Former monasteries are being transformed into wellness hotels, historic farms into organic retreats, and old architectural eyesores into designer hideaways. Buildings that had essentially lost their original function are being given a new purpose—often with an appreciation for their architectural history, materials, and atmosphere.

Hotels are evolving from mere “places to stay” into “stewards” of architectural heritage.

Why is renovation considered a model for the future

For decades, new construction was considered the ideal in architecture—bigger, more efficient, and more modern. Today, however, there is a growing awareness of the significant amount of resources already contained in existing buildings.

Walls, foundations, roof trusses, and facades store what is known as “gray energy”—the energy consumed during the production, transport, and use of the materials (i.e., construction). If a building is demolished and its materials are disposed of, this energy is lost.

As our understanding of resource use evolves, so does our aesthetic perspective. Visible traces of the past are no longer considered flaws. In fact, architecture that has stood the test of time often feels more authentic than new, flawless buildings. Old vaults, historic rooms, natural stone walls, and original wooden beams tell stories that new buildings simply cannot replicate.

Hotels are particularly well-suited for this type of transformation. They can preserve historic buildings in a cost-effective manner while making them accessible to the public. Former monasteries, farmsteads, and manor houses that would otherwise stand empty are put to use again, thereby remaining part of a region’s cultural memory.

Are renovations really more resource-efficient than building from scratch?

Yes. This has been pointed out by numerous studies and expert organizations. Above all, preserving existing structures is crucial.

Pros:

• Preservation of gray energy: Existing buildings contain a significant amount of energy from the production and construction of their materials. Demolition destroys these resources.
• Less construction waste: The building sector generates large amounts of waste. Demolition and new construction result in significantly higher material consumption than renovations.
• Lower emissions over the life cycle: According to studies by the Wuppertal Institute, renovating a typical apartment building to be energy efficient generates about half as many CO₂ emissions over its entire life cycle as constructing a new building.
• Land conservation: Renovations often do not require additional land sealing.
• Preservation of cultural identity: Historic buildings shape townscapes and regional architectural culture.

The German environmental organization Deutsche Umwelthilfe criticizes the fact that thousands of buildings in Germany are demolished each year without first assessing the impact on the climate and resources.

Pressure on the construction industry is growing internationally as well. According to the World Economic Forum, the building sector accounts for approximately 40 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Due to ongoing population growth, an enormous amount of new living space will be needed by 2060. If all of this space were to be built from scratch, we would need a new major city every month, which would have enormous negative environmental impacts.

Monastery Hotels: Where spiritual architecture lives on

Monasteries are historic buildings. For centuries, they served as centers of Christian spirituality, as well as places of learning, healing, agriculture, and hospitality. However, the era of monasteries has come to an end. Worldwide, the number of monks and nuns has dwindled to nearly nothing.

What will happen to these facilities, many of which are listed buildings?

Converting former monasteries into hotels is considered (which surprised me during my research for the article on monastery hotels) a “best-case” scenario. The Catholic Church permits the sale of such buildings only for a “venerable use.” And hotels that visibly preserve the monastic heritage are expressly welcomed. (The Church obviously views things like wellness centers with “clothing-optional areas” or rooms for unmarried couples differently today than it did in the Middle Ages.)

Hotel Klosterbräu: From an Augustinian monastery to a wellness hotel

The Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Tyrol, is a striking example of a historic building being put to new use. Originally, the building was an Augustinian monastery founded in the early 16th century. Even back then, it accommodated pilgrims.

Today, it is a five-star wellness hotel. Many architectural elements of the monastery have been preserved, including the vaulted cellar, original masonry, and the former monastery bell, which now hangs above the outdoor pool.

The brewing tradition has also been preserved. This ensures that a part of the building’s intangible history remains visible, not only its architecture.

Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa: Architecture for Well-Being

The four-star superior Klosterhof Alpine Hideaway & Spa hotel in Bayerisch Gmain was once part of an Augustinian monastery. The historic structures of the former monastery date back to the 16th century.

A connecting thread to the hotel’s history is medicine. Dr. Andreas Färber, the host, has incorporated a medical wellness center into the hotel, offering a modern take on the healing traditions for which many monasteries were once renowned.

Green Spirit Hotel Le Pavillon in Paris: A former convent

In the heart of Paris’s 7th arrondissement is the Green Spirit Hotel Le Pavillon, a converted convent. The building dates back to the 19th century.

Especially in Paris, where convents have shaped the cityscape for centuries, places like this reveal a great deal about the city’s history. Rather than standing empty, this historic building remains part of urban life and offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

Castle Hotels: After decadence comes preservation

Castles are monuments to past power structures. They symbolize wealth, prestige, and dominance. Of course, sustainability was not a consideration when such estates were constructed.

Yet, it is difficult to imagine them being demolished. Castles are not just buildings; they are cultural artifacts of their time. However, many could not be preserved without tourism.

Schloss Lerchenhof: Lovingly preserved by the family

The Steinwender family, who run Schloss Lerchenhof in Carinthia, are committed to innovation and preserving historical monuments.

When you stay at this boutique hotel, you’ll see the historic castle façade and walk through a historic staircase to reach your room.

It’s not just prestigious rooms like the library that are still in use, though. The former cowshed is now a stylish ballroom. The historic structure has been preserved, but its use has changed completely.

• If you want to learn more about the castle’s history—it’s a great, slightly scandalous love story—read this blog post.

Inkaterra La Casona: A mansion turned boutique hotel

The Inkaterra La Casona in Cusco may not be located in a castle, but it is situated on the ruins of former Inca structures and was built in a significant 16th-century mansion. Spanish conquistadors, such as Diego de Almagro, once lived here. Later, the liberation fighter Simón Bolívar also resided at La Casona.

The house has been carefully converted into a boutique hotel, and thanks to the restored artifacts and ceiling paintings, it feels like a living museum.

Old Farmhouses: Architecture that has evolved over time

For this section, we’ll go far back in history: as humans began to settle down, one of humanity’s oldest and most influential achievements emerged—agriculture. Over thousands of years, food cultivation and animal husbandry shaped not only landscapes but also architecture. Nearly every region developed its own rural building traditions—adapted to the climate, materials, and working methods.

The classic farmstead rarely consisted of just a single building. Rather, a functional complex of buildings emerged, comprising a dwelling house, stables, barns, granaries, and workshops. As a result, the architecture often reveals what kind of farm was once operated there.

In Germany alone, for example, the following distinctions can be made:

• north German hall houses with a large central utility room,
• Alpine single-farmsteads with living and stable areas under one roof,
• four-sided farmsteads in Central Germany that form an enclosed courtyard,
• or South German manor farms with stately residential wings and farm buildings.

While functionality was naturally the primary focus, these structures also showcased craftsmanship, good taste, and a sense of regional identity. Of particular interest are roof shapes, windows, ornaments, carvings, paintings, and other decorative elements.

Gut Sonnenhausen: Where historic architecture meets contemporary design

Gut Sonnenhausen, located near Munich, was built in the early 20th century by the Munich architect Wilhelm Spannagel as a horse stud modeled after English designs.

Under the direction of eco-pioneer Georg Schweisfurth, the buildings (including the former stables, riding hall, and farmhouse) were carefully restored and expanded. Various interior designers worked with the existing structure rather than against it. The result is an architecture that deliberately avoids a perfectly homogeneous appearance, combining historical elements, contemporary art, and modern design.

The Stanglwirt: A hotel that has grown over generations

At the Stanglwirt Organic and Wellness Resort in Tyrol, features have been refined over the decades rather than completely replaced.

Rather than a meticulously planned design project, the hotel is an organically evolved complex with 400 years of history. The Hauser family also calls it home. In fact, the senior partner was even born in one of the rooms. For generations, organic farming with cows has been an important part of the luxury hotel, and the hotel serves its own dairy products at breakfast.

Guests feel “right at home” here. This is very important to the hosts. Equally important to them is their self-image as farmers first and foremost and as hosts and owners of one of Tyrol’s most famous hotels only incidentally. 🙂

Albergo Diffuso: How entire villages are being saved

The rural exodus is a problem in many villages. Young people move to the cities, where their children grow up. The villages fall into disrepair. Vacant buildings and closed shops are common. This situation gave rise to the concept of the Albergo Diffuso, or “scattered hotel.” Rather than building a large hotel, several existing houses in a village are converted into guest accommodations. This type of hotel is especially popular in Italy, as it saves unused buildings from decay while providing guests with an authentic Italian experience.

Relais del Maro: A hotel made up of old village houses

The Relais del Maro in Liguria is an example of this concept in action. Elena Scalambrin, the host, transformed several of her family’s residential and commercial buildings into a four-star hotel. The main building, for instance, used to be a butcher shop. Today, it houses a breakfast terrace and a pool.

What’s exciting is that it’s not just the buildings that are preserved. The village itself benefits as well. Guests bring new life to local cafés, restaurants, and shops, helping to keep small towns alive.

When old hotels are reimagined

A building doesn’t have to be historically significant to be radically transformed—even a structure from the 1970s can be.

Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten: From bus hotel to wellness resort

Today’s Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten on the Moselle began as a simple, zero-star budget hotel. Owner Heiner Buckermann gradually transformed it—including adding his own TCM center. Rather than tearing it down, Buckermann completely repositioned the property within its existing structure.

STURM in Mellrichstadt: From a 1970s-era brick building to a design hotel

The STURM in Mellrichstadt is a striking example of how existing buildings can be transformed.

Built in the 1970s, the hotel was originally a typical brick building near the former inner-German border. Together with architect Prof. Matthias Loebermann, current owners Christa and Matthias Schulz Dieckhoff transformed it into a design hideaway. Christa is the daughter of the hotel’s builder, and she and her two sons, Xaver and Julius, represent the third generation actively involved in the hotel.

Twenty-two craftsmen removed each clinker brick by hand. They gave the façade a natural finish using whitewashed lime slurry. In front of the façade stands a wooden screen, one of Loebermann’s signature pieces.

Inside, the hotel also relies on clay plaster, wood, and careful modernization rather than radical renovation. In the restaurant, old ceiling elements were not removed, but rather, painted black to make them visually recede.

Other hotels that have chosen to renovate instead of tear down

Many other Green Pearls® hotels demonstrate just how many different ways there are to approach renovation:

• The Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel in South Tyrol was renovated using natural materials, such as lime plaster, stone, and wood, rather than being rebuilt from scratch, in accordance with strict UNESCO guidelines. Located at an altitude of over 2,000 meters on the Seiser Alm, the hotel sits within the UNESCO-protected Dolomites.
• Hotel Korinjak in Croatia focuses on the creative reuse of materials, such as furniture made from recycled wooden pallets.
• The Naturhotel Outside in East Tyrol expanded its wellness area with regional materials, including larch wood, clay, and local natural stone.
• During its closure time, the APIPURA hotel rinner in South Tyrol is adapting historic walls for new rooms.
• The Weiherhof redesigned its rooms according to the cradle-to-cradle principle.
• The Hotel Luise in Erlangen has experimented with recyclable materials, upcycling, and renewable raw materials for years.

By the way, all of the hotels mentioned are family-run. This means that the children have taken over the hotel from their parents (and sometimes grandparents).

What we can learn from hotels

Renovating is often more complicated than building from scratch. Old walls may hold surprises, preservation regulations may limit options, and historic floor plans cannot be altered at will.

Therefore, preserving the old is challenging, but worth it for the environment. Moreover, history lives within the walls, creating a special atmosphere.

Today, the most exciting hotels are not always built from scratch on greenfield sites, but rather in places where people lived and worked long before us.

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There are billions of tons of trash—and we’re right in the middle

From huge landfills to plastic gyres in the oceans to microplastics in the air, the waste crisis has long been a global issue and a personal problem for each and every one of us. After all, aren’t our basements, attics, and closets full of things we no longer need? And what does your trash can—or cans—look like at the end of an average week?

A look at the numbers reveals just how big the challenge is:

• According to the World Bank, global waste generation could reach 3.9 billion tons per year by 2050 (compared to 2.1 billion tons in 2016)
• Currently, billions of tons of municipal solid waste are generated annually, 760 million tons of which are not disposed of properly.

In short: We produce more waste than our system can handle.

Zero waste? Good, but not enough

Of course, a large portion of waste is inevitably generated by industry and businesses. However, households also contribute significantly to the mountains of trash. When it comes to this issue, we should start with ourselves! One way to do so is to live according to zero-waste principles.

The zero-waste movement has already gained widespread recognition. Its pioneer and founder, Bea Johnson, developed a lifestyle for herself and her family that focuses on consuming less rather than recycling. “Refuse” is one of her famous “R’s.” Does a product come in packaging? She doesn’t buy it. Disposable products? She doesn’t use them.

But is that enough?

The zero-waste movement has already sparked positive changes regarding single-use products and packaging waste. Examples include buying products without packaging, such as taking food from the market or bulk stores home in your own containers and bags, and replacing single-use items with reusable ones, like reusable water bottles and coffee mugs.

However, even the most dedicated zero-waste advocates wear shoes, sleep in beds, and use computers. What do we do when things break or wear out? They have to go in the trash. Or do they?

In an interview with the Green Travel Blog, Anna-Karina Reibold of the Cradle to Cradle NGO said the following: “We often try to act in a slightly less harmful way by cutting back, consuming less, or using less energy. However, this falls short and shifts too much responsibility for the waste crisis onto consumers. Moreover, it merely postpones problems instead of tackling them at the root.”

“C2C does not view waste as an end product, but as a design flaw.” – Cradle to Cradle NGO

What exactly does the term “Cradle to Cradle®” mean?

With Cradle to Cradle®, products are designed from the beginning to keep materials in circulation indefinitely. There is no waste produced in the conventional sense. Every material is reused.

There are two ways to do this:

• Biological Cycle: Materials such as wood, linen, and natural fibers can be fully composted and returned to the natural cycle.
• Technical cycle: Products are designed to be completely disassembled so their components can be reused or replaced.

One example of a product designed according to the C2C principle is SWISSFEEL mattresses. They consist of only two components (Swiss mineral foam and cover fabric). After their extended service life, SWISSFEEL takes them back, cleans them, and recycles the material. Initially, the materials are used in other SWISSFEEL products, such as flocking pillows. Later, the mineral foam can be chemically broken down without leaving residue and used for producing new foam. Thus, the material remains in circulation for decades instead of ending up in the trash.

Side Note: Is Waste Incineration Also a Form of Circular Thinking?

Absolutely not. While waste incineration does generate heat and energy, it results in the permanent loss of resources. Crude oil, for example (the raw material for plastic), is a finite resource. Furthermore, waste incineration produces pollutants (primarily CO2, but also highly toxic organic compounds).

Professor Braungart, or: The Man in the Sneakers

The best-known co-founder of the C2C concept is German chemist Prof. Michael Braungart.

In an interview, hotelier Stephan Bode told us how he first met Braungart in 2008: “I’ll never forget that. Braungart was walking around in sneakers and said, ‘Look at this sneaker: When it’s worn out after two years, it can be taken apart into its individual components and returned to the cycle.’”

Years later, Bode designed an entire floor of his hotel, SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, based on the C2C principle.

The Hospitality Industry as a Role Model: Experience a Circular Room

In the “Circular Living” rooms at the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, all materials have been carefully selected to be recycled into biological or technical cycles, and are characterized by environmental friendliness and fair production practices (free of harmful substances and negative impacts).

“Guests immediately sense the primal forces at work and, through our communication channels, know that the rooms embody the promise of the future.” – Stephan Bode

The circular Hotel Room 

The Hotel Luise in Erlangen has been practicing the Cradle to Cradle® philosophy for over ten years. With Prof. Dr. Michael Braungart’s expertise, Benjamin Förtsch developed the first “renewable hotel rooms” there.

He recently presented them in the webinar “Cradle to Cradle in Tourism Practice” (March 2026), which was part of the EU project Cross-Re-Tour. The webinar discussed how circular thinking can be implemented in the hotel industry, for example, by using a purchasing guide for materials and products.

Since this was already possible ten years ago, C2C rooms are “not that difficult,” says Benjamin Förtsch.

“The biggest challenge is ensuring the materials can be fully separated at the end without forming composite materials (e.g., due to adhesives).” – Benjamin Förtsch

Here are some examples of how he managed to do this:

• The straw panel ceilings were installed with visible screws so they could be removed later.
• Biodegradable natural paints (e.g., from Keim) were used in the rooms instead of sealing varnishes.
• The cabinet and drawer handles are made of natural latex and are tied at the back, not glued on..

As you can see, C2C demands careful consideration and research from the outset, which is why we refer to it as “next-level sustainability.” 🙂

What do Cradle to Cradle® rooms look like?

The answer may come as a surprise: it’s completely normal—and not “eco-friendly” at all. When you stay at the Hotel Luise, you won’t immediately realize that you’re experiencing one of the most innovative concepts in the hotel industry. The TV show Galileo had planned to feature the sustainable hotel rooms, but canceled the segment because the rooms looked “just like normal hotel rooms.”

Sustainability doesn’t have to be flashy to be effective.

Benjamin Förtsch is already planning the next generation of rooms: the “Recycling Center Rooms” and the “Pond Rooms.” These rooms are designed to be more experimental and unconventional. The goal is to make visible what has previously happened behind the scenes.

Ideas range from lampshades made of mushroom mycelium, which Benjamin envisions baking in the hotel sauna, to using coffee grounds from breakfast to create 3D-printed products.

Here you can stay in Cradle to Cradle® rooms

If you’d like to experience a sustainable room firsthand, we highly recommend visiting Hotel Luise or SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA. Would you like a few more suggestions for day trips?

• Click here for the blog post on things to do in Erlangen near Hotel Luise.
• Click here for inspiration for a sustainable vacation in the Black Forest.

Cradle to Cradle® at home – is that even possible?

The short answer: Yes. In addition, there are an increasing number of ideas, resources, and even products that make it easier for us to implement C2C in our own homes, as more and more people are actively exploring how to apply this principle in their daily lives.

Anna-Karina Reibold of the Cradle to Cradle NGO confirms:

„People often reach out to us. Over 1,000 volunteers are involved in approximately 35 initiatives across the German-speaking world on behalf of the Cradle to Cradle NGO (C2C), helping to bring the Cradle to Cradle philosophy to society. Together, we are driving chang.“ – C2C NGO

And she makes clear:

„Cradle to Cradle is not just an industrial concept; it affects every aspect of our lives.“

Inspiration from real-world examples: A Cradle to Cradle® apartment

An exciting real-world example illustrates exactly how this can work. Stefan Otto and Sven Urselmann renovated an apartment in an older building according to Cradle to Cradle® principles.

During the YouTube room tour, one thing becomes clear:

• natural materials such as lime and FSC-certified wood
• locally sourced materials (e.g., wool from German dyke sheep for seat cushions)
• pure, separable building materials wherever possible

recyclable and reusable materials

• Products are designed according to Cradle to Cradle® principles (which is why he ordered his chairs specially from Spain, for example).
• Upcycled products are used as design and art elements in the home.

Berit Weiß from the Cradle to Cradle seminar says, “I wondered if individuals could implement this, and I noticed that the shopping guide for hotels includes many points that can be applied at home.” Here are those points:

Cradle to Cradle® Shopping Guide for Home

Many principles from the hospitality industry can be applied directly to your daily life. Here are a few simple ways to get started:

• Choose materials thoughtfully: Opt for pure fabrics (e.g., clothing, bedding, or towels made from 100% organic cotton) instead of blended fabrics whenever possible.
• Consider recyclability: Choose products that are compostable, easy to repair, or for which the manufacturer has a solid take-back and recycling strategy.
• Avoid composite materials: Items firmly glued together often cannot be separated. Therefore, sustainable floor tiles alone aren’t enough—you should also consider the adhesive!
• Prioritize durability: Pay special attention to quality and repairability, especially with electronics. Some electronics manufacturers already embrace the circular economy. Have you heard of Fairphone, for example?
• Use take-back systems: Choose manufacturers that take back and demonstrably recycle products.
• Use reusable systems: For example, when you order from the online retailer Memolife, they ship your order in a reusable box that you can send back for free. This saves tons of cardboard (and thus forest resources). The sustainable marketplace is also a great place to find C2C products. Many restaurants, cafés, bakeries, gas stations, and even movie theaters now use the Recup system. You borrow a reusable cup and return it to any other participating location.
• Strengthen biological cycles: Compost food scraps and use natural materials, leaving them untreated (e.g., a garden path made of natural stones).
• Rethink: Don’t just ask yourself, “Do I need this?” Ask yourself: What will happen to this product at the end of its life?

Conclusion: A change of perspective, not sacrifice.

Cradle to Cradle® is a different way of looking at things: not as tomorrow’s waste, but as the resources of the day after tomorrow. It might sound complicated at first, but, as Benjamin Förtsch describes, you develop a knack for recognizing circularity over time.

„At some point, you just know—the same way a vegan knows that a banana is vegan.“ – Benjamin Förtsch

What about you? Have you embraced circular thinking, or would you like to try it? Let us know in the comments!

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What is really at the heart of this “special love story”?

As you walk up Schloss Lerchenhof’s impressive, historic staircase, you can sense the building’s rich history. High ceilings. Biedermeier style. The thick walls date back to the 19th century. According to the website, the castle became the property of the Steinwender family due to a “special love story.” What exactly does that mean?

We wanted to know, so we asked the Steinwender family. And what Johann Steinwender told us has never been recorded in such detail anywhere else. So, you are among the first to get the full story.

1848: A castle for a wedding

The house’s origins date back to 1848. Julius Emanuel Wodley, a young industrialist, had the castle built as a summer residence for his upcoming wedding to his fiancée, Susanne, also known as Susi. He operated the hammer mills behind the castle in Gösseringgraben, and the Steinwenders’ farm was next door. Lerchenhof Castle was intended to be the young couple’s shared home.

However, before it was completed, the unexpected happened: Wodley died in an accident in the surrounding mountains. Young, full of plans, and never having seen the castle in all its splendor or having moved in with his bride.

An extraordinary inheritance

On his deathbed, he bequeathed the castle to his future wife. This was unusual, if not scandalous, at the time! In the mid-19th century, it was neither customary nor desirable for an unmarried woman to be an heiress or to own anything.

But there’s more. Susanne was pregnant. While it is not certain, it is likely that the young Julius knew this and wanted to bequeath the castle to both his love and his child.

Susanne’s daughter, also named Susi, married a Steinwender in 1880. Through a combination of love, courage, and social transgression, the Lerchenhof came into the possession of the family that still owns the castle and farm today.

Two brothers, one stable—and no differences

The castle initially became part of the Steinwender family’s ancestral farm. In 1928, it was divided between the family’s two sons.:

• One brother kept the family farm
• The other brother continued Lerchenhof Castle independently with its own farm.

Here, too, the family tells a story that reveals a lot about their attitude. The two brothers got along so well that they simply met in the barn and divided the cows between themselves amicably and without argument. Everything was settled within a single night.

Hans Steinwender took over the Lerchenhof. He farmed with his wife, Frieda, bred horses, and was publicly involved in the region.

Listed building status for the castle, as well as the opening of an inn

In 1939, the property was listed as a historic monument and officially recognized as Schloss Lerchenhof. Gradually, the agricultural estate was transformed into a hospitality venue. In 1959, the next generation, Hans Steinwender and his wife Gertrude, took over and opened an inn.

In 1996, the property’s development continued as the parents of the current hosts, Hans and Gernhild Steinwender, began running the castle as a four-star hotel with comfortable rooms and a wellness area. The former estate had finally become a boutique hotel with a historical core and modern amenities.

In 2025, Johann Steinwender and his wife, Karin, officially took over the castle from Johann’s parents, Hans and Gerhild. They had already been running the business on a leasehold basis for two years during a transitional phase, gradually growing into their new responsibilities. “An exemplary and, in my opinion, exceptionally successful process,” says Johann, looking back. It was entirely in keeping with the Steinwender family tradition of placing great value on peaceful coexistence.

Johann Steinwender: History as a responsibility

When Johann Steinwender talks about his family history, it’s clear how deeply connected he is to his roots. He speaks with obvious pride and enthusiasm. He and Karin personally manage the boutique hotel, which has just 20 rooms, in a warm and welcoming manner. As hosts, they are always on hand to help.

Vacation in a castle – between history and the future

When you arrive at Schloss Lerchenhof, you will enter a living house, not a museum. You can climb the historic staircase, retreat to one of the individually designed rooms, read in the library, or simply enjoy the silence in the corridors. Outside, you will find a 14-hectare nature reserve comprising meadows, forests and fields.

An energy-self-sufficient hideaway with a “power place” and a slow food philosophy

The kitchen’s philosophy is clear: slow food, zero-kilometer products, an agriculture system based on ecological principles, seasonal natural cuisine, and artisanal quality. Everything that ends up on the plate has provenance and character, and most of it comes fresh from the hotel’s own fields.

At the same time, the hotel is energy self-sufficient. A small hydroelectric power plant and biomass plant supply the historic building with electricity and heat in a sustainable and resource-efficient manner via the hotel’s own energy management system.

A Biedermeier castle that generates its own energy—that is progress in the spirit of responsibility.

If you (like me) have a soft spot for family histories and want to see how a Biedermeier castle built in 1848 is sustainably and energy-efficiently operated today, then the Hotel Schloss Lerchenhof could be the ideal place for your next vacation. Or, if you’re a bon vivant who wants to experience the Carinthia region through its cuisine, you’ve come to the right place. Along the way, you will become part of the hotel’s special history.

Some places tell stories. Some places are stories themselves.

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From a concrete eyesore to a design and lifestyle hotel: Three generations have shaped the STURM

Green Travel Blog: Hello Xaver, first of all, thank you for taking the time to do this interview today. The STURM is a well-known hotel, and many people come to Mellrichstadt just to stay there. Do you feel any “pressure” to do even better as the next generation?

Xaver Schulze Diekhoff: I wouldn’t call it pressure. Of course, continuing to run such a successful business is a big challenge, and you want to do it justice. At the same time, though, my parents give me a lot of support by fully backing me.

GTB: The STURM has had an eventful history. Originally located on the inner-German border, it later became a popular destination for motorcyclists. Today, it is an oasis of peace and wellness. What are your thoughts on this transformation?

Xaver:

Of course, I haven’t experienced all of STURM’s phases myself because it has been around for 50 years. Nevertheless, I have many positive memories of earlier times, such as the famous motorcycle days with their legendary parties.

We’ve transformed from a real eyesore into an architectural highlight with a strong focus on sustainability. My parents made a conscious decision to prioritize sustainability at a time when it wasn’t nearly as prominent an issue as it is today.

In my opinion, the decision to transition to an organic and wellness hotel was timely and correct. It is also one of the reasons why STURM is still in business today.

“Sustainability pays off on the balance sheet.”

GTB: Will you continue down this path?

Xaver: As a family—my parents, Christa and Matthias; my brother, Julius; and myself—we actively promote a sustainable approach. We are constantly looking for ways to improve, whether in the food and beverage sector or in structural development.

Sustainability is much more than just a marketing tool. It is a smart economic decision that directly impacts the balance sheet by lowering energy costs and increasing resource efficiency. Furthermore, we prioritize preserving existing structures and modernizing them rather than demolishing them and constructing new ones.

GTB: As for the architecture, you are working closely with Professor Loebermann, a popular contemporary architect.

Xaver: Yes, and he has already received several awards for this (e.g., the “Best Architects Award 2024” for our Garden View Rooms). Some of his most iconic designs have been realized here.

Connected to nature

GTB: How would you personally define sustainability?

Xaver: To me, sustainability means treating our environment with care and taking responsibility for how we use resources. It means making decisions based not just on short-term benefits, but also on long-term effects.

I am a passionate hunter myself, which has given me a special appreciation for meat as a product. People who know where meat comes from and take responsibility for it automatically treat it with greater care. This attitude shapes both my personal understanding of sustainability and my work at STURM.

GTB:What is your role at STURM?

Xaver: I am involved in operations and serve as a direct point of contact for employees. At the same time, I am gradually learning the ropes of the managing director’s role from my father, so that I can responsibly continue to run the company in the long term.

GTB: Have you had the opportunity to contribute your own ideas or new impulses to the hotel? How open are your parents to suggestions?

Xaver: My parents are very open-minded. They listen to and discuss everything I suggest, and, in the best case, implement it. This has allowed me to contribute several ideas (e.g., the regular guest concept), and I believe STURM will continue evolving in the future while maintaining its identity.

The STURM in the Rhön – a hideaway from everyday stress

GTB:What made your guests choose STURM in the first place?

Xaver: Here with us, you can consciously escape the stress of everyday life and noisy cities. The peace and quiet, nature, organic cuisine, wellness offerings, and vastness of the Rhön provide the perfect setting for relaxation.

Is there anything you would like to tell travelers interested in sustainable vacations?

Xaver: Sustainable holidays are not about doing without; rather, they are about experiencing things more consciously. It means perceiving things more intensely, using resources mindfully, and prioritizing quality over quantity. Those who travel with this mindset often take home not only a greater appreciation for nature, products, and people, but also more peace and contentment.

GTB: That sounds like a clear stance. We look forward to seeing how you continue to shape STURM in the future. Thank you very much for speaking with us.

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What exactly is a snack garden?

Unlike traditional ornamental gardens, which are designed primarily for beauty, and Zen gardens, which focus on tranquility and minimalism, snack gardens focus on the experience. They combine enjoyment with a sense of closeness to nature. Rather than “Please do not enter,” the motto here is “Feel free to try.” For many people, especially those on vacation, this is a surprisingly intense moment of freedom and connection.

Some Green Pearls® hotels have snack gardens at the heart of their design. They provide easy access, make the origin of food tangible, and create a playful connection between guests, cuisine, and landscape. If not in the mouths of guests, the harvest ends up in the hotel kitchen and, equally importantly, with bees, butterflies, and other insects, which are just as welcome here.

The concept of a snack garden is a statement of trust and sharing, encouraging relaxed coexistence between humans and nature.

The STURM snack garden lies at the heart of the hotel’s sustainable concept

At the Wellnesshotel STURM in Mellrichstadt in the Rhön (Bavaria), you can experience a particularly large and impressive snack garden. On around 3,500 square meters, you will find everything you could possibly want to eat: vegetables, salads, fruit, herbs, and honey from the hotel’s own bees. Deliberately designed to offer space for everyone, the garden provides room for plants, birds, insects, and, of course, guests.

One particularly appealing aspect is that not only are the fruits and herbs in the snack garden edible, but so are many of the flowers. For example, cosmos bloom colorfully between the beds in the summer, attracting bees, bumblebees, and butterflies—and ending up as edible flowers on the plates at the hotel’s organic restaurant, Otto’s. The hotel recommends two special herbs: French tarragon and chervil. Tarragon aids digestion when consumed as a tea, and chervil traditionally supports kidney, bladder, and digestive health.

For 30 years, Christa and Matthias Schulze Dieckhoff have been gradually transforming the former inner-German border hotel into a design hideaway shaped by responsible practices – with a natural swimming pond instead of a pool and a garden designed to create experiences rather than merely serve as scenery.

The snack garden is a species garden in the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA

The snack garden at SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA is bursting with life. The lovingly designed “species garden” spans around 100 square meters, offering a delightful blend of snacking, biodiversity, and culinary delights. Guests are invited to help themselves to raspberries, strawberries, and currants growing along a 25-meter berry path with around 15 varieties. Other offerings include vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes, and zucchini, as well as aromatic herbs that go straight to the kitchen.

Stephan Bode’s hotel garden is based on the principles of regenerative agriculture. Synthetic pesticides are consistently avoided. Instead, the hotel focuses on diverse plant communities and insect-friendly planting. With raised beds, fruit trees, and wildflower meadows, a lively space is created that appeals to the senses of sight, smell, touch, and taste, not to mention the sound of busy bees buzzing around.

The snack garden is also a refuge for animals. Lizards find shelter in stone piles, honeybees and wild bees are permanent guests, and birds, hedgehogs, and earwigs take advantage of the many nesting sites and watering holes. Guests can enjoy a real nature experience by strolling through the garden, which also establishes a connection to the origin of the ingredients on their plates.

• For more information about the snack garden, visit the hotel’s website.
  

What if a snack garden isn’t possible? Kitchen gardens are an alternative

You like the idea of a snack garden, but let’s be honest, it’s not that easy in real life. Where do people who are allowed to snack come from? Maybe you could take down the fence and put up a sign that says: “Snack Garden — Visitors Expressly Welcome.” It’s a nice idea, especially if you live in a lively neighborhood or on a play street.

However, if that’s not realistic, there’s an equally appealing alternative: a kitchen garden. Here, you can grow herbs, vegetables, and fruits specifically for your kitchen. It’s less open, but you’re more aware of what you’re growing. Kitchen gardens create a connection to nature, enhance the flavor of your food, and demonstrate the impact that even small spaces can have. Ultimately, it’s also a kind of snack garden—just for you.

Mocktails from the kitchen garden at LA VIMEA

At the adults-only vegan retreat LA VIMEA, the kitchen garden is part of the holistic wellness concept. Organically grown medicinal herbs are cultivated here and used in both the kitchen and the bar. Among other things, the herbs are used to make homemade infusions for cocktails and mocktails that are fresh, aromatic, and perfectly tailored to the hotel’s wellness concept.

Hotel Bella Vista, Zermatt: “Our garden on the garage roof is quite impressive.”

The kitchen garden at the small, family-run Bella Vista hotel in Zermatt is located where you might not expect: on the garage roof. Despite the limited space, the garden produces an impressive variety of crops, including herbs for teas, such as peppermint, lemon balm, verbena, chamomile, and nettle, as well as berries, like raspberries, strawberries, and currants, which are used to make jams.

The selection is rounded out with rhubarb, lettuce, zucchini, and cauliflower. This rooftop garden demonstrates that a functioning kitchen garden can be established even in alpine regions with limited space. It is directly connected to the kitchen and tea room, firmly anchoring the hotel’s commitment to sustainability.

Do you dream of having your own Mediterranean herb garden? Hotel Korinjak has one

The Hotel Korinjak, located on the Croatian island of Iz, is surrounded by an abundance of natural food sources, including olive trees, figs, and wild herbs. A small, traditionally laid out Dalmatian herb garden complements the landscape. Rosemary, sage, mint, lemon balm, wild fennel, and lavender are cultivated here using minimal intervention and a great deal of trust in the soil and climate, without the use of chemicals.

The garden is an intentional connection to the island. The herbs end up in the kitchen, at the tea station, or in workshops in which guests can participate. Anyone can pick, smell, and learn—and understand how much flavor is connected to place and rhythm.

Conclusion: Kitchen garden — but alive

Whether it’s a snack garden or a kitchen garden, there’s always something going on in these gardens. They are functional, but not strictly controlled production areas. With berry bushes, herbs, and raised beds, there’s always a buzzing, fluttering, and crawling. Here, insects are allowed to snack, pollinators can do their work, and plants are allowed to simply grow instead of looking perfect.

Edible gardens encourage sharing, and kitchen gardens encourage mindful processing. Both types of gardens reconnect people with what they eat and with the nature from which it comes.

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We asked around our network to find out: What kind of pillows are discerning guests sleeping on today—and how are sustainable hotels addressing this issue?

What is a pillow menu, and is it necessary for a hotel to have one?

A pillow menu (i.e., the option to choose different types of pillows) is not mandatory. According to the Hotelstars Union’s criteria catalog, it is considered an “extended service.” For three-star hotels it can be considered a comfort feature. For those with four stars or more, options for individualization are increasingly expected. In practice, however, it is often sustainable hotels that voluntarily offer a wider selection of pillows — not for prestige, but for their guests’ comfort.

Sleep your way at the Green City Hotel Vauban, Freiburg

At the Green City Hotel Vauban, they believe that sleep is a deeply personal matter. Hotel manager Johannes Staub and receptionist Kristine Staub sum it up:

“Pillows are very personal; every guest has their own preferences, so we decided to offer a wide selection of specialty pillows.”Gäste können zwischen verschiedenen Varianten wählen – darunter Nackenkissen,

Neck rolls, side sleeper pillows, and classic feather pillows. In true host fashion, the Staubs explain:

„For our regular guests, we put their preferred pillows in their rooms before they arrive.“ – Green City Hotel Vauban

A pillow menu with bedtime treats at the Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten

At the Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten on the Moselle, sleep is approached with warmth and a sense of humor. Each room comes standard with one 40×80 cm pillow and two 40×40 cm pillows per person. If you want more, you can choose from a selection of additional pillows — from neck supports and ergonomic pillows to allergy-friendly pillows.

One particularly charming feature is the option to order a cherry pit pillow that is warmed up for you before bedtime. “Please don’t laugh,” says Tina Meier, the resident manager who has worked at the hotel for over 13 years. “We usually warm up the cherry pit pillows in our wood-fired sauna.” As an added bonus: after your stay, you can take the cherry pit pillow home with you.

Another luxury is the “Betthupferl,” a bedtime treat. The term is deeply rooted in Bavarian-Austrian culture and traditionally refers to a small gift given before bedtime. Tina explains what it means in the Moselle region:

„A “Betthupferle” is a small, sweet treat, such as a gummy bear or a piece of chocolate.” – Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten
 

Natural pillows with character at Hotel Luise, Erlangen

At the Hotel Luise, the pillow menu is an integral part of the service—and greatly appreciated by guests. The selection is consistently sustainable. Among other options, the hotel offers spelt pillows from certified organic cultivation, relaxation pillows filled with millet husks and wild herbs, seaweed pillows, and combination pillows made with wool balls and millet husks.

Many of the pillows are from the speltex® brand, whose natural fillings are popular with guests:

„People often ask us where they can purchase the pillows.“ – Hotel Luise

A nice compliment—and a sign that people like to bring the comforts of a hotel home with them.

Pillows made from certified materials

In addition to these three examples, the Green Pearls® network offers a wide variety of sustainable pillow concepts:

• Naturresort Gerbehof — Organic Hotel on Lake Constance
  Here, guests can choose from spelt, Swiss stone pine, herbal, and energy pillows. The pillows are sourced from Himmelgrün in Vorarlberg — regional, transparent, and with a clear focus on natural materials.
• Hotel Bella Vista, Zermatt
  This sustainable boutique hotel in Switzerland offers minimalist, high-quality, milled, spelt and hypoallergenic pillows that are perfectly suited to the alpine surroundings. And if you stay in the Sky Lounge, you’ll sleep under a skylight with a view of the Matterhorn.
• STURM, Mellrichstadt (Rhön)
  Guests sleep on down bedding from the Seibersdorfer brand, which has been awarded the „Glückliche Gänse“ (Happy Geese) guarantee. There is no live plucking, and the animals are raised in a way that is appropriate for their species. Thanks to the NOMITE seal, the bedding is also suitable for people with dust mite allergies.
• SANDnature, Timmendorfer Strand
  Just a few meters from the beach of the Baltic Sea, the hotel relies on COCO-MAT. The basic setup includes the “Morfeas” pillow, and additional options can be easily ordered via app — modern yet consistently natural.

When choosing a pillow becomes a little ritual: Hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allgäu region

At the Hotel Das Rübezahl, the pillow menu is an invitation to take a moment to relax. Sitting on the bed, perhaps with twilight already falling over the Allgäu Mountains outside, you read through the selection:

Would I like something supportive today? Something fragrant? Something that helps me relax? (A look at the pillow menu at Hotel Das Rübezahl)

The decision is not an easy one. There are millet pillows filled with lavender and hops; Swiss stone pine pillows, which, according to old folk wisdom, are said to promote deeper sleep; and herbal pillows filled with mint, mountain herbs, and spelt husks. Each pillow telling a story—about plants, scents, and regeneration.

All pillows are made by Himmelgrün, a manufacturer. Guests particularly appreciate their quality and pleasant scent, which subtly accompanies sleep.

Good sleep requires more than just a pillow: My Arbor, South Tyrol

Finally, let’s take a look at the adults-only Hotel My Arbor, which makes one thing clear: a pillow menu is important, but it should never be viewed in isolation. Here, too, guests can choose from down, hypoallergenic, and neck support pillows. However, the overall concept is what matters most.

Guests sleep on high-quality box-spring beds with Simmons mattresses complemented by fine bed linens cared for with a special, skin-friendly detergent. Everything works together — from the pillow to the mattress and from the scent to the feel of the fabric.

„Our concern is not only with comfort, but also with genuine regeneration.“ – My Arbor

It’s a statement we can only agree with. To learn more about this holistic approach, read our article on sleeping comfort in green hotels and vacation homes.

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From overtourism to climate change: challenges for the Alpine ecosystem

Green Travel Blog (GTB): Thank you very much, Marco, for talking to us about this important topic. Between May and July of 2025, Austria recorded over 40 million overnight stays—more than ever before. What is your perception of this development in the Tyrolean Oberland?

Marco Spiss: As a highly touristic region, we in the Tyrolean Oberland region are particularly aware of this increase. The Super.Sommer.Card and similar programs have made our region more appealing, especially in the summer. While this offers a great opportunity for businesses like ours, this development is not always positive.

GTB: For example?

Marco: Many hiking and themed trails are overcrowded, and nature is reaching its limits. This is especially true for our wildlife, which is being forced into smaller and smaller areas of forest and wildlife habitats due to the growing number of themed and MTB trails.

GTB: Traffic congestion—not only on hiking trails, but especially on roads—is frequently cited as a problem in mountain regions.

Marco: Yes, I believe this is the biggest problem resulting from the rapid development of tourism in our Alpine valleys. The infrastructure has not kept pace with the increase in hotel rooms. Another major issue in our region will be water scarcity and its impact on our ecosystems in the future.

Scarce water resources

GTB: Do you think the changes in water resources are primarily caused by climate change or construction projects and increased usage?

Marco: Both. In my opinion, increasing periods of drought coupled with the diversion of rivers for energy production will inevitably lead to problems with drinking water supplies and the preservation of our ecosystems. For example, the development of the Platzertal valley will flood a raised bog and divert the water to another valley.

GTB:You’re talking about the expansion of the Kaunertal power plant, which the WWF describes as an “ecological disaster.”

Marco: I agree. The moorlands and the untouched valley are particularly valuable in the face of the climate crisis and are crucial for biodiversity.

Will the introduction of an “environmental tax” solve all problems?

GTB: Can tourism contribute to preserving ecosystems?

Marco: BIn our region, a lot is being done in terms of environmental protection. The municipality of Serfaus, in particular, was a pioneer in regional infrastructure with its underground railway, built in the 1980s. The Kaunergrat region is also worth mentioning, as its goal is to preserve and promote ecosystems, cultural diversity, and regional value creation. The municipality of Pfunds, home to our Summit Lodges, is another notable example. It has been a Climate Alliance municipality since the 1990s and is breaking new ground with projects such as the drinking water power plant and the new climate plan (natural shading, well creation, etc.).

GTB: Does the money for these projects primarily come from tourism?

Marco: Of course. This could be illustrated by an environmental tax similar to the local tax. Many resorts also charge an additional fee for access to certain facilities within the complex. These fees could be used to help preserve our ecosystems.

GTB: Would this also make tourists more popular with the locals?

Marco: The tourists are already popular! We mustn’t forget that our Alpine valleys depend almost entirely on tourism. However, an important issue that needs to be addressed is the housing situation of the local population. This problem is familiar to us from many tourist regions around the world. Hotel beds and staff accommodations take up urgently needed living space because it’s more profitable to rent out a property to tourists than to long-term residents.

How can tourists and locals coexist peacefully?

GTB: How can tourism and local life remain in harmony in a heavily visited region like the Tyrolean Oberland, in your opinion?

Marco: Tourism and local life should complement each other. Tourism depends on local life, and local life depends on tourism. Tourism is our driving force, keeping the economy alive and securing our future. However, we must always be aware that our greatest asset and best selling point is an intact natural environment, because we locals pay the price for the destruction of our habitat.

Canadian log cabin-style vacation homes

GTB: You built two vacation homes out of solid natural logs—an architectural style more common in North America than in Europe. How did you come up with this idea?

Marco: After completing my training, I traveled often to North America and became fascinated by natural building styles. Over time, I began exploring the topic of sustainable building styles more and more, from clay houses to straw- and wood-framed buildings.

When we finally decided to build our two chalets in Pfunds in 2017 and opted for a sustainable concept, it was clear that only a Canadian log cabin could meet our requirements for the climate in our mountain region.

GTB: What kind of vacation experience do you want to offer your guests—and how does it differ from traditional alpine tourism?

Marco: We want to offer our guests a relaxing time surrounded by nature. Pfunds, with its stunning landscapes in the Pfundser Tschey and Radurschltal valleys, is the perfect place to do so.

Nature vacation in Pfunds

I always tell our guests that what sets Pfunds apart from other regions is that life here still follows a different rhythm. Our region is deeply rooted in tradition and culture. The charm of “old” Tyrol has been preserved here.

GTB: How does that show?

Marco:The alpine pastures are still farmed the same way they were when tourism first began. The people are warmhearted but conservative, and Tyrolean hospitality is alive and well. In the alpine pastures, you can still sit at a regular’s table and have a genuine conversation with the locals. As we say, “An Huangart off tia.”😊

The hiking trails are not yet overcrowded; sometimes you can hike for three hours and see nothing but a few chamois and ibex.

GTB: What are your favorite moments as a host? What touches or pleases you the most?

Marco:Many of our guests tell us about their special experiences in nature. They may have seen a bearded vulture circling overhead or a deer suddenly appearing in the forest. Moments like these are what make our region so special.

I am especially delighted when our guests talk about these experiences with such enthusiasm. That’s when we know they’ve truly arrived in our beautiful valley.

Demand less, enjoy more

GTB: That sounds great! Is there anything else you would like all guests to know before traveling to the mountains?

Marco: Many tourists fail to realize that their demands influence regional development.

The new railway line that is being built, or the MTB trail that is being created—all of this is only happening because of the demands of visitors and the desire for more attractions. At the same time, people are becoming increasingly discontent with regions that become too developed or popular, as they are actually looking for peace and quiet and authenticity, not hustle and bustle.

In my opinion, we need to raise awareness among our guests about the limited availability of local resources and how their consumption habits contribute to regional problems.

GTB: So demand less, enjoy more—and book environmentally friendly accommodation—like yours 🙂 With green electricity, waste separation, water conservation, and a commitment to animal welfare and the community, we believe Summit Lodges Pfunds is a positive example of sustainable tourism.

Marco: Thanks for the flowers! I am, of course, delighted to welcome guests interested in sustainability, and I am happy to serve as a point of contact to discuss how tourists and locals can coexist harmoniously in our valley. And how we can work together to preserve the natural beauty for future generations.

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

Eco-glamping in the Cambodian jungle

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

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

Immerse yourself in the wild soul of Cambodia

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

Access only by boat

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

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

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

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

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

Guest favorite – nighttime firefly tour

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

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

In sync with the region – right from the start

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

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

Sustainability at Canvas & Orchids Retreat

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

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

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

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

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is special about Canvas & Orchids Retreat in Cambodia?

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

Is Canvas & Orchids Retreat sustainable?

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

How do you get to Canvas & Orchids Retreat?

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

When is the best time to travel to Cambodia?

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

What does glamping mean at Canvas & Orchids Retreat?

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

What activities does Canvas & Orchids Retreat offer?

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

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

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The “best room” is perfect to surprise and impress

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

Masterful craftsmanship with a regional flair

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

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

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

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

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

Wood art in South Tyrol

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

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

Honeycomb design

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Furniture in a Cycle: Circular economy meets design

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

Circular Living at the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA

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

The circular hotel room at Hotel Luise

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

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

Furniture with history: restored, inherited, and preserved

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vacation in a log cabin

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

Wooden furniture inspiration for your home

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

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

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

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