Tucked away in the heart of the Botum Sakor Wildlife Sanctuary and surrounded by untouched nature—including rainforests, mountains, mangrove forests, and the gently flowing Tatai River—you will find a unique glamping experience: floating tent villas on the river.

Eco-glamping in the Cambodian jungle

The term glamping is used almost inflationary today. It seems like every other camping bed in the hardware store is called that… But at Canvas & Orchids Retreat, you’ll experience what luxurious camping really means. The floating tent villas offer the comfort of a boutique hotel – with large beds, elegant bathrooms, private terraces, and views of the river, while also giving you the feeling of being close to nature. 

However, the tents are built on floating platforms rather than solid foundations. Meaning, these “non-permanent structures” can be completely dismantled without leaving a trace. This ensures that nature remains untouched, even when you are staying in the middle of it.

Immerse yourself in the wild soul of Cambodia

A trip to Canvas & Orchids Retreat allows you to immerse yourself in the nature and culture of Cambodia. The country fascinates with its eventful history, centuries-old temple complexes such as Angkor Wat, and impressive scenic diversity. However, few venture into the remote southwest, where Cambodia shows its most pristine side.

Access only by boat

The journey itself is part of the adventure: the resort can only be reached by boat. You glide gently along the Tatai River, past lush greenery, and find yourself in the jungle landscape below the Cardamom Mountains. The landscape is lush, vibrant, and fascinating. And suddenly they appear – floating tent villas, elegantly and quietly nestled in the landscape.

Inside, stylish comfort awaits, tempting you to stay and relax. But as soon as you open the tent flap, the rainforest beckons. The Cardamom Mountains’ protected area begins right outside your terrace — a biodiversity hotspot, home to rare animal species, and full of mysterious sounds and smells.

The waters of the Tatai River invite you to swim directly from the jetty, or you can explore the winding paths of the mangroves by kayak, accompanied by a local guide. If you like, you can try your luck at traditional fishing or simply soak up the peace and quiet.

Info: When is the best time to travel to Cambodia?

Your hosts Valentin and Anna recommend: December to February – right after the rainy season. It’s pleasantly cool (which in Cambodia still means around 77°F), dry, and ideal for exploring the Botum Sakor Wildlife Sanctuary and enjoying activities on the river. However, January is also the peak tourist season, which means attractions such as Angkor Wat are at their busiest. Outside of the peak season, May and October are also attractive alternatives if you don’t mind high temperatures or a little rain. Find out more in this detailed insider report on the best time to travel.

Guest favorite – nighttime firefly tour

As our host Valentin tells us, the “Firefly Tour” (glowworm tour) is a highlight for guests. As the sun sinks behind the treetops, you climb into a longtail boat and glide almost silently across the river. Once darkness falls, it becomes quiet – and then the spectacle begins: suddenly, thousands of tiny lights flicker along the banks. Fireflies dance like little stars between the branches, seemingly in perfect synchronisation.

This night-time boat trip is not only a quiet, almost meditative moment, but a true wonder of nature. A fleeting spectacle that cannot be captured – except in your heart.

In sync with the region – right from the start

Sustainability at Canvas & Orchids Retreat not only means environmental awareness, but also social responsibility. Throughout the construction of the 2,500-square-meter platforms, local expertise was consistently relied upon. More than 60 people from the region used simple hand tools to build the resort from start to finish.

Many of them are still an integral part of the team today: tour guides, service staff, cooks – more than 20 locals ensure that you feel welcome. One of them is the deputy hotel manager: she started as a cleaner during the construction phase and took on a management position just two years later.

Sustainability at Canvas & Orchids Retreat

The retreat relies on innovative solutions for its energy supply. Instead of cutting down trees for solar panels – as one supplier had suggested – the team opted for its own floating solar platform in the middle of the river. This provides the retreat with clean electricity for around twelve hours a day.

During the remaining hours, a generator takes over the supply – in the most resource-efficient way possible. It runs on biodiesel, which is obtained from used cooking oil, among other things. This is delivered to Naga Biofuels, a local initiative that produces environmentally friendly fuel from waste oil – a well-thought-out cycle that avoids waste and reduces emissions.

The ecological commitment is also evident on land: plants grow on the property that are used as natural drinking straws or for decoration. Water is served in glass bottles, cosmetic products are available in refillable dispensers, and waste is carefully separated. Everything is designed to bring nature and comfort into harmony – while leaving as small a footprint as possible.

A stay at Canvas & Orchids Retreat offers you an unforgettable vacation full of adventure and tranquility – surrounded by nature, close to the local culture and far away from mass tourism.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is special about Canvas & Orchids Retreat in Cambodia?

The retreat is located on the Tatai River in the middle of the rainforest and offers floating tent villas with hotel comforts – ideal for travelers who want to combine nature and luxury.

Is Canvas & Orchids Retreat sustainable?

Yes, the retreat was built with local materials and labor, uses solar power on a floating platform, and relies on plastic-free alternatives, biodiesel, and zero-waste principles.

How do you get to Canvas & Orchids Retreat?

The resort is only accessible by boat – part of the special experience and nature-filled getaway.

When is the best time to travel to Cambodia?

The most pleasant time to travel is between December and February. Then it is dry and not too hot – ideal for exploring and activities on the river. However, the rainy season is also fun and particularly good for taking photos and observing wildlife. Read more about this in our article on traveling during the rainy season.

What does glamping mean at Canvas & Orchids Retreat?

Glamping here stands for a luxurious nature experience: comfortable, stylishly furnished tent villas with bathrooms and electricity – right in the middle of the river and without harming the environment.

What activities does Canvas & Orchids Retreat offer?

Highlights include kayaking through mangroves, swimming in the Tatai River, firefly tours at night, and rainforest excursions – all led by local experts.

This is an update of our original article on January 7, 2020.

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The “best room” is perfect to surprise and impress

A few years ago, when I was living in Tel Aviv, my parents came to visit. I recommended a hotel right on the beach with two types of rooms: some faced the street and others faced the Mediterranean Sea. The latter were more expensive. My father decided, “We’ll take the sea view. If we’re going to do it, let’s do it right.” They also opted for a room on one of the upper floors. Every day, I heard my mother rave about how beautiful the view was and how fantastic the room was. The extra cost? Totally worth it.

This memory inspired this article. I wanted to know: Do our partner hotels have rooms that amaze guests and make them want to rave about them and tell others about them? The answer: Yes, and beyond!

Twenty sustainable dream rooms

What makes the rooms we are presenting here so dreamlike? They are not only individually and uniquely designed, but also sustainable. Here, luxury isn’t just for its own sake; it’s about conscious comfort: with renewable and recyclable materials, green electricity, and modern technology for saving water and energy. And as you will see, you won’t have to make any sacrifices or compromises.

Round Viw Suite | Der Birkenhof***** Spa & Genussresort, Germany 

The “Round View Suite” at the five-star Hotel Der Birkenhof features a wraparound balcony with panoramic views of the Upper Palatinate Lake District. The hotel was recently voted “Best Spa Hotel in Germany 2025” by the Falstaff Guide. It has several pools, a sauna area, and a two-Michelin-starred restaurant. And where does the electricity for all this come from? Completely from sustainable sources!

Chalet | The Pavilions Himalayas – The Farm, Nepal

Built in traditional Nepalese style and luxuriously furnished, the “Chalet” at The Pavilions Himalayas – The Farm is the perfect private retreat for you and your loved ones. It is located in the Pokhara area and is surrounded by organic farmland and some of the world’s highest peaks. The resort is a charity hotel that supports sustainable projects and is closely linked to the NGO Rights4Children.

Treetop Suite | My Arbor, Italy

The adults-only Hotel My Arbor has many beautiful rooms, but the highlight are the three “Treetop Suites.” These suites feature dreamlike balconies with views of the Plose, private saunas, and whirlpools.

Spa Loft | Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa, Germany

A staircase leads to the “Spa Lofts” of the Klosterhof Alpine Hideaway & Spa, where you’ll find your own private spa area with a whirlpool tub and sauna. The best part? The stunning view of the Berchtesgaden countryside, which you can also enjoy from your private balcony. And by the way, all the furniture is made from applewood sourced from the same area.

AlmRausch | Hotel Das Rübezahl, Deutschland

The “AlmRausch Suite” at Hotel Das Rübezahl is not the largest suite, but it is the host family’s personal favorite. It boasts an unobstructed view of Neuschwanstein Castle and its own infrared cabin with a view of the Allgäu Mountains. The room’s chalet feel is enhanced by a fireplace, library, whirlpool, and walk-in closet.

Sky Suite | Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt, Swiss

In 2024, the Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt fully renovated its attic rooms. The highlight is the skylights, which allow you to lie in bed and gaze at the peak of the Matterhorn.

Family suite | Green City Hotel Vauban, Germany

“The heart of our hotel is our family suite,” reports the Green City Hotel Vauban in Freiburg. It is popular not only with families with children, but also with couples and bachelor parties. Equipped with two separate bedrooms and a beautiful roof terrace, the suite makes all guests feel at home. The inclusive hotel is part of the modern, ecological urban development of the Vauban district and has an integrative employment policy.

Roarer Suite | Hotel Weihrerhof, Italy

“The ‘Roarer Suite’ with its free-floating bay window is our best room,” explains Klaus Pichler, host at the Hotel Weihrerhof, without missing a beat. From there, guests have a direct view of Lake Wolfsgruben, one of the cleanest swimming lakes in Italy. The hotel is located in Ritten, South Tyrol, and is an ideal place to stay for a nature vacation, especially with children.

Lifestyle Loft 500 | Hotel Klosterbräu, Austria

The “Lifestyle Loft 500” is the Hotel Klosterbräu’s highest room and offers a view of the entire town of Seefeld. It includes a 66-square-meter south-facing terrace and a 20-square-meter east-facing balcony. Guests can also enjoy a private panoramic sauna, a private bar with a beer tap and a wine cabinet, and a secret room. Another highlight is the bed with a wooden canopy.

Pine suite | Naturhotel Outside, Austria

The “Pine Suite” at the Naturhotel Outside in the Hohe Tauern National Park in East Tyrol features Swiss stone pine wood furnishings that promote better sleep and create a natural atmosphere. The suite includes a bed made of solid Swiss stone pine with a high-quality pocket spring mattress measuring 180 x 200 cm, allergen-friendly bedding, and cushions crafted from Swiss stone pine. Hiking in the mountains, relaxing in the spa, and enjoying the excellent cuisine — the restaurant has received three Falstaff forks — contribute to a holistic, nature-oriented relaxation experience.

Inkaterra Suite | Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Peru

The “Inkaterra Suite” is not a typical hotel room. Rather, it is a 176-square-meter villa located on the grounds of the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. The villa features a private garden with a pool, daybed, and outdoor shower, as well as a spacious living area, multiple rooms, and a fireplace. Guided tours exploring the former Inca city of Machu Picchu depart directly from the hotel. For many years, the hotel’s operators have been committed to preserving this World Heritage Site and promoting environmental protection, species conservation, and sustainability throughout Peru.

ApartSuite L | OLM Nature Escape, Italy

Do apartments with private saunas and freestanding bathtubs seem wasteful to you? Fortunately, the OLM Nature Escape in Sand in Taufers, South Tyrol, is completely energy self-sufficient thanks to solar energy and geothermal probes, so it produces all of its own electricity. Each apartment is equipped with a kitchen, allowing you to choose between eating at the restaurant or cooking for yourself.

Family Room No. 2 | Relais del Maro, Italy

The Relais del Maro is an Albergo Diffuso, meaning this four-star hotel is spread across several old residential and commercial buildings in the village. Here in Borgomaro, Liguria, you’ll live right next door to the locals and experience authentic Italian culture in the Imperia countryside. According to host Elena, the most beautiful room is the “Family Room No. 2” — elegant, spacious, and bright.

Waldklang | SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, Germany 

The “Panorama Deluxe Waldklang” suite is one of the hotel’s “Circular Living” rooms. The Schwarzwald Panorama in the spa town of Bad Herrenalb has won several awards for these rooms, which include the Falkenstein and Freigeist suites. Everything from the wall paint to the furnishings and fabrics is 100% recyclable or biodegradable and can therefore be returned to the cycle. Another highlight is the panoramic view of the Black Forest, which is particularly impressive from the “Waldklang.”

Stable room in a farmhouse | Gut Sonnenhausen, Germany 

The “stable rooms” of the farmhouse at Gut Sonnenhausen, located near Munich, feature lovingly restored antique cabinets from Lower Bavaria, as well as a blend of retro and modern furniture. The rooms are insulated with coffee jute sacks. Along with the clay plaster and plenty of spruce wood, the rooms boast a wonderful atmosphere and special charm.

Apis Royal | APIPURA hotel rinner, Italy

“Just like in a beehive, there is only one queen bee in our hotel — the “Apis Royal Suite,” the Rinner family explains with a grin. The Apipura hotel rinner in South Tyrol was designed by a nomadic beekeeper with bees in mind. The suit features a private spa area with a whirlpool tub offering light therapy (a honey hydro bath is recommended) and an infrared cabin for two.

Little Two+ | Lifestylehotel SAND, Germany

The Lifestylehotel SAND is located in the popular resort town of Timmendorfer Strand on the Baltic Sea. The reception staff highly recommend the “Little Two+” room, which is a double room with a balcony facing the sea and a COCO-MAT natural box spring bed. Tip: At the hotel, you can also spend one of your vacation nights in a beach chair on the rooftop!

Renewable Junior Suite | Hotel Luise, Germany

“We believe that our best room is our Renewable Junior Suite,” says the team at the Hotel Luise in Erlangen. “Like all our renewable rooms, the suite is designed according to the cradle-to-cradle concept. This means that almost all of its components are 100% biodegradable or recyclable.” You can also shower under an “astronaut shower,” which saves up to 90% of water and up to 80% of energy. The room has a corner balcony overlooking the hotel garden and green courtyard.

Gartenblick room | STURM, Germany

In 2023, STURM in Mellrichstadt, located in the Rhön region, expanded its hotel offerings with the addition of the “Gartenblick rooms.” In collaboration with architect Prof. Matthias Loebermann, they created rooms that offer “a unique connection with nature.” Located directly in front of the rooms’ terrace, the swimming pond, along with the absence of televisions and the use of natural materials, provides the perfect setting for slowing down and relaxing from everyday life. The rooms received the “Best Architects Award 2024.”

Signature Suite | Eco-Hotel Okelmann‘s, Germany

The Eco-Hotel Okelmann’s in Warpe, Lower Saxony, has a new room that offers extra peace and quiet. The “Signature Suite” has its own garden and can accommodate two to six people. A personal touch can be found in the bedroom, which features the original wedding wardrobe of the great-grandmother of the current Okelmann hosts.

Junior Suite | Naturresort Gerbehof, Germany

Naturresort Gerbehof reports, “Our most popular rooms are the junior suites and suites.” The resort sits on the German side of Lake Constance, surrounded by apple trees and its own forest. Craftsmen use wood from the forest to make the furniture and untreated wooden floorboards in the rooms. The “Junior Suite” offers a healthy living environment, extra space, and a private balcony.

So? In which of these rooms would you most like to spend the night?

Let us know in the comments!

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Driven by nostalgia, I inquired among our Green Pearls® partner hotels and found many like-minded individuals passionate about wood and craftsmanship. Some hotels even have their own forests from which they source wood for furniture. Others use traditional materials, such as Swiss pine, applewood, and moon wood. Some hotels furnish their rooms with lovingly restored family heirlooms, while others are rethinking furniture design based on the principle of the circular economy.

A hotel made of applewood: The Klosterhof — Alpine Hideaway & Spa

Dr. Andreas Färber, the owner of the Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Bayerisch Gmain, is one of the hoteliers who shares my enthusiasm for solid wood furniture. When he and his wife took over the hotel, they made an unusual decision: the Klosterhof would become one of the world’s few “apple hotels.”.

About 90 percent of the custom-made furniture in the house is made of applewood. However, the wood did not come from various locations; it comes from a single apple orchard. This creates a sense of unity in design and content throughout the entire house, something that can be felt in every room and detail.

The concept was implemented in collaboration with longstanding partners at Philipp Haas + Söhne, a master workshop in nearby Bad Reichenhall. The workshop’s latest project was its involvement in the “Spa Glow-Up” 2025.

Masterful craftsmanship with a regional flair

Like the Klosterhof, many of our Green Pearls® partner hotels use handmade furniture crafted by local carpenters.

At the Naturresort Gerbehof on Lake Constance, all the furniture is made from wood sourced directly from the resort itself. They primarily used spruce, which was processed directly on the farm. The furniture reflects the character of this living material, telling the story of the nature that produced it. The spa area’s whirlpool is unique as well; it was designed with stones from the nearby Rhine estuary.

The Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Tyrol, has adopted a similar concept. Almost all of the materials used for the 28 newly built nature rooms came from the region. Ninety-five percent of the materials come from the Alpine region, and the wood comes from the hotel’s own forest. One interesting architectural feature is the bed’s placement under a round arch in the wall. This creates a cozy, almost fairy-tale atmosphere. The bedside lamps with hay-flower lampshades provide the perfect finishing touch.

“”Sometimes, an inner satisfaction makes you want to reach out and touch the piece, to stroke it. God bless the craftsmen who can inspire such feelings in their fellow human beings with just a few pieces of wood!” —From the book So Grün War Mein Tal (My Valley Was So Green) by Richard Llewellyn

At the Naturhotel Outside in East Tyrol, the connection to nature is evident throughout the entire interior design concept: the rooms feature larch wood walls and beds, and the tables are made from regional oak by a Pinzgau carpenter in Salzburg. The newly designed nature spa also incorporates wooden elements from the same workshop.

Wood art in South Tyrol

Individuality and regionality are also emphasized at the Hotel Weihrerhof in Ritten, South Tyrol. For many years, it has worked with the Eisath und Lintner carpentry firm, which manufactures furniture on site from local wood with great attention to detail.

The OLM Nature Escape in the Ahrntal Valley offers a holistic experience. Its ApartSuites are almost entirely clad in larch wood, from floor to ceiling. There are no ornate decorations or Alpine carvings. Instead, the clear, straightforward, modern design creates a natural sense of space, complemented by spruce in the saunas and maple in the restaurant area. The interior design was created by South Tyrolean master craftsmen from Plana Ladina in Val Badia.

Honeycomb design

Lastly, there is the Apipura hotel rinner in South Tyrol. Here, a local carpenter crafted all the furniture in the rooms. The hotel has its own organic beekeeping operation, so the carpenter chose honeycombs as a recurring design element.

Custom work from the Green City: Handcrafted ash furniture at the Hotel Vauban

The Vauban district of Freiburg is known throughout Europe as a model of environmentally friendly urban development. Right in the heart of the district lies the Green City Hotel Vauban, which carries this philosophy through to every detail, including the furniture.

The entire interior was custom-made by Werkhalle 53, a Freiburg-based collective of three master carpenters. They used solid ash wood from nearby Umkirch, a wood that impresses with its fine grain and high durability. The modern, timeless, and clear-designed furniture can be found throughout the hotel, including in the rooms, lobby, and conference rooms.

Another advantage is that the furniture can easily be added to or restored as needed. This approach is sustainable and creates long-term design continuity, which is perfectly in keeping with the neighborhood’s reputation for thoughtful interplay of ecology, architecture, and community.

The power of the moon: Furniture made from moon wood at La Vimea

People deeply involved in traditional craftsmanship and sustainable processing know that not all wood is the same. Moon wood is a prime example: it is wood cut during a waning moon. This ancient practice is based on the knowledge that the moisture content of wood is lower during certain phases of the moon. The result is a highly resistant, durable, and dimensionally stable material — no chemical additives necessary.

At LA VIMEA, a purely vegan hotel in South Tyrol, moon wood plays a central role. Most of the furniture is made from locally sourced wood harvested during the waning moon. The wood is left untreated, making the rooms’ special energy and authenticity palpable.

LA VIMEA uses only natural, cruelty-free materials, such as wood, paper, jute, straw, and cork, for its decorations. Even the candles are made from eco-friendly rapeseed wax.

Furniture in a Cycle: Circular economy meets design

Furnishings don’t have to be new to look modern and high-quality. In a circular economy, everything can be reused. Two of our partner hotels have demonstrated this by incorporating it into their design concept. In addition to wood, other recycled and recyclable materials play a central role as well.

Circular Living at the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA

In cooperation with the impact service providers RITTWEGER + TEAM and Fritz Schlecht GmbH, the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in the spa town of Bad Herrenalb developed room concepts such as “Freigeist” (free spirit), “Waldklang” (forest sound), and “Falkenstein” (falcon stone)—a stylish combination of nature and contemporary design. Highlights include oak parquet flooring with Cradle-to-Cradle Bronze certification, regional softwood side tables, and pendant lights made from PEFC-certified birch—ecologically sound and aesthetically pleasing.

The circular hotel room at Hotel Luise

The Hotel Luise in Erlangen is a pioneer among sustainable city hotels. Of particular note are the “circular hotel rooms,” which were designed according to the cradle-to-cradle principle. This means that everything in the room, from the floor to the ceiling, is either biodegradable or fully recyclable.

The hotel also features upcycled furniture and restored pieces, including an antique pharmacy cabinet from the Coburg court pharmacy. The cabinet was found by the owners in the local classifieds and was restored. Now, it houses the hotel’s “Tiny Shop.”

Furniture with history: restored, inherited, and preserved

Like the apothecary cabinet, many pieces of furniture carry memories of previous generations and nearly forgotten craft traditions. In some Green Pearls® hotels, this emotional connection is incorporated into the interior design. Rather than using mass-produced items, they focus on restoring unique pieces and preserving family heirlooms, complemented by custom-made furniture from sustainable production.

At the Ligurian Relais del Maro, you will stay in historic houses belonging to the host family — lovingly restored and scattered throughout the village of Borgomaro in the style of an Albergo Diffuso. Some of these houses contain furnishings that still belong to the family, while others were sourced from small antique markets on the nearby Côte d’Azur — with each piece telling its own story.

Old meets new at Hotel Okelmann’s in Lower Saxony, too. For example, the grandmother’s wedding cabinet has found a place of honor in the new Signature Suite. Adjacent to it are handcrafted furnishings from a carpentry workshop in the neighboring village. Other antique pieces have been refurbished and carefully incorporated into the design.

Individuality is a top priority at Gut Sonnenhausen in Bavaria. They have collected original farmhouse cabinets from all over Bavaria and lovingly restored them in the stables of the historic farmhouse. These cabinets form an exciting contrast to the modern art and contemporary design found throughout the hotel. And the beds were designed in-house and crafted by a local carpenter using regional wood. Each room is unique; no two rooms are alike.

“”Wood is proud of its age.” —From the book “So Green Was My Valley” von Richard Llewellyn

Immerse yourself in craftsmanship: Carved rooms that evoke a sense of well-being

In some hotels, you will find not only unique pieces of furniture but also rooms that are completely carved.

At the Hotel Bella Vista in Zermatt, the “Arvenstube” is the perfect place to relax. This entire relaxation room is furnished with fragrant Swiss stone pine wood, which is known for its restorative properties (read this blog article to learn more about the latest studies). Here, you can unwind on waterbeds after an active day exploring the mountains around the Matterhorn. According to Fabienne Anthamatten, the hostess, this is one of the guests’ favorite rooms. 🙂

The Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld showcases master craftsmanship with its unique, hand-carved “Herzerl-Sauna” (heart sauna). You won’t find another one like it anywhere on the planet.

Handcrafted rooms like this one combine craftsmanship, natural materials, and wellness in a special way.

Wood in all its facets: regional materials, sustainable partners, and natural construction methods

In addition to offering handmade furniture, our partner hotels are taking various approaches to providing a sustainable wood and nature experience, such as using regional materials, creating durable products, and employing innovative construction methods.

At My Arbor, for instance, furniture crafted from regional oak and sun-baked larch, both sourced from sustainable forestry, dominates. Entirely built high up in the treetops of the South Tyrolean spruce forest, the hotel offers unique views of the Plose from its rooms.

Sustainability is a recurring theme in the partnerships at the Lifestylehotel SAND (SAND Aspires Natural Design). The beds here are from CocoMat, a company whose mattresses are made exclusively from natural materials, such as coconut fibers. The sturdy, recycled teak bed headboards and matching tables in the breakfast and bar areas highlight the hotel’s commitment to sustainable interior design, focusing on quality and durability.

Vacation in a log cabin

The Summit Lodges in Pfunds are completely different but equally impressive. These vacation homes are traditional log cabins, built entirely from whole logs. This construction method boasts an excellent ecological balance, minimal resource consumption, and a particularly pleasant indoor climate thanks to natural Tyrolean sheep’s wool insulation and large windows that let in plenty of sunlight.

Wooden furniture inspiration for your home

Do you want to bring a piece of craftsmanship into your home? Here are a few ideas for finding furniture with history, character, and sustainability:

• Go treasure hunting: Antique and flea markets, as well as online classified ads, are full of special pieces with patina.
• Discover journeyman pieces: Many cities, including my hometown of Cologne, have chambers of crafts that exhibit journeyman and master pieces every year. You can find inspiration there and connect with young carpenters. Years later, these unique pieces sometimes end up in classified ads.
• Build it yourself using the right wood: Numerous DIY instructions for shelves, tables, and more can be found online. When buying wood, look for regional origin and the FSC seal, which is better than PEFC.
• Choose solid wood over chipboard: Furniture made of solid wood is more durable and better for the indoor climate because it doesn’t contain adhesives or formaldehyde. Veneered panels have their place, but opt for solid wood if possible.
• Consider custom work from a professional: Need a new piece of furniture? Ask your local carpenter. Custom-made pieces are more expensive, but not prohibitively so. They are also unique and high-quality.

This demonstrates the versatility of wood as a raw material used in sustainable hotels and homes. It is used not only for furniture, but also in a variety of other forms, always with the goal of blending nature, design, and responsibility.

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My connection to monasteries

At the beginning of my journalistic training, I had a pretty good connection with the Catholic News Agency (kna). You could join them without being Catholic. I used their services for seminars or press trips to the Vatican, for example. Journalists could stay in monasteries and enjoy their hospitality. But prayers? That had to be done in private, if at all.

Today I live in the Holy Land, and you would think that every order that respects itself would have a representative here. And they do. But where are the members? I have visited several Christian and Orthodox monasteries. They are tourist attractions. Sensational buildings with beautiful views and long histories – but the number of current residents is always less than 15, and most of them are very old.

The end of an era – what comes next?

In the Middle Ages, Christian monasteries flourished in many parts of Europe. They performed important functions, such as education and nursing, and represented the spirit of the times, which may sometimes seem strange to us today. It was a time when things like miracles, penance, prayer and resurrection played a central role in people’s lives.

Some argue that monasteries are simply no longer needed because many of their former functions have now been taken over by the state. In the Middle Ages, for example, almost all monks were literate, and they copied books and built libraries. Some orders also devoted themselves to caring for the sick. But the reason why more and more monasteries are being secularized and dissolved is much more substantial. The reference to God is missing.

“God is left out”

Father Suitbert of the Benedictine Abbey of Neuburg in Germany entered the monastery over 70 years ago. At its height, there were 36 monks here. Now there are only seven monks left, and like Father Suitbert, they are all elderly. “In today’s world, God is more and more excluded; God plays almost no role in public life,” he told Deutschlandfunk radio. “[In a monastery] those who feel called by God come together on this path, and if that doesn’t happen, then there is simply nothing left. Or hardly anything.”

There are hardly any novices left

In 2023, in a large, Christianized European country like Germany, there were only 21 novices (newcomers in their first five years in the monastery) (all male monastic orders combined). Today, the women’s orders still have significantly larger communities than the men’s, but over 84% of the nuns are over the age of 65. In 2023, there were 38 novices.

This is a very small number of people for a very large number of (and in some cases very large) monastery buildings. Another problem is that many of the buildings are listed, which means that the cost and effort to maintain and renovate them is very high.

What happens to monastery buildings that are no longer needed?

When a monastery is closed, it is “desecrated”. It is no longer a sacred space, but an ordinary building. However, the building should not be used in an “unworthy” way, as can be seen from various diocesan decrees.

Some time ago, the magazine “Christ in der Gegenwart” took a closer look at what happens to dissolved monasteries. It introduced several real estate companies that specialize in the “liquidation” of church buildings and also addressed the question of what use would be most desirable for the church. One scandal was the (almost) buyer of a convent where it was later discovered that the building was to become a swingers club.

Monastery hotels are the best choice

Housing projects, such as multi-generational housing or student housing, are popular. But of the various projects highlighted by the Christian weekly, hotels seemed to be the most successful. Especially those that draw on the monastic heritage and make that culture visible.

„To be a host. This is an old Christian theme.“ – Beate Hierold, Administrator of the Arenberg Abbey

Green PearlsⓇ Hotels in former monasteries

The Green PearlsⓇ network of sustainable hotels includes three hotels built on the site of former monasteries. From a sustainability perspective, this has several advantages:

• Using existing buildings is ecologically better than building from scratch.
• The cultural and architectural heritage of the region is preserved.
• Many historically valuable buildings can be saved in this way.

Interestingly, monasteries also have a kind of “magic effect” on people. At least that is what the church historian Joachim Schmiedl has observed. He said (also to “Christ der Gegenwart”) that the dying out of monasteries is accompanied by an increased interest among people in everything to do with monks, nuns and monasteries.

Hotel Klosterbräu: A place for guests – and home-brewed beer

The Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld in Tyrol is certainly a prime example of a hotel that continues to cultivate the cultural heritage of a monastery. An Augustinian monastery was founded in Seefeld in 1809. Pilgrims were accommodated here early on, and the monks served them home-brewed beer.

For the past 200 years, the former monastery has been owned by the Seyrling family, who have transformed it into a 5-star wellness hotel. They have kept the tradition of brewing beer.

Many other elements of the former monastery are still visible today. There are vaulted cellars and the former monastery bell hangs prominently above the outdoor pool.

• Here you can learn more about the hotel’s 500+ year history.

Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa: a place to heal

The Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa health and wellness hotel in Bavaria was also once an Augustinian monastery. Its history dates back to the 16th century.

Before becoming a hotelier, Dr. Andreas Färber worked as a doctor in development aid in Ecuador. “When I was in Ecuador, I became very involved with the culture there,” he says. “There are many monasteries there, and one or two had been converted into hotels, which I found very exciting at the time. (…) And that was perhaps the initial spark for what is now the Klosterhof.”

As a doctor, he has integrated a health center into the sustainable wellness hotel. This is a nice link to the roots of the Klosterhof, where the monks of the time also collected and applied knowledge about healing remedies.

• Read more about the history of Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa.

Le Pavillon Hotel in Paris – Older than the Eiffel Tower

Paris became a metropolis in the Middle Ages. From the 15th century, church towers dominated the cityscape and there were numerous religious orders and monasteries. All schools, hospices and hospitals were run by monasteries, and even the Knights Templar had a house in Paris.

The Green Pearls® Hotel Le Pavilion in the 7th arrondissement of Paris was once a convent for nuns. It was built in the 19th century (probably a few years before the construction of the Eiffel Tower, which you can reach on foot from here).

Desecrated but not forgotten: monastic hotels carry on the legacy

I myself can say that although I am not a Christian at all, I initially found it somewhat regrettable when you see a monastery suddenly become a hotel. It looks like the worldly is taking over and the divine is disappearing. But when you look at it from a practical point of view, it turns out that hotels are perhaps the most worthy heirs at the moment. What do you think? Leave a comment and tell me what you think.

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Interview with collector Stefan M. Gergely

Stefan M. Gergely is a science journalist, non-fiction author and entrepreneur. Since the 1980s he works in organic farming, nature and species protection. In 2015 he founded Gut Guntrams near Vienna on land he inherited from his mother. Gut Guntrams is a combination nature hotel and organic farm with a farm shop, orangery, café and his art collection.

Green Travel Blog: I would like to start with the most difficult question: human rights and their violation often come up in the context of gemstones and minerals. Are there certain seals or structures that you can rely on as a collector?

Stefan M. Gergely: I think first we have to answer if humans have the right to extract natural resources. Some would say “plunder the earth”?

GTB: And what is your response?

SG: One might object that the crystal does not come to the fore as long as it is hidden in the rock.

GTB: This reminds me of Dschelal-eddin Rumi, who attributes to God the statement (as the reason for the creation of man): “I was a hidden treasure and wanted to be known.”

SG: Yes, you can philosophize about it for hours! In any case, it is remarkable what beautiful crystals are hidden deep in the earth.

GTB: What do you know about stone mining?

SG: As often criticized in the media, regulations are often not followed in the mining industry. Whenever possible, I visit the site or mine. When that’s not possible, I ask specialists who know the area how things are there. But as far as I can tell, transparency leaves a lot to be desired. In recent years, businessmen from Asia, many from China, have been buying up crystals like crazy, and they probably don’t care about the conditions under which the minerals were mined.

Pyrite mining in Spain

GTB: Do you buy the exhibits on site? I thought that most collectors walk around the mineral show in Munich in suits.

SG: Whenever possible, I like to visit the sites in person, most recently special pyrites in La Rioja, Spain. They are mined in open-cast mines. But I’ve never been down into the depths of a mine; it’s just too scary for me. The shows in Munich, Alsace and Tucson in Arizona are also interesting because you can network there.

GTB: Have you ever looked for (and found) crystals or fossils?

SG: Yes, pyrite on Elba and rock crystals in Engadin! I started collecting crystals when I was still in primary school. Fossils came much later.

“Fossils are a cautionary tale for humanity”

GTB: Fossils and petrified wood tell us stories from tens to hundreds of millions of years ago – what do you find most exciting?

SG: To me, fossils are witnesses to past catastrophes. You can find giant fossilized ammonites that were wiped out by a meteorite impact or devastating volcanic eruptions. This is not only fascinating, but also a warning to modern humans, who are responsible for the disappearance of many species in the so-called Anthropocene.

“When will we stop plundering nature?”

GTB: Some geologists suggest that the Anthropocene should be dated not from the beginning of humanity, but from the beginning of industrialization. After all, humans have been largely responsible for species extinction, global warming, and other catastrophes for about 200 years.

SG: The Anthropocene Working Group (AWG) suggests 1950 (which, by the way, is the year I was born). In my opinion, however, it is not so important when the Anthropocene began; much more important is when we will stop the overexploitation of nature and the loss of biodiversity. In this sense, I hope that visitors will reflect on what they see in my exhibits.

GTB: Which exhibit in your collection gets the most attention from your guests?

SG: The large amethyst is a popular photo subject for guests, as is the colorful labradorite.

GTB: Personally, I am also interested in the meteorite on display at the Café-Restaurant Veranda. Is a rock from outer space different from a rock from Earth?

SG: Yes, of course! The meteorite in the Veranda was found in southern Argentina. Impacts from the asteroid belt are found there. The meteorites from there consist of iron and nickel, which is why they are so heavy and different from the stones on our Earth.

GTB: One last question: Do you offer personal tours?

SG: I am happy to give private tours (for groups).

GTB: Thanks for the interview!

Service-Info: The Crystal Garden is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is €5 per person and is donated to the Arche Guntrams Nature Museum, which is dedicated to the protection of endangered species. For more information, visit their website.

 

You can find information about vacationing at Gut Guntrams (in “floating garden lofts” above rare apple trees) on the Green PearlsⓇ microsite.

Der Beitrag The Crystal Garden of Gut Guntrams – Collector Stefan M. Gergely on the importance (and exploitation) of minerals erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

This is the fourteenth and final part of our series on “tips for a sustainable weekend getaway.”

Eco-friendly travel to Milan

Milan train station is easy to reach from anywhere in Europe. However, as the journey from the DACH region takes a couple of hours, we recommend taking the night train. There are direct Nightjet connections from Munich and Vienna.

Read more about the sustainability of night trains in our blog post on the best night train routes in Europe.

A cheaper option (sometimes for less than 50 euros) is to take the long-distance coach. Click here for Flixbus connections to Milan.

From the station you can easily get to the Hotel Milano Scala and at weekends you can also get around the city by tram.

“We are located in the heart of Milan. This means that you can connect to all three main light rail lines (red line M1, yellow line M3 and green line M2).” – Hotel Milano Scala

Tip: Get the Milan Pass Light for 24, 48 or 72 hours. This pass gives you free travel on all public transport, an audio guide for your mobile phone and a 10% discount on entry to many attractions.

Sustainable accommodation at Hotel Milano Scala

Centrally located, the Hotel Milano Scala was the first zero-emissions hotel in the city. In fact, it was named one of the “World’s Most Eco-Friendly Hotels” by National Geographic Traveler. The hotel generates its own green electricity using geothermal probes. On the inside, you’ll find a green exterior, eco-chic interiors, classical music at breakfast, and regional cuisine made with organic ingredients. But our highlight is definitely the rooftop terrace with a bar, seating, and a rooftop garden that supplies the restaurant and bar with fresh herbs, vegetables, and berries.

To get a taste of what it’s like, we recommend this short (1.5 minute) promotional video on YouTube.

A sustainable weekend in Milan – here’s what it could look like

Friday is for culture

If you take the night train, you can get to Milan from Vienna and Munich in about 12 hours – it will be around 8 o’clock in the morning.

Even if it is too early to check in (2 p.m.), we recommend that you go straight to the hotel. Here you can store your luggage and have breakfast (until 10:30 a.m.). Afterwards, you will be ready to explore the city.

Historic Brera, Milan Cathedral and Museums

The Hotel Milano Scala is located in the historic Brera district. The main attractions, including the Cathedral, are just a few minutes walk away.

Milan Cathedral is open to visitors on Fridays from 8 am to 7 pm (please note the dress code).

If you are satisfied with a view of the Cathedral from the outside, the Hotel Milano Scala recommends a visit to the Milan Castle as an alternative. The Castello Sforzesco is open on Fridays from 10 am to 5:30 pm (last tour at 4:30 pm) and often hosts exhibitions and events.

Another alternative is the Pinacoteca di Brera. One of the most important art museums in Italy and within walking distance of the hotel. The art on display focuses on Italian Renaissance painting and the Baroque period.

Eco-friendly midday snack at Soulgreen

Soulgreen is the perfect place to take a break and snack after your cultural experience. Here you will find organic food such as bowls and freshly squeezed juices in an appealing environment. In addition, the café supports a project that provides free meals and clean water to children around the world through its “Proud to Give Back” program (Open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.).

After 2 p.m. you can check into your hotel room and relax at the hotel or visit one of the many other museums in the city if you haven’t had enough. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, La Traviata. The restaurant uses regional (organic) ingredients and offers a classic and elegant atmosphere.

Milan’s La Scala

One of the most famous opera houses in Europe, if not the world, is only a five-minute stroll from the hotel. Evening performances usually begin at 8 p.m. Check the Teatro alla Scala schedule here.

Price: The best seats at La Scala will set you back around 500 euros, but cheaper seats can be had for as little as 20 euros.

Eco-Shopping, art and architecture on Saturdays

What is a weekend in Milan without shopping? After all, Milan is considered one of the most famous fashion and design cities in the world. But how do you shop in a sustainable way? For starters, you could do some window shopping – just stroll past Milan’s chic stores and admire the window displays.

Window shopping in Via Montenapolene

“Via Montenapoleone – the heart of the “Quadrilatero della moda” – is within walking distance and our guests like to take a look at the street.” – Hotel Milano Scala

Via Montenapolone is considered the second most expensive street in the world after New York’s Fifth Avenue. You’ll find the biggest names in fashion right here. There are jewelers, famous Italian shoemakers, etc. Of course, in most cases this has nothing to do with sustainability – but a peek never hurt nobody 😀 

Vintage scene in Milan

Milan’s vintage scene is more sustainable. Second-hand clothes make ecological sense. But again, we have to warn you: it’s not cheap! In the Navigli district, along the Navigli canal, there are many vintage shops where you can discover used designer clothes, accessories and more. It’s definitely more expensive than fast fashion, but of higher quality.

In the old town of Milan you will find the vintage fashion store Cavalli e Nastri. It is located (along with other vintage stores) in Via Gian Giacomo Mora.

Eco-fashion in Milan

Milan also has some lovely boutiques specializing in sustainable clothing. Here are a few of our recommendations:

#1 Panpepato: A small, friendly boutique where fashion designers Martina and Eva sell their handmade collections for women and children. You can also find handmade jewelry and accessories.

#2 Progetto Quid: This fashion project sells surplus stock and fabrics donated by Italian fashion brands. They employ women who would otherwise have no chance of finding work.

#3 ASAP LAB: ASAP stands for “As Sustainable As Possible” and here you will find cashmere products made from recycled wool, for example, as well as small accessories such as elegant leather pencil cases. (Please note that the shop has somewhat unusual opening hours, including a lunch break. It’s best to check if the store is open before your visit).

Vegan Cherry Bomb Burger for Lunch

Have you ever seen Flower Burger on Instagram? Those are the beautiful selfies with colorful vegan burgers. The eye-catching and meat-free burgers were invented by two artists from Milan who opened their first two Flower Burger restaurants there. The concept is now spreading as a franchise. It is open from 12:30.

If you eat here, don’t forget to take a selfie 🙂

Bosco Verticale – Green urban architecture

For a little relaxation in the afternoon, take a trip to the Bosco Verticale – the vertical forest. These are two green skyscrapers that have a positive effect on the city’s microclimate. (Read more in our blog article on green urban development).

The Bosco Verticale is located in the Isola district. Here you will find parks, cafes, bars and lots of young people. This is the place to be if you want to be part of Milan’s young nightlife.

Departure and Sunday highlights

If you decide to take the night train and have to be back at work on Monday, it is advisable to leave on Saturday evening and spend Sunday relaxing at home.

If you are still in Milan on Sunday, here are two highlights for that day.

#1 Antique market in the Navigli district: Every last Sunday of the month there is an antique market in the trendy Navigli district (where the vintage shops are located, along with many cafes and art galleries). You can find the current dates here.

#2 Sunday brunch at Capra e Cavoli: At the hotel you can still enjoy a wonderful breakfast on Sunday morning and check out is at noon. We recommend that you have breakfast a little earlier so that you can attend the Sunday brunch at Capra e Cavoli (between 12 and 15:30). This is an eco-restaurant with a cozy and eclectic interior with many upcycled objects. It has an open kitchen and a garden. It feels just like being at a friend’s house.

And with that pleasant feeling, you’ll be reluctant to leave Milan – but I’m sure it was a great weekend, full of experiences and a small ecological footprint to boot.

Der Beitrag A sustainable weekend in Milan – Insider tips from Hotel Milano Scala erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Between simplicity and luxury

According to the Allgäuer Zeitung, citing the Historical Dictionary, chalets used to be very simple mountain huts. However, during the European Enlightenment in the 17th and 18th centuries, they became a “symbol of a society of simplicity, closeness to nature, freedom and democracy”. Later, chalets became popular with Europe’s aristocracy, which led to them being seen as luxurious vacation homes – a reputation they still maintain today.

What makes a chalet sustainable?

Those who choose a chalet vacation want to experience nature. In most cases, this leads to a greater appreciation of nature. In the mountains, for example, you can see the effects of global warming firsthand in the melting glaciers.

Sustainably managed chalets are characterized by the following:

• Use of local wood from sustainably managed forests
• Integration with and respect for nature during construction
• Traditional building methods of the region to preserve the culture
• Modern insulation methods (energy saving)
• Cooperation with local businesses (strengthening the local economy)
• Energy supply with green electricity (self-produced or purchased)
• Waste prevention and recycling
• Water conservation measures
• Modern chimney technology and proper use of open fires
• Natural cosmetics in bathrooms
• Local organic products for breakfast or in the restaurant (if offered)

As you can see, there are a number of criteria that determine whether a chalet can be considered sustainable. In general, alpine tourism is an important economic factor for the region and also contributes to the establishment and maintenance of conservation projects such as national parks. Of course, tourists want to visit beautiful natural places. But as a traveler, you also have a responsibility. (Read more about eco-friendly travel in the Alps here.) In addition to not leaving trash behind, you can minimize your carbon footprint by choosing how you get there and where you stay.

What is the difference between a chalet and a vacation home?

According to the Duden dictionary, the word “chalet” has both French and Romansh roots and refers to a “country house, usually made of wood, especially in the Swiss Alps“.

Interestingly, the synonym for chalet is vacation home, which brings us to the answer to the question 🙂 A chalet is a vacation home. But not every vacation home in the Alps is a chalet, because chalets are characterized by the fact that they are wooden houses in the traditional style. Vacation homes can look different.

Sustainable chalets – Our recommendations

We can recommend 5 sustainable Green PearlsⓇ chalets in the Alpine region of Austria, Germany and Italy.

#1 Hygna Chalets in Alpbachtal, Tyrol – Luxury chalets with jacuzzi

The Hygna Chalets form their own small chalet village with a total of 11 chalets of varying sizes for 2 to 7 people. Built in traditional Tyrolean style, each chalet has a small private spa and some even have their own sauna and jacuzzi. There is also a fireplace with firewood.

A breakfast basket with local (organic) produce (vegan or vegetarian options available upon request) is delivered to your door each morning. The Chalet Village also has a 13-meter infinity pool in the former hay barn, a yoga room (with yoga classes offered), and a gym.

Sustainability: The land on which the Moser family built the chalets was previously occupied by a concrete ruin that had been vacant for 30 years. Electricity is generated by a solar system from spring to fall, and heat is provided by a pellet heating system in the winter. The hot tubs are equipped with a modern, water-saving system that fills the water at the touch of a button and purifies it for reuse. E-bikes and E-Golfs can be rented for local transportation.

• Check rates and availability on the Hgyna Chalets website.

#2 Summit Lodges, Pfunds, Tyrol – Log cabin with private sauna

The Summit Lodges in Pfunds, Tyrol, are a pair of log cabins made of polar spruce and built in the style of an American log cabin. They are more of a vacation home than a chalet, but still worth a recommendation! Each cabin is about 120 square meters and can sleep up to 6 people. There is a private sauna and a cozy fireplace with wood. You can cook in your own kitchen and be completely independent. A ski bus stops only 2 minutes from the front door and in summer there are many hiking trails. The chalets are also very suitable for a vacation with children.

Sustainability: The vacation homes are heated with air-source heat pumps, and the electricity comes from Tyrolean hydropower. The host, Marco Spiess, is very careful about waste separation. Guests are instructed in recycling, and garbage is checked before being taken to the recycling center. There is a compost for organic waste.

• Check the Summit Lodges website for rates and availability.

#3 LENI MOUNTAIN Chalet in the Ötztal, Tyrol – Private luxury hideaway

In the middle of the Ötztal Alps lies a luxurious, private hideaway: the LENI MOUNTAIN Chalet. To get there, you have to hike from the village of Sölden. Upon your arrival, the Arnold family, who own the chalet, will have an SUV ready to transport you and your luggage.

The chalet is approximately 200 square meters and can accommodate up to 8 people in 4 bedrooms. There is a fireplace, a private natural swimming pond, a wine refrigerator and other amenities for a luxurious alpine vacation. You will also have a personal concierge and even a private* chef if you wish. A bike station is available for mountain bikers.

Sustainability: The chalet is built with natural materials from the region and is energy self-sufficient thanks to a photovoltaic system. CO₂ emissions per guest are measured and reduced through various measures. The owners are also partners of “myclimate”.

• Check rates and availability directly with LENI MOUNTAIN.

#4 Edelsberghütte, Allgäu – Mountain hut with modern comforts

Our Green PearlsⓇ partner, Hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allgäu region, acquired the Edelsberghütte in 2024. At an altitude of 1,180 meters above sea level, the hut welcomes hikers who can enjoy the view and good food (depending on the route) after a 40-minute to 1.5-hour hike (starting at the Pfronten hiking parking lot).

The Edelsberghütte has three chalets or apartments. Two are on the first floor and one has a separate entrance but is also part of the cabin. All apartments are comfortably furnished with all modern conveniences.

Sustainability: The Edelsberghütte was purchased as an existing cabin, and the family that owns it (as well as their hotel) is committed to local suppliers, organic food, and conservation.

• Check prices and availability directly on the website.

#5 ADLER Loge RITTEN, South Tyrol – Chalets with all-inclusive service

On the Ritten Plateau in South Tyrol, you can rent one of the luxurious wooden cabins at ADLER Lodge RITTEN*. The chalets are scattered around a natural swimming pond and along the hillside, offering different but equally fantastic views. The resort also includes a main house and spa area with an outdoor pool, forest sauna and spa treatments. The all-inclusive services include breakfast and a multi-course dinner, as well as a lunch menu and all beverages. Guided hiking and biking tours are also available.

There are 55 square meter junior chalets for two people and four 90 square meter family chalets. Each chalet has a wood-burning fireplace, terrace and bio-sauna.

Sustainability: Regional and natural materials were used in the construction. The design of the chalets was the work of a local architect and craftsmen and is inspired by traditional South Tyrolean architecture. In addition, the resort has its own organic farm, which provides the produce used in the kitchens.

• Check prices and availability directly on the website.

We hope we have given you a better understanding of what a chalet vacation is, how chalets are run sustainably, and how you can support them.

*CIN: IT021072A1QCJQTLUQ (ADLER Lodge Ritten)

Der Beitrag Sustainable chalet vacation in the Alps erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

The urban farming study

The study compared the fruit and vegetable production of 73 urban gardens in the United States, France, Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom. It involved the Dortmund Institute for Urban and Regional Development Research and the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability.

The urban farmers recorded exactly what they bought and how much they harvested. The scientists then compared this to a ” shopping basket” of popular supermarket fruits and vegetables grown conventionally in the region.

Result: Conventional agriculture produces six times less CO2

Well? Are you as surprised as we were? The explanation is actually quite simple: conventional agriculture, with its fields, greenhouses, and truck delivery chains, is more efficient (in the grand scheme of things) and thus produces fewer emissions than urban gardeners who grow a few raised beds in their backyards for personal use.

A simple example: Imagine you want to grow zucchini on your patio. You go to the hardware store and garden center, buy wood, soil, fertilizer, a watering can, zucchini seeds or seedlings, and always irrigate with water from the tap. In the end, you harvest 30 zucchini. If you now calculate the total CO2 emissions caused by a single zucchini, you can easily imagine that professional agriculture, which has already optimized its processes for the highest possible yields, has a smaller footprint. Of course, you’re not building a new raised bed or replacing all the soil every year, but we’ll get back to that!

The good news: Tomatoes from the balcony are better than those from the greenhouse!

Should you throw in the rake now? No. What you can do is plant tomatoes. They are one of the few vegetables that have a lower carbon footprint (compared to greenhouse tomatoes!). And there are other things you can do.

The 3 biggest urban gardening mistakes and how to avoid them

Before we get to the benefits of urban gardening and urban farming for urban development, let’s take a look at what we’re doing wrong and what we could be doing better. After all, 17 of the 73 gardens studied were more climate-friendly than conventional agriculture, so researchers have some clues about what makes ecological sense and what is counterproductive. Here are the most common mistakes and, of course, their solutions:

#1 Too short period of use

The authors of the study saw a problem in the fact that many urban garden projects exist for a short period of time (such as five years). This means that all materials purchased (raised beds, etc.) must be calculated for that time period.
Possible solutions:

1. 1. Use your new raised bed as long as possible, pass it on to the next tenant, or sell it to other urban gardeners when you no longer need it. In this way, you can extend its lifespan.
   2. Build your raised bed from upcycled materials, such as old pallets or scrap lumber, and use topsoil excavated from other construction projects.
   3. Buy second hand. Whether it’s a raised bed, a planter, plants or even soil.

#2 Incorrect composting

Most urban gardeners use compost, which saves them 95 percent of the mineral fertilizer they would otherwise use. This sounds great, but unfortunately the researchers found that about 30 percent of the gardens they studied had improper composting techniques with inadequate air circulation, leading to methane emissions. Methane is a more powerful greenhouse gas than CO2. Learn how to avoid methane in your compost in this article on composting mistakes.
Possible solutions:

1. 1. 1. Make sure your soil is loose, especially during the winter when it can become very compact. Loosen it thoroughly in the spring.
      2. Learn about composting techniques. Perhaps a different technique would be more appropriate for your balcony (e.g. bokashi, worm bin, etc.).

#3 Irrigation with drinking water

About 50 percent of urban gardeners use rainwater occasionally, but only five percent use it exclusively. Instead, 95 percent of watering is done primarily with drinking water from the tap or pumped well water.
Possible solutions:

1. 1. Admittedly, the solutions here are limited. After all, not everyone can put a rain barrel on their balcony. But if you have the option, you should consider it!
   2. Alternatively, if rain is in the forecast, place bowls and buckets on the balcony to collect the water so you can use it to water your plants for at least the next few days.
   3. Another option is to collect gray water in your household. For example, when you rinse vegetables, cooking water from potatoes, eggs, etc., water you leave running in the shower until the hot water comes, etc..

Benefits of urban gardening and urban farming

Agriculture belongs in the countryside. This is how the study could be interpreted. Still, it makes sense to make cities greener – especially in times of global warming and rapid population growth. This is what the study says. Here are the key benefits:

• Trees and other vegetation in the city trap particulate matter and pollutants.
• All plants that use photosynthesis bind CO2. The total amount depends on the mass of the plant, which is why the effect of your tomato plant is much smaller than that of a larch. But in the spirit of “many small things make a big difference”, small gardens also absorb CO2.
• Plants produce oxygen, improving air quality.
• Urban gardens provide shade to cool streets and homes. This in turn reduces the energy consumption of air conditioners.
• Urban gardens encourage biodiversity. They provide food, habitat and shelter for insects, birds, hedgehogs, lizards and other small animals.
• Promote well-being: Many studies have shown that children, teens and adults feel good and happy in nature. Green facades and bright flower beds are pleasing to the eye.
• Mental health for urban gardeners: The carbon footprint study mentioned above found that participants experienced positive effects on their mental well-being. This was revealed in interviews with the managers of the 73 urban gardens and, according to the researchers, is a factor that should not be ignored.
• Freshness of food: For those who grow fruits and vegetables, freshness is often an argument in favor of organic farming – everything is allowed to ripen and be eaten right away.
• Growing your own food promotes education and appreciation. You (and especially children) learn how fruits and vegetables grow, how long it takes, and what it takes to finally harvest something.

Three exemplary urban gardening projects from our Green PearlsⓇ hotel partners

#1 Hotel Milano Scala – Milan’s first zero-emissions hotel

As a major industrial city, Milan is not necessarily “green,” but the city is famous for many innovations – not only in fashion and design, but also in urban development and urban gardening.

The two “Bosco Verticale” (Vertical Forests) skyscrapers built ten years ago by Milanese architect Stefano Boeri are particularly famous in this context. They were his first attempt to bring the forest into the city. Since then, Boeri has built other such buildings (including in Mexico).

“And then if you observe what is urban, cities occupy not more than 3 % of the surface of the major lands of the planet, but this 3 % produces basically 70 % of the CO₂, which is bad for the atmosphere.” – Architect Stefano Boeri interviewed by Forbes

In addition to Bosco Verticale, Hotel Milano Scala deserves your attention. It is the first zero-emissions hotel in Milan and is powered by green energy. The centrally located hotel is also committed to greening the city. Standing in the lobby, you can look through a glass roof onto the green facades of the courtyard and up to the lush roof garden, whose fruits can be enjoyed in cocktails at the rooftop bar and restaurant.

• By the way, Milan has a train station that is well worth a visit and is environmentally friendly to reach by train. Read more about this in our blog: Italy by train.
  

#2 Green City Hotel VAUBAN – an example of green urban development

The German city of Freiburg not only has the most hours of sunshine in Germany, it also has a relaxed, modern and “green” atmosphere. At least in the relatively new Vauban district!

Created in 2006 from a former military area, the district is virtually car-free (except for occasional delivery traffic). Instead, there is an excellent network of cycle paths and direct access to public transport. Vauban is also a real recreational area with green belts, parks and urban gardening.

A highlight of this overall concept is the Green City Hotel VAUBAN. Not only does it have a green façade and green balconies, but the integrative establishment also assumes ecological and social responsibility in all areas of the hotel business.

• Sustainable travel in Freiburg:Sustainable exploration in Freiburg: In our blog post on sustainable city trips, Katharina from the Green City Hotel VAUBAN gives some tips on how to spend your free time (as well as the best cheesecake in town).

#3 Hotel Luise has created a microforest in Erlangen

Hotel Luise, now run by the third generation of eco-pioneer Ben Förtsch, is committed to improving the microclimate of Erlangen on several levels.

A real tree grows at the top of the roof terrace. But Ben’s pet project is his “microforest”. Thanks to precise planning (e.g. root symbiosis with mushrooms), the microforest at the Hotel Luise will have the same characteristics as a 100-year-old forest in just ten years. And this in the middle of the Bavarian city!

In addition to the value to biodiversity, the hotel benefits from the plantings in very practical ways: they provide shade (passive cooling), noise reduction, natural air filtration, and many songbirds.

Conclusion

The value of urban gardening cannot be measured by the carbon footprint of a single zucchini. However, we should not ignore the problems and the resulting suggestions for improvement to make our urban gardens do even more good!

Planning your own urban garden? Then save this article for later!

Der Beitrag Urban gardening and urban farming – A study shows: It could be more sustainable erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

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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Journey into the forest – it doesn’t get any greener than this!

The forest is most beautiful when it is untouched. Does this mean that it is best not to enter it at all? Certainly not! On the contrary, a trip to the forest is a way to show your appreciation for it. After all, the many forest national parks were created precisely because they are important recreational areas for us. And since nature tourism also brings in money, it is an important incentive for forest owners to preserve trees and species.

By the way: If there were no more forests, there would be no more people. Forests produce the oxygen we need to survive – while filtering out climate-changing carbon dioxide, making them important climate protectors.

You can read more about this in our forest blog post:

Our Forest – unique, relaxing, endangered

A sustainable vacation in the forest – 5 Green Rules

1. Attitude: Enter the forest with respect and appreciation.
2. Preserve nature: Do not disturb wildlife with loud noise or by littering (especially cigarette butts, which release toxins into the soil and water).
3. Wildfire Awareness: Be especially aware of wildfire regulations and current warning levels!
4. Do not feed: You should never feed wild animals with your own food (bread crumbs, etc.). The only exceptions are special feeding stations, such as those sometimes set up in wildlife parks, etc.
5. Stay in sustainable accommodations: Most forests prohibit wild camping, and for good reason. Instead, choose a sustainable accommodation that is built with minimal environmental impact and meets all legal requirements for sewage, sanitation, recycling, and more.

What is a treehouse hotel?

Because “treehouse hotel” is not a protected term, there are many definitions. What’s important is that it’s in the forest and that you can experience it firsthand. Typically, it’s built high in the treetops – but unlike a simple treehouse built for children in a backyard, a treehouse hotel includes all the luxuries of a hotel. This includes comfortable beds, private bathrooms, meals, and often even spa facilities.

My Arbor – Tree house hotel on 34 meters high stilts

Our new Green PearlsⓇ partner My Arbor near Brixen in South Tyrol is not just a tree house. It is a very special tree hotel in a spruce forest. With its 34 meters high stilts it looks as if it’s standing on a tree trunk and the combination with its wooden facade makes it blend in naturally with its surroundings. At the same time, it offers a magnificent view of the forest panorama and the Plose Alps, a year-round recreational area for hiking and winter sports.

The treehouse hotel My Arbor (arbor is the Latin word for tree) consists of several suites ranging from 38 to 100 square meters, where you can stay with the whole family. In addition, there’s a wellness area with five forest saunas, an infinity pool and a panoramic whirlpool.

Signature treatment by tree type: My Arbor also allows you to take a questionnaire to find out what “tree type” you are. Depending on whether you’re a larch, pine, mountain pine, or spruce, you’ll get a treatment tailored to your needs.

La Subida – The Forest Hotel with Michelin Star

Another hotel where you can look forward to luxury is the La Subida Country Resort, located on the border between Italy and Slovenia. The resort consists of several accommodations in a forest of oaks and hornbeam. In the “Nest” or “House in the Forest” you’re completely surrounded by the forest, and the large windows give you the feeling that you’re really sleeping in it. However, you are at ground level.

La Subida also includes a Michelin-starred trattoria and an osteria. The food is a fusion of Italian, Friulian, and Slovenian cuisine. The ingredients often come directly from the forest.

Tree house hotels in the jungle

If you ask a child from Northern Europe to draw a forest, he will draw either pine trees or deciduous trees. For a child from Brazil or Peru, a forest looks entirely different!

Tropical rainforests are among the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. According to Greenpeace, rainforests are home to 60 percent of the world’s plants, 90 percent of the world’s primates, 80 percent of all known insects, and 40 percent of the world’s birds! There are no seasons in the rainforest, and the climate is always warm and humid.

What you may not know (or maybe you already know from Indiana Jones) – it’s not easy to walk on the jungle floor. There’s very little light reaching the ground, it’s foggy (because there is more rain than evaporation), and there are lots of plants (or biomass) and animals. The best way to explore the rainforest is on rope bridges in the treetops, called canopy walks.

Canopy Tree House in the Amazon Rainforest

At Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica in Peru’s Amazon Rainforest, there are 35 accommodations from which to explore the rainforest. Including the Canopy Tree House – an actual tree house that you can sleep in! Inside, you’ll find a double bed (with mosquito netting, of course), a bathroom, and two hammocks. Travelers say the experience is simply breathtaking – imagine sleeping in the middle of the rainforest treetops, with parrots flying overhead and the majestic river stretching out before you.

Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica is committed to environmental, species and cultural conservation, and operates its own research station and orchid nursery. Expert guides will explain you the dynamics of the rainforest.

Experience the rainforest in Thailand

Thailand also has rainforest and that combined with white sandy beaches and the sea! An island like Phuket is therefore a popular vacation destination worldwide and for many even the epitome of what a “paradise on earth” should be.

Our Green PearlsⓇ partner Keemala has a special bond with the forest. They believe there is a real magic that comes from it. Without destroying the forest, a “Mansion Wonderland” has been created in the treetops. In the “nests” you can see the landscape from the air like a bird and even swim in your own private pool!

To better understand the forest, there is yoga and meditation in the forest, as well as guided forest bathing. “All guests must be barefoot during forest activities,” says the Keemala team. This is the only way to “touch the real nature,” they say.

You can try walking barefoot in the forest right outside your door!

Save this article as an inspiration for your next sustainable journey!

Der Beitrag Treehouse Hotels: Sustainable hotels in the treetops erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.