices from standby with the push of a button.

Sleep without “electrosmog “

All electrical devices (including household appliances, telephones, etc.) emit a certain amount of radiation. It is not really “smog”, which is a very high level of pollution in the air, but is commonly referred to as “electrosmog”.

Even though radiation from household appliances is scientifically considered harmless to health, some people are concerned about the effects.

In the Green Spirit hotels in Paris, there are rooms that use an alternative technology to shield their rooms specifically against electrosmog. 

If you too want to sleep “without radiation”, simply remove your cell phone from the bedroom at night and unplug other electrical devices.

#3: Heating

In order to save on heating costs, you can install smart heating thermostats on your radiators. The Naturhotel Outside in the Hohe Tauern Alpine National Park in East Tyrol, for example, recently made the switch. By optimizing heating curves, the hotel expects to save about 25 percent of its heating energy – without sacrificing warm rooms for guests.

#4: Light

Switching to LED bulbs is another way to make your home more sustainable. Unlike other bulbs, LED bulbs do not contain mercury. They also glow at full brightness when turned on and are extremely durable. Many hotels, such as the Biohotel Bella Vista Zermatt, have long used LEDs in combination with timers and motion detectors and thus save a lot of energy. And of course, remember to always turn the lights off when you leave the room 🙂

#5 Repair, renovate and restore

Renovating or restoring old buildings and furniture saves plenty of resources and contributes to significantly lower CO2 emissions than constantly buying and building new things. Best of all, old materials tell countless stories, decades and sometimes centuries old, creating an exceptional atmosphere. One such example is the Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Tyrol. The hotel was built on 500-year-old monastery walls and has been family owned for 200 years. The Seyrling family has skillfully highlighted the old walls through careful renovations.

Purchasing new furniture is often cheaper than keeping old furniture. However, you won’t get the same quality, and cheap pressed furniture can emit harmful substances like formaldehyde.

In my own experience, the cost of an upholsterer to restore an old couch is more than the price of a new one. But eventually, we were able to choose the exact fabric we wanted, the couch already fit perfectly in the corner, and he even made matching pillowcases and a throw for us. In the end, we supported local crafts and did something for sustainability.

The Gut Sonnenhausen eco-hotel near Munich is home to beautiful old, restored 18th-century farm cupboards.

Tip: For some great upcycling ideas for your home, check out this blog post on upcycling inspiration.

#6 Natural Materials

Being surrounded by furnishing made of natural materials simply makes you feel more comfortable. The local Swiss stone pine wood, for example, is said to have a calming and sleep-inducing effect, which you can learn more about in our blog post on Swiss stone pine wood.

At the Lifestylehotel SAND on the Timmendorfer Strand, you’ll sleep especially well on natural beds from Coco-Mat, which are hand-made in Greece using renewable raw materials such as cotton, algae, wool and wood.

In general, more and more hotels are starting to build entire hotel rooms from natural materials that are fully compostable or recyclable, in line with the principles of the circular economy.  The SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA recently received an award for its “Circular Living” hotel room concept. It won third place in the German Tourism Award and was also one of the three finalists for the “German Corporate Sustainability Award.”

#7 Saving water

Most of us don’t want to do without the warm shower – especially in winter. Thereby we accept that we use huge quantities of water just to enjoy it on our skin one minute longer. That is why the Hotel Luise relies on the showers by Orbital Systems, which the Swedish enterprise originally developed for NASA. Meanwhile, these showers are not only to be found in the Hotel Luise, but you can also buy them for your home. Due to a special technology the water is purified in a closed loop and continually reused while you are showering. Thereby you do not only save 90 % of water and energy, but you can also take your shower with a clear conscience.

#8 Clean – without chemicals!

Many of our partner hotels, like the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu or the Hotel Weihrerhof in South Tyrol, rely on Miro steam cleaners or micro dry steam cleaners. According to the Hotel Weihrerhof, they can also be used to clean upholstered furniture and curtains.

Advantages of micro-steam cleaning:

• Cleaning without chemical detergents
• Low water consumption
• Reduced physical demand

Steam cleaners are also available for home use. While smaller in size, they are a promising option for environmentally friendly cleaning. The list of natural cleaning products in supermarkets and drugstores is growing, making it easy for even the average consumer to do without dry cleaning. Most cleaning jobs can be done with just a few household products, such as vinegar essence, baking soda, soda, and citric acid.

#9 Zero-Waste kitchen

A large part of our daily waste is produced in the kitchen due to the packaging of pre-prepared food as well as fresh ingredients. On the weekly markets in your city you can usually buy regional and above all seasonal ingredients without plastic packaging that you can directly put into your shopping bag. There is also a lot of food that you can grow at home. Just keep in mind: where there is a will there is way. For example, the Gili Lankanfushi on the Maldives managed to create an organic garden by means of a special composting system: that way, potatoes, carrots and much more grow in a place where before there has only been sand. So, if you do not have a garden, you can be creative in your kitchen using vertical indoor wall gardens, flower boxes for your windowsill or simply a few herbs in a pot.

#10 Become a little more vegan

Now that we’ve considered zero-waste, electricity and water consumption, let’s take a look at what we eat. It is a well-known fact that animal products in particular cause a lot of climate-damaging greenhouse gases. One alternative is to opt for a vegan diet. The LA VIMEA Hotel in South Tyrol is the first purely vegan hotel in Italy – you won’t find any animal products here. Other hotels are less radical but have added vegan alternatives to their menus and breakfast buffets. How about homemade hummus for a change, or vegan chocolate brownies? Both recipes stem from Hotel Paradiso Pure.Living on the Alpe di Siusi, which caters to vegans and vegetarians.

Did we forget anything? Most certainly! Please let us know in the comments what other tips you might have for going green at home.

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When you are lying on the beach like sardines in a can or standing in a queue in front of the ice cream parlor for half an hour, when crowds are blocking the view of local sights, that is inconvenient and annoying, but not considered as something dangerous.

But: The infrastructures of popular cities are at their limits, as visitors crowd the streets, and the rents of residents increase immeasurably, because more and more housing space is used for holiday accommodations. Overtourism is a phenomenon that is certainly not relaxing. Just as these crowds of tourists strain your nerves, they strain the much-desired travel destinations, the nature as well as the people.

 

Two billion tourists expected in 2030

In 2017, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) released projections predicting 1.8 billion tourists worldwide in 2030, an unprecedented high. According to a press release issued by the Italian National Railway Company (FS) in 2023, it is now even expected that there will be 2 billion tourists in 2030.

 

According to the UNWTO, the main challenges facing global tourism include:

• Pollution
• Waste
• Explotation of labor
• Prostitution and child abuse
• Depletion of natural rescources

 

 

 

 

Travel must become more conscious in times of overtourism

Crowds of tourists also mean great amounts of waste. In 2016, the UNESCO considered including the Inka Mountain citadel Machu Picchu into the List of World Heritage in Danger. The reason: a waste management crisis. Around 2,000* tourists daily leave vast quantities of waste at Machu Picchu and its transport posed a huge logistical problem. Due to a waste compacting machine at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel the crisis could finally be averted. The machine can process up to 14 tons of waste that is transported by train to recycling plants. For this initiative, Inkaterra received the German travel award “Die Goldene Palme”.

New rules for visiting Machu Picchu in 2024

*While in 2018 there were still 2,000 tourists per day, now there are already 2,500 tourists per day. This means that the flow of tourists has increased by 25 percent in the last five years!

From 2024, visits to the ancient Inca city in Peru will be subject to new rules to protect the World Heritage site. These include:

• Plastic ban
• Ban of alcohol
• No smoking

Machu Picchu can only be visited on a guided tour, to control the flow of tourists and compliance with the rules.

Do it differently – with an increased awareness

Not leaving any waste behind would be even better. For example, using your own refillable bottle can help to reduce the vast amounts of PET bottles. In general, you should ask yourself on every trip: how does my behavior affect this place? And how can I make sure that the impact is not a negative one? A great way to counteract overtourism is discovering new places. For example, the Cloud Forest surrounding Machu Picchu is at least as spectacular as the mountain citadel itself, but certainly not as crowded. Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel offers guided tours, where you have the opportunity to enjoy the peace of this natural wonder and learn a lot about the flora and fauna of this area steeped in history and the sustainability projects by Inkaterra Asociación (ITA).

Tourism in Thailand – the good and the bad

Thailand is one of the destinations that is still associated with images of beautiful nature overrun by tourists. For example, in our blog post Sustainable Travel in Southeast Asia, we described how overtourism has destroyed the coral on the Thai island of Ko Phi Phi Leh. The story began when the island was used as a location for the Hollywood film “The Beach,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. After the movie was released in 2000, up to 5,000 visitors traveled to Maya Bay every day. In 2018, this mass influx was punished: 90 percent of the corals there were damaged. Subsequently, the bay was completely closed to visitors and only reopened in 2022 (after a four-year recovery period).

Our Green PearlsⓇ partner Zeavola is also located on the island of Ko Phi Phi Leh and is actively involved in the conservation and replanting of coral reefs. As a diver, you can even take an active part. And if you don’t already have a diving license, the resort offers certified PADI courses that not only give you a diving license, but also teach you a lot about Thailand’s underwater world.

Community-based tourism in Thailand

Thailand is one of the destinations that is still associated with images of beautiful nature overrun by tourists. However, numerous sustainable projects demonstrate that there is also another way of traveling. One of them is the village Tung Dap in Thailand. It has recently been recognized by Green Destinations as one of the top three in the “Best of Cities, Communities & Culture” category for its commitment to the protection of the local culture and tradition, the involvement of the local community into tourism and its efforts against exploitation, human rights violation and mass tourism.

Stop overtourism: Real-life instead of a show for tourists

Tung Dap is a rural homestay initiative, where visitors are welcomed into the village during the time of their stay, learn more about the country and its people, and get involved in the community’s daily life. Examples of these unique local experiences are cultural activities that allow being close to nature like fishing and vegetable growing. The award-winning community-based tourism initiative Andaman Discoveries organizes recommendable tours to Tung Dap. In our blog post Green Vacation in Chiang Mai – live like the locals! you can read more about community-based tourism in Northern Thailand.

Mass Tourism in Europe – Sights on the Limit

The world’s most visited: the Eiffel Tower

With approximately 7 million visitors per year, the Eiffel Tower in Paris is one of the most visited monuments in the world. That translates to about 20,000 visitors a day. Unfortunately, there are hardly any times when it is not crowded. So, if you really want to climb the Eiffel Tower, I recommend visiting at night – you will see Paris lighted up and be able to see that the city is star-shaped.

Fortunately, the city of Paris has already developed ambitious plans to become one of the greenest cities in Europe.

If you want to visit the metropolis, we recommend the small, sustainable Green Spirit hotels in the 7th arrondissement (not far from the Eiffel Tower). The Hotel Le Pavillon, the Hotel Marlar and the Hotel Amélie have all been created from old existing buildings and pay attention to organic and fair trade products as well as a healthy quality of air.

Read our blog post Green Christmas in Paris for more ideas on sustainable travel in France’s capital..

Just like a fairy tale, right?

Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Germany. During the summer, the rooms that once belonged to only one person, King Ludwig II, are visited by over 6,000 people a day. It is up to you to decide whether you want to see the inside of the castle or whether a view from the outside will suffice (you can only see the whole building from a distance anyway).

Around the royal castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, you will also find wonderful opportunities for gentle tourism. Hotel Das Rübezahl is now in its third generation of family ownership. It is committed to environmentally friendly transportation, green energy and waste avoidance. The hiking guide Basti explains the local flora and fauna to tourists and raises awareness for nature.

Avoid overtourism – what you can do

• Take action on Instagram: Some travel bloggers (e.g. from SoulTravel) have already criticized that posts like “why a trip to X will explode your Instagram feed” promote mass tourism. Such posts are only about the “shot” for more popularity and no longer about traveling itself. Instead, show Instagram something not everyone has seen. Without geotagging, of course! When consuming, you can also make sure to follow sustainable travel bloggers and influencers who advocate mindful travel.
• Travel in the off-season: Especially if you’re not tied to school vacations, it’s better to travel to popular destinations in the off-season. When it’s less crowded, you’ll have more time to enjoy yourself as well.
• Travel longer: Air travel produces a lot of CO2 and shouldn’t be booked for a short trip. By staying longer, the destination can profit more from you as a tourist..
• Choose lesser-known destinations
• Photograph respectfully and share your photos thoughtfully: This means: refrain from using geo-tags and exact names of places. If you visit attractions or sights that are affected by mass tourism, point out the problems this causes in your description (keyword: Venice).
• Engage with the culture of the country
• Visit/support local sustainable projects (e.g., environmental protection, animal welfare, social issues)
• Choose sustainable accommodations

“The vision of travel we are committed to is one that benefits not only the traveler, but also the places we visit.” – SoulTravel Travel Blogger

The future of traveling

Above all, community-based tourism means that instead of a staged show for tourists, you experience authentic local everyday life. At the same time, community-based tourism provides a source of income for the locals, thus improving their quality of life. We think: This should be the future of travel.

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Swiss stone pine – The wonder pine of the Alps

The stone pine is a coniferous tree of the Alps up to 25 meters high. It can be found at an altitude of up to 2,850 meters above sea level. Thus, the Swiss stone pine often forms the tree line, meaning no other trees grow in higher regions. Swiss stone pines can live up to 1,000 years and can withstand temperatures as low as -40°C.

Thanks to sustainable forestry practices in the Alpine region, the Swiss stone pine is not in danger of extinction. On the contrary, the number of Swiss stone pine forests in Austria is actually increasing. The soft and light wood is very popular for making furniture. What makes it special, however, is its pleasant woody scent. The essential oils in Swiss stone pine remain in the wood for decades – even after 80 to 100 years, Swiss stone pine parlors in Tyrolean farmhouses still smell of the wood.

Does Swiss stone pine really improve sleep? In-between folk medicine and science

Swiss stone pine has a long tradition in folk medicine. Its resin has been used to make oils, ointments, and tinctures that are said to have soothing and disinfecting properties. The “active ingredient” is most likely the essential oil, which contains pinenes and phellandrene. During the flu season, the oil is said to improve breathing.

Sleep study: Swiss stone pine vs. pressboard

Scientifically, there have only been attempts to prove the health benefits. For example, a small study with 30 participants was conducted in 2003. The study examined the effect on the sleep quality of healthy adults. Over a period of four weeks, the participants in the blind study slept in rooms containing decorative wood and rooms containing pine wood. The result showed a “significant difference” (both in the ECG evaluation and in the personal interview).

• In the pine rooms, participants had a calmer heart rate and a longer deep sleep phase.
• Participants slept best in beds made of Swiss stone pine, followed by their bed at home and finally the bedroom made of decorative wood.

However due to the small scale of the study, the results should be taken with caution.

Is Swiss pine wood sustainable?

Generally, wood is a renewable and natural material that (without plastic varnishes and adhesives) completely decomposes and thus returns to the cycle. However, not all wood is sustainable. In order to obtain tropical wood, rain forests are cut down – with disastrous consequences for the climate and biodiversity. European wood is also criticized because it often comes from Romania, where Greenpeace and other environmental organizations say one of Europe’s last virgin forests is being illegally logged.

So what about the Swiss stone pine? Swiss stone pines grow in the European Alps at altitudes ranging from 1,500 to 2,850 meters above sea level. There are Swiss stone pine forests in:

• Austria
• Italy (only in South Tyrol )
• Swiss (Here the Swiss stone pine is referred to as Arve.)
• Germany (Berchtesgadener Alps)
• France (French Central Alps)

PEFC and FSC label for sustainable Wood

In almost all of these countries, the state- owend forest is fully certified with the European PEFC label for sustainable forest management. Private forests also carry the PEFC label in the vast majority of cases, and in some cases the FSC label as well.

The German Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) has criticized the PEFC label for not being meaningful enough. The control procedures are too weak, and, the seal allows for the use of pesticides. Instead, NABU and Greenpeace recommend the FSC label as the only credible seal of approval for sustainable forest management.

When you buy wood in a store or at a home improvement center, look for the FSC label. This guarantees that the wood was not illegally harvested from virgin forests, but comes from a well-managed forest that is committed to conservation and reforestation.

The Swiss stone pine is not generally considered an endangered tree because it reproduces without reforestation. This is thanks to the pine jay. The bird stores the pine nuts for the winter, allowing new seedlings to grow each year.

Stone pine parlous in the Alpine region can be considered particularly sustainable because:

• The stone pine is not an endangered species.
• There is hardly any CO2 produced during the transportation.
• The pine room (Arvenstube) is a regional cultural asset. The wood is usually not treated with synthetic varnishes in order to preserve its positive characteristics (the scent).
• Swiss stone pine furniture made of solid wood is extremely durable.
• Unlike wood fiber materials, the use of adhesives is not an issue. (In particleboard, etc., the wood chips are held together by adhesives and solvents, which can release “volatile organic compounds” such as formaldehyde that are harmful to health and the environment).

Green PearlsⓇ Hotels and cottages with rooms made of Swiss pine wood

If you would like to experience what it feels like to sleep in a Swiss stone pine room, you can do so at the following hotels:

Wood benefits in the spa area

In addition to using pine in the bedroom, some of our Green PearlsⓇ partners are using pine to enhance the wellness experience.

At the Allgäu Hotel Das Rübezahl, the Boutique Spa features pine infrared loungers and a “pine spa”. The latter is equipped with a “body sound swinging bed” and music therapy. In addition, the hotel’s premium suites (“AlmRausch” and “RosenReich”) have private saunas made of Swiss pine. The whole experience is crowned by a panoramic view of the Alps and the royal castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau.

In Switzerland, the stone pine parlor is called the “Arvenstube”. You’ll find one at the Bella Vista Biohotel in Zermatt. “The Arvenstube is located in the Alpine Spa, and there are four waterbeds in it, which leads to total relaxation,” the team reports. “Swiss stone pine lowers the resting pulse rate! The scent is soothing and invites you to linger”. For many guests, the pine room is an absolute highlight.

Beads and cubes for the indoor climate

Other of our partners use Swiss stone pine accessories. In the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu you will find Swiss stone pine cubes and a Swiss stone pine heart with the “Lust auf Leben” logo in all hotel rooms. These are not just decorative elements. “The scent creates a pleasant warmth in the room,” the owners report. Many guests love them and buy them in the shop to take home. There is also a carafe of Grander water with a pine ball in the room.

Hotel Okelmann’s in Lower Saxony also uses Grander water carafes with a pine wood ball. The water, revitalized according to Johann Grander, flows through the pipes throughout the hotel, allowing you to refill your carafe over and over again. These carafes are available as souvenirs in the Okelmann’s Concept Store.

Wood for indoor climate improvement

In addition to the aforementioned hotels with Swiss stone pine, there are other Green PearlsⓇ partners with interesting wood concepts. At Naturresort Gerbehof on the German side of Lake Constance, all furniture is made from spruce felled in the hotel’s own forest and handcrafted on the hotel’s farm. “Our furniture is not varnished, only coated with sustainable organic wax. This allows the wood to breathe,” they tell us. It does mean that the cupboards and beds have to be waxed and adjusted more often, but that’s nature.

In the vegan hotel LA VIMEA in South Tyrol, 100 percent untreated regional larch wood was used for most of the rooms and spaces. The special feature: The wood was felled during the waning phase of the moon. “This makes it more resilient and energetic,” they say.

Learn more about Moonwood in this blogpost.

Taking advantage of the health benefits of Swiss stone pine while on vacation

The Alpine region is one of the few unspoiled areas left on our planet. In Tyrol, South Tyrol and Allgäu you will find large nature reserves and alpine national parks where you can enjoy nature. The quality of the air, water and forests is excellent, and fortunately there are many opportunities for sustainable tourism, of which our Green PearlsⓇ partners are a prime example.

Scientifically, the effectiveness has not been sufficiently proven, but the personal experiences of our partners and their guests are consistent with the preliminary results that Swiss stone pine wood increases our sense of well-being.

Have you ever stayed in a Swiss stone pine room? Share your experience in the comments! We look forward to hear if you agree with our findings.

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