Lapa Rios Lodge is internationally recognized for pioneering sustainable tourism in Costa Rica and was the first hotel to receive the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST). Located within a 1,000-acre private rainforest reserve, it utilizes ecological solutions like treating wastewater with natural bacteria, rainwater harvesting, and alternative energy sources such as solar panels. The lodge also supports local schools and uses food leftovers to produce natural gas for their staff kitchen.
This lodge holds the maximum Elite Rating and Five-Leaf Rating in Costa Rica's Certification of Sustainable Tourism. It utilizes a mini-hydro generator to supply at least 40% of its energy needs and actively recovers its 250-hectare property through reforestation. The lodge also implements rainwater harvesting, organic farming, and supports the local community with over 95% local staff.
This resort is a leader in sustainable tourism, holding the highest level (Five Leaves) of the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) from the Costa Rican Tourism Board and recognized with international awards. They have eliminated single-use plastics, use solar panels for water heating, purify wastewater for irrigation, and source food locally and organically. The resort is built around the existing rainforest and serves as a biological corridor, offering guests opportunities to observe abundant wildlife with on-site naturalist guides.
Located in the Monteverde Reserve, the Hotel Belmar is sensitive to the preservation of the environment. Having reached the highest possible 5th level in sustainability and despite operating for more than 30 years, the hotel keeps evolving in sustainable practices.
Pacuare Lodge is a luxury eco-hotel located on the banks of the Pacuare River. It was built with minimal impact on the environment, using lumber from a reforestation project and no trees were cut for construction. The lodge sources 100% of its electricity from clean energy, utilizing three hydroelectric turbines and 204 solar panels. They use electric golf carts charged with in-house clean energy and have solar-heated water in the suites. The lodge uses organic and chemical-free products, including biodegradable soaps and shampoos, and sources local organic ingredients for their restaurant. They have a strong commitment to conservation, having acquired 840 acres of primary forests for preservation and engaging in wildlife conservation projects. The lodge also supports the local community by hiring 90% of its staff from the area and contributing to community development initiatives.
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Questionnaire
Do you utilise any renewable energy sources to produce energy on the hotel/accommodation premises?
Solar radiation
Hydro
What makes your hotel/accommodation eco-friendly?
Building materials from sustainable resources
Written environmental policy statement in place
The structure maximizes air flow to reduce the need for air-conditioning
The structure maximizes natural light to reduce the need for lighting and heating
Engaged in eco-friendly initiatives (i.e. reforestation, wildlife conservation)
Use of non-toxic cleaning products
Environmental manager appointed
Employees are trained to follow environmental policies
Electric car charging station(s) available
Toilets flush up to 6 litres per flush
Signs in the rooms informing guests that towels will only be changed upon request
Waste is separated into at least 3 categories
Recycling bins in guest rooms
No disposable (single use) cups/glasses, plates and cutlery
Organic waste is composted
Most of the ingredients used to prepare meals are locally produced
A vegetarian alternative menu is proposed in the restaurant
Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify? CONSERVATION
– The Pacuare Lodge was built with minimal impact on the surrounding forest and river. No trees were cut to accommodate the suites and main lodge; our buildings use lumber from a reforestation project run by small farmers. The lodge story involves effort and a unique vision from the owners. Since 1995, we have gone through constant evolution, carrying since the beginning the Böëna Wilderness Pillars.
– Suites, spa, and main buildings design include natural ventilation and illumination.
– Pacuare Lodge was the first adventure travel company to acquire parcels of primary forest in this area solely for the purpose of conservation. Over the years, we’ve purchased 340 hectares (840 acres) of primary rainforest along the Pacuare River both to protect the local ecosystem and to offset the atmospheric carbon created by our vehicles. Some of that forest was in danger of being cleared before we purchased it but is now strictly protected in order to conserve the flora and fauna that lives there. Because our goal is preservation of this untouched virgin rainforest, no visitors are allowed into this area.
Energy:
– Our electricity comes from clean energy generated by 2 hydroelectrical turbines and 120 solar panels. The energy produced through these high-tech systems if stored in batteries for its responsible use. We have implemented an educational process to include guests’ participation in water and electricity efficient use, as well as staff and operative actions.
– We also implemented a management plan for water and electricity usage, involving guests and staff. This includes a constant invest in technology, data analysis, and reaching for usage reduction.
– We use electric cars (golf carts) our property to transfer our guests and supplies. These are charged at the lodge with clean energy produced in-house.
Water:
– Water for suites is solar heated with a high-tech solar panel system installed in each suite or villa.
– All the lodge’s wastewater flows into state-of-the-art septic systems to avoid pollution of the nearby river.
– The lodge’s bathrooms are equipped with biodegradable shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel. All laundry is made with biodegradable soap, and washers and dryers devices allow an efficient use of the electricity produced in-property.
Wastes:
– Pacuare Lodge operates a waste management program that includes all operative departments and guests, including separating inorganic wastes and organic material. Most organic waste is processed in a compost process, and solid wastes are responsibly managed in the local recycling center.
– Single use plastic bottles are not allowed in Pacuare Lodge and we ask our guests to use reusable instead.
– Tuis Farm: A piece of land was acquired 45 minutes away from the Lodge, in which an organic farm was developed, allowing to use organic produce as much as possible in all of our meal options. This was worked as both a source of organic food for the Lodge as well as a vehicle to teach organic farming practices to local community members, including composting to improve our production and quality of produce we provide to our guests and staff. We also support local community commerce with Pacuare Lodge daily operative requirements.
Wildlife:
Another important component of our commitment to environmental protection and sustainable tourism is supporting a project to study felines and other species in the Pacuare Protected Zone. Since 2009, Pacuare Lodge has supported the Jaguar Program; we signed an agreement with National University and in addition to providing the researchers with food and lodging, we support cameras and equipment needed for their expeditions including tent camps, batteries for the cameras, and support with local guides.
This collaboration is a result of his growing concern about conservation and the environment, and the need to contribute to the preservation of its ecosystems.
The largest feline in the Americas, the jaguar was once common from the southwest United States to northern Argentina, but it has been eliminated from more than half of its original range during the past century. Those spotted cats continue to be threatened by hunters and ranchers in Costa Rica, where they are increasingly restricted to isolated protected areas that are too small to sustain their species. The jaguar project complements our comprehensive sustainable tourism policy, which includes efforts to decrease the lodge’s environmental footprint, benefit communities near the Pacuare River, and contribute to conservation. Those efforts range from recycling programs at all the company’s facilities to planting trees on former pastureland near the river and using wood from reforestation projects in construction of the Pacuare Lodge.
In recent years, the availability of affordable camera traps with movement sensors has revolutionized wildlife research. National University scientist placed camera traps along game trails in the Pacuare Lodge’s 340-hectare (840-acre) private rainforest reserve, the adjacent Nairí Awari Indigenous Reserve and remote Barbilla National Park. Over the years, she has captured approximately 5,000 photos and videos of mammals there with over 144 cameras donated by July 22. Through the equipment and research over the years, the program has documented that the rainforest surrounding the Pacuare Lodge is home to at least 24 species of large mammal, including five of the six felines native to Costa Rica and other rare species such as Baird’s tapir, the red brocket deer and naked-tailed armadillo. Carolina has used the photos and videos to identify five individual jaguars, since the rosettes – patterns of spots – of any given jaguar are as unique as a fingerprint. These include a rare black jaguar (a.k.a. black panther) a mutation that had only been documented in one other region of Costa Rica.
COMMUNITY
Our staff:
– A 100% of the Pacuare Lodge staff belongs to the closer communities like Nairi Awari Indigenous Reserve, Bajos del Tigre, Linda Vista, Santa Marta and other nearby communities between Turrialba Town and Siquirres. Pacuare Lodge provides direct or indirect employment to these communities that before lacked any source of formal employment. Their main income used to come from subsistence coriander cultivation and cattle raising.
– Through our Boena Wilderness sister lodges we have a cross training program to improve and share knowledge from property to property, as we believe in empowering our staff and providing growth opportunities.
Community Outreach:
Sustainable tourism should improve the lives of local people, and we’ve made donations and initiated projects in the communities nearest to the Pacuare Lodge.
– Pacuare Lodge believes responsible tourism should benefit and respect local communities and it consistently works toward this goal. The Lodge is in a remote area which as a result has been poorly maintained over time by local governments mainly due to its inaccessibility by conventional means. Its Community Support Program works to enhance the living standards of people along the Pacuare River and near the lodge by improving the infrastructure in this area.
– Pacuare Lodge supports local schools and provides funds to support environmental education, sports and other social programs in the area. It has restored the cable car service which local residents use to cross the river, and also through the years has helped keep the road accessible to use.
Children education:
– In addition to teaching our guests about the ecology of the surrounding rainforest, the Pacuare Lodge has launched an environmental education program for schools in nearby communities. Our goal is to raise awareness among local elementary school students of the importance of protecting their environment, and to promote the adoption of good practices that will help them have a more balanced relationship with nature, to live in an ever-healthier environment, and preserve natural resources for future generations. Teams of river guides and Pacuare Lodge staff were trained to give presentations at local schools. The presentations emphasize sustainability, in a practical, simple way, and urge the kids to adopt good habits, emphasizing 4C’s: CULTURE, CONSERVATION, COMMUNITY, and COMMERCE. Among the principal issues we want the children to understand are:
• The importance of water in their environment and the need to conserve water and protect water sources.
• The importance of energy for human beings and the tools and techniques for conserving it.
• Basic concepts about the local flora and fauna and the principals of their protection.
• The basic principles of managing waste in our communities.
• Biodiversity conservation.
Also in education, the lodge serves as classroom for training and basic courses of guiding, English lessons, and food handling, among other subjects, for the Cabecar Indigenous population from nearby reserves.
– We are founders of the Subcorredor Biológico Barbilla-Destierro, better known as “Paso del Jaguar”. This group studies and supports different projects and initiatives for conservation, sustainable production, and ecotourism, among other actions.
Turrialba Foundation:
– We are founders of Turrialba Foundation, a non-profit organization founded and based in sustainable tourism experiences through Boena Wilderness Lodges and the projects and operations, building options to improve quality living and a sustainable development with our projects and actions.
Fundación Turrialba first name was Turrialba Sostenible and was embraced by the local commerce and services chamber of Turrialba Town. Since the beginning the project was presented to the local government council, and as a result was declared of local interest and then registered as foundation.
COMMERCE
– We also support local community commerce with Pacuare Lodge daily operative requirements. Eggs, chicken, cheese, some of the protein required for meals, and other fresh produce is locally sourced.
– We support the Cabecar Indigenous Nairi Awari Reserve with our visits in the Cabecar Indigenous Hike.
– In Pacuare Lodge our guests support the local community through the Rural experience were our guest through their visit to the Bajo del Tigre Community, where many of our staff come from. This is a farming area, that produce spices, roots, and tubers. We promote visiting a local family’s home, trying traditional snacks learning about daily life in a rural Costarican small town, while supporting them through our visit.
– We offer locally produced products for sale at the lodge, for example chocolate and other artisan products like the laundry bags that are hand-made by Tirrases community women leaders.
CULTURE
– Cabecar Indigenous Culture program: At Pacuare Lodge, culture development is carried with the Nairi Awari Indigenous group. We support a group of Cabecar with an area and resources to promote their art, their techniques, using ancestral materials and supplies, helping carry their legacy from generation to generation. We also support them with job opportunities at the lodge, and through our Cabecar Hike Experience, our guests support their economy through learning and sharing, discovering their secrets through the Cabecar trails.
– Cabecar Ranch: sharing and promoting culture also means introducing the Cabecar Indigenous culture and customs to our guests. We use the Cabecar Ranch, built by members of a clan that lives in the nearby Nairi Awari Indigenous Reserve, located a short hike from the lodge, where the son of a local shaman provides visitors with an introduction to his people’s culture and customs.
– We offer the farm-to-table cuisine with traditional Costa Rican dishes included in our regular menu. Our guests can enjoy a delicious Pozol with corn kernels or the Pejibaye soup, the Casado, Caribbean style Ricen´beans, cas sorbet, or the Arroz con Leche.
– Through the Experiences we offer, we promote nature, cultural and culinary learning for our guests, promoting the local culture among our visitors. During our guests stays, Pacuare Lodge includes natural hikes like birdwatching and the Sustainability Tour, were we share some of our actions towards sustainability and we introduce our vision and pillars to our visitors.
We are Fellow Members of The Long Run, a membership organization of nature-based tourism businesses committed to driving holistic sustainability. Each member aspires to maintain a healthy and productive planet for posterity. Collectively, conserving over 23-million acres of biodiversity and improving the lives of 750,000 people. Through The Long Run, we support, connect, and inspire nature-based businesses to excel in the highest sustainable standards via the tried and tested 4C framework: Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce (4Cs).
Boena’s Collection of Wilderness Lodges forms part of the National Chamber of Sustainable Tourism (CANAECO). A non-profit organization, CANAECO provides stimulus to develop responsible and sustainable practices across the tourism industry.
Certifications:
Pacuare River has received the highest rating from the Costa Rican government’s Ecological Blue Flag Program for River Watersheds. Rafting and kayaking experts have long considered the Pacuare to be one of the world’s top whitewater rivers, primarily due to the quality of its environment and rainforest scenery. This Blue Flag rating confirms that it is an exemplary natural wonder, and includes working with local communities to involved them in the river’s protection. The company has always taken great care to ensure that the Pacuare Lodge has no negative impact on the river and together with local farmers and guests, is planting trees in the Pacuare watershed. This designation by the Ecological Blue Flag Program for River Watersheds – a pioneer project on a global level – is yet another recognition that the Pacuare is one of Costa Rica’s natural jewels.
In 2018 we had our second evaluation for the Sustainable Tourism Certificate (CST) from the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT), receiving the highest level of sustainability as ELITE. The CST is a technical tool to strengthen sustainable tourism industry in Costa Rica. It recognizes the organizations management that work actively to mitigate the impact of the operations. This certification empowers social, cultural, economic, and environmental development in Costa Rica touristic areas.
This family run inn and organic coffee farm focuses on eco-friendly practices and is committed to providing guests a sustainable tourism experience. Part of their efforts include solar-powered electricity and hot water, a chemical-free ionized swimming pool, recycling and regeneration and avoiding the use of toxic chemicals.
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Questionnaire
Certifications:
Certification for Sustainable Tourism (Costa Rica)
Do you utilise any renewable energy sources to produce energy on the hotel/accommodation premises?
Solar radiation
What makes your hotel/accommodation eco-friendly?
Building materials from sustainable resources
Written environmental policy statement in place
The structure maximizes air flow to reduce the need for air-conditioning
The structure maximizes natural light to reduce the need for lighting and heating
Engaged in eco-friendly initiatives (i.e. reforestation, wildlife conservation)
Use of non-toxic cleaning products
Serving organic food at the restaurant
LED lighting throughout the premises
Environmental manager appointed
Employees are trained to follow environmental policies
Carbon footprint is measured by recognised CO2 measurement tool
Toilets flush up to 6 litres per flush
Wastewater is reused after treatment
Signs in the rooms informing guests that towels will only be changed upon request
Toilet paper made of non-chlorine bleached paper or awarded with an eco-label
Recycling bins in guest rooms
No disposable (single use) cups/glasses, plates and cutlery
Organic waste is composted
Most of the ingredients used to prepare meals are locally produced
A vegetarian alternative menu is proposed in the restaurant
An energy audit is carried out at least once every five years
Gaia hotel is nestled into its very own Nature Reserve which aims to reintroduce scarlet macaws to the surrounding area. It is also proud to have been announced as the winner in the Green hotel category 2 years in a row.
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Questionnaire
Do you utilise any renewable energy sources to produce energy on the hotel/accommodation premises?
Solar radiation
What makes your hotel/accommodation eco-friendly?
Use of non-toxic cleaning products
Serving organic food at the restaurant
Employees are trained to follow environmental policies
Electric car charging station(s) available
Most of the ingredients used to prepare meals are locally produced
A vegetarian alternative menu is proposed in the restaurant
Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify? The nature reserve at GAIA is land set aside for the conservation of local species as two-toed- and three toed sloths, three monkey species, raccoons, iguanas and a variety of bird species. It also hosts the reintroduction program of the Scarlet Macaw which is sponsored by GAIA and government-supervised. As a guest, you will learn everything about the program led by our certified naturalist guide.
Olas Verdes Hotel is the first LEED Platinum hotel in Costa Rica and the first LEED certified surf hotel globally. It retains 90% of existing trees, uses rooftop solar, solar hot water, rainwater storage, native landscaping, recycled glass mosaics, and wastewater treatment systems with greywater recycling. The hotel employs 90% local staff and sources locally.
Certification for Sustainable Tourism (Costa Rica)
STOKE certified
Do you utilise any renewable energy sources to produce energy on the hotel/accommodation premises?
Solar radiation
What makes your hotel/accommodation eco-friendly?
Building materials from sustainable resources
Written environmental policy statement in place
The structure maximizes air flow to reduce the need for air-conditioning
The structure maximizes natural light to reduce the need for lighting and heating
Engaged in eco-friendly initiatives (i.e. reforestation, wildlife conservation)
Rainwater collection and usage
Use of non-toxic cleaning products
LED lighting throughout the premises
Environmental manager appointed
Employees are trained to follow environmental policies
Bicycles provided to guests
Electric car charging station(s) available
Toilets flush up to 6 litres per flush
Wastewater is reused after treatment
Signs in the rooms informing guests that towels will only be changed upon request
Waste is separated into at least 3 categories
Recycling bins in guest rooms
No disposable (single use) cups/glasses, plates and cutlery
Organic waste is composted
Most of the ingredients used to prepare meals are locally produced
A vegetarian alternative menu is proposed in the restaurant
Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify? Supports over 15 local organizations. Runs 100% on solar energy during sunny hours.
Tabacón is committed to holistic sustainability with strategies covering environmental, corporate responsibility, and culture. They are part of the Virtuoso Sustainability Community, have a rewilding program on their 353 hectares of rainforest, and a Plant A Tree Program for guests. They also focus on community support and responsible resource use.
As a member of the Cayuga Collection, Hotel Aguas Claras is committed to sustainable luxury. They have received awards for their environmentally friendly practices, including waste reduction, water conservation, and supporting local communities. They have eliminated single-use plastics and use biodegradable products.
Senda Monteverde Hotel is committed to being plastic-free, using solar panels for water heating and energy-saving auxiliary heaters. It sources ingredients locally and organically, and uses fully biodegradable cleaning products. The hotel supports reforestation schemes, has planted over 5,500 native species, and partners with local groups for forest clean-ups.
Hotel Nantipa holds the Elite Level of Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute and is recognized by the SLH Considerate Collection. It features a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant, solar water heaters, energy sensors, and a comprehensive reduction of single-use plastics. The hotel prioritizes local hiring, sources seafood from local fishermen, and is a founding member of the local Chamber of Tourism.
Bed & Breakfast Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Located in the cloud forest, this lodge prioritizes renewable energy, efficient waste management, and water conservation. It features an organic herb garden, uses natural ventilation, and is involved in reforestation projects, blending luxury with ecological responsibility.
This lodge demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability with a private nature reserve, significant reliance on solar energy, and comprehensive water treatment and recycling systems. They avoid single-use plastics and actively support the local community and conservation efforts through a dedicated fee and local sourcing.
Rio Perdido is Elite Level certified by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute's Sustainable Tourism program and has received 5 stars in the Ecological Blue Flag - Watershed & Climate Change Categories. The hotel utilizes biodegradable products, implements reforestation efforts, and 90% of its staff are from local communities.
Cloud Forest Lodge implements a conservation fee to support environmental protection and local communities. It features efficient water and energy management, aims to eliminate single-use plastics, and composts organic waste for its gardens. The lodge contributes to local wastewater treatment and protects over 800 hectares of forest.
Adventure Inn is part of a network of owner-operated hotels that reflect an eco-friendly Costa Rican personality. The hotel features a solar-heated infinity pool and uses eco-friendly toiletries.
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Questionnaire
Do you utilise any renewable energy sources to produce energy on the hotel/accommodation premises?
Solar radiation
Wind
Hydro
Geothermal
What makes your hotel/accommodation eco-friendly?
Building materials from sustainable resources
Written environmental policy statement in place
The structure maximizes air flow to reduce the need for air-conditioning
The structure maximizes natural light to reduce the need for lighting and heating
Engaged in eco-friendly initiatives (i.e. reforestation, wildlife conservation)
Use of non-toxic cleaning products
Serving organic food at the restaurant
LED lighting throughout the premises
Environmental manager appointed
Employees are trained to follow environmental policies
Toilets flush up to 6 litres per flush
Signs in the rooms informing guests that towels will only be changed upon request
Waste is separated into at least 3 categories
Recycling bins in guest rooms
No disposable (single use) cups/glasses, plates and cutlery
Organic waste is composted
Zero-energy building (zero net energy consumption on an annual basis)
Most of the ingredients used to prepare meals are locally produced
A vegetarian alternative menu is proposed in the restaurant
An energy audit is carried out at least once every five years
Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify? The owner is a 1974 Environmental Studies graduate from the University of Waterloo. We are 100% racial and religious friendly. Our staff operate their own store through the front desk. We like to give back to the community. All of our income is spent on local things. We formed a 180 member Costa Rica hotel association to combat the Online Travel Agencies that repatriate profits out of Costa Rica. We have a high staff-to-guest room ratio. We work as a team. We have staff Mother's Day and Christmas parties for the staff.
Certification for Sustainable Tourism (Central America)
Biosphere Responsible Tourism
Travelife
Green Tourism Business Scheme
Certification for Sustainable Tourism (Costa Rica)
Do you utilise any renewable energy sources to produce energy on the hotel/accommodation premises?
Hydro
What makes your hotel/accommodation eco-friendly?
Building materials from sustainable resources
The structure maximizes air flow to reduce the need for air-conditioning
The structure maximizes natural light to reduce the need for lighting and heating
Windows that block heat/cold (i.e. triple-glazed windows)
Engaged in eco-friendly initiatives (i.e. reforestation, wildlife conservation)
Use of non-toxic cleaning products
Serving organic food at the restaurant
LED lighting throughout the premises
Employees are trained to follow environmental policies
Carbon footprint is measured by recognised CO2 measurement tool
Toilets flush up to 6 litres per flush
Signs in the rooms informing guests that towels will only be changed upon request
Toilet paper made of non-chlorine bleached paper or awarded with an eco-label
Waste is separated into at least 3 categories
Most of the ingredients used to prepare meals are locally produced
A vegetarian alternative menu is proposed in the restaurant
Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify? La estructura construida es eco amigable para no dañar los suelos. Así como proteger de reflejos a los animales o emitir calor anormal, se prohibe el sonido de noche para no afectar la vida nocturna de los animales.
Due to its secluded location, this lodge emphasizes sustainable practices, including composting for food waste and limiting overall garbage production. It uses solar power for electricity and hot water. The lodge also practices spearfishing for protein, which is noted as a sustainable way to provide meat.
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Questionnaire
Do you utilise any renewable energy sources to produce energy on the hotel/accommodation premises?
Solar radiation
What makes your hotel/accommodation eco-friendly?
Building materials from sustainable resources
Written environmental policy statement in place
The structure maximizes air flow to reduce the need for air-conditioning
The structure maximizes natural light to reduce the need for lighting and heating
Engaged in eco-friendly initiatives (i.e. reforestation, wildlife conservation)
Use of non-toxic cleaning products
Serving organic food at the restaurant
LED lighting throughout the premises
Environmental manager appointed
Employees are trained to follow environmental policies
Toilets flush up to 6 litres per flush
Waste is separated into at least 3 categories
Recycling bins in guest rooms
No disposable (single use) cups/glasses, plates and cutlery
Organic waste is composted
Zero-energy building (zero net energy consumption on an annual basis)
Zero-waste hotel/accommodation
Most of the ingredients used to prepare meals are locally produced
A vegetarian alternative menu is proposed in the restaurant
Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify? We run 100% on solar power. Our hot water has its own solar vacuum systems. We have a greenhouse where we grow food and spearfish sustainably that is served for dinner. All organic waste is composted. We do not buy or sell single use plastic products.
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*Additional taxes or fees may apply. Please check the final price before completing your booking.
