Multi-generational travel in Italy

According to Albergo Diffuso Relais del Maro in Italy, multigenerational travel has increased significantly. “In the last two years, we have witnessed the increased frequency of this type of travel firsthand,” they say. “Some of the stays and clients have touched us the most.”

Relais del Maro is spread over several houses in the small Ligurian town of Borgomaro. There is much for families to discover both in the hinterland and on the coast. Small idyllic villages, Mediterranean nature and the Mediterranean Sea offer a wonderful environment for various leisure activities. E-bikes can be rented. Or how about a guided visit to a nursery or a pottery? If you are interested, you can even make your own pottery – your host, Elena Scalambrin, will be happy to organize an appointment for you.

Tip for a multigenerational vacation in Liguria: Whale watching

By the way, Stefany Seipp, the founder of Green Pearls®, tested the sustainability of whale watching. As an outing for a multi-generational vacation, she said she could definitely recommend a whale watching cruise. “For kids as young as 5 or 6 years old, it’s certainly great,” she says. Not only do you get to see giant marine mammals up close, but you clean up the ocean from plastic debris.

Family-friendly luxury right by the sea: ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA

Fancy a beach holiday? The ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA offers adults luxurious relaxation and children a well-thought-out program right by the sea in Sicily. While grandparents, parents, and older children enjoy the view of the waves or take a break at the spa, younger children are in good hands at the AKI Kids Club.

The program deliberately focuses on nature and culture. Activities include building sandcastles on the beach, crafting with natural materials collected from the area, taking an excursion to a farm, and visiting a beekeeper where honey can be sampled directly from the source. Children learn about their surroundings in a playful way—and make new friends along the way.

On request, younger guests can eat together in the children’s area or join their parents and grandparents again. The result is a vacation where every generation can find their own rhythm.

What you can learn from your grandparents: According to Condé Nast Traveller, traveling with grandparents is an important trend: “Gen Y and Z have a lot to learn from their grandparents (now in their 60s or 70s (boomers) or 80s and 90s (quiet generation). “ This includes craft skills in particular. According to Heritage Crafts, there are currently 70 ”highly endangered” skills in the UK alone that are in danger of being lost. (These include, for example, glove making, rattan furniture, and bow and arrow making. Click here for the Red List.)

With children and grandparents in the Alps

3-generation special at the Tyrolean Hotel Klosterbräu

The Hotel Klosterbräu in the tourist town of Seefeld in Tyrol is a hotel that is particularly committed to multigenerational vacations. “When three generations arrive, grandma or grandpa gets a free vacation,” they say. “We believe the best vacation is when the whole family is together. That’s why we have rooms with connecting doors, so living together is as pleasant as possible.”

The converted monastery, which has been in the family for six generations, has a huge wellness area with seven themed saunas, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, relaxation rooms, yoga and fitness facilities. There’s also plenty for the kids to do, including kids-club, babysitter-service and a petting zoo and nature playground right next to the hotel.

– Click here for the 3 Generations 1+1 Special from Hotel Klosterbräu

Multigenerational travel in a Log Cabin in Austria

We also recommend the Summit Lodges Pfunds in the Tyrolean Oberland. These two luxurious vacation homes are built in the style of American log cabins. Each lodge exceeds 120 square meters and can accommodate up to six people, offering two separate bedrooms and bathrooms. Each lodge has a kitchen, a private sauna, and a large living area with a fireplace.

Host Marco Spiss gave multi-generational use some thought:

“From our terraces, parents can always see their children. In addition, the entrance gate can be closed to prevent children from leaving the property unattended.

Family time at the lake: Hotel Weihrerhof, South Tyrol

The Hotel Weihrerhof is located on the Wolfsgrubener bathing lake on the Ritten, a place where several generations naturally come together. Host Klaus Pichler sums it up: “We have room for all generations.” Whether paddling on the lake, playing on the lawn, or gazing at the Dolomites together, this is a place for encounters as well as retreats.

The rooms and suites with lake or mountain views offer plenty of space and tranquility. Particularly beneficial for families: consciously and playfully introduced cell phone-free times thanks to the Digital Detox offer, which strengthen togetherness and refocus attention on spending time together.

Reaching new heights together: mountain hut vacation in the Allgäu

For fit grandparents and nature-loving families, the Hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allgäu region recommends its apartment chalets at the Edelsberghütte. Depending on the hiking trail, you can reach the hut in about 40 to 90 minutes – the ascent is deliberately part of the experience here.

Whether you want to cook together, play games, enjoy evenings in the hut, or simply experience the peace and quiet of the mountains, the chalets offer space for socializing and retreating. Depending on your preference, you can stay in one large apartment or use two adjacent ones — ideal for multigenerational trips, offering proximity and space.

Eco-hotel with family rooms in the countryside

If you’d rather stay in a hotel, the eco-hotel Okelmann’s in Warpe, Lower Saxony, offers special family rooms with connecting doors. For children, there are “extra beds, cribs and baby phones with a connection to the restaurant”. According to the owners, grandparents especially enjoy the large sun terrace next to the playground. Kids can run around and adults can relax. In addition, there are ideal multi-generational destinations in the area, such as Hof Claus (with a corn maze and farm golf), the Wolf Center Dörverden and Lorenzo’s Alpaca Farm.

“What’s more, everything (except the sauna and hot tub) is barrier-free, so you can easily get around with walkers, wheelchairs, strollers, etc.” – Kristin Okelmann

Multi-generational vacation in Croatia

The Hotel Korinjak on the Croatian island of Iz is a very special example of a multi-generational vacation destination. Founded by Ratko Vlahov, the hotel is now run by his granddaughter Mikela, who grew up with the hotel as part of the third generation. In her personal story Mikela recounts how closely family life and the hotel are intertwined, showing how naturally several generations come together at Korinjak.

The hotel’s concept is simple. The rooms are minimalist, and life takes place outside under pine trees, by the sea, or on walks across the peaceful island. The food is entirely vegetarian and vegan. While the grandparents enjoy the peace and quiet, the children explore nature or go on boat trips with the family—with a little luck, they might even see dolphins. It is a place that slows the pace of life down and creates space for genuine togetherness.

Multi-generational adventure in Cambodia

If you want to experience a multi-generational vacation in a completely different way, the Canvas & Orchids Retreat in Cambodia is an extraordinary place. The floating tents are quietly located on the river and create a relaxed atmosphere. While grandparents enjoy nature and tranquility, parents and children explore the surroundings together—kayaking, wildlife watching, or visiting nearby villages.

Shared meals on the floating decks and experiences such as sunset cruises on the river naturally bring the generations together. A vacation for genuine encounters and shared wonder.

Out and about together

In general, multigenerational trips are a wonderful way to strengthen family bonds and spend valuable and intense time together. Of course, the idea doesn’t have to be limited to grandparents-children-grandchildren; siblings, aunts and uncles, second cousins or other relatives can also make great travel companions!

The bonus with the accommodations we have presented is that they are already thinking about the next generation through their sustainable concept – and that is a topic that should be very high on the agenda, especially for a multigenerational vacation!

This is an update from October 13, 2023.

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Der Beitrag The best sustainable lodging for your next multigenerational travel erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

“For us, it feels like a piece of the puzzle that has always been missing, and that we’ve been working toward for years,” explains our founder, Stefany Seipp

Sustainability is not a trend, but an attitude

Sustainability accompanies us at home, while traveling, and in the small decisions we make daily. At Green Pearls®, we consider ourselves an incubator and source of ideas; that’s why we want to connect you with sustainable brands that share our—and your—values.

In today’s blog post, we take you behind the scenes. We reveal what motivates these brands, what makes them unique, and how their products align with our philosophy.

This project is close to our hearts, and we look forward to discovering more inspiring ways to incorporate sustainability into our daily lives with you and Green Pearls.

Green luxury instead of sacrifice: How more sustainability can increase the value of products

Being environmentally friendly doesn’t mean making sacrifices—as our many sustainably managed luxury hotels prove every day. In fact, the opposite is true. Sustainable concepts are often of higher quality, better thought out, and more aligned with the needs of people and nature. An excellent example is the natural cosmetics brand PHARMOS NATUR, which uses natural ingredients and fresh aloe vera juice instead of water in its products (water typically comprises 60–80% of cosmetics).

By the way, aloe vera juice is drinkable — it’s a popular TikTok trend right now. The juice is said to have positive effects on acne and skin blemishes, among other things. Glamour magazine recently interviewed Margot Esser-Greineder, founder of PHARMOS NATUR, as an expert on this topic.

A more sustainable lifestyle means avoiding harmful ingredients — not entire products. In cosmetics, for instance, this includes paraffins, mineral oil compounds (MOAH), and synthetic fragrances.

This approach can be applied to many other areas as well. Cleaning, for instance.

Cleaning without chemicals

The German company Medeco Cleantec shows that it’s possible to achieve thorough hygiene without using chemical cleaning agents. Its dry steam cleaners use less water, yet apply more pressure and higher temperatures than conventional systems. This allows for the hygienic cleaning of even upholstered furniture and delicate materials without the use of chemicals.

Award-Winning Sustainability: German Sustainability Award and Green Monarch Award

Medeco Cleantec 2025 received the German Sustainability Prize and the Green Monarch Award from GreenSign for its “Green Cleaning Solution.” However, one thing stood out in particular to founder Fritz Pattis: the three winners of the Green Monarch Award in the “Hotel” category, presented at the GreenSign FutureLab 2025, already use Medeco’s Green Cleaning Concept. 🙂

Fritz Pattis’s vision is to expand the concept worldwide and establish a global “Green Cleaning Movement.” The company—already active in 32 countries—plans to expand internationally in 2026.

„More people participating and implementing small improvements will achieve more than a few people trying to change everything.“ – Fritz Pattis

More sustainable when shopping – offline and online

Another one of our corporate partners, memo AG, also received the German Sustainability Award for Companies in 2025. Their success demonstrates that sustainable online retail is possible, even with rising shipping volumes.

At memo.de, you will find a wide range of products, including office furniture, gardening supplies, clothing, and food. All products are selected according to strict criteria and clearly labeled as sustainable.

Memo’s shipping process is particularly consistent. Instead of disposable cardboard boxes, memo uses reusable “memo boxes,” which you can return free of charge. This saves thousands of tons of cardboard every year.

 “The German Sustainability Award in the consumer goods wholesale category confirms our consistent approach” – Member of the Executive Board Henning Rook

Currently, the focus is on the DACH region and neighboring countries. Instead of rapid expansion, memo is focusing on expanding its product range—including offerings for the hotel industry and travel market.

Sleeping in circulation: Reimagined mattresses

Why throw something away just because it got dirty? SWISSFEEL was born from this very question, which led to a radical rethink in an industry that had operated in a linear fashion for decades: produce, use, dispose.

The Swiss company has developed a washable, recyclable mattress that addresses a significant hygiene issue. As you probably know from experience—bed linens and pillows are washed regularly. But what about the mattress?

Estimates suggest that around half of all mattresses are discarded for hygiene reasons alone, even though they are still fully usable.

SWISSFEEL is changing this with the SWISSFEEL 2-CYCLE principle:
By regularly washing the mattress, its service life can be significantly extended. Only after 15 to 20 years, when the physical load limit has been reached, is the mattress taken back and recycled free of charge. This is made possible by a special Swiss mineral foam that is hygienically washable.

Washable mattresses changed the Star Catalog

Of particular note, SWISSFEEL has not only won over hotels with this approach, but also changed structures. The Hotelstars Union has included mattress washing in its criteria, and the DEHOGA association has declared it the new hygiene standard. This demonstrates how individual companies can influence entire industries — in the past, it was recommended that hotel mattresses be incinerated after only five years for hygiene reasons.

Sleep naturally: durable craftsmanship from Bavaria

You might not have associated Segmüller, a furniture store, with sustainability in the past. But did you know that it is a traditional family business that manufactures sustainable furniture from local wood with genuine craftsmanship in its Segmüller workshops?

With LA SILVA, Segmüller developed a bed system specially designed for sustainably  hotels that is also available to ordinary consumers. LA SILVA takes a consistently ecological approach: it is made from certified solid wood, natural rubber, linen, and coconut, so you sleep on pollutant-free, natural materials. Produced regionally in Bavaria, where the company employs around 200 people in its own workshops, LA SILVA is an important trainer for skilled trades such as upholsterers and carpenters.

Wasser sparen, ohne es zu merken

Sustainability in the bathroom isn’t just for pretty pictures on Pinterest of bamboo toothbrushes and reusable makeup remover pads. Though the Ecowaterjet by rabmer® would be a perfect addition to them! It demonstrates the significant impact that small changes can have.

The Ecowaterjet is a shower attachment that saves up to 50% of the water used per shower. This is made possible by technology based on the Venturi principle: a swirling mixture of water and air ensures constant shower pressure, even though significantly less water is flowing. Using less water also means using less energy for hot water and incurring lower wastewater costs.

The Ecowaterjet is already in use worldwide, with well-known hotel groups such as Marriott, Radisson, and Ritz-Carlton relying on it. So do Green Pearls® partners, including Der Birkenhof***** Spa & Genussresort in the Upper Palatinate Lake District and Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Tyrol.

The common conclusion: “Guests don’t notice any difference, but hotels certainly do in their consumption figures.”

What do all our partners have in common?

Whether it’s sleeping, cleaning, or saving water, all of the companies and accommodations we feature at Green Pearls® share a common attitude: sustainability is not a sacrifice, but rather the only possible solution for a livable planet.

Our partners are also united by their courage to think differently — often in ways you might not immediately expect. They take responsibility for the entire life cycle of their products. We support this mindset and aim to make it easier for you to find genuinely eco conscious products.

And we are just at the beginning of this journey: In the future, we will partner with more sustainably oriented companies that share our vision. Together, we will demonstrate how easy it is to make conscious decisions in our daily lives and showcase what sustainability can look like.

If you know of a sustainable focused brand or product that would be a good fit for us, please let us know.

Der Beitrag Curated by Green Pearls®: Why we showcase sustainably oriented brands erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Fernanda Sánchez is a specialist in sustainable tourism and territorial development. As a volunteer with the Galápagos National Park, she has lived the archipelago from within, exploring its ecosystems, its communities, and the complex challenges of conservation. Her work has allowed her to document firsthand how conservation, community, and tourism intertwine in one of the most fragile destinations on the planet. Passionate about nature, she writes from lived experience and from a deep commitment to forms of tourism that protect and regenerate the territories they touch.

Arriving in Galápagos: An Unexpectedly Deep Experience

I arrived in Galápagos four months ago, leaving behind mainland Ecuador and the fast rhythm of the city to settle into the volunteer residence of the National Park. What was supposed to be a temporary assignment soon became something deeper, an almost intimate experience with a territory that breathes conservation from its very foundations.

The greatest sunset in the world

After living in Germany, traveling across Europe, walking the streets of Greece, Italy, France, and even spending a full month in India, I thought I had already seen the most spectacular sunsets in the world. But in Galápagos I discovered that light behaves differently. As if the sky still allowed colours that had disappeared elsewhere under the weight of atmospheric and light pollution. Here, soft oranges blend into intense golds and clear blues that reveal an honest, untouched sky, a sky that reminds us what Earth can still be when we allow it to exist on its own terms.

Returning After Fifteen Years: A New Lens on a Changing Archipelago

This is not my first time in the islands. I first came to Santa Cruz more than fifteen years ago, in 2009. That trip remains in my memory as something warm and quiet: a calm bay, the simple daily life of the community, the way the sea wrapped itself around every conversation. Back then I met Lonesome George, a figure that over time became a symbol of conservation. Returning after so many years allowed me to see Galápagos through a different lens. Today there are more visitors, more tour operators, more restaurants, and more movement. Daily life and tourism pressure coexist and push against each other. Forcing us to ask how we can preserve the essence of this unique archipelago without denying its human reality.

Why Galápagos Matters: Pride, Science and Everyday Coexistence

Galápagos is important to Ecuador and to the world for different, yet complementary reasons. For the country, it represents a deep sense of pride, a demonstration that Ecuador’s biodiversity is recognized and protected internationally. For scientists, it is a living laboratory where phenomena such as El Niño, climate change, and the evolution described by Charles Darwin are studied. For those of us who live here, Galápagos is a way of life. A place where nature sets the rhythm, where iguanas occupy walking paths, sea lions rest on the benches along the waterfront, and giant tortoises move slowly through agricultural areas following ancient routes. Here, every day is a quiet lesson in coexistence, respect, and balance.

A Unique Ecological Treasure: Species Found Nowhere Else

The ecological importance of the archipelago is incomparable. Its isolation allowed many species to evolve in ways found nowhere else on the planet. Around 80 percent of terrestrial birds, 97 percent of reptiles and land mammals, and more than 30 percent of plants are endemic. In the surrounding ocean, more than 20 percent of marine species exist only in these waters. Giant tortoises, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, blue footed boobies, petrels, penguins, hammerhead sharks, and a great diversity of colourful fish make these islands a biological refuge unlike any other.

Understanding Interconnected Ecosystems

Living here means understanding that every ecosystem is part of a delicate mechanism. The mangrove, for example, is not just a tree. It is an entire system that feeds fish, shelters reptiles, protects shark pups, safeguards larvae, and offers shade to iguanas and sea lions. Losing a mangrove means losing an entire chain. The same is true in the dry zone. Here cacti such as opuntia support populations of finches and iguanas, or in the humid zone, where scalesia forests are covered with mosses and epiphytes. In these forests, finches disperse seeds and carpenter bees pollinate bromeliads. In the simple gesture of a bird taking flight, an entire forest is sustained. This is how Galápagos works: each species supports another, and together they sustain human life.

Volunteering in the National Park: Trails, Tourism Pressure and Wildlife Monitoring

My work as a volunteer with the Galápagos National Park has allowed me to visit multiple sites from a technical and planning perspective. I have walked trails, checked signs, staircases, handrails, and resting areas in Santa Cruz, Isabela, and San Cristóbal.

Tourism pressure 

I have observed tourism pressure in real time and documented eroded sections that need intervention. In some particularly fragile areas, technical teams have had to consider temporary closures of certain paths to allow ecosystems to recover. These visits have also allowed me to accompany local guides and tour operators. I was on routes such as Tour 360 in San Cristóbal and experiential fishing in Isabela. Reviewing how regulations are applied, how carrying capacity is respected, how services are delivered, and what kind of environmental education visitors receive. Each outing reveals something different. One day it might be a section of trail, damaged after heavy rain. Another day it might be an unusual behaviour in a group of iguanas, or the monitoring of juvenile sharks near the shore.

Behind the Scenes of Conservation: Breeding Centres, Veterinary Care and Education

Volunteering in Galápagos also brings you close to sensitive and meaningful processes. In the giant tortoise breeding centres, for example, I have learned about the complex work that goes into protecting hatchlings and juveniles. I have observed technical teams as they carry out health checks, monitor growth, clean enclosures, and maintain the controlled conditions required for their development. Seeing this work up close is powerful. Because it reveals the precision, patience, and care behind every decision. In the veterinary area, rapid response teams attend to injuries, diseases, and critical cases involving animals reported by fishermen or tourists. Environmental educators take schoolchildren to see juvenile sharks, seabirds, endemic plants, and invasive species. Helping them build a relationship with nature that will shape the rest of their lives. Volunteers from abroad contribute their time and knowledge, and their presence also strengthens the local economy, especially in initiatives led by women.

The Rangers of Galápagos: Daily Dedication to Protecting Fragile Habitats

The dedication of park rangers is deeply moving. In Isabela, in a small workshop almost hidden among the vegetation, they repair handrails, build staircases, adjust trails, and fabricate platforms with admirable commitment. I have seen them working under the strong midday sun or the fine morning drizzle. Always with the same motivation: to ensure that visitors can enjoy the islands without damaging them, and that wildlife has safe spaces in which to live. Every detail matters. A handrail that is not well placed, a loose metal fitting, or a sign that is difficult to see can alter animal behaviour or affect a habitat.

From Ecotourism to Regenerative Tourism

Within this context, it is useful to think about the evolution from traditional ecotourism to tourism that embraces a more regenerative approach.

Classic Ecotourism Principles

Classic ecotourism focuses on minimizing impact. To do it, you should follow these rules:
• stay on designated trails
• avoid waste
• never touch or feed wildlife
• keep distance
• respects schedules
• and use authorized operators.

Regenerative Tourism: Going One Step Further

But you can even do more: a regenerative approach goes one step further. It suggests that each experience whether in nature-based tourism or rural tourism should transform a person into an active agent of conservation. Fostering a deeper connection with themselves and with nature. This approach leaves a positive trace by restoring ecosystems, supporting research, strengthening local economies, or reinforcing community initiatives. Both perspectives are necessary, and they coexist in Galápagos. Together, they sustain life on the islands.

How to Visit Galápagos Without Harming It

Before travelling, it is essential to check that tour operators are officially authorized by the Ecuador’s Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, Investment and Fisheries, and the Galápagos National Park. All this information is available through the Galápagos Tourism Observatory and official channels.

Rules to Protect Wildlife and Ecosystems

• Being accompanied by certified naturalist guides, not only guarantees safety, it also ensures a deeper educational experience.
  • Once on the islands, walking only on marked trails prevents damage to fragile plants, camouflaged nests, and burrows.
  • Keeping two metres away from terrestrial fauna and three metres from marine animals protects wildlife from stress and behavioural changes.
  • Flash photography or bright lights should not be used.
  • No animal should be touched or fed.
  • No stone, shell, or grain of sand should be taken away. A gesture that seems insignificant, can destroy an entire microhabitat.

What Is Forbidden on the Islands

It is forbidden to bring in
• unauthorized foods,
• plants
• animals

Further it is forbidden to
• smoke inside the National Park
• light fires
• drink alcohol in protected areas
• fish from tourist boats
• camp outside designated areas without a prior permit.

Water & Waste: Why Every Action Matters

Waste management is strict. Bins are not available at most visitor sites because visitors are expected to carry out everything they bring in. Fresh water is limited. So short showers and conscious water use are not just good habits, they are necessities.

Wildlife Encounters: Slow Moments That Transform You

When these rules are respected, tourism experiences can be both responsible and profoundly moving. At Tortuga Bay, for example, I have swam near hammerhead sharks, blacktip sharks, and sea turtles, always at the permitted distance. At Concha de Perla, I floated alongside the turtles. In Los Túneles, I saw sea turtles resting beneath submerged lava arches, also andagle rays and watched tiny seahorses clinging to branches of the mangrove roots. Also on one unforgettable day, on our way back, I saw a family of orcas teaching their calves how to hunt. At the Muro de las Lágrimas, I walked across lava terraces. Climbed to viewpoints, and watched giant tortoises cross the path with a calm that seems to ignore our presence entirely. Every experience reminds you that life here does not adapt to our pace. We are the ones who need to slow down.

Regenerative Tourism in Practice: Pikaia Lodge and Finca El Trinar

There are also places where ecotourism and rural tourism adopt an explicitly regenerative approach. During my time in Galápagos, I had the opportunity to document two very different, yet deeply connected experiences: Pikaia Lodge in Santa Cruz and Finca El Trinar in San Cristóbal.

These experiences show that tourism in Galápagos is not only about admiring landscapes. It is also about how a fragile destination can balance conservation, travel, and local wellbeing.

Behind every walk, every dive, and every wildlife encounter there are community processes, scientific efforts, and operational decisions that sustain this model.

Finca El Trinar: Memory, Agriculture and Regeneration in the Rural Heart of San Cristóbal

Finca El Trinar offers an experience, that connects visitors with the intimate, often untold history of Galápagos. Speaking with the Yepez–Guamanquishpe family, four generations dedicated to agriculture and artisanal fishing, revealed a story rarely found in glossy travel brochures. It is the story of rural memory as the foundation of conservation.

A Family Story Rooted in Land and Sea

The Yepez were traditionally fishermen; today, only a few of them still go to sea. Over the years, many transitioned from fishing to working on tourism vessels as captains or crew members, and several now lead experiential fishing tours. Their path reflects how local livelihoods have evolved in response to the islands’ changing relationship with conservation and tourism.

The Guamanquishpe branch of the family has always been tied to the highlands. Working the land, tending cattle and pigs, and sustaining agricultural production. Their history is woven into the landscape itself, reminding visitors that rural life has long been a pillar of the archipelago’s identity.

The current guardian of the finca recalls how her grandmother arrived in San Cristóbal around 1916 or 1917. In the years after the decline of Manuel Julián Cobos’ penal agricultural project. Family stories describe long days carrying coffee, yucca, or papaya on foot or by mule, exchanging goods with fishermen who travelled between islands by rowboat or sail. “We are Galapagueños because we learned to live from the land and the sea, not the other way around,” she told me, with quiet pride.

Agroecology, Reforestation and Shade-Grown Coffee

Today the finca covers twenty-one hectares. The land was divided fairly among the children to prevent younger generations from feeling forced to migrate. The property now brings together agroecological production, ecological restoration, and small-scale rural tourism. With support from Camps International, local students, and volunteers, the family has reforested areas once overtaken by blackberry with endemic species such as scalesia and matazarno. They have also revitalized shade-grown coffee, contributing to the growing agrotourism offer promoted by Ecuador’s Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, Investment and Fisheries.

The coffee at El Trinar carries not only flavour but memory.

The families have learned how to select seeds, ferment, dry, and control humidity so that each harvest tells a story of resilience and biodiversity. During the pandemic, when tourism stopped almost completely, the finca became a community support system, providing agricultural products to workers from the tourism sector who had lost their income.

A Living Classroom for Visitors

Visitors to El Trinar walk through the fields, plant native species, observe finches, and learn about agroecology while sharing freshly roasted coffee. The owner, a former teacher, leads an educational process that blends science, tradition, and conservation. As she explained, “The finca is a classroom, a home, and a refuge.”

El Trinar may be one of the clearest examples of rural tourism with a regenerative approach in Galápagos. It is not designed to entertain in a superficial way. It seeks to reconnect people with territory, memory, and community. It does not limit itself to reducing impacts. It creates ecological and social value for the future.

Lessons from Wildlife: Humility and a Different Sense of Time

Finally, my personal encounters with wildlife have also been intimate lessons in humility. Watching a blue footed booby dance to attract a mate is to see evolution expressed in everyday gestures. Seeing a sea turtle rise slowly to the surface to breathe, reminds you that time has a different weight here. Listening to the quiet wingbeat of a petrel made me think about the role of women in conservation. Patient, persistent, and protective of something that does not always speak but always needs our defense.

A Final Reflection: Arriving With Respect and Sensitivity

Galápagos moves and transforms people. Every decision a visitor makes, from choosing a responsible operator to closing a reusable bottle properly, has a direct impact on the future of these islands. The most authentic experience does not come from visiting the greatest number of sites, but from learning to observe them better. This is not a destination for rushing. It is a place to listen. It is a living territory where the visitor is not simply a client, but a temporary guest in one of the most important ecosystems on the planet.

To conserve Galápagos is to conserve an essential part of who we are as a country and as humanity. The invitation is clear: to arrive with respect, sensitivity, and openness.

Because what is lost here is lost forever.

This is a guest post by Fernanda Sánchez

Der Beitrag Galápagos Beyond the Postcard: Conservation, Encounters and Responsible Travel from Within erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Ancient Greek and Roman doctors recommended cold baths to improve health. In Northern Europe, winter bathing has been a generations-old ritual, typically combined with a sauna and conscious breathing. In Russia, the Alps, Japan, and Tibet, immersion in cold water is also deeply rooted as a method of strengthening the body, clearing the mind, and experiencing nature in its purest form.
This long history shows one thing: Cold is a simple and effective ancient tool. Yet every moment in cold water feels different.

Ice bathing is lierally taking the plunge

Perhaps it is precisely this blend of tradition and personal experience that makes taking the first step toward the cold so unique. It reminds you of your strength and allows you to perceive yourself differently. Jumping into cold water or taking a deep breath of winter mountain air brings you back to what is essential.

Have the benefits of ice bathing been proven scientifically?

Many people, including top athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, report increased energy, improved mood, and a sense of inner strength after ice bathing. There is evidence that cold stimulates blood circulation in the short term, reduces stress hormones, and releases mood-enhancing neurotransmitters, such as endorphins. However, as with saunas, the scientific evidence is inconclusive.

Some smaller studies show positive effects on inflammation markers, metabolism, or the autonomic nervous system, while others find no clear health benefits. Most importantly, long-term effects, such as those on the immune system, have hardly been proven to date. Medizin-Transparent currently rates the data as “insufficient” because many studies have few participants or do not use control groups.

This means that ice bathing may feel good and be personally beneficial, but its health benefits have not yet been proven scientifically. Therefore, pay close attention to your body, start slowly, and seek medical advice if you have health conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease, asthma, or epilepsy), are pregnant, or feel uncertain.

Sustainable accommodations with ice bathing options

At OLM Nature Escape in the Tauferer Ahrntal Valley in South Tyrol, you can experience this power surrounded by pristine mountain scenery. The hotel’s natural swimming pond, nestled between glacial streams, mountain lakes, and the Pojer waterfall, offers the perfect opportunity to mindfully immerse yourself in the cold. With every breath and moment of silence, you will feel your body and mind react to the cold, and experience the benefits of alternating between cold and warmth when you warm up in the spa with a sauna, heated outdoor pool, or herbal massage. Here, ice bathing is not a test of courage but a ritual that brings you closer to nature.

The ADLER Lodge RITTEN invites you to experience the power of the cold in a unique way. Every winter, an opening is made in the ice of the frozen natural lake. Before stepping into the clear mountain water, the cold trainer will prepare you mentally in the forest relaxation room. Breathing techniques, meditation, and mindfulness will help you accept the cold as part of the experience, not as a threat. After your icy moment in the fresh mountain air, you will feel energy and inner strength spreading through you. The lodge also offers a barefoot trail around the tree saunas that takes you over moss, gravel, bark, and pinecones. This experience activates your reflex zones, improves your posture, and allows you to immerse yourself deeper in nature. At the ADLER Lodge RITTEN, the cold becomes an invitation to get to know yourself anew.

At the Hotel Weihrerhof, ice bathing is pure and unadulterated. In winter, a hole is cut in the frozen Wolfsgrubner Lake. In the middle of a nature reserve, without distractions, the only focus is the direct, immediate connection between you and nature. The clear, cold water has a calming and invigorating effect—a unique sensation that lingers long after.

Guided ice bathing in the detox program

The Hotel Das Rübezahl, located in the Allgäu region, explores the topic of cold in a holistic manner. Therapist Jürgen Fuetterling developed a concept combining cold therapy, breathing exercises, cellular health, and nature coaching. Deliberately simple, his approach can be integrated into everyday life without any aids. The goal is to push you to your limits to increase your resilience, reduce stress, boost your energy, and promote mental clarity. You will feel the effects not only at the moment of immersion but also long afterward in your mood, sleep, and focus.

Tip: During the detox week in March and April 2026, guided ice bathing will be part of a comprehensive health program.

At STURM, you can enjoy the cold without any program. There is no specific ice bathing offer, nor is there a need for one. The hotel’s natural pond is open year-round. And its appeal lies in the freedom it offers: you decide when you’re ready for the cold water.

It is a conscious, self-determined ritual. No course, no pressure, no guidelines. Just you, the pond, and a refreshing experience that invigorates your body.

Is ice bathing without ice? Yes!

If you prefer a gentler approach, My Arbor offers a great alternative—a cold plunge pool. Although it’s not a traditional ice bath, the experience is similar. After the sauna, your body heats up and your blood vessels dilate. A brief dip in cool water between 46 and 59 °F causes your blood vessels to constrict, which stabilizes your circulation. At the same time, your immune system is activated, and you experience the same refreshing clarity as with ice bathing. The cold plunge pool at My Arbor is safe, gentle, and effective, making it accessible to everyone at any time.

The Naturhotel Outside in the Hohe Tauern National Park in East Tyrol offers ice bathing — also known as cold bathing — in its new natural pool. The pool is equipped with an air blower that keeps the water in constant motion, preventing the surface from freezing over.

Even when winter has a firm grip on the country, the pool remains open. You can dive in at any time and let the clear, wintry freshness flow through you — an intense nature experience accessible in every season.

As you can see, cold therapy is not just a trend; it’s an ancient practice that strengthens the body and mind in a simple, effective way.

Please share your experiences with us. We look forward to hearing from you!

Der Beitrag Ice bathing & the cold – a natural power for body and mind erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

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!

20 dream rooms with a focus on sustainability

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!

Save the article on Pinterest – that way, you’ll always have inspiration for your next trip at your fingertips.

Der Beitrag Green & Gorgeous: The most beautiful rooms in hotels with a focus on sustainability worldwide erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

A romantic vacation in Bavaria: Where a magical picnic in the forest appears

Imagine hiking through the Allgäu countryside, the mountains glistening in the distance, and Neuschwanstein Castle peeking through the treetops, and then suddenly you come upon an enchanted forest clearing with a picnic laid out lovingly in view of the fairytale castle. There’s freshly baked bread, regional organic specialties, and a sparkling drink. And no one else is in sight. As if it were prepared by magic.

The fairies and elves of the family-run Hotel Das Rübezahl were at work here. Secretly, quietly, and with a sense of the extraordinary. They arranged everything and waited patiently for your arrival. Now, they retreat and leave you alone with a view of the royal castles and the silence of the forest. You have the feeling that a new chapter in your love story is being written here.

This is what a romantic getaway feels like, one that only the boutique hotel Das Rübezahl can offer: magical, personal, and with genuine dedication.

Movie magic in real life!

Here, romance isn’t just in your head; it’s a reality, as you’ll experience during a candlelight dinner in the cozy Zirbenstube, which you can book as a special highlight. There, you’ll enjoy an exclusive five-course menu in a warm atmosphere fragrant with pine and full of togetherness.

When you return to your room later, you’ll find that something else has changed. A heart made of rose petals will be on the bed. The curtains will be slightly drawn, revealing a view of the castle. The romantic spirits of the house have been at work again.

Whether you stay in the Ludwig’s Dream suite, which features a king-size box spring bed and a bioethanol fireplace, or the Sissi’s Dream suite, which features a whirlpool and an effect fireplace. Oak wood, velvet fabrics, and castle views set the tone for a royal getaway. Every room at Das Rübezahl is a declaration of love—to you, to grand emotions, and to the region and its history.

Romance that comes from the soul—not a marketing book

Sure, many hotels claim to be ideal for romantic getaways. After all, couples are a classic target group — a candlelit dinner here, a rose-covered heart there. But once you’ve stayed at Hotel Das Rübezahl, you’ll immediately sense that it’s different. Everything here feels authentic. Because it is.

This is thanks to the Thurm family, who run the boutique hotel with passion. Giselle, affectionately known in the family as the “Ice Princess from Rio de Janeiro,” leads the way. The 1984/85 Brazilian figure skating champion came to the Allgäu region to train and worked as a waitress at Das Rübezahl to earn money. There, she was spotted by the young chef, Erhard Thurm, who won her over after “weeks of courtship.”

With sensitivity, style, and a passion for fairy-tale details, the couple transformed Das Rübezahl into a place that evokes longing for lovers. Today, their son, Alexander Thurm, is carrying the hotel into the next generation with just as much heart as his parents.

Sustainable romantic getaways — because love also means taking responsibility

Romance means thinking about others. But it goes even further: it also means thinking about tomorrow. Couples who make time for each other on vacation often realize what truly matters. And that includes treating the world we love with care.

At Hotel Das Rübezahl, sustainability is the natural companion of romance. The food ingredients come from the surrounding area, and many of them are organic. Ninety percent of the electricity is produced in-house by a combined heat and power plant and solar panels, and the rest is green electricity. If you opt out of having your room cleaned, a tree will be planted. When you book, you can offset your CO2 emissions, and you are asked to bring your own slippers for the wellness area.

Relax with wellness and nature

The wellness area features several saunas, a year-round heated outdoor pool, and a 2,500-square-meter wellness garden with a natural swimming pond. There is also a fire pit and a stunning view of the mountains and Neuschwanstein Castle. Guests can enjoy nature on hikes, either alone or with the hiking concierge and guide, Bergbaschdi. Additionally, the hotel rents bicycles and snowshoes in the winter.

Romantic packages at the Hotel Das Rübezahl in Bavaria.

The hotel offers five packages tailored for couples. Options range from the “Say Yes Package” and “Couples Pampering Package,” which include massages and spa treatments, to the “Culinary Pleasure” culinary package.

• You will find all the specials for a romantic vacation on the website. Optional extras are available, ranging from love locks to carriage rides.
  

A story of longing and connection

Incidentally, Giselle and Erhard didn’t grow up loving fairy tales; they developed a fondness for them over time. Erhard’s parents, Hildegard and Herbert Thurm, hailed from the Giant Mountains. After fleeing, they worked hard to build a new life for themselves in the Allgäu region. They named their hotel “Das Rübezahl” after a mythical figure from their homeland. Their story is full of longing, transformation, and fantasy.

At the Hotel Das Rübezahl, you are surrounded by this magic and the history of the hotel, its owners, and its setting among the fairy-tale castles of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein. It is a place where togetherness feels special and memories are made that last a lifetime.

Save this article for your next romantic vacation.

Der Beitrag Like in a (Bavarian) fairy tale: A romantic vacation for two at Hotel Das Rübezahl erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

More than 25 sustainable ways to enjoy nature and the outdoors while on vacation

Although hiking is one of the healthiest forms of exercise, I understand why some people don’t enjoy it. Not everyone enjoys spending hours walking through the countryside with a heavy backpack. However, we all want to experience nature, and that’s healthy, too! Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to do so without hiking.

A gentle exploration of the Croatian island of Iž

The island of Iž is only 17 square kilometers in size and has a population of just over 500. If you stay here at the Hotel Korinjak, you’ll naturally spend all your time outdoors. Swimming at the wild Adriatic beaches, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and going on a boat trip to watch dolphins are just some of the water activities available there. The holistically oriented hotel also offers guided yoga on the terrace or forest meditation under pine and olive trees.

“The island’s gentle landscape is perfect for a leisurely exploration and sensory experience” – Hotel Korinjak

A sustainable, active vacation by the water

Green Pearls® offers a selection of sustainable hotels with direct access to natural bodies of water. In Germany, for instance, you’ll find the luxurious Hotel Der Birkenhof ***** Spa & Genussresort atop a hill in the heart of the Upper Palatinate Lake District. The region has over 800 hectares of water and is the most water-rich area in eastern Bavaria. Enjoy activities such as boating, wakeboarding, water skiing, sailing, rowing, and swimming — no hiking boots required!

The same is true of Lake Constance, the second largest Alpine lake in Europe spanning over 500 square kilometers. On its German shore, you’ll find the Naturresort Gerbehof , surrounded by apple trees and pastures. If hiking, swimming, or boating aren’t your thing, the Nature SPA and its garden area are ideal places to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

If you would prefer to have your own vacation home, we recommend the Summit Lodges Pfunds. These two Tyrolean log cabins have their own fireplace, sauna, and sleeping accommodations for up to six people. The region’s natural beauty and diverse landscapes make it a perfect destination for hiking enthusiasts, but even those less interested in hiking will find activities to enjoy:

“You can go rafting and canyoning in Pfunds. The company is located directly in the village, and the starting point is nearby, depending on the route.” – Summit Lodges Pfunds

Read our article on sustainable water sports to find out how you can make water sports more sustainable and learn whether activities such as water skiing are really recommended.

Take a vacation at a lake in northern italy

At the South Tyrolean Hotel Weihrerhof, you will find yourself in an idyllic setting, situated on the shore of Lake Wolfsgruben. At an elevation of over 1,200 meters, the lake is one of the cleanest swimming lakes in Italy and offers many activities, including swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and rowing. You can even enjoy breakfast on the natural “breakfast island” in the middle of the lake. Your children can experience nature here while you relax with a good book on the lawn.

Sports on the Baltic Sea

The Lifestylehotel SAND in Timmendorfer Strand, located on the Baltic Sea, offers more than just a beach vacation. It also supports a wide range of sports on site. Every year, the “Triathlon Heroines” come to the hotel to train for their triathlons with running, swimming, and cycling. Furthermore there ist the German Beach Volleyball Championship and Beach Hockey, as well as the annual Baltic Sea Run, where the winners of the women’s and men’s races receive an overnight stay at the hotel.

A vegan active vacation in South Tyrol

Do you want to be active without hiking or getting wet? And enjoy plant-based cuisine at the same time? Here are some recommendations from our vegan partner hotels in South Tyrol.

“Our hotel is located in the Vinschgau region of South Tyrol. In addition to hiking trails, the surrounding area offers excellent opportunities for running, cycling, climbing, and Nordic walking.” – LA VIMEA Vegan Hotel

By the way, LA VIMEA is not only vegan but also exclusively for adults. For active vacationers, there is a three-day package called the “Active Vegan Getaway,” which includes e-bikes.

The famous Seiser Alm is home to yet another entirely vegan hotel. The Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel reports the following:

“Our home is the Seiser Alm, Europe’s largest high alpine pasture located over 2,000 meters above sea level in a UNESCO-protected area. The Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park offers great opportunities for summer and winter sports: skiing and snowboarding in the winter and cycling, mountain biking, e-biking, running, climbing, Nordic walking, golfing, paragliding, and horseback riding in the summer. You can also spend quality time with your children at the barefoot park or meditate in front of picturesque panoramic landscapes. The unique charm and beauty of the Dolomites allow you to enjoy extraordinary energy no matter what you do.” – Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel

Enjoy forest bathing and tranquility at My Arbor

Of course, there are quieter ways to enjoy the outdoors. The Hotel My Arbor, located near Brixen in South Tyrol, recommends that those who are not very keen on hiking simply take the gondola up to the Plose. “Once you reach the top, you can enjoy the fantastic view from the mountain station, grab a bite to eat, and sample some local dishes.” Incidentally, “My Arbor” means “my tree,” and the entire hotel is built among the treetops, fostering a special relationship with the forest. You can experience this during guided forest bathing, forest yoga, or outdoor meditation sessions.

• Click here for their weekly program.

Chillin’ in nature

At the Aparthotel OLM Nature Escape in Sand in Taufers, South Tyrol, you can live life at your own pace and enjoy nature, perhaps by sitting on a bench by the Ahr River with a good book. Or, you can visit the horses and cows in the green valley and say hello to the fish in the Thara fishing pond.

The STURM hotel in the Rhön Biosphere Reserve in Germany features a natural swimming pond and a large garden with snacks. Ideal for yoga sessions.

Hotel Das Rübezahl, located in the Allgäu region, has built a yoga platform at its Rohrkopfhütte hut specifically for outdoor yoga. If the climb up there (about an hour) is too strenuous for you (it is more like a hike. . .), the wellness garden with views of the mountains and Neuschwanstein Castle is also a great option.

Scavenger hunts, escape games, and city tours

If you’re interested in exploring the area in a fun way and learning more, you can book a city tour during your vacation. In Freiburg, the “Green City Tour” in the Vauban district will show you what ecologically progressive urban development looks like and demonstrate how nature and the big city can coexist. The Green City Hotel Vauban has been a showcase project for green urban development since its inception, so you can experience this concept firsthand during your stay.

The Hotel Luise in Erlangen offers recommendations for special city tours, such as a night watchman tour or a beer and cellar tour. You can also play the Outdoor Escape Game Erlangen, where you solve a “criminal case” in the city center and discover a treasure.

In Bad Herrenalb in the Black Forest, you can also sign up for an outdoor escape game and start your journey to find a monastery’s hidden secret. During the two-hour tour, you will discover and experience various sights in this historic spa town. Then, you can enjoy a slice of cake from the organic kitchen at the Schwarzwald Panorama or relax in the hotel’s thermal baths and sauna.

Discover Peru’s plantations

Vacations often offer a wonderful opportunity to learn about local plants and products. At Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica in Peru, for example, you can visit several rainforest plantations. For instance, you can take a half-day excursion to a cocoa plantation where you can see cocoa plants and follow the entire process of producing chocolate, from roasting and grinding the cocoa beans to tasting the final product. You can also go with a guide to the Brazil nut trees on the hotel grounds. Here, you can learn more about the nuts and try different traditional methods of cracking their hard shells.

• Both excursions are also suitable for children. Visit the Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción website for more information.

Bees and api wellness in South Tyrol

If you’re interested in bee colonies and honey, no one in our network can give you a better introduction than Paul Rinner from the APIPURA hotel rinner. Paul is a passionate migratory beekeeper who gives lectures, produces organic honey, and has set up a bee trail on the hotel grounds. He also offers his guests the unique Api Wellness experience, where they can breathe in the air of the beehive. The Api Wellness experience takes place in a cozy wooden hut with a view of nature. The boundary between inside and outside is blurred by natural materials, the buzzing of bees, and a large panoramic window.

Suspension bridge and lunch in East Tyrol

Even at the Naturhotel Outside, a designated hiking hotel in East Tyrol, hiking is by no means a must! If you’re looking for a little adventure, you can cross the suspension bridge over the Isel Gorge, or simply stop for a leisurely lunch at the Kräuterhexenkuchl Strumehof.

Barefoot trail at the Adler Lodge Ritten

How about going barefoot instead of wearing hiking boots? The ADLER Lodge RITTEN just built a barefoot trail in the forest this year. It fits perfectly with the resort’s mindful lifestyle, which includes a natural swimming pond, a farm-to-table concept, and sustainable wooden lodges with fireplaces.

Cycling 

Otherwise, exploring the vacation area by bike is always a great option. At the Klosterhof — Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Bayerisch Gmain, you can rent an e-bike right from the hotel and comfortably explore the Berchtesgadener Land with a little extra help. The same is true at the Relais del Maro in Liguria. The Albergo Diffuso is located in the picturesque village of Borgomaro, nestled in the mountains behind the coastal town of Imperia. E-bikes are an ideal, environmentally friendly means of transportation there.

At the Eco-Hotel Okelmann’s in Warpe, Lower Saxony, you can explore the rather flat area on classic bicycles. The Okelmann family’s head is a passionate cyclist himself and is happy to recommend the best cycling routes to his guests — which you can save directly to your phone.

Horseback riding

Recently, the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA promoted horseback riding as an eco-friendly outdoor activity. Read more about horseback riding in the Valley of the Temples. (Our colleague Mara, an avid horse rider, wrote this lovely article about sustainable horseback riding vacations.)

The ABCs of sustainable outdoor activities

In the end, we compiled a list in alphabetical order of all the suggestions and ideas from our network. Even the ideas that didn’t make it into the article are included here. Now, you can find inspiration no matter where you are.

 

Barefoot trails

Sightseeing

Bird watching

Archery

Bouldering

Camping

Dolphin watching

E-bike tours

Escape games (outdoor)

Golf

Gondola ride to a viewing platform

Suspension bridge

Outdoor journaling

Kayaking

Canoeing

Climbing

Knipping

Herbal workshops

Reading

Meditation

Mini golf

Visiting plantations

Cycling or MTB

Rafting

Horseback riding

Rowing

Scavenger hunt

Swimming

Sailing

City tours

SUP

Forest bathing

Forest meditation

Whitewater rafting

Outdoor yoga

 

 

Did we forget something?

Most likely! So, help us make the list even longer by adding your ideas in the comments!

Der Beitrag Sustainable outdoor activities for those who don’t feel like hiking erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

“Yoga is more than physical exercise”

Originally from Hungary, Istvan completed his yoga training in Bali and has lived in Mexico, Peru, India and Lanzarote. He has walked the Camino de Santiago twice and is an Ayurvedic therapist and teacher of yoga, qigong, meditation and sound journeys. Now settled in Germany, he offers various programs for guests at the Hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allgäu region. He summarizes his attitude for us: “Yoga is so much more than physical exercise; it teaches you to be in the here and now. Don’t be anywhere or nowhere, just enjoy the moment!”

“My intention with yoga is to help people experience themselves as souls and creators. Breathing is important, as is releasing your own blockages as you exhale. Letting yourself go completely. That is healing. When was the last time you let yourself go completely” – Istvan

Combining yoga, sustainability and singing bowls

Yoga Trends for 2025 – Meditative or Athletic?

Whether you’re looking for more energy or more grounding, yoga styles in 2025 will offer the right practice for every focus. We’ll show you what’s in demand right now.

For your information: Some classes have traditional yoga names (such as Ashtanga Yoga), while others have marketing names so to speak, such as “Forest Yoga.” We have used the names as they are listed

Types of Yoga for soul and depth

#1 Gokul Yoga

Gokul Yoga is based on the classical Hatha Yoga tradition and combines precise alignment with spiritual principles from the Bhakti tradition. It is unique in that the teachings have been passed down through an unbroken chain of disciples.

Gokul Yoga is not just about physical exercises, but a holistic practice that harmonizes body, mind and heart. Meditation, breath control (pranayama) and ethical living are central components – always with the goal of coming closer to oneself.

At Hotel Korinjak on the car-free island of Iž in Croatia, you can experience Gokul Yoga right by the sea. The vegetarian-vegan hotel is a retreat for mindful breaks and specializes in yoga, meditation and healing treatments.

• Click here for the Gokul Yoga offers at Hotel Korinjak
  

#2 Sound Yoga

This yoga practice combines gentle, long-held yin yoga poses with the meditative sounds of singing bowls. As the body is held in deep stretches, the vibrations of the bowls help to release blockages, calm the nervous system, and bring you into a state of deep relaxation. The sound and silence work together to create an intense experience on a physical and energetic level.

At STURM in the Rhön, this form of yoga is offered every Wednesday under the title “Yoga with Sound Relaxation”, led by Susann Kind. There are also regular retreats. The hotel itself is synonymous with conscious time-out, offering rooms with garden views and no TV, sustainable architecture, and a natural swimming pond in the middle of the gentle Rhön landscape.

• Retreats at the STURM

You can also experience Yin Yoga with singing bowls at the family-run Eco-Hotel Okelmann’s in Warpe. The owner, Maren Geisler-Okelmann, teaches herself – in groups, private lessons, or even with your four-legged friend. She particularly loves the combination of sound and movement to promote deep relaxation

• Yoga classes and retreats at Okelmann’s

#3 Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini Yoga is also known as the Yoga of Awareness. It combines dynamic physical exercises, breathing techniques, meditation, and mantras to activate the kundalini energy – a dormant force at the base of the spine. The goal is to unlock your potential, gain clarity, and connect with your intuition. The practice can be energizing, challenging, and deeply transformative.

At the Relais del Maro, a charming albergo diffuso in the Ligurian village of Borgomaro, guests can take part in weekly Kundalini Yoga classes led by Aimee Denkmann in the Healing Arts Garden, just a five-minute walk away. In addition to group classes, Aimee also offers private lessons, which can be booked directly through the hotel reception.

#4 Ritual Yoga with Mantra & Cocoa Ceremony

This holistic practice combines physical movement with ritual and sound. Yoga is not practiced alone, but is embedded in ceremonies, such as the chanting of mantras or the conscious consumption of raw cacao in a South American cacao ceremony. The focus is on connection – with oneself, with others, and with the rhythms of nature. Meditation, intuition and opening the heart are central.

Gut Sonnenhausen, near Munich, Germany, offers regular overnight retreats. The retreats are based on the cycle of the seasons. Surrounded by organically farmed nature, you will experience intense days guided by experienced teachers such as Thais de la Paz.

#5 Forest Yoga

Forest Yoga is an invitation to consciously integrate the calming power of the forest into your yoga practice. Among the trees and chirping birds, it is easier to find peace and connect with nature. The fresh forest air is invigorating, while the green canopy creates a meditative atmosphere. Practicing outdoors not only strengthens the body, but also promotes feelings of grounding and mindfulness.

At My Arbor, an adults-only hotel in South Tyrol, forest yoga takes place in the middle of the forest during the summer months, complemented by classes and other offerings in the stylish yoga room. Experienced instructors tailor each session to the individual’s needs, whether beginner or advanced. The hotel is located above Brixen and focuses on relaxation, retreat and sustainable well-being.

• Yoga at the My Arbor Hotel
  

#7 Breathwork / Quantum Light Breath (QLB)

Conscious breathing is much more than just a side aspect of yoga practice – in 2025, breathwork will be the focus of many retreats. In particular, Quantum Light Breathing (QLB) is becoming increasingly popular: a powerful, meditative breathing technique accompanied by emotional music that can trigger profound inner processes. It aims to release old patterns and blockages through breathing, to find inner peace and to gain new clarity.

At the Hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allgäu region of Germany, QLB is offered by Istvan, the yoga teacher we introduced at the beginning of this article. The combination of breathing exercises, meditation, and experiencing nature helps you find your inner self – in line with a mindful and healing lifestyle.

• Yoga and retreats with Istvan at Hotel Das Rübezahl
  

Sporty Yoga Variations

Looking for movement, dynamism and energy in your yoga practice? Then these athletic yoga trends may be right up your alley. In 2025, many styles will combine physical challenge with mindfulness – ideal for anyone looking to push themselves while still finding their center.

#1 Yogilates

Yogilates combines the flowing movements and stretching exercises of yoga with the muscle-strengthening training of Pilates. This allows you to strengthen your core, improve your posture, and train your balance – the perfect combination of strength, flexibility, and mindfulness.

At ADLER Lodge RITTEN you can experience Yogilates as part of a retreat – with views of the Dolomites and surrounded by the tranquility of South Tyrol. The sustainable hotel consists of a main building and an annex, as well as several private chalets grouped around a natural swimming pond and along the ridge line. On the culinary side, you can look forward to an all-inclusive farm-to-table concept with products from the region.

• Yogilates at the ADLER Lodge RITTEN

Yogilates is also offered at Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa in the Bavarian Alps. Surrounded by unspoiled nature and breathtaking mountain views, you can intensify your yoga practice and relax at the same time. Known for its holistic wellness and yoga offerings, this health hotel provides the perfect balance of physical exercise and inner peace.

• Tip: For expectant mothers, the hotel also offers prenatal yoga and a babymoon package.
• Yoga-offers at Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa

#2 Back Yoga

As sitting has become the “new smoking” in our society, back problems have become widespread. So it’s no wonder that back yoga is becoming increasingly popular. This type of yoga uses various forms and postures. It focuses on stretching the back muscles and releasing tension, which reduces pain and increases mobility in the spine. In addition, back yoga strengthens your abdominal muscles, which improves posture and provides long-term pain relief.

LA VIMEA, Italy’s first vegan hotel, offers back yoga on a regular basis. At this adults-only retreat, daily yoga classes are included in the half-board rate and are led by certified yoga instructors. You also have the opportunity to participate in yoga retreats. The hotel has two well-equipped yoga rooms and a sunny terrace for outdoor yoga.

• Yoga at LA VIMEA Vegan Hotel

#3 Fascia Yoga

Fascia Yoga focuses on gentle flexibility exercises and deep stretches to release tension and revitalize the fascia, or connective tissue. Conscious breathing techniques provide optimal support for the body, resulting in improved flexibility and ease of movement. This form of yoga is particularly effective for mobilizing the back and relaxing the entire body.

The Birkenhof***** Spa & Genussresort offers Fascia Yoga in collaboration with experienced instructor Viktoria Koller (Viki Sports). Enjoy yoga classes in luxurious surroundings, including a large spa area with several pools and saunas, and excellent food. The hotel has its own 2-star restaurant, Eisvogel, where hotel guests get priority seating. For all its luxury, the resort takes its responsibilities seriously, including a commitment to renewable energy.

• Fitness, Spa & Yoga at Birkenhof

#4 Vinyasa Yoga

Vinyasa Yoga is a dynamic yoga practice that harmonizes movement and breathing. The asanas (postures) are linked together in a flowing sequence that not only improves flexibility and endurance, but also calms the mind. This type of yoga strengthens the body and helps you reduce stress while building a deep connection with your breath and the moment.

At Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel you can experience Vinyasa Yoga with Marnie Spögler, a member of the host family. Marnie is originally from Canada and has been teaching yoga for over 18 years. A certified Yoga Alliance teacher, she brings a wealth of experience and passion to her dynamic and energizing classes. The daily Vinyasa classes are included in the half-board rate. In addition, the hotel is offering three special yoga retreats during the 2025 summer season to help you deepen your practice. The hotel’s holistic, vegan philosophy further emphasizes this depth.

• Yoga-Retreats at the Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel

Vinyasa Yoga is also offered at the Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld – here by hostess Laura Seyrling-Riess herself. The family-run hotel looks back on over 500 years of hospitality and was built on the foundations of a former monastery. It is in this special atmosphere that you can enjoy powerful flow sessions, a combination of movement and mindfulness.

• Yoga-Offers at the Hotel Klosterbräu

#5 Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga is a dynamic and challenging style in which breath and movement are synchronized in a fixed sequence. The practice follows a series of postures that are systematically structured to develop strength, endurance, flexibility, and concentration. A special feature is the meditative flow state that results from the connection between breath (ujjayi), focus (drishti), and movement.

This year, an Ashtanga Yoga Retreat will take place at the luxurious yet sustainable ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The stylish resort is located in Sicily, directly on the sea and nestled in a nature reserve, offering ideal conditions for intensive practice and relaxation.

• Ashtanga Yoga at ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA

AI-Powered Yoga – The future of yoga with technology?

Finally, we would like to introduce you to another trend that is likely to become increasingly important in the future: AI-powered yoga. It combines traditional yoga practice with cutting-edge technology and is aimed primarily at people who practice at home. With the help of AI, personalized yoga classes are offered that are tailored to your specific needs and progress. The technology analyzes your movements, provides feedback on how you are performing the asanas, and adjusts the exercises in real time to help you improve your practice.

How does this fit in with the original teachings of yoga? To be honest, we’re not really sure what to make of it. So our recommendation is clear: find a qualified teacher in your area or attend a retreat to expand your knowledge. There are also a number of YouTube videos where real people show you how it’s done. From our own (pandemic-related) experience, we can tell you that you will be instructed at exactly the right moments not to clench your teeth or tilt your head back…

Green PearlsⓇ hotels focus on personalized service

Our Green PearlsⓇ accommodations continue to focus on individual attention and customized yoga experiences – without any technology. Here, experienced yoga teachers are on hand to guide you through your practice and respond to your needs. At SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, for example, yoga is understood as a balance between rest and activity. You can book individual or private group classes for yourself and your friends to deepen your practice and develop sustainable routines.

Naturresort Gerbehof also focuses on a nature-based yoga experience. Here you can practice in a beautiful yoga room or directly in the garden or in the stone circle in the forest. There are no special classes, but there is plenty of space to enjoy your practice surrounded by nature.

Our hotels are designed with personalized service and individual well-being in mind – perfect if you are looking for a deeper connection to your practice and to yourself.

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Der Beitrag From spiritual depth to fitness: Master Istvan on Yoga Trends for 2025 erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

The special character of the Dolomites

The Dolomites are part of the Alps and are a unique mountain range in northern Italy. They stretch across South Tyrol, Trentino and the province of Belluno. Characteristic of the mountain range are the rugged rock formations, often shimmering in shades of light gray to pink. They consist of dolomite, a special form of limestone.

Some of the peaks reach over 3,000 meters. The highest peak is the Marmolada at 3,343 meters. There are several mountain ranges in the Dolomites, the most famous of which are the Geisler Group, the Sciliar, the Rosengarten, the Sella Group and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

In addition to its impressive scenery, the region showcases rich cultural diversity. Here, Ladin, German, and Italian traditions come together, offering not only spectacular views but also an alpine environment where nature and culture blend closely.

A responsible destination

Since 2009, the Dolomites have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a distinction that recognizes their geological and landscape uniqueness. A total of nine sub-areas have been included, covering an area of approximately 142,000 hectares.

UNESCO highlights the geological importance of the Dolomites and the exceptional beauty of the mountain landscape. The sharp contrasts between steep rock faces, green pastures and deep valleys make the region an outstanding example of alpine nature.

Inclusion on the World Heritage List brings with it not only recognition, but also responsibility: the aim is to protect the fragile landscape for the long term and to develop it sustainably – in harmony with nature, culture and tourism.

Nature in transition – Endangered diversity in the Dolomites

The Dolomites are a fragile ecosystem under increasing pressure. Climate change is leaving its mark: glaciers are melting rapidly, changing the landscape and threatening the habitats of specialized plants and animals. Species that depend on the cool conditions of high mountain regions are particularly affected. For example, alpine plants such as glacier buttercup and certain species of saxifrage are endangered because their habitats are shrinking as a result of warming.

Insect decline in South Tyrol

The animal world is also facing challenges. Invertebrates are the most affected. The Red List of South Tyrol documents the threats to locusts, dragonflies, butterflies, beetles and other small animals. According to a publication by the South Tyrol Museum of Nature, for example, “427 species are considered lost”.

Now, these animals don’t have as big a lobby as, say, the cute marmot, which was once on the verge of extinction, but has since bounced back thanks to conservation efforts. As we documented in our blog about the importance of insect decline, insects are at the bottom of the food pyramid. If they disappear, the whole pyramid collapses!

If you want to get involved in conservation during your vacation, join events like planting campaigns organized by the following conservation groups.

• Naturparks Bozen
• Alpenverein Südtirol
• WWF Bozen

Tourism caught between conflicting priorities – The economy and the environment

Tourism is an important economic factor for the Dolomites, but it also brings problems. Popular destinations such as the Val di Braies and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo experience a veritable rush of visitors during the summer months, leading to overcrowded paths, traffic problems, increased litter and pressure on natural resources.

Reinhold Messner, the famous South Tyrolean mountaineer, is very critical of this development. In a guest article in the WELT, he did not mince his words: “The Alps as a fun park is a mistake”. He warns that commercialization and mass tourism could destroy the unique mountain landscape.

“On a mountain vacation, everyone wants what they demand in their urban environment: infrastructure, comfort, safety. (…) It is this consumerist attitude that does not fit in the mountains.” – Reinhold Messer

He has also called for the introduction of an entrance fee for the Dolomites and for various measures to reduce traffic congestion and make tourism more environmentally friendly (e.g. car-free).

A recent example of the threat to sensitive natural areas is the construction of a bobsleigh track in Cortina d’Ampezzo for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Although located in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this project plans to clear valuable habitats, some of which shelter endangered species. It is a project that illustrates how economic interests and large events put pressure on conservation.

Eco-friendly mobility – the Dolomites without cars

Good news: South Tyrol sets an example for public transportation in Italy. If you want to reach this impressive mountain world without a car, you can take the train or a long-distance bus. Once there, you can also get around by public transport, bike or on foot.

Arrival by train and coach

There are international train connections to Bolzano, Bressanone, Chiusa, Fortezza and Trento. From there you can continue by public transport (see information on guest cards below). Hotels and sustainable accommodation usually offer a shuttle service.

Another cheap and sustainable option is the long-distance coach. FlixBus, for example, offers direct connections to South Tyrol, with stops in Bolzano, Bressanone, Chiusa, Vipiteno, Merano, Lana and Marlengo. Many accommodations are easily accessible from these stops, for example via the “Südtirol Transfer“, which offers a shuttle service to many vacation accommodations.

For more information on new train connections in Italy and how they contribute to sustainable travel, see my article: Italy by Rail – New trains from 2024 to promote sustainable travel.

Guest Cards: Local sustainable mobility

The good news: 90 percent of all accommodations in South Tyrol offer you the South Tyrol Guest Pass or a regional alternative free of charge. With the Guest Pass you can use all buses and trains for free. And that’s not all: many cable cars are also part of the public transport system! 🙂

In addition to the South Tyrol Guest Pass, there is the Val Gardena Guest Pass in Val Gardena, the DolomitiMobil Card in Villnöss, and the Dolomites Active Card for East Tyrol (Austria). These cards are usually included in the price of your room and encourage environmentally friendly transportation during your stay.

Tip: Ask your accommodation provider if you can have the guest card sent to you by the hotel before you arrive, or if they can provide you with login details for an e-version. This will allow you to use the card as soon as you arrive.

Sustainable accommodation in the Dolomites

The Dolomites offer a range of sustainably managed hotels and apartments. Two very special ones are part of the Green PearlsⓇ network.

Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel: Art Hotel on the Seiser Alm

The Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel is not a hotel like any other, but an avant-garde art hotel with an artists’ circle, ongoing contemporary art exhibitions, and 100% vegan cuisine under the direction of Chef Aggeliki Charami (“the rock star of vegan cuisine”).

The hotel is located on the famous Seiser Alm, Europe’s largest high alpine pasture at over 2000 meters. It offers a combination of natural luxury, plant-based cuisine and a holistic sustainability concept. In addition to close proximity to nature and vegan gourmet cuisine, you can enjoy exclusive spa and yoga facilities. Plus, the ski slopes and hiking trails are right outside your door! The hotel is committed to minimizing its environmental footprint and promoting a conscious lifestyle in harmony with nature.

My Arbor – Tree hotel near Brixen on the Plose

Closer to city life is the adults-only hotel My Arbor. Located 15 minutes by car from Brixen, it is a tree hotel built on stilts that blends harmoniously into the forests of the Plose. Its architecture gives you the feeling of living in the treetops, allowing you to combine urban culture with relaxation in nature. The hotel offers modern suites with panoramic views, a spacious spa with indoor and outdoor areas, and a cuisine that uses regional and seasonal products. The proximity of the Plose cable car allows you to reach hiking and skiing areas without a car.

Sustainable enjoyment in the Dolomites – selected restaurants and refuges

The Dolomites offer not only breathtaking scenery, but also culinary experiences that focus on sustainability and local produce.

OMNIA – Vegetarian gourmet cuisine on the Alpe di Siusi

OMNIA, part of the Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel, is open to external guests and is a pioneer of vegan cuisine in the Dolomites. The extraordinary restaurant seats only 10 people and offers a 9-course menu for everyone, personally presented by Chef Aggeliki Charami and her team.

Here, Alpine, Mediterranean and Asian flavors merge to create creative, plant-based dishes of the highest quality. Ingredients are primarily sourced from organic farms and the local region, minimizing the environmental footprint.

Profanter Naturbäckerei – Traditional craftsmanship in Brixen

At the Profanter Naturbäckerei, bread is baked with passion and respect for the environment. They only use heirloom grains that are ground in the bakery’s own stone mill without any additives. The bakery in Brixen supplies the Hotel My Arbor, among others, and relies on regional organic ingredients and renewable energy sources in its production.

Here on the blog I interviewed Benjamin Profanter about sustainable bread.

Other sustainable places to enjoy good food

• AlpINN: Located in Bruneck in the Puster Valley in the Dolomites, this is the restaurant of 3-star chef Norbert Niederkofler. Known for his “Cook the Mountain” concept, he creates dishes using local, seasonal ingredients. His longtime sous chef, Berni Aichner, is now head chef at our Green PearlsⓇ partner OLM Nature Escape. An energy self-sufficient aparthotel in Sand in Taufers. Also in South Tyrol, but not in the Dolomites. Berni Aichner regularly hosts cooking events there – most recently together with Reinhold Messner.
  
• Huber Schwaige: “The Huber Schweige hut on the Seiser Alm advertises itself as “home-style cooking straight from the farm”. This traditional alpine hut offers a magnificent view of the Dolomites while serving South Tyrolean specialties.​
• Rifugio Scotoni: This mountain hut has been run by the same family for over 50 years and is known for its authentic cuisine and the use of local ingredients. It is located in the Fanes Group and is an ideal place to stop during a hike..​
• Ütia de Börz: Another mountain hut known for its use of local ingredients. Located at the foot of the Peitlerkofel at an altitude of over 2,000 meters, this hut offers traditional Ladin dishes and is committed to the conscious use of resources.

Experience nature with respect – sustainable activities and highlights in the Dolomites

When you travel in the Dolomites, you quickly realize that the mountains aren’t just for rushing through, but for taking the time to stop and appreciate them. Whether you’re on a panoramic hike, watching the sun rise quietly from the summit, or on a guided wildlife tour, sustainable experiences and slow travel are the order of the day.

#1 Nature Parks

A highlight are the nature parks, such as the Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park or the Puez-Geisler Nature Park. They offer well-marked trails, information centers, and guided tours with rangers who provide an in-depth look at alpine flora and fauna.

#2 Mountain Sports

If you prefer something more athletic, you can opt for gentle mountain sports such as rock climbing, biking (on the trails!!!) or ski touring – ideally with certified guides and without motorized assistance if possible.

#3 Wildlife and bird watching

Sunrise game viewing or bird watching are also wonderful ways to connect with nature and learn firsthand that this earth is also inhabited by other creatures that need its habitat! This is best done with local guides and rangers.

The typical wild animals in the Dolomites are:

• Chamois
• Ibex
• Marmot
• Red Deer
• Roe Deer
• Foxes
• Snow Hare

Special bird species:

• Golden Eagle
• Alpine Chough
  
• Black Grouse and Capercaillie (rare, but if you are lucky you may see them)
  
• Eagle Owl
  
• Tawny Owl
  
• Spotted Nutcracker
  
• Wallcreeper
  
• Ring Ouzell

#4 Herbal walks and themed trails

Herbal walks with local experts are a popular way to combine nature and culture. Many regions also offer themed trails, such as the Zans Nature Experience Trail in the Villnöss Valley, which teach knowledge in a playful way.

#5 Skiing

Skiing, at least downhill skiing, isn’t exactly what you’d call slow travel. But since the famous Dolomiti Superski ski area is located here, we wanted to mention it. Dolomiti Superski is one of the largest ski resorts in the Alps. It connects 12 individual ski resorts and about 1,200 kilometers of slopes. Thanks to its location in the middle of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a lot is being done here to promote sustainability. (That doesn’t mean there aren’t any snow cannons, though). That’s why we’ve put together 7 tips for a sustainable ski vacation, which you can also apply to a winter vacation in the Dolomites.

Small acts, big effects – your contribution to sustainable travel

We don’t need to tell you again that sustainable tourism depends not only on what is offered, but also on your own behavior. But we’ll tell you anyway 🙂

Besides the usual tips (bring your own water bottle, use public transport, etc.), it’s especially important in the Dolomites to stay on the marked trails to protect the fragile vegetation!

When observing wild animals, keep a safe distance. Do not frighten the animals, do not take pictures with flash or feed them! Tours with local guides are ideal. They know how to behave in nature and around wild animals. They can also tell you a lot of interesting facts. They also know the animals’ favorite places, so you’re more likely to see the rarer inhabitants of the Dolomites.

Tip: Perhaps you may take advantage of your vacation in the Dolomites to try a new way of life, such as a plant-based diet. The hosts of the Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel report in an interview that many of their guests do not live a vegan lifestyle at home, but are curious and open to trying a plant-based diet while staying with them. Who knows – you might discover some new favorite dishes.

Conscious, relaxed, and inspiring

The Dolomites are a unique natural and cultural heritage that inspires awe and reflection. Between vegan gourmet cuisine, gentle adventures, and alpine mindfulness, modern tourism can and must work in harmony with nature.

Save this green travel guide for your next sustainable journey in the Dolomites.

Der Beitrag Experience the Dolomites in a sustainable way – Slow travel in a UNESCO World Heritage Site erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Sustainable cuisine is complex and in most cases cannot be described in general terms. Is organic always better than local? Should we avoid imports or is it better to support fair trade companies? Is it justifiable to eat meat or fish? And if so, how?

In this article, we will explore different concepts and introduce you to actors who are rethinking sustainable nutrition. At the end of the article, you will find concrete tips on how to make your own diet more sustainable.

Table of Contents

What is sustainable cuisine?

Digression: Is a sustainable diet a healthy diet?

The big questions: What is truly sustainable?

Local vs. organic – which concept makes sense where?

The benefits of local food

The benefits of organic food

Fair Trade vs. Import Bans – Global justice or local economic development?

No vanilla or coffee

APIPURA hotel rinner shows how to find the right balance

Animal Products vs. Plant Based Diets – Is veganism automatically more sustainable?

LA VIMEA created the vegan hotel industry in Italy

Seasonality, short supply chains and carbon footprint

Hotels and restaurants with their own agriculture

Trend concept: Farm-to-Table

Ancient grains and heirloom fruits

Nose-to-Tail and Root-to-Leaf

Waste prevention in gastronomy

1.9 million tons of food waste annually

Zero Waste Buffets

“Only 5 grams of food waste per guest”

Specialties and hot dishes to order

Sustainable Michelin-star cuisine – is it possible?

The Michelin Green Star

Sustainable culinary delights in Bavaria: 2-star restaurant Eisvogel

Vegan Fine Dining at OMNIA Plant-based Restaurant

Global Justice: Who pays the cost of our food?

Food justice and other fair concepts

Sustainable eating in everyday life – what can you do?

Conclusion: Small steps with a big impact

What is sustainable cuisine?

Sustainable cuisine means organizing food and beverage consumption in a way that minimizes environmental impact, conserves resources, reduces emissions and waste, preserves biodiversity, respects animal welfare, and ensures fair and social conditions for all people along the supply chain.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) defines its vision of sustainable food and agriculture as one in which food is nutritious and accessible to all, and natural resources are managed in ways that sustain ecosystem functions to meet present and future human needs.

This brief definition illustrates the complexity of sustainable cuisine. In addition, there are regional characteristics and – something we don’t want to forget here on our blog – it should also be healthy and taste good! Sustainability alone is not enough when it comes to food, whether at home or in a restaurant or hotel.

Digression: Is a sustainable diet a healthy diet?

Not necessarily. Living on nothing but vegan, fair trade chocolate and organic wine may be okay from a sustainability standpoint, but it won’t improve your health. However, there is a lot of overlap between sustainable and healthy eating.

 

The big questions: What is truly sustainable?

Local vs. organic – which concept makes sense where?

The question of local vs. organic is somewhat controversial. A survey of sustainable hotels and accommodations in the Green Pearls® network shows that most restaurateurs (88.3%) try to implement both, i.e. mostly using regional products that are certified organic. If this is not possible, 46% give priority to regional products, while 11.5% give priority to organic quality.

The benefits of local food:

• Virtually no CO2 emissions from transportation: Imagine that you can buy “FIJI water” in Germany, even though the Fiji Islands are 16,000 km away, or that a hotel in Hong Kong serves its guests VOSS water from Norway. Delicacies such as special figs (each individually wrapped in Styrofoam) travel around the world by air and refrigerated transport. The ecological footprint of such luxury goods is disastrous! Buying local food directly from the producer eliminates emissions, transportation costs and often storage.
• Freshness: Especially hotels with their own agriculture according to the “farm-to-table” concept can cut, process and serve lettuce immediately. This freshness guarantees not only an intense taste, but also the full preservation of nutrients.
• Trust: Many restaurateurs visit the farm and see for themselves how the chickens that lay the eggs live, how the vegetables are grown, and how the workers are treated. Most importantly, they know the personal attitudes and beliefs of the farmer. In many cases, this is more valuable than a label.
• Strengthen your local economy: A hotel, restaurant, or even you are part of a community. By supporting local businesses, you are maintaining good neighborly relations and helping the people in your area.

Disadvantages:

• Local food may come from conventional agriculture, where pesticides are used
• Local farms may be among those that use genetically modified seeds
• Local meat products may come from factory farming (animals are given antibiotics, live in unnatural conditions, unnatural environments, receive high-tech feed, and are tortured)

The benefits of organic food:

• Support for organic farming
• Organic farming works without pesticides: The absence of chemical pesticides is of enormous value, especially for:
  • Your health: No pesticide residues in your food. However, there is no scientific evidence that organic fruits and vegetables contain more vitamins and nutrients. We took a closer look at the research in the article on whether organic food is healthier.
  • The health of field workers by eliminating the need to work with chemicals and potentially harmful substances.
  • Biodiversity: Organic farming has been shown to increase biodiversity. Pesticides not only kill pests, but also beneficial insects.
  • Soil and groundwater protection: Pesticides and fertilizers leach from fields into the soil, entering the water cycle. In organic farming, both soil water and groundwater are measurably less polluted.
  • Soil fertility: is measurably higher than on comparable, conventionally farmed areas.

Disadvantages:

• If organic food is grown on the other side of the world, it has traveled a long way, causing more CO2 emissions.
• The organic label tells us nothing about the working conditions.

We would categorize it as follows:

Best: Regional organic products

Second best: Regional products that may not have an organic label, but where there is a personal relationship with the producer and the conditions under which the animals are raised and the food is produced are known.

Third best: organic food from the wider region (e.g. Europe)

By far the worst: industrial mass production of food (keyword: factory farming) and export products shipped from far away when local alternatives are available.

 

Fair Trade vs. Import Bans – Global justice or local economic development?

The question of whether local is always best brings us directly to the issue of fair trade and the distribution of wealth through trade. Just as there are people and companies in the restaurant industry who buy Fair Trade products to offer their guests variety or a certain level (e.g. in Michelin-starred cuisine), there are also some who refuse to import. Which is the right way? For most, it is a compromise and a constant re-evaluation of the arguments.

No vanilla or coffee

One such chef who completely avoids imports is Ricky Saward of Seven Swans in Frankfurt. He was the first vegan celebrity chef and takes a number of radical approaches, including avoiding almost all spices. Not just vanilla from Madagascar, but pepper, lemon and olive oil.

Would you be willing to limit your diet to local products so consistently? And does it even make sense in terms of the global community? We see a parallel here with travel. If we all just vacationed in our (already quite rich) home countries and nobody traveled further, there would be less emissions from air travel, but an important (and for some countries the most important) economic factor would be lost.

Many people find well-paid, secure jobs in fair trade cooperatives, enabling them to provide for themselves and their families. This income allows children to go to school instead of earning money. It strengthens women’s independence and often supports small or family-run businesses and producers.

APIPURA hotel rinner shows how to find the right balance

We believe the best approach, shared by many of our partners, is to find a middle ground that works for each individual. For example, the APIPURA hotel rinner in South Tyrol is a hotel that is very committed to local organic food. They were one of the first businesses in the region to establish the “Bio Fair Südtirol” label in the hospitality industry. Chef and host Manfred Rinner uses organic meat, vegetables and fruit from the South Tyrol region in his kitchen. The hotel also serves coffee and desserts with chocolate. In this case, care is taken to use fair trade or organic products.

Animal Products vs. Plant Based Diets – Is veganism automatically more sustainable?

The answer to that question is a resounding yes. Meat and dairy products cause by far the highest CO2 emissions. According to a study by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (ifeu) in Heidelberg, Germany, which compared the environmental impact of around 200 food products in 2020, beef is second only to pineapples shipped by air. According to the study, vegans who eat half an air-transported pineapple for breakfast every day could be committing a greater ecological sin than people who eat a beef steak once a week. But there are far more of the latter than the former. To be honest, we doubt that vegans even exist… What we do know is that there are many, many people who eat butter, cheese, and sausage every day – and who may even eat beef more than once a week.

Incidentally, the study shows something even more important than that flying pineapples have a worse environmental impact than beef: plant-based foods have, on average, a significantly lower carbon footprint than animal products. It is therefore undeniable that sustainable cuisine should focus on plant-based cooking and limit the consumption of meat, fish, milk and eggs. It’s best to cook fresh food as often as possible! Vegan convenience foods (and especially non-vegan convenience foods) also have a fairly high environmental footprint.

LA VIMEA created the vegan hotel industry in Italy

Due to the growing popularity of veganism, more and more sustainable hotels are offering vegetarian and vegan dishes as standard on their menus. However, there are few that consistently and exclusively use vegan products.

The adults-only hotel LA VIMEA in Naturno, South Tyrol, can claim to be the first completely vegan hotel in Italy in 2016. Not only the food, but also all materials and products used in the hotel are vegan. The hostess, Valeria Caldarelli, comes from a long line of hoteliers and discovered the vegan lifestyle herself. Almost the entire family lives a vegan lifestyle – and gently teaches it to their guests. Daughter Franziska opened the first vegan accommodation in Tuscany and sons Maximilian and Alexander opened the first vegan hotel on the Seiser Alm.

Seasonality, short supply chains and carbon footprint

The products with the smallest ecological footprint are the plant-based products that are in season where you live. So, eating sustainably also means eating seasonally.

Hotels and restaurants with their own agriculture

There are a few hotels and restaurants that use their own products in their kitchens. The ADLER Lodge RITTEN and the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA are exemplary in this respect. During the planning and construction of the latter, agricultural fields and gardens were taken into account, from which the hotel kitchen can directly obtain products. A few years ago, a diversified cottage garden was created on the Ritten, tended by the young farmers of the area. They cultivate what is native to the area and grows well there. In Sicily, for example, they grow oranges and lemons, while in South Tyrol they cultivate tubers such as potatoes and beets.

The Pavilions Himalayas – The Farm in Nepal has even managed to convert the surrounding fields into certified organic farms. Local farmers have received special training and the resort provides them with a direct market for their organic produce.

Trend concept: Farm-to-Table.

There are now a number of terms that describe the concept of hotels and restaurants with their own agriculture, as explained above:

• Farm-to-table – This term, probably the best known, describes the direct link between agricultural production and gastronomy. Ideally, the chef picks up the produce directly from the field.
• Farm-to-Fork – Similar to farm-to-table, this term emphasizes an extremely short supply chain from the field to the kitchen to the diner’s plate (or fork).
• Field-to-Fork – is another expression for this.
• Zero-Kilometer-Food– This term, used primarily in Italy and Spain, means that food is sourced locally, which not only ensures it is seasonal and fresh, but also minimizes transportation emissions.
• Garden-to-Table – This is a term used specifically for hotels and restaurants that have their own garden or small farm.
• Pasture-to-Plate – Specific to sustainably raised meat and dairy products.
• Hyperlocal Food – A modern term for food that is produced and consumed locally, often on the premises of a hotel or restaurant.

Ancient grains and heirloom fruits

In this context, we would like to mention another trend in sustainable cuisine. For many people, it is not just a matter of using locally grown produce that is organically grown, but also of preserving and using natural ingredients

Benjamin Profanter, a natural baker from Brixen, uses and recommends baking breads from ancient grains. Heirloom grains are grains that were grown before industrial agriculture. According to Benjamin, heirloom grains are ideal for organic farming because they do not require pesticides and herbicides, unlike highly bred grains. From a nutritional and psychological point of view, heirloom grains are also better because they contain more nutrients.

The Bread Sommelier supplies his all-natural bakery to two of our sustainable Green PearlsⓇ partners in the region: My Arbor, a wellness hotel built on stilts in the treetops, and OLM Nature Escape, an energy-independent aparthotel in the middle of nature.

Nose-to-Tail and Root-to-Leaf.

Another interesting thing about sustainable cuisine is that, as far as possible, EVERYTHING is used from the slaughtered animal or food. Offal, for example, went out of fashion for a long time, but is now coming back with the idea of sustainability. One proponent of the nose-to-tail concept is chef Manuel Madei of Gut Sonnenhausen near Munich. In our culinary guide to Bavaria, he recommends classic Bavarian dishes like “Saures Lüngerl” and “Leberknödelsuppe”. 

Modern chefs (who still prepare meat) are beginning to boil down bones for broth and turn the fat back into lard. The landlord of Gut Sonnenhausen, Georg Schweisfurth, is a trained butcher himself and gets his meat from nearby organic partner farms of the Herrmannsdorfer Landwerkstätten.

Root to Leaf is a similar concept for plants, using the leaves, stems and skins to create chips, vegetable broths, unusual garnishes and more.

Waste prevention in gastronomy

From root to leaf or nose to tail, it is not difficult to make the connection to waste management. After all, holistic recycling is part of the Zero Waste Cooking concept, which declares war on food waste in the restaurant industry. But packaging waste is also a huge problem. Preventing both touches every aspect of a restaurant, hotel, café, or even your home:

• Planning
• Purchasing
• Storage
• Training staff (or training other family members in the household)
• Presenting the dishes
• Involving guests

1.9 million tons of food waste annually

In Germany alone, 1.9 million tons of food is thrown away every year, according to the Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband. According to the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (DEHOGA), food waste at buffets is a particularly big problem.

Zero Waste Buffets

Sustainable accommodations, such as those in the Green Pearls® network, have sophisticated concepts to avoid waste and wastefulness at the hotel breakfast buffet.

“Only 5 grams of food waste per guest”

The Hotel Luise in Erlangen, for example, has managed to ensure that each guest leaves an average of just five grams of food at the breakfast buffet. An “intelligent plate allocation with small plates” is particularly effective. At the end of breakfast, the trays are not automatically replenished, but the staff actively asks the guests what they would like. Another slice of cheese? Another slice of cheese. Whatever is left over from the buffet is distributed among the staff at the end.

Specialties and hot dishes to order

The combination of buffet and table service has proven to be a good solution for many restaurants and accommodations. The Lifestylehotel SAND at the Baltic Sea, for example, has a buffet and a front cooking station where egg dishes are freshly prepared on request. This also makes it economically viable to use high-quality organic eggs.

At the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in Bad Herrenalb, you can also experience an exemplary zero-waste buffet. For example, there is no disposable packaging. Instead of portions of butter, there is a butter machine, and instead of packaged jams, there are small jars. You won’t find any disposable plastic, only organic products. Food waste from the kitchen (even cooked food) goes to ReFood. The company uses the organic waste to produce electricity, heat, organic fertilizer, and biodiesel. Composting and recycling with subsequent reuse, for example, in vegetable growing, is also known as circular gastronomy.

Sustainable Michelin-star cuisine – is it possible?

Cuisine cannot be about sustainability alone. Taste and enjoyment are always part of it. However, to this day, there is a misconception in the fine dining industry that “exquisite ingredients” must come from far away.

South Tyrolean three-star chef Norbert Niederkofler, who has sustainably revolutionized Italian haute cuisine, proves that this is not true. With his “Cook the Mountain” concept, he pursues a philosophy based exclusively on seasonal and regional ingredients. He places great emphasis on respecting natural cycles and reducing waste to a minimum..

His consistent focus on sustainability has been recognized many times: in addition to the three Michelin stars, his former restaurant St. Hubertus also received a Green Star, which is awarded for special commitment to sustainability. Incidentally, Berni Aichner was Norbert Niederkofler’s sous chef for many years. He is now the executive chef at OLM Nature Escape.

The Michelin Green Star

The Green Michelin Star was introduced in 2020, recognizing restaurants that stand out for their environmentally friendly operations and respectful use of natural resources. Criteria for this award include using local and seasonal products, reducing food waste, and using energy-saving technologies. ​

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“We wanted to give more visibility to restaurateurs who focus on sustainability and recognize them for their efforts” – Director of the Michelin Guide for Germany, Austria and Switzerland in conversation with Green Pearls®.

 

Sustainable culinary delights in Bavaria: 2-star restaurant Eisvogel

The Eisvogel restaurant, part of the 5-star Der Birkenhof***** Spa & Genussresort wellness hotel in Bavaria, also shows that sustainability and Michelin-star cuisine are not mutually exclusive.

Chef Sebastian Obendorfer – a member of the host family – runs the two-Michelin-starred restaurant with great devotion to the region and the seasons. His philosophy: modern German cuisine with deep roots in the Upper Palatinate and international influences.

The dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients from mostly small, regional producers, wild herbs that grow in the surrounding forests, or fish from nearby waters. Careful preparation and short transport routes are also consistently observed. Still, the hotel cannot do without imports. In some areas, guest expectations stand in the way. However, in combination with the resort’s overall sustainable concept – from renewable energy to regional architecture and plastic-free room furnishings – the Eisvogel is a prime example of what responsible gourmet cuisine can look like today.

Vegan Fine Dining at OMNIA Plant-based Restaurant

The Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel on the Seiser Alm has been home to the OMNIA restaurant since December 2024, a project dear to the hearts of Chef Aggeliki Charami and the two hotel managers, Maximilian and Alexander. There are only six tables and a special dining experience with nine vegan courses, each personally explained by the chef. Vegan cuisine is still rarely awarded with stars, but it doesn’t necessarily need them for an exclusive fine dining experience. What do you think?

Global Justice: Who pays the cost of our food?

Sustainable cooking does not end with the product – it also takes a critical look at the global context of food. Often, it is others who pay the price for our (cheap) food: people working in precarious conditions in agriculture or food production, often without fair wages or adequate occupational safety.

At the same time, many people around the world are denied access to healthy, sustainable food due to economic, geographic or social barriers. The massive food waste mentioned above, which occurs primarily in wealthy countries, is also an ethical issue: while we throw away tons of food, millions of people around the world go hungry.

More and more culinary concepts are addressing these challenges. The Planetary Diet, for example, focuses on a diet with the lowest possible carbon footprint. In the self-test of the Planetary Diet app, we found that, in addition to meat, chocolate bars are also big emitters. Regenerative Cuisine supports farmers who use regenerative methods to conserve and even restore soil, water, and biodiversity.

Food justice and other fair concepts

Sustainable cuisine also focuses on social aspects – or at least it should. Food justice advocates for fair conditions in food production and fair distribution. Other approaches to promoting global justice in the food system include:

• Slow Food – A counter-movement to fast food with a focus on local food and traditional craftsmanship.
• Ethical Eating – Eating with ethical considerations, e.g., fair trade, animal-friendly products.
• Blue Economy – Sustainable use of marine resources in the culinary arts.

Technological and practical solutions, such as solar cooking, also show how conscious cooking can be made more energy sustainable.

Sustainable eating in everyday life – what can you do?

As you can see, the issue is complex and not nearly as private or personal as we sometimes imagine. Sustainable cuisine and sustainable nutrition always take place in the context of our society and our planet. This may sound big and confusing, and like it might ruin your appetite, but don’t worry! There are some simple choices you can make in your everyday life that will make your culinary enjoyment a little more sustainable.

#1 Use leftovers creatively

Get creative with what you already have around the house. Use vegetable scraps to make soup, toast old bread, or turn them into breadcrumbs or dumplings. Plan your grocery shopping to minimize leftovers, and freeze leftovers before they go bad.

#2 Buy local and seasonal produce or grow your own

Locally grown food travels farther and often has a smaller carbon footprint. Seasonal calendars can help you buy local fruits and vegetables at the right time of year. Or you can go to the market and be inspired by what’s available. It tastes fresher – and you’re supporting local businesses.

You can also grow your own herbs and vegetables. Here are some tips for planning a raised bed. But be careful: urban gardening is not always better than its regional counterpart at the market.

#3 Look for seals – and understand them

Not every green label represents true sustainability. Learn what the organic, fair trade, or MSC seals mean. Choose products with credible and comprehensive certifications such as Demeter, Naturland, or Bioland.

For example, Utopia’s seal guide gives you a good overview.

#4 Explore alternatives

Sustainable living is an ongoing process, and you will always learn something new. Be open to new products. Try the soda or cola from the local brewery instead of the sugary varieties from the soft drink giants. Instead of orange juice, try other (local) fruit juices. And how about mushrooms instead of chicken?

#5 Boycott crazy luxury trends

Example: Voss or FIJI water. Such products come from far away, have a devastating impact on the environment, and in the vast majority of cases are completely unnecessary. Tap water in Germany, for example, is strictly controlled and usually of excellent quality. It’s better to invest in a water filter (if you live in an area with very hard water) and a nice, reusable bottle for when you’re out and about.

Likewise, you don’t have to try every ice cream flavor from Korea that goes viral on social media. Sure, it tastes delicious, but really, come on?

#6 Radically reduce meat consumption – or go vegetarian or vegan

From an environmental point of view, going vegan right away is definitely the best decision. However, we understand that this is not an option or possible for everyone. If you don’t want to give up meat or animal products completely, choosing to eat only local organic meat can make a big difference. Such meat (and other animal products of higher organic quality) is considerably more expensive, and for that reason alone, you will buy it less often and enjoy it more consciously. Find a source in your area. Avoid all meat products in the supermarket, as well as any meat whose origin you do not know (e.g. the salami on a pizza).

Conclusion: Small steps with a big impact

Sustainable food is more than a private project – it is a community effort. Restaurateurs, hoteliers, and producers have as much responsibility as we do as consumers. Every conscious purchase, every saved food item, and every plate without factory-farmed meat is a contribution to a more just and ecological food system. Of course, we realize that we as individuals cannot necessarily save the world. But every climate- and society-friendly decision is an important step in the right direction.

Our Green Pearls® partners demonstrate that sustainability and enjoyment are not mutually exclusive. Every day, they prove that respectful use of resources, fair conditions, and culinary excellence can go hand in hand. And that is exactly the kind of change we need – at all levels.

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Der Beitrag Sustainable Cuisine – An overview of concepts, trends and challenges erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.