Sustainability at the bar? Five of our Green Pearls® Hotels will show you how to do this in the most creative way, with alternatives to disposable tableware, upcycling ideas, and the best organic wines.

MORE THAN JUST COCKTAILS: PLASTIC-FREE, ZERO WASTE, AND UPCYCLING

At SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, sustainability does not stop at the bar. Here you will find classic long drinks, excellent organic house sparkling wine, and individually mixed cocktails. Or how about a glass of “Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin”? An original recipe more than 60 years old from the gentleman Montgomery Collins, who created his own gin creation in the Black Forest out of homesickness for England. And what else is there in the area of sustainability? Paper straws instead of plastic and coasters are also avoided. And what else? The bottles of house champagne are used to make stylish candle lights or containers for salt sticks, and the vodka bottles are used to make colorful flower vases.

SUSTAINABLE DRINKS IN FRONT OF A MAGICAL NATURAL PANORAMA

Between beautiful hills, surrounded by the lush green of the rainforests of Kamala on the Phuket peninsula lies the enchanting villa wonderland Keemala. Not the worst panorama to enjoy a sundowner. I am impressed by the architectural details, a mix between industrial design and typical elements of centuries-old island culture. My gaze is caught by the traditional wood carvings on the wall behind the bar and to my right, a beautiful green hill panorama spreads out behind a wide glass front. I enjoy a cocktail called “Philosopher’s Stone”: a mix of refreshing coconut water, the sweet scent of chrysanthemums, and a well-balanced combination of Tangueray Gin and Martini Bianco. The drinks are inspired by the aromas of Phuket. This is how I imagine paradise! Since its foundation in 2015, Keemala has also been doing without plastic water bottles and plastic straws, thus setting an example for more environmental protection.

REFILLING ENERGY TANKS IN A NATURAL PARADISE

The operators of the Naturhotel Outside in the midst of untouched natural landscapes in East Tyrol are particularly concerned about environmental protection. They see the natural environment as a place of power. I can fully agree with that. Between trees and wild plants, I can switch off particularly well, leave the everyday stress behind me and so I get a clear head again. My energy tanks are filled up. There is no doubt that the bar leaves nothing to be desired here either. I immediately feel comfortable in the rustic and yet elegant modern ambiance. Natural materials like wood, clay, and leather are in the foreground. “In the middle of the outdoors” is the motto of the hotel. Appropriate, I think! Here I enjoy an excellent organic wine or homemade lemonade. I also like the fact that there are local alternatives to conventional soft drinks: Tyrolean cola and Makawa iced tea, for example. Straws, napkins, and coasters are made of recycled paper, of course!

A GREEN COCKTAIL IN AN ISLAND PARADISE?

In the middle of an island paradise in the heart of the Indian Ocean lies Gili Lankanfushi, an eco-luxury resort that attaches great importance to a sensitive approach to the natural environment. To ensure that the paradise is preserved for future generations, materials used in the construction of the hotel complex were carefully selected. Local woods were processed by an own carpentry, driftwood is used whenever possible. The love for the natural and the beauty of simplicity can be discovered in every detail. At the bar, I enjoy a non-alcoholic cocktail with fresh herbs and fruits from the hotel’s own garden. There is no decoration in order to save garbage. I like this return to simplicity. A paper straw is offered to me, but I am happy without it. Napkins are made of fabric and are washed and reused. Coasters are made of wood or also of fabric. On the menu, there are also some organic wines, some even bio-dynamic. Here you can have a good time without a bad feeling!

A GLASS OF WINE AMIDST ITALIAN VINEYARDS

The Eco-Resort La Subida is a family-run hotel in the northern Italian town of Cormons, on the border of Friuli. A place surrounded by woods and vineyards of the Collio Gorziano region on the border between Italy and Slovenia. Here you have the choice between the original houses “Case della Nonna” from the 80s in a cozy farmhouse style or the “Case del Bosco”, which are situated in the middle of nature. A large glass front reaching up to the ceiling offers a free view into the forest and gives you the feeling of being close to nature. The fact that in an Italian wine region you can find a particularly rich selection of local organic wines, is beyond question. On the wine list of the Michelin-crowned “Trattoria al Cacciatore” you will find many different types of wines from the surrounding wine region, including some older wines. There are also a few selected varieties from other regions of Italy and from all over Europe. So the menu leaves nothing to be desired. The deep love for nature and the region is reflected in the architecture of the kitchen and bar. Of course, plastic straws and paper napkins are also not used in La Subida.

Read more: WORKSHOPS ON VACATION: MORE THAN REST AND RELAXATION IN GREEN PEARLS® HOTELS

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