It seems that guests are enjoying the eco-conscious reminders Hotel Verde have introduced as part of their holistic, sustainable vision. Not only does the hotel implement a range of green operational practices, but they have recently introduced a weekly Earth Hour that gets guests actively involved in their green thinking. Samantha Annandale, Hotel Verde’s general manager, … [Read more...]
Home to chill off-grid in the Koo valley
I am always on the lookout for truly green destinations to get away from the tyrannies of modern life. Who doesn’t need to go to the mountains to reconnect with oneself through Nature? When I find out a potential hide-out is off the grid to boot, I leap for joy. You might think me sentimental, but I will never forget family holidays at a tiny seaside place without … [Read more...]
Tread lightly on your travels
The Vineyard Hotel & Spa, a leader in sustainability in the South African hotel sector, has made huge strides in implementing various “green” initiatives over the last couple of years. Chris van Zyl (pictured below), group sustainability manager and horticulturist at the Vineyard Hotel & Spa, has highlighted a few essential tips that hotel guests can implement in … [Read more...]
Hotel fights aliens to save fynbos and water
On Earth Day one of Cape Town’s greenest hotels gathered together staff, guests and friends to clear alien vegetation in the Silvermine Valley in the Table Mountain National Park during their 45th Adopt-a-Spot initiative. The Vineyard Hotel & Spa in Newlands, Cape Town, were assisted by three Miss Earth SA finalists, Nayha Gautam, Lara Potgieter and Luanne … [Read more...]
Mont Rochelle guests leave green footprint
The 5-star Mont Rochelle Hotel & Mountain Vineyards in Franschhoek has embarked on an innovative tree-planting venture that affords select repeat guests the opportunity to plant their very own olive tree on the Mont Rochelle property. This forms part of a dedicated drive to minimize the carbon footprint of this environmentally responsible establishment, while encouraging … [Read more...]
Trees for tourism
Trees are becoming almost sacred in a world constantly battling against carbon emissions and their resultant climate change with its dire ripple effects on every sphere of our planet's functioning. Nothing represents life, growth and vigour like an ancient, sturdy tree. Hidden on the slopes of the Baviaanskloof hills, just beyond Gansbaai, is 70ha of indigenous forest. A … [Read more...]
Great green loo launch
On Saturday 27 November, after many months of research, manual labor and foraging we finally had the official opening of our new green ablutions. They were built on a property of the Siyephu family, who run village based accommodation at Mbolompo, deep on the rural Wild Coast, less than 2 hour hike from the famous Hole in the Wall. The community business was started two … [Read more...]
Big step for green tourism
When I go on holiday, I want to stay in certified green establishments. I have tried, believe me, but have I failed? The last time I was sent an invitation to visit and promote a new so-called green tourism site, I browsed through the list of beautiful places in search of the answer to my obvious question: What makes them green? Eventually I gave them a ring and asked for … [Read more...]
Green annex brings nature to the city centre
Sniffing out, or being sniffed out, by emerging green businesses is one of the most exciting aspects of my job. It reminds me of looking for Easter eggs as a child - you never know when another unexpected treasure appears in the most unlikely place. So when I'm called to visit a 'green annexe' in town, I jump at the occasion. How green can a section of a hotel be, and what … [Read more...]
