In our “Sustainability pioneers” series, we regularly introduce committed personalities whose everyday live is characterizedby eco-friendly and social actions. Today, we want to introduce you to Marion Muller from the Lifestylehotel SAND at Timmendorfer Strand. By the way, the name SAND stands for Sand Aspires Natural Designand expresses Marion’s connection to nature.

How it all began

Topics such as mass tourism were already present during her studies of tourism in the 80s. During that time, Marion became more and more aware of the impact the tourism industry has on the environment and intensively dealt with sustainable travel. The idea of her own hotel that consistently pursues a green approach was born.

From lecture hall to the own hotel

So, in 1995 she decided to buy a hotel at the Timmendorf Beach. Since then she has made a great – and above all green – contribution to the tourism industry. However, the road was not easy until the opening, as the SAND was still in need of renovation when it was purchased. Then as now, Marion’s husband, Lambertus Muller, has always been a source of inspiration for her and the sustainable development of the hotel. “Exchanging thoughts with a partner is the basis for taking risksand invest in alternative business activities,” as Marion Muller describes the joint work. The two decided to replace the original hotel name “Am Timmendorfer Hof” with “Lifestylehotel SAND,” thus laying the foundation for a sustainable lifestyle combining alllevels of the hotel.

Keep up with the times

The inspiration of the partners does not run dry. Since the opening of the hotel in the 90s, the hotel has been constantly developing new ideas: from solar systems to a combined heat and power unit in the 2000’s to 30 more sustainable rooms in May 2018. The expansion of the spa area, in particular, reflects the holistic approach of the Muller’s: you can relax in the sauna or whirlpool while enjoying the wonderful view of the Baltic Sea and savoring a delicious cocktail at the spa area on the roof top newly opened in 2018. Other offers include yoga courses and individual massages.

Appreciate home

Supporting the region plays a special role at the Lifestylehotel SAND. Particularly the cuisine is mainly regional and seasonal. That’s why the Muller’s buy cheese, organic wine and sustainably sourced fish from regional retailers that meet the standards and philosophy of the SAND. In addition to regional cuisine, Marion is also committed to the nature of the area: In 2017, SAND organized a media event on Timmendorf beach drawing attention to the endangered harbor porpoises – including a Beach Clean Up, of course 😉