Sustainable Accommodations

Periodically updated list, entirely curated by RIRAMI, of awe-inspiring sustainable accommodations all over the world.

Wolwedans - Namibia, Africa

The 5Cs sustainability:

Conservation. It refers to sustainable use of natural resources and safeguarding the integrity of the local ecosphere, addressing issues related to environmental management systems to minimize their impact (i.e. energy, water, waste management) as well as biodiversity conservation of the Pro-Namib and beyond.

Commerce.

Community. Enhance the wellbeing of all relevant communities who have a socio-economic or cultural relationship with Wolwedans or the land on which they are located. Activities in this dimension address fair working conditions, local and regional relations, social ventures, capacity building and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), among others.

Culture. Strengthening intercultural relationships, safeguarding cultural heritage and raising awareness of cultural diversity is what they strive for.

Consciousness. AridEden Project, a practical framework for building more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive tourism conservation economies.

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Leeu Estate - South Africa

Leeu Collection is registered with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, and is guided by its criteria which were created to provide a common understanding throughout the world of “sustainable tourism”. The criteria are organized around four main themes:

Effective sustainability planning.

Maximizing social and economic benefits for the local community.

Enhancing cultural heritage.

Reducing negative impacts to the environment.

All the gardens are installed with automatic irrigation systems which are strictly managed to ensure no overwatering takes place. These irrigation systems run at night when temperatures are low, ensuring maximum infiltration and minimum evaporation. Water usage is monitored daily to detect possible wastage or leakage from broken pipes. Biodegradable cleaning products are used to ensure the health of the water recycling system. Three wetlands have been created on the property and the recycled water gets used for irrigation. Green/organic-based fertilizer is used 80% of the time. The vegetable and cut flower gardens are 100% organic, and supply the Leeu Collection’s restaurants and hotels. Pest control is non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Bonsai trees - which benefits include stress relief and air purification - are placed in the rooms and common areas. Portulacaria afra (also known as spekboom) - which has been shown to be effective in carbon sequestration - was used for hedging. Rooftop gardens, which reduce energy use, effectively reclaim the land taken up by the buildings.

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El Nido Resorts - Philippines

El Nido Resorts embraces its leadership role in nature conservation promoting responsible tourism principles and providing guests with unforgettable cultural experiences with local community support and high staff morale in a beautiful setting.

A reality with the goal of outdoing itself each year by building new sustainability programs on the success of previous ones through:

Monitoring Wildlife, Marine Ecosystems Preservation and Protection, Coastal Cleanups.

Sewage Treatment Plant. El Nido Resorts operates a state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant (STP) combined with native reed bed filters. This ensures that no raw sewage and grey water are discharged into sea. Treated water is utilized in flushing toilets, watering the plants, and supplying fire hydrants.

Water Conservation. El Nido Resorts operates a rainwater catchment system to capture, filter, and store rainwater for use in the guest rooms and staff quarters. Water saving devices such as low-flow showerheads and low-flush toilets are also in place.

Desalination Plant. Operation of a desalination plant to convert salt water into fresh water suitable for human consumption, allowing it to avoid depleting mainland water sources and to compete with local communities for water supplies.

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Our Habitas AlUla - Saudi Arabia

Our Habitas purpose is to protect our home, the earth, through immersive spaces that deepen their awareness seeking to educate and inspire, while holding transparency in high regard. They are committed to fulfilling the United Nation’s Sustainability Development Goals for 2030.

Sustainable Design and Development. Modular construction that allows to build in an efficient way, without compromising design integrity and guest experience, minimazing environmental impact.

Single-use Plastic Free.

Offsetting Carbon Emissions. partnered with Cooperativo Ambio’s Scolel’te Program, supporting reforestation from proceeds from the concerts and screenings Our Habitas organizes. This initiative offsets carbon emissions from their operations.

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Six Senses - Rajasthan, India

For Six Senses, being environmentally friendly and socially responsible can be successfully wedded to uncompromisingly gorgeous hideaways. Empty of waste, toxins and plastic, and full of spirituality, celebration and joy.

Six Senses Fort Barwara reflects the history and heritage of the Barwara community as it has unfolded over generations. The 700-year-old palace and temples have been responsibly restored using traditional building techniques used in Rajasthan, sensitively incorporating efficient design elements such as rainwater collection tanks and solar panels to complement rather than detract from the beautiful and historic architecture. From this significant conservation effort that reinterprets a bygone era's gracious and regal ambiance to the work to protect the wider Barwara community, lake, and landscape, Six Senses minimizes its negative impacts and maximize its positive ones.