Sustainable hotels offering silent retreats

Does silence need any kind of instruction? Not really. Later in this article we give you a list of hotels and accommodations in quiet, open natural settings – where you can easily experience silence for yourself.

But many of us are already so ‘programmed’ that we are constantly busy with our phones, work, family or other things. In most cases, “time for yourself” means putting on some music and getting on the treadmill. But have you ever consciously allowed yourself to experience silence? Without music, radio, television, screaming children and chattering partners? When was the last time you did that? And “endured” it for an extended period of time?

Well? Got you?

In such situations, it can be helpful to find and consciously experience silence with a professional trainer. Don’t worry, it’s going to be quiet now.

Personal retreat at Gut Guntrams in Austria

Gut Gunstram is situated about an hour from Vienna in the middle of an orchard. A 25 minute walk from the nearest train station, you will find yourself in a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere with a natural swimming pond and crystal garden.

You can book a silent retreat with Petra Kaltenböck as a one-to-one retreat at any time. Petra is a professional horse guide and selfness coach with over ten years of experience.

“Guidance (means) we will walk a path together in which you will come more and more into contact with your own strength! (…) It takes what it needs. (…) Sometimes it’s just being together in silence and awareness.” – Petra Kaltenböck

👉 Find out more about the retreat here.

Fasting weeks with quiet moments at Biohotel Grafenast

The Biohotel Grafenast in Tyrol is also a dream location for moments of tranquillity. This small, family-run hotel, with just 23 rooms, is situated high above the Tyrolean Inn Valley and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

The eco-hotel recommends its fasting weeks as a way of experiencing silence, where ‘silent moments’ are an integral part of the programme:

👉Next date: April 2025 Ayurvedic fasting week with Isolde Ackermann

That’s why silence is good for you

According to the Spectrum of Science, numerous studies have shown a link between long-term noise exposure and cardiovascular disease. This has led to noise legislation in several countries. Silence, on the other hand, allows the brain to “better regenerate its cognitive resources”.

 Silence clears the mind and helps you organise your thoughts and develop new ideas.

Ocean Balancing – Silence in the water

Of course, there is no such thing as 100% silence in nature. Leaves rustle, birds chirp – and for most of us, even distant traffic noise is part of everyday life. You can always hear something. But as scientific studies show, the level of noise makes a big difference to our brains.

So-called ‘floating tanks’ are used for scientific research involving silence. Subjects are placed in salt water tanks with sound and light proof hoods and left to float for a period of time, shielded from the outside world. (Personally, I think that would be a bit too much for me!)

At the OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel in Tenerife, you can find peace and tranquillity in the open air with the OCEAN Balancing treatment. During this “treatment of deep and lasting relaxation”, you will float in water, accompanied by a therapist. Your muscles relax, the water muffles the sounds and the calm connection with the element of water gives you new impulses.

Room of tranquillity as a counterpart to the relaxation room

Many spa hotels have quiet rooms. But the Hotel Das Rübezahl in Allgäu (with a direct view of Neuschwanstein Castle) has found that a quiet room next to the sauna is not quiet enough. People tend to chat there. So the hotel’s ‘Boutique Spa’ now includes a ‘Room of Silence’ where it really is quiet.

STURM in Mellrichstadt has named its quiet room the ‘House of Silence’. It was recently designed by the renowned architect Professor Matthias Loebermann and is completely paneled with natural silver fir. You enter the room, located in the garden next to the outdoor sauna, through a long corridor. This transition is designed to trigger a mental reset and prepare you for the silence to come. Time to unwind. And relax.

At Eco-Hotel Okelmann’s in the small town of Warpe in Lower Saxony, you can find peace and tranquillity in nature and through yoga and meditation. Maren Geisler-Okelmann, a member of the host family, is a qualified yoga teacher.

“We have a room of silence that is used for ‘just being’ and meditation.” – Hotel Okelmann’s

Room of Tranquillity on holidays

The SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in Bad Herrenalb is another hotel that promotes mindfulness with its Selfness Centre. However, the ‘Room of Tranquillity’ is reserved specifically for Christian holidays: Easter, Christmas and New Year.

The room offers with yoga mats, atmospheric decor and a reading corner. “This way, our guests can escape the hustle and bustle of their holidays and find peace,” the hotel says.

Relax & Calm’ – Sustainable wellness hotels with multiple quiet rooms

The slightly larger properties of our sustainable Green PearlsⓇ partners are also ideal for a relaxing holiday in peaceful surroundings.

The Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten in Bernkastel-Kues on the Mosel River, for example, was designed entirely according to Feng Shui principles and includes numerous relaxation rooms.

👉 Learn more about the lifestyle resort’s “Relax & Calm” concept here.

At the Birkenhof***** Spa & Genussresort in the Upper Palatinate, you will also find a spacious hotel with a large outdoor area. The Spa & Genussresort is beautifully secluded on a hill in the Upper Palatinate Lake District. “We have many quiet rooms for perfect relaxation,” says the owner family.

At CERVO Mountain Resort in Zermatt, Switzerland, they also believe that special retreats are not necessarily required for moments of silence.

“Guests seeking peace and relaxation will find the mountains to be the perfect place to unwind in silence. Our yurts, relaxation room and ritual room (outside of yoga classes) are perfect for enjoying this tranquility.” – CERVO Mountain Resort

Nature-oriented hotels and vacation homes where you can find silence

According to the staff, the Silence Room at Keemala’s Mala Spa in Phuket, Thailand, is always very quiet because it is only open to guests who have booked a treatment at the spa. There are other quiet corners throughout the resort, which is tucked away in the backcountry in the middle of a small tropical forest. The hotel team recommends walking barefoot through the Enchanted Forest to heighten your awareness of nature.

The Gerbehof Nature Resort in Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance in Germany also cites its “own forest” as the best place to enjoy silence. There is also a “room of silence” in the house itself. The resort also has a stone circle on the grounds.

“In our house, every room is silent”

That’s how Marco Spiss describes his Summit Lodges in the Tyrolean village of Pfunds. The two log cabins are located in the middle of quiet nature, and you (and your loved ones) will have a large wooden house of about 120 square meters to yourself – with a sauna and a fireplace. In the evening you can sit on the balcony and listen to the rabbit and the hedgehog saying good night to each other.

The My Arbor* Hotel in South Tyrol near Brixen is an adults-only hotel and a good address if you are looking for a relaxed and quiet atmosphere. “We don’t currently offer any special ‘quiet retreats’ or ‘quiet rooms’ (but) of course there are many quiet corners in the hotel where our guests can enjoy moments of silence and relaxation – be it in our spacious spa area, on a walk through the surrounding woods or in the peaceful atmosphere of our suites,” they say.

By the way, the construction noise stopped when I reached the end of the article. The good man with the hydraulic hammer seems to be done for the day. Thank you very much! It is possible to actively enjoy the silence at home during a moment like this. Why not try it right now?

CIN-Codes:

* CIN: IT021011A1AE4737IT (My Arbor)

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Why I love hotel restaurants

Some hotel restaurants have a separate entrance for external guests, while others require you to enter through the hotel lobby. You may also have to wait there for a while before being shown to your table in the restaurant. I love hotel lobbies: it’s a bit like an airport or train station, but much more intimate and cosy. You see lots of different faces, tourists from different countries, business travellers, lovers… yes, I admit it, ‘people watching’ is one of my private hobbies. 🙂

The holiday feeling

So order a drink in the lobby and soak up the atmosphere. As many of the guests are on holiday, a bit of holiday spirit and atmosphere will rub off on you! When my children were younger, we were always allowed to take the lift in the hotels 🙂 (After asking politely, of course). That way you can soak up a bit more of the hotel atmosphere.

Many hotel restaurants feature stunning decor, with large panoramic windows offering breathtaking views or intentionally traditional furnishings, creating the ambiance of a private cultural museum.

The hotelier’s family often runs the kitchen

Finally, in family-run hotels, the kitchen is often run by the owners themselves or one of their children. It’s a classic scenario: one child studies business and the other becomes a chef (or yoga teacher, ayurvedic trainer, spa manager, etc.). I like the fact that the owner or the son or daughter of the host family personally does the cooking.

Our picks for sustainable hotel restaurants around the world

#1 UN – The Farmhouse Smiling Gecko’s Restaurant and Chef Mariya Un Noun, Cambodia

Fine dining and a rediscovery of almost lost Khmer cuisine – all at UN Restaurant, about 60 kilometres from Phnom Penh. The restaurant is owned by our Green PearlsⓇ partner Farmhouse Smiling Gecko.

Mariya Un Noun runs the restaurant, and I highly recommend reading this Gault Millau article about her. Raised in the slums of Cambodia, sold into marriage, and later abandoned, she has transformed her life through Smiling Gecko. After training with top chefs in Europe, her restaurant is now praised by Gault Millau as ‘one of the best in Cambodia.’

What can you eat here? For example, fish with different kinds of lemongrass.

Link: UN Restaurant

#2 Mala Restaurant at Keemala Resort, Phuket, Thailand

“We welcome external guests. At the sustainable Mala Restaurant you can enjoy organically grown fresh produce, environmentally friendly (zero waste) practices and a unique atmosphere.” – Keemala

The Mala Restaurant at Keemala is beautifully situated in the middle of a tropical forest in Thailand and has been decorated with natural materials from the region. The resort is owned by a family from Phuket (not common in Thailand where there are many foreign investors).

What can you eat here? Thai and international dishes with an Indian twist (the chef is from India)

Link: Mala Restaurant

#3 Organic Fine Dining at The Pavilions Himalayas – The Farm, Nepal

Another very special hotel restaurant to visit as an external guest is the farm-to-table restaurant at The Pavilions Himalayas – The Farm. This luxurious resort, located at the foot of the Himalayas, sits on an organic farm, providing fresh, farm-to-table food directly from its own grounds.

“We only use regional and seasonal ingredients,” they tell us. They are also part of the Slow Food movement.

What can you eat here? A weekly changing menu with fresh produce from the farm

Link: Farm-To-Table Restaurant The Pavilions Himalayas

#4 Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt – Cosy dining in Switzerland

For a more down-to-earth atmosphere and a cosy, intimate setting, try the restaurant at Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt. This small boutique hotel offers you the choice of sitting on the terrace or in front of the panoramic window with views of the Matterhorn.

Info: To avoid excessive food waste, external guests can only dine here by prior arrangement.

What can you eat here? Cheese fondue, tarte flambée, Valaisan platter or homemade soups cooked by the host mother.

Link: Hausgemachtes in Home cooked cuisine in Zermatt

Hotel restaurants in Germany you should know

In Germany there are six of our sustainable Green Pearls hotel restaurants where you can dine as an external guest.

#1 New German cuisine’ at the 2-star Eisvogel restaurant at Birkenhof***** Spa & Gourmet Resort, Upper Palatinate

Obendorfer’s Eisvogel was founded by chef Hubert Obendorfer, who over time earned two Michelin stars. In 2022, his son Sebastian Obendorfer took over the kitchen – and immediately managed to maintain the two-star level.

If you would like to combine a gourmet weekend with a wellness weekend at the Birkenhof ***** Spa & Genussresort, we recommend our blog article about a 7-star gourmet weekend, in which we introduce you to the Birkenhof and its restaurant.

What can you eat here? “New German cuisine” at its best

Link: Obendorfers Eisvogel

#2 Otto|s organic restaurant at STURM in Mellrichstadt

Every day from 6pm to 9pm, Otto|s from the STURM offers a unique open kitchen concept that combines 100% organic ingredients with a seasonal focus. The open kitchen lets you watch the chefs prepare dishes and gives you the chance to chat with them as they work.

What can you eat here? Vegetarian, vegan, fish or meat, with variety and freshness.

Link: Otto|s

#3 Slow Food at the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu

HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu lies in the beautiful mountains of Balderschwang. The cuisine not only follows the Slow Food concept, but also has a strong Ayurvedic influence, which you will notice in the spices used by chef Kristian Knölke. They warmly welcome external guests and serve them the same menu as house guests. The same applies to the breakfast and lunch buffets.

What can you eat here? Regional Allgäu cuisine with a touch of Ayurveda.

Link: Culinary Mountain Experience

#4 Enjoy a changing menu at the Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa, Bayerisch Gmain

As an external guest at Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa, you can enjoy an evening menu created by Head Chef Sascha Förster. There are three menus to choose from every day (‘Chefs Choice’, ‘Mountain Meadow’ and ‘Cabbage & Turnips’), which you can mix and match. The ‘Cabbage & Turnips’ menu is purely vegetarian and therefore suitable for vegans.

Info: External guests can only attend by prior arrangement

What to eat here: Creative alpine homestyle cuisine

Link: Klosterhof Restaurant

#5 Romantic dinner at the Hotel Rübezahl in Schwangau, near Füssen

Hotel Das Rübezahl recently revised its culinary concept, and the Restaurant Louis II now serves both cosmopolitan dishes and authentic regional cuisine. They source their meat and dairy products from grazing animals in the Allgäu region.

As a special highlight, you can book a candlelight dinner in the Zirbenstube every day. A 5-course menu awaits you (and your loved one) in a romantic atmosphere.

What can you eat here? Allgäu classics such as Kässpatzen or Wiener Schnitzel, as well as vegan dishes with sweet potato or couscous.

Link: Restaurant Louis II

#6 Planet healthy enjoyment at the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, Bad Herrenalb

“At least 90% of the food and drink we serve is organic.” – SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA

The SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA takes its name from the magnificent panoramic views of the Black Forest from the restaurant and terrace. In the evening, both hotel guests and external guests can enjoy a three-course gourmet dinner or dine à la carte. What’s special about this restaurant is that it strives to keep the carbon footprint of its dishes as small as possible, in line with the ‘Planet Healthy‘ diet. The menu shows the CO2 emissions generated by each dish. They also clearly mark Vegan dishes.

What can you eat here? Planet Healthy meals made with fresh local organic produce. Fish, pasta, vegetable dishes, burgers.

Link: Restaurant La Vie

#7 FARMER’S CLUB Restaurant with live music at Gut Sonnenhausen

The FARMER’S CLUB restaurant at Gut Sonnenhausen near Munich is only open to outside guests once a month – on the first Wednesday of the month. But on these evenings you can expect more than just a good meal.

What can you eat here? Organic dishes from the fire kitchen (accompanied by live music)

Link: Wednesday music at the Farmer’s Club Restaurant

Fabulous (vegan) hotel restaurants in South Tyrol

Vegan restaurants are becoming increasingly popular, but vegan-only hotels are still a rarity. South Tyrol has two – the first in northern Italy!

#1 LA VIMEA Vegan Hotel – 5-course dinner, Naturns

LA VIMEA* in Naturns is an adults-only hotel. The vegan gourmet cuisine is known for its exciting colour and flavour combinations and delights with beautifully arranged plates, sometimes including fresh flowers. The restaurant also follows zero-waste principles and has a ‘no plastic policy’.

Info: The cost of a five-course dinner for external guests is €77 (excluding drinks). You must make reservations at least 24 hours in advance.

What can you eat here? Gourmet, organic, vegan (food intolerances catered for).

Link: LA VIMEA Vegan Restaurant

#2 Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel – Vegan pizza on the Seiser Alm

The Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel** is situated at an altitude of over 2,000 metres, right on the slopes of the Dolomiti Superski area. The restaurant can be reached on skis in winter and on mountain bikes or hiking boots in summer. There is a large outdoor terrace and a cosy indoor restaurant. All food and drinks are 100% vegan. The kitchen concept has recently been overhauled by Aggeliki Charami in 2024. The Greek vegan chef is a social media celebrity and a pioneer of modern vegan cuisine.

What can you eat here? The hotel tells us that the vegan pizzas on the terrace are a particular highlight. They are baked in a special pizza oven. There are also a variety of vegan dishes and delicious desserts.

Link: Paradiso Pure.Food Restaurant

#3 Dining at the elegant My Arbor tree hotel near Brixen

“We welcome external guests to book a table for dinner in our hotel restaurant. Our head chef, Matthias Hinteregger, offers an exclusive seven-course menu of your choice, freshly prepared every day.” – MY ARBOR

‌About a 15-minute drive from Brixen, My Arbor is a wellness hotel built on stilts in the treetops. The adults-only hotel is both sustainable and luxurious.

What can you eat here? The menu changes daily and is based on different themes. Example: ‘We love South Tyrol’ day or ‘Bella Italia’ day.

Link: Restaurant Plose

Hotel-Restaurants of our Green PearlsⓇ partners in Austria

Austria also has great sustainable hotels with excellent restaurants. Again, our partner hotels focus on regional and organic produce.

#1 Outside Nature Hotel – Award-winning natural cuisine in Matrei, East Tyrol

In 2024, the restaurant at Naturhotel Outside earned 3 Falstaff Forks (90 points) and welcomes external guests year-round. Situated in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park, this family-run hotel stays close to nature, a value clearly reflected in its restaurant.

What can you eat here? 6-course gourmet menu plus à la carte classics such as Wiener Schnitzel or East Tyrolean specialities such as Schlipfkrapfen (click here for the recipe).

Link: Outside Restaurant

#2 Lunch at Café Veranda at Gut Guntrams near Vienna

Café Veranda was also honoured by Falstaff in 2024, receiving 89 points in the Falstaff Café Guide. Gut Guntrams in Schwarzau/Steinfeld is surrounded by fruit trees. There is also a “Edelmacherei with farm shop’ and a crystal garden.

Info: The café is open to external guests on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (opening hours 8.30-16.00).

What can you eat here? Game dishes and homemade cakes made from in-house produce.

Link: Cafe Restaurant Veranda

#3 Dinner at the Biohotel Grafenast with views of the valley, Tyrol

Biohotel Grafenast is located in Pill, overlooking the Tyrolean Inn Valley. It has a cosy, wood-panelled restaurant and an original parlour from the early days. The menu changes with the seasons and there is a daily dinner menu – all organic.

What can you eat here: Think game and dumplings with fresh mountain herbs.

Link: Grafenaster Organic-Restaurant

#4 Dining in the brewery cellar of the Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld

Hotel Klosterbräu has been owned by the Seyrling family for over 200 years, with nine members of the family looking after guests. Among its special features is the hotel’s own brewery. Outside, guests can enjoy culinary delights in the 500-year-old vaults of the former monastery. There is a brewery cellar, a wine cellar and a grill house where they grill meat, vegetarian and vegan dishes. For a romantic dinner for two, you can also book your own ‘flying dinner’ on the Romeo and Juliet balcony.

What can you eat here? Barbecue specialities, tapas, rustic dishes, Austrian country cuisine.

Link: Culinary delights at the Hotel Klosterbräu

Sustainable gastronomy against food waste

Food waste is a huge problem in the hospitality industry. Some hotels appallingly stack food on ‘all-you-can-eat’ buffets without considering how much will end up wasted. Once food has been on the guests’ tables or the buffet, it cannot be reused. As a matter of principle, I do not attend such buffets and “offers”.

On Green PearlsⓇ you can see what each accommodation is doing to prevent food waste in the ‘Green Initiatives’ section. In addition to good planning and inventory management, many use their kitchen ‘waste’ to make homemade stocks and syrups and maintain a compost heap.

Some use cooked food left over by guests to produce biogas. Pavilions Himalayas – The Farm follows the Slow Food concept, actively working to minimize food waste. Any leftover food is either fed to the farm animals or fed into its on-site biogas plant, which in turn powers the kitchen.

Sustainable hotels that do not run their own agriculture, such as the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in Bad Herrenalb, Germany, provide cooked food waste to ‘ReFood’, which uses it to produce electricity, heat, fertiliser or biodiesel.

Local ingredients in the restaurants of Green PearlsⓇ hotels

Another major advantage of hotel restaurants in sustainable hotels is the regional nature of the products. The benefits are obvious:

• 0-km products cause almost no CO2 emissions from transport and storage
• Absolutely fresh (no need for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), where the ripening process takes place in plastic)
• Strengthening regional agriculture
• Relying on strong partnerships and fair wages

There are also a growing number of star chefs (such as three-star chef Norbert Niederkofler from South Tyrol) who focus entirely on regional produce. But this also requires the courage to banish ‘exoticism’ from the kitchen. Unfortunately, many diners still expect exactly that.

Take the cheese platter in Germany. They think: ‘Oh, how nice, a fresh fig with it’. And they forget that this ‘premium fig’ has come out of a box in which each one is wrapped in thick plastic. Maybe it came by boat, or maybe it came by plane. Then it was transported by lorry. A piece of pear or cranberry could have created the same ‘wow’ effect – without travelling as far!

Sustainable cooks think about these things, and as a consumer you can support them by choosing a restaurant!

CIN:Codes

*CIN: IT021056A1J4HHYSU4 (LA VIMEA)

**CIN: IT021019A16MFGOUCR (Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel)

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In the beginning: “We are a package deal”

When a relationship is new, couples often do everything together while on vacation. Many think that’s the way it has to be. Or they’re so in love that it doesn’t even occur to them to do anything separately.

The romantic hotel Das Rübezahl in Füssen in the Allgäu can confirm this. “We specialize in couples,” the host family tells us, adding: “As a rule, all couples do everything together.” On our last visit, we learned that a marriage proposal happens almost every week! It’s no wonder that most of the couples there are practically inseparable.

Traveling with different preferences

This changes over time. At least for some couples I know (and I have been married for 16 years now). You get to know each other better, accept different preferences and views, trust each other more, and maybe are just a little bit more honest. You may have started out watching the Olympics together, but four years later you admit that you’re not really interested in that and would rather do something else. It can be the same with vacations. The important thing is that you don’t see it as a problem, but as an opportunity for each part of the relationship to maintain its own character.

A partnership is about giving and receiving 

In a partnership, there is time to spend together, time when one person does something just for the other, and time for oneself. Children, work, and other people come into the relationship, and successful couples come to terms and find their way. In everyday life and on vacation. (Not that I’m always that successful, but I’m just saying that in general 😉 )

These Green PearlsⓇ accommodations frequently host pairs with different interests

#1 Hotel Weihrerhof, South Tyrol – He can go hiking, she takes a sunbath on the lake

“We often have couples with different interests at the hotel,” says Klaus Pichler of Hotel Weihrerhof in South Tyrol. The family-run boutique hotel is located 1,200 meters above sea level on the shores of Lake Wolfsgruben, amidst the mountain panorama of the Ritten.

“ The man is usually the more active and goes hiking, biking, etc. The wife enjoys the stay at the Weihrerhof with short walks along the lake, on the sunbathing lawn or in the SeaSpa with unique treatments.” – Hotel Weihrerhof

#2 My Arbor near Bressanone/Brixen in South Tyrol – Individual time management

„From wellness and outdoor adventures to sports and relaxation, we offer a wide range of options to meet a variety of needs.“ – My Arbor

 My Arbor is a luxurious adults-only hotel nestled in the treetops with fantastic views of the Dolomites. Each week there is a varied program of guided hikes (skiing in winter), spa treatments, forest bathing, etc. to choose from. To see what such a program might look like, click here.

#3 Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt – Couples have a lot to talk about in the evening

Hotel Bella Vista is “definitely ideal” for couples with different preferences, says host Fabienne Anthamatten. Her family’s hotel in car-free Zermatt has a beautiful terrace with a fantastic view of the Swiss icon, the Matterhorn. Couples sit here in the evenings (or in the cozy lobby by the fire in winter) and talk about their day. One of them has usually been on an outdoor adventure which starts right outside the front door, while the other has been relaxing in the adults-only spa or exploring Zermatt.

#4 CERVO Moutain Resort Zermatt – A resort with a lot of possibilities

Also in Zermatt is the CERVO Mountain Resort, which consists of several wooden buildings. There are three restaurants, a spa area, a gym, a climbing wall… and the Alps, glaciers and Zermatt village shops are just outside the door.

„One person can ski during the day and the other can spend a day at the spa. In the evening, you can have dinner or après-ski together.“ – CERVO Mountain Resort 

#5 Summit Lodges Pfunds, Tyrol – One goes skiing, the other goes snowshoeing

Interestingly, at the Summit Lodges Pfunds vacation houses, it is also very common for couples to plan their excursion program separately, says owner Marco Spiss. Pfunds is a quiet and traditional community in Tyrol, perfect for a nature vacation with all the freedom you need.

“ It is often the case that one partner is on the slopes (Serfaus, Ischgl, Nauders) and the other prefers snowshoeing or simply walking on the many hiking trails in the area (especially the Tschey in Pfunds)” – Marco Spiss, Summit Lodges Pfunds

But the sustainable accommodation also offers plenty of opportunities for togetherness, such as a private sauna and an open fireplace that is stocked with firewood when you arrive.

#6 Hotel Klosterbräu, Tirol – Two activity guides to choose from

If you prefer to stay in a hotel in Tyrol, the Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld is a good choice in the region.

“[Holidays with different interests] are definitely possible with us, as our two activity guides Clemens and Thomas plan on different levels. This means that if the woman (or man) wants to climb a via ferrata and the man (or woman) prefers a morning walk, there is something for everyone.” – Hotel Klosterbräu

The hotel is also ideal if you want to take your children with you. There is the hotel’s own petting zoo “Siggis Sauhaufen” and child care nearby. There is also a large spa area – something for everyone.

#7 Biohotel Grafenast, Tyrol – Nature vacation – also with children

The Biohotel Grafenast in Pill is another hotel where you can enjoy a great vacation together as a couple or with your children and where there are different options for everyone. It is located high above the Tyrolean Inn Valley and has a fantastic view of the valley. Some of the 23 rooms are equipped as family rooms and depending on the season there is a special program for the children.

„We are a great place to combine different interests“ – Biohotel Grafenast

#8 Naturhotel Outside, East Tyrol – Combined vacation in the Alpine National Park

Our Green Pearls® partner, the Naturhotel Outside in the Hohe Tauern National Park in East Tyrol, suggests several possible “combos” for you:

1. Outdoor sports and wellness (a new nature SPA with heated outdoor pool and a Deferegger healing water pool will open at the end of December 2024)
2. Hohe Tauern National Park and gourmet vacation (the hotel’s restaurant has 3 Falstaff forks)
3. Relaxation and shopping in Lienz

#9 Hotel Luise, Erlangen – Sustainable city vacation in Bavaria

For a sustainable vacation in Germany, there are also some sustainable hotels where you are in good hands as joint individual travelers. For example, the Hotel Luise in Erlangen:

“ Erlangen is ideally located for travelers with a variety of interests. You can take a city vacation or head out into nature – no matter which adventure you choose, you can relax in our spa after an exciting day.” – Hotel Luise

City vacation: The hotel is centrally located in Erlangen and Nuremberg, Fürth, Bamberg, Lauf a. d. Pegnitz are nearby and easily accessible by train.

Culture: Erlangen has a lot to offer culture lovers. The ComicSalon Erlangen takes place every two years and the Poet*innen Fest takes place every year. Nuremberg offers the Imperial Castle, the German Museum and other cultural highlights.

Nature: If you prefer to be outdoors, explore Franconian Switzerland (where you can climb, swim, hike, bike, explore caves, and more) – you can even bike right from the hotel to the Tennenloher Forest Nature Reserve. There are wild horses, goats, sand dunes, moors and more to discover.

Find out more about how to spend your time in Erlangen in our blog article: “Insider tips for a sustainable weekend in Erlangen” 

#10 Birkenhof***** Spa & Wellness, Upper Palatinate – Enjoy sustainable luxury

Looking for something more luxurious? Then there is a truly exceptional gourmet hotel for sports, wellness and culinary enthusiasts on a hill in the Opferpfälzer Seenland. The 5-star Hotel Birkenhof is committed to renewable energy and e-mobility at the highest level. Speaking of high standards: It is also home to the 2-star restaurant Obendorfers Eisvogel”.

“We are very good at catering to different interests. We have a wellness and relaxation offer and we are a hotel in the middle of nature with hiking possibilities, water skiing in the lake area, golf and cycling.” – Lukas Obendorfer, Birkenhof***** Spa & Genussresort

#11 Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa, Berchtesgadener Land – For couples who not only want different activities, but also different menus

At Hotel Klosterhof – Alpine Hideway & Spa, couples often order different meals, according to the host family. A popular variation is when one person is vegan and the other is not. In this case, there is an all vegetable “Kraut und Rüben” menu every evening.

There are often babymoon guests at the health hotel. Here the pregnant woman can participate in a special program while the father-to-be can do other things. In the evening you can enjoy the famous Barbarossa Mocktails together – each to your own taste.

#12 Naturresort Gerbehof, Lake Constance Region – Sporty nature vacation

Naturresort Gerbehof is the perfect place for you if you want to be surrounded by a natural, organic atmosphere. The sustainable hotel is located amidst the famous orchards of the Lake Constance region and is especially beautiful during the blossoming and apple harvest season.

“ We have opportunities for wellness, hiking, biking, sailing and surfing.” – Naturresort Gerbehof

#13 Lifestylehotel SAND – Vacation at the Baltic Sea

“ We are currently experiencing a huge increase in demand for offers for couples,” says Marion Muller, hostess of the Lifestylehotel SAND in Timmendorfer Strand. We described what such a weekend for two could look like in our blog article Baltic Sea for two.

The Adults Only Hotel offers several specials for couples. It is not necessary to do everything together with your partner. In this case, the hostess recommends the combination of the two offers “SANDromance” and “SANDstarnight”. This means ” Feel Good” for one and ” Outdoor Experience ” for the other.

#14 STURM in Mellrichstadt – Adventure and relaxation

At the sustainable Hotel STURM in Mellrichstadt in the Biosphere Reserve Rhön, most couples with different interests combine “adventure” and “relaxation”. Each partner can plan their day as they wish – one can go on an adventure tour and explore the surrounding forests, moors and caves, while the other relaxes with sauna sessions and massages.

„Perfect balance: each partner organizes the day according to his or her own wishes. End the day together with a delicious organic menu in the restaurant, followed by a drink in the lounge or in front of the fireplace.“ – STURM

Holidays for couples with different interests in Thailand, Italy, France and Nepal

#15 Keemala Villas Wonderland on Phuket – Everyone is allowed dream

Our Green PearlsⓇ partner, Keemala, on the Thai island of Phuket, has just been named “Best Resort in Thailand” and “One of the Best Hotels in the World” by the One Step 4Ward blog – after travel blogger Johnny Ward spent 18 years traveling the world.

He was there with his wife and they did everything together (yes, he just got married in 2021 – so it’s still fresh :-)). They even had their booked spa treatments moved to the same room. But you can also experience something on your own as a couple.

“Keemala caters to the needs of couples with different interests with our wellness and outdoor adventure themes.” – Keemala

Wellness: Spa treatments, yoga, wellness classes and mediation sessions

Culinary delights: Indulge in nutritious and wellness-oriented cuisine

Outdoor Adventure: Explore the rainforest and local wildlife on guided eco-tours. There are trails for all levels.

Water activities: Kayaking and Snorkeling

#16 Holidays at the Albergo Diffuso Relais del Maro in Liguria

How about the idyllic setting of a Ligurian village for your vacation? Borgomaro, in the hinterland of the coastal city of Imperia, is home to the Relais del Maro – an Albergo Diffuso spread over several houses in the village.

In the morning one person goes to the pool while the other sleeps in – later one person walks through the olive groves and tastes the famous Taggiasca olives while the other hires an e-bike from the reception to cycle along the coast. In the evening you will meet again for dinner and end your day with good food and good conversation.

#17 Couple vacation at the Green Spirit Hotels in Paris

If you are looking for an eco-friendly and personalized place to stay in Paris, we recommend Green Spirit Hotels: Le Pavillon, Hotel Malar and Hotel Amélie – all located in the lively 7th arrondissement and within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower, the Seine and other major attractions.

Because the Green Spirit eco-hotels are very small, you can’t do many things separately in the hotels themselves, says host Barbara Tascijevic with a laugh. But in the city of Paris, this is a matter of course!

#18 The Pavilions Himalaya – The Farm, Nepal – Safari and Yoga

Last but not least, The Pavilions Himalayas – The Farm Hotel also told us that couples with different interests are very welcome. The sustainable resort in the foothills of the Himalayas runs its own organic farm, helps farmers convert to certified organic farming, and donates a full 70 percent of its income to the local Right4Children project.

There are eco-tours to explore Nepal’s stunning nature, cultural temples and festivals, and safari tours. Alternatively, one of you could lounge by the pool at the resort or practice yoga with the local yoga guru.

As you can see, there are many ways to combine different vacation desires in one place. That way, you can both get your money’s worth and still spend your vacation together. Of course, going separately is also an option, but our interests at home aren’t that far apart, at least 🙂

What are your experiences? Would you like to do something on your own on vacation? Or have you maybe already been doing it for a long time? We look forward to your comments.

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Treat your palate at the 2 Michelin-starred Eisvogel restaurant

The Birkenhof calls itself a 7-star hotel: 5 stars for the hotel and 2 stars for the restaurant Obendorfer’s Eisvogel. The restaurant was founded by the hotel’s chef, Hubert Obendorfer, who is also known as a radio chef and author. The restaurant has been awarded one star for a long time and received a second star in 2020.

Since 2022, his son Sebastian Obendorfer has been the sole chef at the Eisvogel and has managed to start his career immediately at the 2-star level. The fact that the Michelin Guide awarded him two stars right away is a rarity in the gastronomic scene, so expect an exceptional culinary experience!

A special feature is that Sebastian Obendorfer, despite his Michelin-starred cuisine, prefers to use regional ingredients.

Morning to evening regional delicacies

A menu at the Eisvogel is of course the culinary highlight of a gourmet weekend, but even at breakfast you will realize that you are not staying in just any hotel, but in one where every detail is just right. The bread is baked in-house, the jams are homemade by the kitchen… everything is fresh and comes from the immediate region. This is an important factor for sustainability, as it avoids long transportation routes. Instead of water flown in from far away, you will find good taste from Germany.

If you are interested in “New German Cuisine”, you will find one of its most important representatives in this house!

Sustainability at The Birkenhof***** Spa & Genussresort

The Birkenhof manages to be both a 5-star luxury hotel and the highest GreenSign level (Level 5). Our Green PearlsⓇ partner achieved this through its commitment to energy efficiency.

• The hotel’s two cogeneration units provide climate-friendly heating for the entire hotel complex, including the spa area
• Electricity for the saunas is generated ( when possible ) by a photovoltaic system (another PV system is in the planning stage)
• It also generates its own electricity using a wood gasifier
• The remaining electricity used is green generated

The hotel is also committed to other areas of sustainability such as biodiversity, regionalism, social justice and waste reduction. Read more in this interview with Lukas Obendorfer.

Sustainable gourmet weekend: “Gourmet Dreams 6-Course” with 2 overnights

The “Gourmet Dreams 6-Course” package is available year-round and includes delicious full board and use of the spa.

Friday (arrival day)

We always recommend the train as the most sustainable travel option. For example, from Munich Central Station there is a direct connection (2 hours) to Schwandorf Station. This is the closest train station to Hotel Der Birkenhof***** Spa & Genussresort. However, the station is still 23 kilometers away, so you will need to take a taxi from there.

If you are traveling by electric car, the hotel offers charging stations in the parking lot.

In the afternoon ( from 3 p.m.) you can check into the room of your choice and freshen up after your journey. You can enjoy the magnificent view of the Upper Palatinate Lake District and perhaps take a short walk before getting ready for dinner. On Friday evening, you will be served a 5-course gourmet dinner, which you can choose from a variety of options.

Saturday (day for connoisseurs)

Today is a day of unparalleled indulgence. After waking up in the premium beds of the spacious rooms, enjoy breakfast with homemade bread and selected delicacies from the region.

Then it’s time to make the most of the spa. A bathrobe, slippers and fluffy towels are provided (however, for sustainability reasons, we recommend that you bring your own slippers and bathrobe from home).

The wellness area of the hotel consists of

• Outdoor water world with outdoor pool and natural swimming pond
• Indoor pool with waterfall
• Jacuzzi
• Sauna area (Finnish sauna, panorama sauna, tower sauna, textile sauna, steam bath, infrared loungers, ice lounge, plunge pool and seven relaxation rooms)
• Juice Bar
• Gym and exercise room

The hotel’s “afternoon treat” changes on a daily basis and includes a soup, bowl, pasta dish, salad, cake and fruit. But leave enough room for the 6-course star menu! 🙂

Fine dining in the evening

In the evening, dress for your fine dining experience. The restaurant dress code is described by the hotel owners as “smart casual“. For women, this means a dress or blouse with a skirt or trousers, and for men, long pants with a shirt or polo (a jacket and tie are also welcome – you can’t really go wrong).

A 6-course menu by top chef Sebastian Obendorfer awaits you in the 2-star restaurant Obendorfers Eisvogel. Here you can enjoy a wide range of culinary delicacies, finely decorated, perfectly tempered, full of character – a delight for the senses.

Sunday (departure day)

On Sunday you can enjoy another delicious breakfast before checking out at 11am.

Finally, here is an overview of the services for a weekend of gourmet dreams 6-course:

• 2 nights
• Breakfast buffet
• Afternoon treat
• 1 x 5-course gourmet menu
• 1 x 6-course menu at the Eisvogel restaurant
• Free use of the spa area and fitness room, including juice bar
• Bathrobe and towels
• Free use of the generously redesigned spa

The great thing is that you will not only be spoiled for a weekend, but you will also be supporting the sustainable efforts of a hotel that is a role model in the luxury scene, showing that sustainability and luxury can go hand in hand.

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Traveling is a luxury

Old luxury, new luxury

“an expensive, lavish, excessive, and self-indulgent expenditure of money or time on things considered pleasurable or enjoyable”.

Intangible values are part of the new luxury

New luxury is linked to the post-materialist perspective. It suggests that in modern societies, the material needs are so well met that immaterial needs become more important. One indication of this is that political parties increasingly represent “interests” and “values.

The myth that sustainability and luxury cannot go hand in hand is a persistent one, based on the idea that sustainability equals sacrifice,” explains Green Pearls® founder Stefany Seipp in an interview with Marrybylen, a sustainable wedding and event planning company. Fine dining can be local, a spa treatment can be relaxing with natural cosmetics, and amazing hotel suites can be built with eco-friendly materials.

Sustainable luxury vacations at Green PearlsⓇ accommodations

Time is seen as a modern, intangible luxury and is perceived by many hoteliers from their guests. The whole slow movement with slow travel and slow food  is part of the “time trend”. Travelers are looking for a balance to their otherwise stressful lives.

Culinary indulgence is also part of the luxury world. Gourmet travel is all the rage – although the classic “caviar and champagne” luxury is outdated. Instead, the buzzwords are creative, sustainable and local, and there is a growing demand for vegan alternatives.

When it comes to a vacation of pure indulgence, the Birkenhof***** Spa & Genussresort in Germany’s Upper Palatinate Lake District is a top address. The hotel has five stars and a restaurant with two Michelin stars. While luxury and spoiling are the name of the game, the hotel is also committed to sustainability, generating its own green energy through a combined heat and power plant and solar panels.

Another hotel known for its culinary delights is the Waldhotel Fletschhorn in Saas Fee, Switzerland. This small boutique hotel has been known for decades for its exquisite – and regional – cuisine, and is popular with non-hotel guests as well. The large wine cellar is also renowned. Guests receive wine recommendations with each course of their meal.

If you are ever in the beautiful German city of Freiburg im Breisgau, we recommend the Green City Hotel Vauban as a place to stay. This ecologically and brightly decorated hotel with a green facade employs people with physical and mental disabilities as an integration company. Thanks to its central location, you can reach all sights quickly and environmentally friendly by public transport.

Swim, sauna, steam, then relax in the quiet room. Maybe even a massage or a facial? For many, it means treating themselves to something special. Wellness is clearly a luxury, especially as clean, fresh water becomes an increasingly scarce and valuable resource worldwide. Sustainable hotels are careful not to waste excessive amounts of water in their spa areas and bathrooms.

The Hotel Luise in the Bavarian city of Erlangen takes a particularly sustainable approach. The “regenerative” rooms have “astronaut showers” that filter the water you use and pump it directly out of the shower head as new shower water. This way, you can take a shower without a guilty conscience.

For a truly expansive spa experience, look no further than the Lifestyle Hotel Zum Kurfürsten in Germany’s Mosel wine region. There are three pools and a natural swimming pond (no chemicals). The spa area covers a total of 4,000 square feet and includes several saunas, a forest infrared sauna, and steam rooms. There are also treatment rooms where you can be treated by TCM therapists.

Health

“Health is the new wealth,” they say. Healthiness and longevity are clearly among the immaterial trends also present in the travel industry. We owe the existence of “grand hotels” to the “spa hotels” that bourgeois families treated themselves to as a luxury in the 19th century. Today, however, it is no longer just the classic health spa guests who are doing something for their health, but a general trend.

One such sustainable health hotel is the OCÈANO Health Spa Hotel on the Spanish volcanic island of Tenerife. With fitness, thalassotherapy and healthy eating programs, you can enjoy a vacation while boosting your health.

Finally, we return to our starting point: Travel is a luxury in itself. Imagine, for example, a trip to Nepal. At our Green PearlsⓇ partner, The Pavilions Himalayas – The Farm, you will find yourself amidst the fantastic panorama of the famous Himalayas and can explore temples with local guides or go on a wildlife safari where you might even encounter a wild tiger!

This lodge is unique in that it was created to introduce local farmers to organic farming. The hotel is committed to the local community as well as the environment and groundwater protection, as organic farming does not use pesticides.

So here is another symbiosis of travel, luxury, and sustainability.

What is your personal definition of luxury? We would love to hear in the comments!

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Rediscover the joy of eating well

Eating a healthy, vitamin-rich diet is good for our health. But with the stress of work and family life, we don’t always have time to cook balanced, fresh meals. And if you don’t have the time, you don’t have the desire or the idea to get back into the kitchen after a long day at work or after a day of caring for the family and conjuring up something delicious and healthy. Believe us, it’s not just you!

Sometimes a little outside perspective and a little push can help get those ideas flowing again. That’s why some of our Green Pearls® hotels are working with nutritionists to give you tips and inspiration for at home. Not just about cooking, but also about how to incorporate healthy eating into your everyday life. Of course, even hotels without nutritionists can give you new ideas. Other ingredients and preparation methods will also help to rekindle your desire for healthy food.

Sustainable hotels with nutritional advice

The special thing about our Green PearlsⓇ hotels with nutritional advice is that they not only offer healthy food, but also sustainable food. If you are thinking about your weight, your health and your diet (that’s probably why you are reading the blog 🙂 ), you should perhaps also think about the health of the planet. Specific suggestions:

• Less meat
• Less dairy products
• Protein through pulses
• Fewer ready meals
• Fresh food from your region and in season
• Lots of vegetables
• Organic products

All the hotels we present to you in this article source their food regionally and, where possible, always in organic quality. Organic cultivation guarantees that no pesticides are used. This not only supports your health (because you don’t have to worry about possible residues), but also biodiversity and groundwater.

Focus on health – OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel

The OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel in Tenerife is a health hotel with many therapists and experts. During a 10-day vacation with one of the diet programs, you will receive comprehensive care and regain a good body feeling through a combination of advice, Health Spa Diet half board and exercise.

Immediately upon arrival, you will have a medical consultation and bioimpedance analysis. During a nutrition consultation, your personal situation will be discussed in detail and together you will develop a plan not only to lose weight while on vacation, but also to maintain or further reduce your weight at home.

The exercise program includes yoga, aqua aerobics and fitness with a personal trainer.

👉 Click here for the program: Slim on the Atlantic

Fasting Programs at Hotel Klosterhof in Bavaria

Hotel Klosterhof Alpine Hideaway & Spa is also home to the Artemacur Health Center, run by hotel owner Dr. med. Andreas Färber. He and his team specialize in nutritional concepts that are not just about being slim and thin, but helping you find your healthy weight that makes you feel good. Available are

• Liver fasting according to Dr. Worm (a scientifically based program for fatty liver and high cholesterol)
• Healthy Weight Loss – Bodymed
• Intermittent fasting
• Weight Loss Diets

In addition to the nutritional program, you can relax in the 1,500 square meter Atemacur Spa and use the fitness room.

👉 You can find more information here: Cures and fasting at Hotel Klosterhof

Healthy eating according to TCM at the Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten

“You don’t need exotic foods or expensive equipment to eat healthy. – Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten

Traditional Chinese medicine plays a key role at the Lifestyle Hotel Zum Kurfürsten on the Moselle River. Nutritional counseling also focuses on the fact that almost all diseases and ailments can be cured with TCM.

You can have a body analysis with a printout or book a personal nutrition consultation, where your current state of health is first clarified. The TCM therapists will then advise you which foods, drinks and spices are particularly suitable for you and which you should avoid. You will be given a written list of these foods so that you can follow it after your vacation.

👉 Here you can find the hotel’s TCM offers

Healing climate fasting cure in the Black Forest

The spa town of Bad Herrenalb is famous for its healing climate, healing waters and thermal baths, one of which is located directly in the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA hotel. The hotel offers a

• Fasting cure according to Dr. Buchinger
• Fasting cure with alkaline food

You should plan one to three weeks for a cure. In addition to personal nutrition and health advice, you will be accompanied throughout the entire cure with daily fasting talks and can also put together your own personal leisure and wellbeing program. In addition to the beautiful Black Forest surroundings, which are perfect for hiking or forest bathing, the wellness hotel also offers yoga and qigong.

👉 Here you can find the dates for fasting cures in the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA

Hotels with special cuisine

In addition to a hotel with special fasting cures or nutritional advice, our sustainable green pearls also include hotels that offer special cuisine.

Organic cuisine at the APIPURA hotel rinner in South Tyrol

If you are looking for a healthy diet with organic food on vacation, the APIPURA hotel rinner on the Ritten in South Tyrol has just implemented a new culinary concept with its partner Bioland Südtirol. The family-run hotel has been in existence for 50 years and has had its own apiary with organic honey since the beginning. What is new, however, is that all other food is now also sourced from organic farms in the immediate vicinity (maximum 200 km). The range is only supplemented by a few Fairtrade products such as organic coffee, which has to be imported from further afield.

👉 Here you can find out more about the in-house organic beekeeping, which you can of course also visit.

Vegan hotel in South Tyrol

The vegan lifestyle has been shown to be more climate-friendly. Opinions differ on whether it is also healthier and helps you lose weight. (For example, eating chips from morning to night would also be vegan, but very one-sided and high in fat). In general, however, vegans eat very consciously, and this alone (and the fact that many convenience products are eliminated) means that you are usually already healthier.

The 100% vegan hotel LA VIMEA is located in Naturns in South Tyrol. Here you can enjoy 100% organic and vegan food. Breakfast and dinner are included in your stay. And of course there are some tasty snacks for in-between, such as a vegan (and plastic-free) lunch box for e-bike excursions or hikes.

Farm-to-table in Cambodia

Part of eating well is knowing where your food comes from. At Farmhouse Smiling Gecko in Cambodia, you are right among the plantations, fields, and greenhouses where the ingredients for the dishes are growing. The cuisine is entirely “farm to table” and features a mix of local specialties and European cuisine.

By vacationing at Farmhouse Smiling Gecko, you will be supporting the Smiling Gecko Project, which includes an educational concept for a variety of professions. The employees of the resort havebeen training here and can support their families and pay for their children’s education through steady work.

👉 Read more about the Farmhouse Restaurant

Gourmet dining at a 2-star restaurant

Finally, we have a completely different suggestion for making your diet healthier: Instead of eating “anything”, how about eating only what is truly delicious? The Birkenhof***** Spa & Genussresort in the Upper Palatinate Lake District is home to the 2-star Eisvogel restaurant and offers various gourmet travel specials with 7-course menus.

👉Click here for the Eisvogel Restaurant

5 tips for sustainable and healthy travel

1. A water bottle and lunch box or beeswax paper are the basic equipment of every zero-waste traveler. They should always be in your carry-on luggage. They can accompany you on your excursions throughout your vacation. (Packaged food on airplanes is neither healthy nor very tasty.)
2. Book sustainable accommodations that serve local, organic food.
3. Watch out for the buffet: The hotel breakfast buffet is a temptation. Eggs, fruit, bread, cakes, specialties… you can’t possibly eat everything. Instead, focus on what you like best and keep things in moderation.
4. Plan your lunch. With half board, some people are tempted to skip lunch – and end up standing in front of a chip shop on the way home, or starving at dinner. It is better to plan ahead where you can eat lunch (local and sustainable bistro). Or you pack a zero-waste lunch box.
5. Drink plenty of water: Take care of your hydration, especially if you are vacationing in warm countries. Eliminating sugary drinks from your diet will save you unhealthy calories every day. If the tap water in your vacation destination is drinkable, this is both sustainable and healthy.

Read more: Food is Life – Enjoying without regret at the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio in Balderschwang

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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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12 sustainable hotels and vacation rentals with stunning views

Mountains, sea and fantastic natural phenomena, world-famous sights, nature and unspoiled landscapes – these are the places and views that make our hearts beat faster. And the best part? The sustainable Green PearlsⓇaccommodations all have a unique connection and commitment to the region, ensuring that future generations will have the same views!

#1 Sweeping views of the Upper Palatinate Lake District

The Upper Palatinate Lake District in eastern Bavaria encompasses 830 hectares of water in the form of lakes, rivers and ponds – all nestled in lush nature. The Birkenhof ***** Spa & Genussresort is located right above it all. Enjoy panoramic views from the rooms, suites and the 2 Michelin star Eisvogel restaurant.

The sustainably managed hotel has just joined Green PearlsⓇ and is ideal for those who enjoy fine dining, wellness, hiking and water sports.

#2 View of the mountains

“Garden of Eden” is what the Hotel Klosterbräu calls its outdoor wellness area with pool, loungers, lawn and native plants. It also offers views of the majestic mountain backdrop of the Alps. The hotel in Seefeld was built on the walls of a former monastery, and many elements (such as the monastery bell in the picture) have been deliberately preserved.

#3 Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castle

The direct view of the castle is an absolute highlight of the Hotel Das Rübezahl in Schwangau. You can see Hohenschwangau Castle as well as the world famous Neuschwanstein Castle. The scenery adds a romantic atmosphere to your vacation. That’s why Hotel Das Rübezahl is also known as the “Romantic Hideaway” and has many offers especially for couples. For example, how about enjoying the view during a romantic carriage ride – as a surprise, the hotel team will be happy to organize a picnic in a secret and charming spot. Maybe this is the right moment to ask your beloved the question of all questions?

#4 Hotels with stunning views of the Matterhorn

It is one of the most famous mountains in the world: the Matterhorn, a symbol of Switzerland. At 4478 meters, it is not only one of the highest peaks in the Alps but also has such a striking pyramidal shape that it is almost the perfect image of a mountain.

In Zermatt, we have two partners that offer guests a direct view of the Matterhorn from the comfort of their hotel rooms. One is the family-run Biohotel Bella Vista Zermatt with its cozy flair (think open fireplace and Swiss stone pine lounge) and the stylish CERVO Mountain Resort, which has won several design awards.

“The highlight is our mountain world! Guests love to gaze at the Matterhorn from their balconies over the rooftops of Zermatt.” – Biohotel Bella Vista Zermatt

The glaciers of the Matterhorn suffer from climate change

The sight of the Matterhorn includes its snow-capped peak – even in summer. In fact, the “Glacier Paradise” ski resort at 1,600 meters is a year-round ski area frequented by athletes training in the summer.

But how long this perpetual glacier will remain is another question. “Unfortunately, more and more of our glaciers are melting due to climate change,” reports CERVO Mountain Resort. And Fabienne Anthamatten adds:

“Once you get into the mountains, you can see how much the glacier has receded in recent years. Rocks appear that you haven’t seen before. – Fabienne Anthamatten, Biohotel Bella Vista Zermatt.

As you can see, fighting climate change is also about preserving beautiful views.

#5 The Gelbhansekopf

Less known but no less impressive is the Gelbhansekopf (1,438 meters). It is the local mountain of the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio in Balderschwang. Part of the Nagelfluhkette Nature Park, it is at its most beautiful at dawn, according to the owners of the sustainable hotel. For this reason, they offer a “sunrise hike” for their guests. If you are less active in the morning, you can also enjoy the view from the window with a cup of coffee.

#6 View of the Atlantic Ocean

See more sea. That’s what a lot of people want. And at the OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel, you get the perfect opportunity. Located on the volcanic island of Tenerife, this health-oriented and eco-friendly hotel is right on the Atlantic Ocean.

“Unique – the panoramic view from our roof terrace of the Atlantic Ocean, over the bay of Punta del Hidalgo to the Teide. You will never get tired of it!” – OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel

#7 The Black Forest and its spa town

Or would you rather gaze into the green? After all, besides the white mountain peaks and the blue ocean, the green forest is also a feast for the eyes! And green is said to have a particularly calming effect on the mind. At the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, the word “panorama” is part of the hotel’s name. From here you have a wonderful view of the centuries-old spa town of Bad Herrenalb and the Black Forest.

#8 Nature pure

The Gut Sonnenhausen near Munich is surrounded by nature. The carefully restored stud farm from the last century also includes an organic farm and gardens based on permaculture principles.

“We have designated special places outside where you can enjoy a special view of the landscape or a particularly charming view of the estate.” – Gut Sonnenhausen

#9 Over the treetops to the Sarntal Alps

If you are a tree lover, we recommend My Arbor near Brixen in South Tyrol. The hotel is built on 34 meters high stilts and you can enjoy a view of the Plose from every room. This way you can enjoy a different natural spectacle each season.

“In our hotel, every room, regardless of category, offers the same breathtaking view of a picturesque landscape. This panoramic view stretches from the enchanting town of Bressanone/Brixen, just a 15-minute drive away, to the majestic Sarntal Alps on the opposite side”. – My Arbor

#10 Rhön Biosphere Reserve with a magnificent starry sky

The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Rhön is sparsely populated, which means you can enjoy a clear starry sky. The STURM also takes care to avoid light pollution, so it is possible to watch the stars from the terrace. “Even the Milky Way can be seen here,” say the owners.

The best rooms for nature lovers are the new Garden View Rooms. Located on the edge of the Wellness Garden, these rooms overlook the natural swimming pond and greenery.

#11 – The Dolomites

Parts of the Dolomites in South Tyrol are also protected by UNESCO and even recognized as a World Heritage Site. The extraordinary rock formations are made of dolomite and make the mountain range one of the most beautiful in the world.

This is exactly what you can see from “absolutely all” of the hotel rooms while vacationing at Paradiso Pure.Living! “Our tip for the best view is the open-air Jacuzzi that runs on warm salt water,” the team reveals.

By the way, a special natural spectacle is the alpenglow. The team of the sustainable active hotel told us the story in our blog about mythical creatures.

#12 Admire the phenomenon of the split sun over the lake

Have you ever heard of the “split sun” phenomenon? Dietmar Bernardi discovered it on the Ritten in South Tyrol and wrote a book about it. It describes a solar phenomenon at the equinox when the sun is positioned so that it appears to be split in two behind a mountain peak. The amateur paleontologist has studied former cult sites around the Hotel Weihrerhof, which apparently stood exactly where you can see the split sun rising with its incision between the Santner and Euringer peaks. At Hotel Weiherhof you can observe this phenomenon twice a year directly from your balcony. In your room, you will also find a map and a brochure with descriptions of special places of power around the hotel.

By the way, there will soon be a wall in front of my window – they have recently started building a new house that will cover two of our windows. 🙁 I think I’ll have to take more vacations! How about you?

Do you want your next hotel to have a beautiful view? Then save this article quickly!

Der Beitrag Beautiful scenery – Twelve sustainable hotels with stunning views erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Here are the seven travel trends for 2024

In 2022, it was all about the return of the travel market, then in 2023, wanderlust took over and travel went further than ever before – even space tourism was a big (theoretical) topic. In 2024, on the other hand, it is predicted that we will focus more on ourselves again. The focus will be on ourselves and special experiences.

#1: (Re-)Invent yourself

“We Already Live in the Metaverse” was the headline in The Atlantic in March 2023. The thesis: We have added a digital layer to our lives and are constantly thinking about how to turn our daily experiences into online entertainment.

According to the Booking.com trend study, 57% of travelers feel like “main characters” in their own movies. This figure rises to 65% for Italians and 64% for American travelers. Many enjoy the anonymity of travel to reinvent themselves. 37% would even go so far as to tell fictional stories about their lives or rent a fancier car on vacation than they could afford at home (42%).

How sustainable is that?

In our article on overtourism, we described the negative consequences of going on vacation just to boost your Instagram account and check off bucket lists of the world’s most famous sights. As for reinventing yourself… of course, it all depends on how you want to present yourself. Will you be sailing around on a yacht, or are you going to be cleaning up the beach?

By the way, the counter-trend is “digital detox“. At the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu in the German Alps, you can leave your smartphone in the reception’s “radio silence” safe and get it back after your vacation, along with a mountain cheese. That way, you won’t even be tempted to take a selfie. 🙂

#2: Vacation by the water

“75% of travelers find instant relaxation by the water,” according to Booking.com. This is in line with the ongoing wellness trend and the ever-growing number of spas.

It’s worth noting that we are facing a water crisis, which, according to the United Nations, is directly linked to the climate crisis. According to UN-Water, 2.3 billion people already live in “water-stressed” countries. This means that more fresh water is needed than is available. The desert nation of Dubai, of all places, currently holds several swimming pool records (e.g. the “Deep Dive Dubai” is the deepest pool in the world with a depth of 60 meters and 14 million liters of fresh water).

The more sustainable solution is a vacation at natural water sources. The OCÈANO Health Spa Hotel in Tenerife is located directly on the Atlantic Ocean and has several saltwater pools – partly directly on the Atlantic, so you can even feel the waves. Other of our Green PearlsⓇ partners want to give something back for living in water abundance. The Leni Mountain Apartments are located in the Austrian Alps (Ötztal) and receive fresh water directly from a mountain spring. They bottle this water as “Leni Mountain Spring Water” and donate 100% of the proceeds to Water is Right (WIR). The organization works to ensure that people around the world have access to clean drinking water.

#3: AI travel planning

An Expedia Group study of 5,700 people found that the average traveler spends more than five hours planning a trip and clicks through 141 online pages. Artificial intelligence has the potential to shorten this process in the future. According to Booking.com, 48% of people are already interested in such a solution. Of course, the agency is using this as an opportunity to promote its own AI travel planner.

Since 2022, Trip.com, Expedia, eDreams Odigeo, Airbnb, Booking.com, Priceline and Amazon Webservices (first customers are RyanAir and Lonely Planet) have launched an AI travel assistant. However, these services are still in the early or pilot stages. Booking.com’s Trip Planner, for example, is currently only available as an app to U.S. members of its Genius Loyalty Program.

AI travel planning – Self trial

Trip.com, as well as Expedia and Kayak, use a plugin from OpenAI, of which ChatGPT is a part, for their AI travel planning. I asked ChatGPT if it could help me plan a trip. The response:

“Hi, of course I can help you plan a trip. Where do you want to go and what kind of assistance do you need? Information such as destinations, travel dates, budget and personal preferences would help me better serve you”. – ChatGPT

I chatted with the AI for a while, looking for sustainable destinations, of course. I immediately get the recommendation to use public transportation. Good. When it comes to accommodation, I should choose those that carry the “Ecolabel”. I ask the chatbot which hotels have the European Union’s eco-label. Because I know, there aren’t many. In Germany, only 5 hotels have been awarded this label; Two of them are our Green PearlsⓇ partners Hotel Luise in Erlangen and Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Bayrisch Gmain. The answer was:

“Unfortunately, I don’t have access to real-time data or specific information about individual hotels.” – ChatGPT

The reason for this unsatisfactory answer: ChatGPT uses outdated data. It has no way of knowing which hotels currently have the EU Ecolabel. Nor, of course, whether a room is currently available there.

The bottom line: What doesn’t work can’t be a trend. As with space travel, it’s all about what’s conceivable in the (near) future. In the future, chatbots probably can not only recommend suitable trips and provide information but also make direct inquiries at hotels, book the right train connection, etc.

Is AI sustainable?

That depends on how it is used and for what purpose. There are many initiatives, such as “Green AI” by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), which aim to make AI more environmentally friendly. Such a tool could also be used to travel more sustainably… but as I said, it is not fully developed yet. In addition, with all the fun around AI travel planning, one should not forget that, similar to every search query, energy is consumed with every chat (e.g. by the servers etc.)

#4: (Sustainable) Culinary Journeys

According to the study, 81% of travelers (93% of Italians) consider it important to taste the country’s typical cuisine. In addition, 61% are “more interested than ever” in learning about the origins of food. We now see this as a sustainable development and, together with the sustainable hotels, are delighted at the (perhaps also your?) interest in and awareness of local producers.

Regional cuisine with seasonal organic ingredients is one of the main features of the Green PearlsⓇ accommodations – be it the down-to-earth cuisine based on grandma’s recipes at Okelmann’s in Lower Saxony or the sophisticated cuisine at Birkenhof ***** Spa & Genussresort with the 2-star restaurant “Eisvogel” in the Upper Palatinate Lake District.

Cooking Courses at Lake Weissensee in Austria

If you are also interested in the origin and creation of food, the Genießerhotel Die Forelle might be of interest to you. The hotel is located directly on Lake Weissensee (so you are also vacationing by the water), the highest bathing lake in the Alps. Owner and award-winning chef Hannes Müller focuses on “imported self-sufficiency” and enjoys sharing his passion for cooking with his guests. For example, he personally fishes for wild fish in the lake.

Check out the hotel’s website for cooking classes in 2024.

#5: Solo travel is still trending

59% of the 27,000 respondents plan to travel alone in 2024. This is a trend that Green PearlsⓇ partners are also reporting to us, and many are even offering special deals for solo travelers.

At the eco-luxury resort Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives, women traveling alone will feel right at home. With the Gili Solo Experience, you get a program to pamper yourself: Each morning begins with a sunrise yoga session, and the package includes a spa treatment, a private photo session, a snorkeling class, a sunset sailing trip, a Maldivian cooking class, a dine-in-the-dark dinner, and a night under the stars. There are plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded people and have some private time to yourself.

#6: Traveling in low season

According to the survey, the increased cost of living is a factor for many (62%) when planning their travel for 2024. To balance luxury and budget, the low season is of interest to many, maybe to you as well. A full 47% are even considering taking their children out of school to travel during the low season.

Not only can you save money by traveling off-season, but you can also earn some sustainability points. For example, you help local people increase their income, and make them more season-independent. Furthermore, the environment is less polluted when tourism is spread out over the year.

Check out our blog post on low season travel for more good reasons and to learn more about what low season has to offer. During the rainy season, for example, Thailand is extra green and still offers nice warm water temperatures for snorkeling and diving, such as at Zeavola on the island of Koh Phi Phi. The low season on Koh Phi Phi is from May to October.

#7: Sustainability

Only in 7th place, but still one of the top travel predictions for 2024: travelers want to pay more attention to sustainability.

“More than half (53%) of travelers are looking for accommodations that combine comfort with innovative sustainability.” – Booking.com

Our Talk! At Green PearlsⓇ we have been focused on promoting sustainable accommodation for over 10 years. For us, sustainability is not just a trend that has just popped up, but the only possible future for travel. Want to browse? We don’t offer AI (yet) on Greenpearls.com though, but we do offer sustainable and unique hotels and vacation homes. They are right on trend for 2024 – and not because it’s trendy, but because they are genuinely concerned about creating a future worth living and preserving the earth.

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Der Beitrag Sustainability Check: Travel Trends 2024 erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.