Green Pearls

10/09/2024

An increasing number of players in the tourism industry are facing the challenge of integrating sustainability into their operations and external communications. However, concerns about being accused of greenwashing and uncertainty about what and how to communicate are prevalent. A look at the current difficulties in communicating sustainability, examples from sustainable hotels, and an appeal to the media.

Authenticity, greenwashing, greenhushing: challenges that tourism stakeholders have to face ✓ Facts, data & statements from the field ✓ Part 1

07/09/2024

Italian Summer Recipe: Torta Verde by Relais del Maro

The Torta Verde is a Vegetable Pie with which our Green PearlsⓇ partner has a special connection. I’ve just made it for the start of summer and it tastes really great. Both warm and cold!

Get the recipe ⬇

💚 Torta Verde 💚 Relais des Maro 💚 sustainable travel 💚 sustainable cooking 💚 recipe 💚 Vegetable Pie with Zucchini and Peas 💚 Vegan

03/09/2024

Unplug the coffeemaker, and plug in the electric car. Unfortunately, charging your electric car is not quite as simple as that. This is why you’re probably looking for hotels with electric charging stations when you travel. But they can be hard to find, even though more and more hotels are installing charging stations in their parking lots.

Check out our 15 sustainable Hotels with e-charging stations in Germany and neighboring countries ⬇

15 hotels with e-charging station in Germany, Austria & Italy 🔌Sustainable Hotels with Green Electricity 🔌Holidays e-car 🔌Green Pearls®

31/08/2024

You’ve probably heard of shinrin yoku or forest bathing, right? 🌳 It’s a Japanese method of connecting with nature and achieving deep and effective relaxation. Today we would like to take a closer look at it – how it is done, what the benefits are, and where you can try it on vacation under professional guidance.

Learn Forest Bathing in 6 simple steps ✓ Learn about Eco-Hotels with Forest Bathing Trainers and Program ✓ Sustainable Travel ✓ Green Pearls®

27/08/2024

🌿 Interview Series - Pioneers of Sustainability: How do you combine Sustainability, Health, and the Hotel Industry, Dr. Andreas Färber?

Each Green Pearls® hotelier has their own unique approach to sustainability. Whether it's a new building, an existing property, or a mix of the two, whether it's a long-established hotelier family or a self-taught newcomer, we share their unique stories in the Pioneers of Sustainability series.

Read the full interview with Dr. Andreas Färber from Klosterhof - Alpine Hideaway & Spa ⬇

Dr. Andreas Färber talks to us about sustainability in hotels and the connection to health, about future plans and concept medicine ✓ Green Pearls®

24/08/2024

A short getaway by the sea. The Lifestylehotel SAND in Timmendorfer Strand is the perfect place to do just that and a great place for couples to enjoy the Baltic Sea over the weekend. The adults-only hotel offers just the right setting for natural and relaxed togetherness, but active vacationers will also get their money’s worth in the seaside resort on the Baltic coast of Holstein.

Check out our proposition for a weekend getaway at the Baltic Sea

Lifestylehotel SAND in Timmendorfer Strand ✓ Sustainable Hotel ✓ Adults only ✓ Sleep in a beach chair ✓ Roof terrace with sauna ✓ Baltic Sea

20/08/2024

🌿 Special Offer: Charity Yoga Retreat at Smiling Gecko in Cambodia

From October 21-26, 2024, a six-day yoga retreat will take place at the Farmhouse Smiling Gecko in Cambodia. Proceeds will go to support the charity's school project.

🧘 6-day all-inclusive yoga retreat

The Farmhouse Smiling Gecko is a beautiful and sustainably designed resort with authentic villas and pool in Kampong Chhnang province. It is here that yoga teacher Rebecca Robinson will be offering the retreat with daily yoga and meditation sessions.

In addition, a tour of the Smiling Gecko Campus and a visit to the Smiling Gecko School will give you a glimpse of the training center's social commitment. The stay will be rounded off with culinary delights from Chef Mariya Un Noun, who was trained by the project and uses the fresh ingredients that grow directly on the surrounding Smiling Gecko farm.

16/08/2024

“Retirement at last! Now I finally have the time for vacations.” Today’s retirees are fit, well-educated, and eager to travel – and many of them have a sustainable outlook. Some have been for a long time (like the “old 68ers” or the founders of the eco-movement in the 1980s). Others have realized that we need to rethink in times of global warming, resource scarcity, and population explosion. “You don’t want bad karma at the end of your life,” my father (71) often says.

We collected a couple of green "rules" for your travels as a so-called Silver Nomad ⬇

Sustainable travel in retirement. Discover tips for an eco-friendly vacation and find suitable accommodations.

13/08/2024

Luxury meets Sustainability: How Conscious Consumer Behaviour is Transforming Tourism

Traditionally, luxury has often been equated with material goods: expensive cars, exclusive designer fashions, and valuable real estate have been seen as status symbols. However, as the effects of climate change and resource scarcity become more apparent, many consumers are turning their attention back to the essentials. According to trend researcher Li Edelkoort, the new kind of luxury will go hand in hand with a closeness to nature. Her research, "The Future of Luxury," shows that it is all about appreciating the special, the unique, and the authentic. Experiences that are not only memorable but also make a positive contribution to the environment and local communities.

Learn more about this topic and get to know our best practice examples ⬇

The concept of luxury is changing: from material to authentic experiences & sustainability. How hotels are already implementing the new concept ✓ Green Pearls

10/08/2024

Small but exquisite: Ten unique boutique hotels with a sustainable philosophy

The more people around us, the more anonymous we feel. Sometimes we enjoy that anonymity, but when we’re staying in a hotel or vacationing, we like to be noticed. Do you feel the same way?

Huge hotel complexes might have some amenities, like a few restaurants or shops on-site. But if you’re looking for a more private and intimate atmosphere, boutique hotels with just a few rooms are a better choice. In fact, at our smallest Green Hotel partner, La Casona in Peru, with just 11 rooms, you’ll feel like you’re staying with friends in Cusco. But what does “boutique” and “small” really mean? And are small hotels always more sustainable than large ones?

We took a look at this topic and take you on a trip to our boutique hotel partners around the world ⬇

Experience the charm of a boutique hotel - Why they are often more sustainable than large chains and 9 recommendations for your next vacation

06/08/2024

Are you looking for a last-minute summer destination? Maybe even to escape the heat and enjoy a mild ocean breeze? We got you covered ⬇

Four reasons and three tips for a sustainable summer vacation on Tenerife ✓ Insider information from locals at the OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel ✓ Green Pearls®

03/08/2024

How did you develop a Hotel Certification for Sustainability, Suzann Heinemann? (Interview Series "Pioners of Sustainability")

Today, there is a plethora of sustainability certifications. We often encounter discussions about the multitude of labels and certifications. Many of these are not transparent or demonstrably based on established standards, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). We spoke with Suzann Heinemann, founder and CEO of the GreenSign Institut, about developing a trustworthy, transparent, and effective certification. In addition to providing insight into how and why GreenSign was created, she also shares her thoughts on sustainability.

GreenSign founder Suzann Heinemann in conversation with Green Pearls® about sustainability, the creation of the GreenSign certification, & plans for the future

30/07/2024

🥗Recipe: Cold blended bell pepper and strawberry gazpacho with bread chips and sprouts

Looking for that culinary vacation feeling? A gazpacho on the terrace is just what you need. This cold soup originated from Spain/ Portugal and is traditionally made with tomatoes as the main ingredient, but the kitchen at SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA has created a wonderful pepper and strawberry gazpacho. The recipe we’ll reveal to you here.

Fruity, fresh, sweet, sour, and a little spicy – this recipe offers you a whole range of exciting tastes and lots of vitamins. Perfect for a mild summer evening! Check it out ⬇

Summer cuisine 🍴 Quick to prepare 🍴 Organic 🍴 Hotel-Recipe for bell pepper and strawberry gazpacho from SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA 🍴

27/07/2024

Sustainable romantic vacation in Thailand: Welcome to Keemala on Phuket

Away from the hustle and bustle of Phuket and in the middle of the rainforest, Keemala Resort's 38 villas are like a fairytale retreat. Some of the villas resemble bird's nests in the treetops and offer the perfect retreat for couples.

Check Out the special summer offer ⬇

Special offer for a sustainable break for two in the luxurious villa wonderland Keemala on Phuket in Thailand ✓ Green Pearls®

23/07/2024

SPA Stars Awards 2024 - Two winners from Green Pearls®

The wellness travel magazine Spa Inside has presented the SPA Stars Awards 2024 in seven categories. Exceptional wellness concepts were considered and two of the winners are Green PearlsⓇ partners. We are particularly pleased about this, as it shows that the environmentally friendly commitment of spa hotels is appreciated.

💆Award for the best spa concept goes to the Klosterhof Alpine Hideaway & Spa

The Klosterhof - Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Bayerisch Gmain particularly impressed the jury with its babymoon concept for expectant mothers. The concept, with its comprehensive babymoon program, is exceptionally well thought out, which is why it has now received the award. In our blog, we report on what a babymoon weekend could look like.

🌿Green Concept Award for Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld

"The Seyrling family is fully committed to sustainability, love of the environment and forward-thinking," is how they explained their choice for this year's award winner. The wellness area at the Tiroler Hotel Klosterbräu is powered by renewable energy, as is the entire hotel complex. Special mention was also made of the hotel's new natural rooms, which are made from 95 percent local materials.

19/07/2024

A big heart for guests of all ages: Hotel Weihrerhof on the shores of Lake Wolfsgruben in South Tyrol is run by a family with children of their own. They know exactly what it takes to make a family weekend on the Ritten a success.

P.S. This is already Part 7 of our "Green Weekend" series, where we present another weekend trip every three weeks. Whether you are traveling as a family or solo, whether you are looking for an active getaway or a wellness weekend – Check out the others!

Tip for a sustainable weekend with the family ✅ Relax and experience sustainability with children ✅ Wolfsgrubener Badesee Ritten ✅

16/07/2024

Water sports include all sports that take place in or on the water. Logical, right?!

However, not all water sports are environmentally friendly. Power boating and jet skiing are certainly not the greenest of water sports. Kite surfing is also controversial. At least in the North Sea and the Baltic. Environmentalists warn that surfers disturb important breeding grounds in the Wadden Sea and pose a major threat to the Baltic Sea’s native porpoises.

But what do environmentally friendly water sports look like? It means being aware and responsible for nature and includes sports such as sailing, pedal boating, surfing (with care), paddling, canoeing, swimming, and SUP (stand-up paddling). In short, anything without a motor.

Read more about this topic and discover beautiful destinations for your watersport vacation! ⬇

water sports ✔ environmentally friendly ✔ eco ✔

13/07/2024

Summer is just around the corner (or is it already there at your place?), and with it comes the time for vacation. And, of course, your beloved four-legged friend should come, too! Over the years, surveys have repeatedly shown that for many people, traveling without their dog is out of the question.
But isn't a hotel vacation with a dog not stressful, you might ask? Not necessarily! In this article, we not only show you where, but also how you can spend a relaxed holiday with your dog ⬇

Sustainable travel with dogs in Germany, Austria & Switzerland ✓ Tips for sustainable dog-friendly hotels and a relaxed stay ✓ Green Pearls®

09/07/2024

Summer sun, a white beach, the sound of the ocean in the background, and, of course, a good book – that’s how many people imagine the perfect summer vacation. You, too? If so, you are probably faced with the (difficult) question of the right travel reading at the moment. Which I usually overthink 😀 If you feel the same way, we’ve put together a list of 5 old and new classics on sustainability and travel that are definitely worth reading! ⬇

Travel reading for your summer vacation ☀️ All about sustainability ☀️ 5 book recommendations from the Green Travel Blog ☀️

07/07/2024

Have you ever wondered how a sustainability certification is created? How does someone come up with the idea of doing something like this?

We asked Suzann Heinemann this very question. She is the founder of the leading certification for sustainable hotels in Germany and Europe: GreenSign.

Read more about how she got the idea, the key moments along the way, and where the journey leads at greenpearls.com/newsroom (you can also find the link in our bio!)

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06/07/2024

Organic Pioneering Work in South Tyrol: APIPURA Hotel Rinner Focuses on Organic Products, Environmental Protection, and Family Friendliness. We checked it for you!

Need a teaser?

From the rooftop terrace, you can see the sunny plateau and the peaks of the Dolomites. The water of the outdoor whirlpool gently bubbles, and relaxed conversations between guests on the deck chairs mingle with the sounds of nature and the rustling of the coniferous forest. The air smells of pine needles, flowers – and honey. Like almost everywhere at APIPURA hotel rinner.

Family-friendly and sustainable: The APIPURA hotel rinner on the Ritten in South Tyrol sets new standards in terms of organic ✓ Green Pearls® Partner ✓ Bioland

25/06/2024

Many people desire a vacation away from the crowds. However, the influx of summer travel contributes to mass tourism in many places each year. As a result, one quickly becomes part of too many people in the same place. This is especially true for those who plan a vacation by the sea, as about 57% of travelers did according to a study by TripAdvisor. To avoid overtourism, relieve overcrowding in popular vacation regions, and still enjoy the beach, it may sometimes be necessary to think outside the box - or even consider destinations beyond the popular spots.

Four reasons and three tips for a sustainable summer vacation on Tenerife ✓ Insider information from locals at the OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel ✓ Green Pearls®

21/06/2024

It’s time for a room tour again! We take you on a mini tour of our partners‘ rooms. As always ending with the question: Would you like to stay here?

Today: The double-story spa loft with private sauna of the Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Bayrisch Gmain, Bavaria, Germany

21/06/2024

"Many people hike too fast," says hiking concierge Bergbaschdi from the Hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allgäu. In this interview, he reveals his philosophy, how he encourages people to hike slowly, and what a hiking concierge actually does - two days before he departs for his hiking vacation to Nepal.

Hiking Concierge Service ✅ What it is ✅ And hiking tips in the Allgäu ✅ Interview with Bergbadschi from Hotel Das Rübezahl ✅

18/06/2024

If there is one mode of transportation better suited to sustainable travel than almost any other, it is the bicycle. Slow enough to let you experience nature and discover the little details along the way, yet fast enough to cover longer distances. Discover the most beautiful sustainable destination (incl. tour and hotel recommendations)

Cycling vacations in Germany, Italy and Austria in sustainable and bike-friendly hotels ✓ The most beautiful cycling regions in Europe ✓ Green Pearls®

15/06/2024

A relaxing vacation means “lying on a deck chair and doing nothing,” right? Wrong. Studies show actively pursuing a hobby can help you feel more relaxed, positive, and actually less prone to illness as you age. We took a look at the most popular hobbies and collected recommendations for destinations, tours, and accommodations.

Hobby sustainable while on Vacation ✔️ Travel Trend Hobbydays ✔️Tipps for Sustainable Destinations and Activities ✔️

11/06/2024

Milk is a staple in almost every household. Be it our morning cappuccino, cornflakes, or the many other dairy products like butter, cheese, and the like that we eat or drink throughout the day. But like many other animal products, milk production contributes to rising CO2 levels and to climate change. This Insight takes a look at the causes and gives you some tips on what you can do to help.

Milk 🥛 Reasons for and the effects on climate change 🥛 CO2 increase 🥛 Milk alternatives 🥛 Insight 🥛

08/06/2024

In a world where we spend more and more time indoors, the importance of fresh air for our physical and mental health is becoming increasingly apparent. We are seeking relaxation and a balance to our stressful everyday lives. Several studies have demonstrated that the beneficial effects of fresh air and conscious breathing on our health are numerous and have a positive influence on both body and mind. Read more ⬇

Relaxation and rejuvenation in the countryside: why forests and fresh air are good for your health ✓ Sustainable hotels in the countryside ✓ Vacations in Europe