Winter invites us to slow down, savor the season, and seek experiences that connect us with one another. For Beyond Green member hotels, these moments come with meaning, where festive traditions, and outdoor adventures are paired with a commitment to giving back.

This holiday season, The Parkside Hotel & Spa brings creativity and compassion together with Festive Bricks of Giving, A free LEGO exhibition in the hotel’s atrium. Donations collected during the event support Rainbow Kitchen’s School Meal Program, which provides over 250,000 meals annually to children in Greater Victoria. The Parkside Hotel & Spa has a goal of raising $50,000 and subsequently to turn holiday cheer into meaningful change for local families.

At Swinton Park Hotel, winter glows with Luminescence – A Winter Light Trail. This mile-long illuminated walk through heritage gardens and woodlands transforms nature into a magical spectacle.

Beyond this seasonal spectacle, Swinton Park Hotel champions sustainability through its woodland creation program, planting 41,000 trees with support from the Trees for Climate Fund. These efforts enrich biodiversity and capture carbon, ensuring the estate’s landscapes thrive for generations.

For those seeking to escape winter’s chill, Corcovado Wilderness Lodge by SCP offers an immersive experience in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Guests can hike through Corcovado National Park, dive along the southern Pacific coast, and explore Drake Bay’s pristine beauty.

The lodge’s commitment to regenerative travel shines through partnerships with Innoceana and TRF Laboratories, advancing marine and terrestrial conservation. Guests can even join as community scientists for a day, spending winter in the sun and creating purposeful memories while protecting one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.

Edgewood Tahoe Resort invites guests to embrace winter’s magic with Edgewood on Ice, an alpine skating experience framed by snow-capped peaks and Lake Tahoe’s shimmering waters. It’s a chance to reconnect with loved ones and create new traditions in a breathtaking setting.

Edgewood Tahoe Resort pairs these moments with a deep commitment to land stewardship, ensuring its environmental footprint remains minimal. By preserving the pristine beauty of Lake Tahoe, the resort honors its responsibility to future generations, assuring that the wonder you experience today lasts for years to come.

This winter, choose a getaway that goes beyond the ordinary. At Beyond Green hotels, resorts, and lodges, every stay is an opportunity to celebrate the season while supporting communities, protecting nature, and creating lasting memories. Whether you’re drawn to festive traditions, glowing trails, tropical adventures, or alpine escapes, these destinations prove that travel can be both magical and meaningful.

Winter invites us to slow down, savor the season, and seek experiences that connect us with one another. For Beyond Green member hotels, these moments come with meaning, where festive traditions, and outdoor adventures are paired with a commitment to giving back.

This holiday season, The Parkside Hotel & Spa brings creativity and compassion together with Festive Bricks of Giving, A free LEGO exhibition in the hotel’s atrium. Donations collected during the event support Rainbow Kitchen’s School Meal Program, which provides over 250,000 meals annually to children in Greater Victoria. The Parkside Hotel & Spa has a goal of raising $50,000 and subsequently to turn holiday cheer into meaningful change for local families.

At Swinton Park Hotel, winter glows with Luminescence – A Winter Light Trail. This mile-long illuminated walk through heritage gardens and woodlands transforms nature into a magical spectacle.

Beyond this seasonal spectacle, Swinton Park Hotel champions sustainability through its woodland creation program, planting 41,000 trees with support from the Trees for Climate Fund. These efforts enrich biodiversity and capture carbon, ensuring the estate’s landscapes thrive for generations.

For those seeking to escape winter’s chill, Corcovado Wilderness Lodge by SCP offers an immersive experience in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Guests can hike through Corcovado National Park, dive along the southern Pacific coast, and explore Drake Bay’s pristine beauty.

The lodge’s commitment to regenerative travel shines through partnerships with Innoceana and TRF Laboratories, advancing marine and terrestrial conservation. Guests can even join as community scientists for a day, spending winter in the sun and creating purposeful memories while protecting one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.

Edgewood Tahoe Resort invites guests to embrace winter’s magic with Edgewood on Ice, an alpine skating experience framed by snow-capped peaks and Lake Tahoe’s shimmering waters. It’s a chance to reconnect with loved ones and create new traditions in a breathtaking setting.

Edgewood Tahoe Resort pairs these moments with a deep commitment to land stewardship, ensuring its environmental footprint remains minimal. By preserving the pristine beauty of Lake Tahoe, the resort honors its responsibility to future generations, assuring that the wonder you experience today lasts for years to come.

This winter, choose a getaway that goes beyond the ordinary. At Beyond Green hotels, resorts, and lodges, every stay is an opportunity to celebrate the season while supporting communities, protecting nature, and creating lasting memories. Whether you’re drawn to festive traditions, glowing trails, tropical adventures, or alpine escapes, these destinations prove that travel can be both magical and meaningful.

What is the economic value of conservation? How can tourism fuel change and betterment for wildlife and indigenous groups in Africa? These are just a couple of the questions raised in andBeyond’s Wildlife Economy Masterclass.

It’s early morning at Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and the Munywana Conservancy ecology, conservation, and veterinary teams have assembled in the bush. From the moment the young male black rhino sinks to his knees in the tall grass — expertly darted from a helicopter above — every second counts.

Vehicles rush to the scene and the teams spring into action. Quickly and calmly, they check that the sedative has taken hold before shifting the rhino into a comfortable position, soothing his senses with improvised ear plugs and a soft eye bandage, and soaking his skin with cool water. This youngster has never been microchipped, blood-tested, measured, ID-marked, or dehorned before, so there’s much to do.

Amid the flurry comes the clip of the ear-notcher, the whirr of the chainsaw, and the musty scent of horn shavings, especially prominent on a hot day. It’s enough to evoke a knot of emotions. In early 2024, Barbara Creecy, South Africa’s minister of environment, confirmed that the global epicenter of rhino poaching has shifted from Kruger National Park to KwaZulu-Natal, with annual losses up 10% in 2023.

Despite this bleak state of affairs, Phinda, which andBeyond has run since 1991, has been a stronghold for rhinos. As drastic as today’s interventions may seem, they will help protect this youngster from harm. In the beautiful Phinda reserve — a former pineapple plantation, painstakingly rewilded — every rhino helps keep the ecosystem in balance, cementing the land’s value as an ecotourism destination that benefits local communities.

Joss Kent, andBeyond’s charismatic executive chairman and CEO, steps forward to offer the rhino’s warm, dusty shoulders a reassuring touch. Kent is co-hosting a groundbreaking new small-group safari, andBeyond’s WILDeconomy Masterclass, and the conservancy’s teams have welcomed the participants into their midst to observe, learn, and take part in the action. Designed to stimulate critical thinking, andBeyond’s masterclasses consider mankind’s relationship with nature from multiple angles; some that are familiar and others that are challenging and sometimes even divisive.

“With international travelers increasingly concerned about sustainability and the economic development of the destinations they visit, the time is right to create opportunities to explore the broader context of how wildlife can contribute to Africa’s economy alongside other resources such as human capital, oil, and gas,” Kent says. “We’re hoping to reach a greater understanding of how the wild economy can sustainably conserve and protect Africa’s wild places for generations to come.”

As well as allowing privileged access to experts such as vets, researchers, community leaders, and anti-poaching security squads (along with their razor-focused tracker dogs), the Phinda-based masterclass includes conventional activities such as nature drives and e-bike rides. Each outing is framed by structured discussions on some of Africa’s most urgent scientific, cultural, and economic challenges, curated by the African Leadership University School of Wildlife Conservation.

Dr. Sue Snyman, the school’s research director, is on hand to steer the discussions, peppering the conversation with case studies and global statistics. “You’ve heard of the Big Five animals, but we’re here to learn about another Big Five: ecotourism, hunting, ranching, the carbon market, and forest products,” she explains. “Together, they’re worth over US$250 billion a year in Africa.”

Dr. Snyman is supported by two final-year students from ALU, Dennis Nyarko of Ghana and Amie Jobe of The Gambia, both of whom have unique insights to add to the mix. Previously piloted in Kenya and Tanzania, the masterclass concept is the brainchild of Nicole Robinson, andBeyond’s chief marketing officer. “It grew out of us wondering how best to use our wonderful reserves as classrooms and spaces to ask questions,” she notes. “We partnered with ALU to combine what we have to offer — hospitality and interpretive nature guiding — with mind-opening learning.”

It’s quite a leap from offering cool refreshments at just the right moment to catering to guests that have a thirst for knowledge and understanding, but andBeyond’s superb staff are rising to the challenge. Click here to learn more about andBeyond's Wildlife Economy Materclass.

A leader in the sustainable tourism space, andBeyond defines the wildlife economy as utilizing wildlife, plants, and animals (marine and terrestrial), as an economic asset to create value that aligns with conservation objectives and delivers sustainable growth and economic development. The luxury ecotourism lodge and tour operator’s portfolio of 29 luxury lodges and camps are members of Beyond Green (pending inspection). andBeyond’s incredible destinations across Africa, in Chile, and in Bhutan provide an immersive luxury experience, and in addition, bespoke sustainable travel itineraries are available in Africa and Latin America through andBeyond Travel.

This article was submitted by Emma Gregg on behalf of andBeyond.

What is the economic value of conservation? How can tourism fuel change and betterment for wildlife and indigenous groups in Africa? These are just a couple of the questions raised in andBeyond’s Wildlife Economy Masterclass.

It’s early morning at Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and the Munywana Conservancy ecology, conservation, and veterinary teams have assembled in the bush. From the moment the young male black rhino sinks to his knees in the tall grass — expertly darted from a helicopter above — every second counts.

Vehicles rush to the scene and the teams spring into action. Quickly and calmly, they check that the sedative has taken hold before shifting the rhino into a comfortable position, soothing his senses with improvised ear plugs and a soft eye bandage, and soaking his skin with cool water. This youngster has never been microchipped, blood-tested, measured, ID-marked, or dehorned before, so there’s much to do.

Amid the flurry comes the clip of the ear-notcher, the whirr of the chainsaw, and the musty scent of horn shavings, especially prominent on a hot day. It’s enough to evoke a knot of emotions. In early 2024, Barbara Creecy, South Africa’s minister of environment, confirmed that the global epicenter of rhino poaching has shifted from Kruger National Park to KwaZulu-Natal, with annual losses up 10% in 2023.

Despite this bleak state of affairs, Phinda, which andBeyond has run since 1991, has been a stronghold for rhinos. As drastic as today’s interventions may seem, they will help protect this youngster from harm. In the beautiful Phinda reserve — a former pineapple plantation, painstakingly rewilded — every rhino helps keep the ecosystem in balance, cementing the land’s value as an ecotourism destination that benefits local communities.

Joss Kent, andBeyond’s charismatic executive chairman and CEO, steps forward to offer the rhino’s warm, dusty shoulders a reassuring touch. Kent is co-hosting a groundbreaking new small-group safari, andBeyond’s WILDeconomy Masterclass, and the conservancy’s teams have welcomed the participants into their midst to observe, learn, and take part in the action. Designed to stimulate critical thinking, andBeyond’s masterclasses consider mankind’s relationship with nature from multiple angles; some that are familiar and others that are challenging and sometimes even divisive.

“With international travelers increasingly concerned about sustainability and the economic development of the destinations they visit, the time is right to create opportunities to explore the broader context of how wildlife can contribute to Africa’s economy alongside other resources such as human capital, oil, and gas,” Kent says. “We’re hoping to reach a greater understanding of how the wild economy can sustainably conserve and protect Africa’s wild places for generations to come.”

As well as allowing privileged access to experts such as vets, researchers, community leaders, and anti-poaching security squads (along with their razor-focused tracker dogs), the Phinda-based masterclass includes conventional activities such as nature drives and e-bike rides. Each outing is framed by structured discussions on some of Africa’s most urgent scientific, cultural, and economic challenges, curated by the African Leadership University School of Wildlife Conservation.

Dr. Sue Snyman, the school’s research director, is on hand to steer the discussions, peppering the conversation with case studies and global statistics. “You’ve heard of the Big Five animals, but we’re here to learn about another Big Five: ecotourism, hunting, ranching, the carbon market, and forest products,” she explains. “Together, they’re worth over US$250 billion a year in Africa.”

Dr. Snyman is supported by two final-year students from ALU, Dennis Nyarko of Ghana and Amie Jobe of The Gambia, both of whom have unique insights to add to the mix. Previously piloted in Kenya and Tanzania, the masterclass concept is the brainchild of Nicole Robinson, andBeyond’s chief marketing officer. “It grew out of us wondering how best to use our wonderful reserves as classrooms and spaces to ask questions,” she notes. “We partnered with ALU to combine what we have to offer — hospitality and interpretive nature guiding — with mind-opening learning.”

It’s quite a leap from offering cool refreshments at just the right moment to catering to guests that have a thirst for knowledge and understanding, but andBeyond’s superb staff are rising to the challenge. Click here to learn more about andBeyond's Wildlife Economy Materclass.

A leader in the sustainable tourism space, andBeyond defines the wildlife economy as utilizing wildlife, plants, and animals (marine and terrestrial), as an economic asset to create value that aligns with conservation objectives and delivers sustainable growth and economic development. The luxury ecotourism lodge and tour operator’s portfolio of 29 luxury lodges and camps are members of Beyond Green (pending inspection). andBeyond’s incredible destinations across Africa, in Chile, and in Bhutan provide an immersive luxury experience, and in addition, bespoke sustainable travel itineraries are available in Africa and Latin America through andBeyond Travel.

This article was submitted by Emma Gregg on behalf of andBeyond.

What is the economic value of conservation? How can tourism fuel change and betterment for wildlife and indigenous groups in Africa? These are just a couple of the questions raised in andBeyond’s Wildlife Economy Masterclass.

It’s early morning at Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and the Munywana Conservancy ecology, conservation, and veterinary teams have assembled in the bush. From the moment the young male black rhino sinks to his knees in the tall grass — expertly darted from a helicopter above — every second counts.

Vehicles rush to the scene and the teams spring into action. Quickly and calmly, they check that the sedative has taken hold before shifting the rhino into a comfortable position, soothing his senses with improvised ear plugs and a soft eye bandage, and soaking his skin with cool water. This youngster has never been microchipped, blood-tested, measured, ID-marked, or dehorned before, so there’s much to do.

Amid the flurry comes the clip of the ear-notcher, the whirr of the chainsaw, and the musty scent of horn shavings, especially prominent on a hot day. It’s enough to evoke a knot of emotions. In early 2024, Barbara Creecy, South Africa’s minister of environment, confirmed that the global epicenter of rhino poaching has shifted from Kruger National Park to KwaZulu-Natal, with annual losses up 10% in 2023.

Despite this bleak state of affairs, Phinda, which andBeyond has run since 1991, has been a stronghold for rhinos. As drastic as today’s interventions may seem, they will help protect this youngster from harm. In the beautiful Phinda reserve — a former pineapple plantation, painstakingly rewilded — every rhino helps keep the ecosystem in balance, cementing the land’s value as an ecotourism destination that benefits local communities.

Joss Kent, andBeyond’s charismatic executive chairman and CEO, steps forward to offer the rhino’s warm, dusty shoulders a reassuring touch. Kent is co-hosting a groundbreaking new small-group safari, andBeyond’s WILDeconomy Masterclass, and the conservancy’s teams have welcomed the participants into their midst to observe, learn, and take part in the action. Designed to stimulate critical thinking, andBeyond’s masterclasses consider mankind’s relationship with nature from multiple angles; some that are familiar and others that are challenging and sometimes even divisive.

“With international travelers increasingly concerned about sustainability and the economic development of the destinations they visit, the time is right to create opportunities to explore the broader context of how wildlife can contribute to Africa’s economy alongside other resources such as human capital, oil, and gas,” Kent says. “We’re hoping to reach a greater understanding of how the wild economy can sustainably conserve and protect Africa’s wild places for generations to come.”

As well as allowing privileged access to experts such as vets, researchers, community leaders, and anti-poaching security squads (along with their razor-focused tracker dogs), the Phinda-based masterclass includes conventional activities such as nature drives and e-bike rides. Each outing is framed by structured discussions on some of Africa’s most urgent scientific, cultural, and economic challenges, curated by the African Leadership University School of Wildlife Conservation.

Dr. Sue Snyman, the school’s research director, is on hand to steer the discussions, peppering the conversation with case studies and global statistics. “You’ve heard of the Big Five animals, but we’re here to learn about another Big Five: ecotourism, hunting, ranching, the carbon market, and forest products,” she explains. “Together, they’re worth over US$250 billion a year in Africa.”

Dr. Snyman is supported by two final-year students from ALU, Dennis Nyarko of Ghana and Amie Jobe of The Gambia, both of whom have unique insights to add to the mix. Previously piloted in Kenya and Tanzania, the masterclass concept is the brainchild of Nicole Robinson, andBeyond’s chief marketing officer. “It grew out of us wondering how best to use our wonderful reserves as classrooms and spaces to ask questions,” she notes. “We partnered with ALU to combine what we have to offer — hospitality and interpretive nature guiding — with mind-opening learning.”

It’s quite a leap from offering cool refreshments at just the right moment to catering to guests that have a thirst for knowledge and understanding, but andBeyond’s superb staff are rising to the challenge. Click here to learn more about andBeyond's Wildlife Economy Materclass.

A leader in the sustainable tourism space, andBeyond defines the wildlife economy as utilizing wildlife, plants, and animals (marine and terrestrial), as an economic asset to create value that aligns with conservation objectives and delivers sustainable growth and economic development. The luxury ecotourism lodge and tour operator’s portfolio of 29 luxury lodges and camps are members of Beyond Green (pending inspection). andBeyond’s incredible destinations across Africa, in Chile, and in Bhutan provide an immersive luxury experience, and in addition, bespoke sustainable travel itineraries are available in Africa and Latin America through andBeyond Travel.

This article was submitted by Emma Gregg on behalf of andBeyond.

What is the economic value of conservation? How can tourism fuel change and betterment for wildlife and indigenous groups in Africa? These are just a couple of the questions raised in andBeyond’s Wildlife Economy Masterclass.

It’s early morning at Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and the Munywana Conservancy ecology, conservation, and veterinary teams have assembled in the bush. From the moment the young male black rhino sinks to his knees in the tall grass — expertly darted from a helicopter above — every second counts.

Vehicles rush to the scene and the teams spring into action. Quickly and calmly, they check that the sedative has taken hold before shifting the rhino into a comfortable position, soothing his senses with improvised ear plugs and a soft eye bandage, and soaking his skin with cool water. This youngster has never been microchipped, blood-tested, measured, ID-marked, or dehorned before, so there’s much to do.

Amid the flurry comes the clip of the ear-notcher, the whirr of the chainsaw, and the musty scent of horn shavings, especially prominent on a hot day. It’s enough to evoke a knot of emotions. In early 2024, Barbara Creecy, South Africa’s minister of environment, confirmed that the global epicenter of rhino poaching has shifted from Kruger National Park to KwaZulu-Natal, with annual losses up 10% in 2023.

Despite this bleak state of affairs, Phinda, which andBeyond has run since 1991, has been a stronghold for rhinos. As drastic as today’s interventions may seem, they will help protect this youngster from harm. In the beautiful Phinda reserve — a former pineapple plantation, painstakingly rewilded — every rhino helps keep the ecosystem in balance, cementing the land’s value as an ecotourism destination that benefits local communities.

Joss Kent, andBeyond’s charismatic executive chairman and CEO, steps forward to offer the rhino’s warm, dusty shoulders a reassuring touch. Kent is co-hosting a groundbreaking new small-group safari, andBeyond’s WILDeconomy Masterclass, and the conservancy’s teams have welcomed the participants into their midst to observe, learn, and take part in the action. Designed to stimulate critical thinking, andBeyond’s masterclasses consider mankind’s relationship with nature from multiple angles; some that are familiar and others that are challenging and sometimes even divisive.

“With international travelers increasingly concerned about sustainability and the economic development of the destinations they visit, the time is right to create opportunities to explore the broader context of how wildlife can contribute to Africa’s economy alongside other resources such as human capital, oil, and gas,” Kent says. “We’re hoping to reach a greater understanding of how the wild economy can sustainably conserve and protect Africa’s wild places for generations to come.”

As well as allowing privileged access to experts such as vets, researchers, community leaders, and anti-poaching security squads (along with their razor-focused tracker dogs), the Phinda-based masterclass includes conventional activities such as nature drives and e-bike rides. Each outing is framed by structured discussions on some of Africa’s most urgent scientific, cultural, and economic challenges, curated by the African Leadership University School of Wildlife Conservation.

Dr. Sue Snyman, the school’s research director, is on hand to steer the discussions, peppering the conversation with case studies and global statistics. “You’ve heard of the Big Five animals, but we’re here to learn about another Big Five: ecotourism, hunting, ranching, the carbon market, and forest products,” she explains. “Together, they’re worth over US$250 billion a year in Africa.”

Dr. Snyman is supported by two final-year students from ALU, Dennis Nyarko of Ghana and Amie Jobe of The Gambia, both of whom have unique insights to add to the mix. Previously piloted in Kenya and Tanzania, the masterclass concept is the brainchild of Nicole Robinson, andBeyond’s chief marketing officer. “It grew out of us wondering how best to use our wonderful reserves as classrooms and spaces to ask questions,” she notes. “We partnered with ALU to combine what we have to offer — hospitality and interpretive nature guiding — with mind-opening learning.”

It’s quite a leap from offering cool refreshments at just the right moment to catering to guests that have a thirst for knowledge and understanding, but andBeyond’s superb staff are rising to the challenge. Click here to learn more about andBeyond's Wildlife Economy Materclass.

A leader in the sustainable tourism space, andBeyond defines the wildlife economy as utilizing wildlife, plants, and animals (marine and terrestrial), as an economic asset to create value that aligns with conservation objectives and delivers sustainable growth and economic development. The luxury ecotourism lodge and tour operator’s portfolio of 29 luxury lodges and camps are members of Beyond Green (pending inspection). andBeyond’s incredible destinations across Africa, in Chile, and in Bhutan provide an immersive luxury experience, and in addition, bespoke sustainable travel itineraries are available in Africa and Latin America through andBeyond Travel.

This article was submitted by Emma Gregg on behalf of andBeyond.

From savory pà amb tomàquet to the rich, indulgent crema catalana, there are plenty of traditional dishes less well-known but deserve equal acclaim.

Spain is internationally known for its most famous dish, paella. Nevertheless, Catalonia is a gastronomic paradise that offers a tantalizing array of flavors and dishes beyond just this saffron-scented specialty.

Catalonian cuisine, deeply rooted in Mediterranean traditions, is known for its use of fresh, seasonal ingredients, bold flavors, and time-honored cooking techniques. The Mediterranean diet, often hailed as one of the healthiest in the world, emphasizes the use of olive oil, fresh vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and a variety of seafood, with moderate consumption of meat and dairy. Combining Catalonian and Mediterranean elements creates a cuisine that is both nutritious and incredibly flavorful.

 

At Beyond Green member hotel Talaia Plaza EcoResort, the essence of Catalonian and Mediterranean cuisine is celebrated and integrated into every aspect of the dining experience. This destination not only provides a luxurious retreat but also immerses guests in the culinary traditions of the region for a truly unforgettable stay. The resort’s restaurant prioritizes goods and produce from local farmers and businesses to ensure that the freshest products are used to create an authentic Catalonian and Mediterranean meal. Through these practices and the use of these ingredients, the region’s traditional and cultural gastronomy is preserved.

 

Catalonia is renowned for its excellent wines and high-quality olive oil, and Talaia Plaza EcoResort sells and showcases these proximity products as well as produce grown within 100 kilometers of its organic store. The resort also offers culinary masterclasses to show guests how to cook traditional Catalonian meals. This authentic culinary experience guides guests from the first steps of preparing a meal, such as handpicking seasonal produce straight from the resort’s organic garden or accompanying the chef on an excursion to local markets. Once every ingredient is carefully selected, guests are guided through the cooking of the traditional meal chosen for each masterclass, and when they are done, they can savor their own traditional Catalan meal.

 

At Talaia Plaza EcoResort, the integration of Catalonian and Mediterranean gastronomy into the guest experience takes every visitor on a culinary journey that is both authentic and enriching. From enjoying traditional dishes made with locally sourced ingredients to participating in hands-on cooking classes, guests are invited to explore and appreciate the rich culinary heritage of Catalonia.

Costa Rica has enjoyed a very special and successful tourism model for many years. It evolved from a few scientists traveling to Costa Rica in the 1980s to research the rainforest canopy and being the cradle of ecotourism to receiving almost 3 million tourists per year. Today’s visitors are still predominantly interested in the country’s flora, fauna, and natural beauty.

Most visitors will visit about two to four locations during one trip, spreading their tourist spending across the country. For example, they will stay at a beach hotel and possibly hire a local surfer for lessons. Then, they might visit one of the country’s national parks with a local nature guide and stay at a lodge nearby. Most likely, they will also dine at several restaurants along the way and buy souvenirs at local shops.

The “leakage” of the tourism dollar is low in Costa Rica and the “drip” is high, which means that the biggest chunk of tourist spending stays within the country. This requires several conditions to be in place, including a stable democracy, security, and a solid education and healthcare system. Add to this the country abolished its army 75 years ago, ensures 25 percent of the territory is protected area, and it is home to about five percent of the world’s biodiversity, and you have the formula for success.

Like everywhere in the world today, things have shifted, and this very special model could be threatened. The main concerns are over-tourism and the increase in short-term rental units.

After the pandemic, visitation to Costa Rica exploded — especially during the high season between late December and mid-April — which overwhelmed part of the country’s infrastructure. A possible solution is to promote other less-developed areas like the Caribbean coast and incentivize visitation during shoulder season months.

Many foreigners, especially from North America, bought land in Costa Rica after the pandemic and built houses that are now flooding the rental market and becoming a threat to small, locally owned hotels and lodges that make up the majority of the hotels in the country. Short-term rentals should be part of a destination’s lodging options, but it should be regulated so it does not strangle the essence of what makes a destination special. Regulation of hospitality in all its forms will be essential to ensure that all are able to coexist and thrive.

In the end, the main asset that Costa Rica has is not only its biodiversity, oceans, volcanoes, and forests, but also its people. They’re the secret sauce in the mix. Costa Rica’s neighboring countries have similar natural beauty, but often lack political stability and the Ticos’ (as the Costa Ricans are known) unique, positive pura vida outlook on life. The Ticos are the main reason that tourists enjoy visiting the country. They feel welcome and are treated kindly. Costa Ricans are among the happiest people on the planet, and after all, a place where locals are happy is a great place to visit.

Beyond Green member Arenas Del Mar in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica is leading the way in sustainable tourism. As part of The Cayuga Collection, a portfolio of independent sustainable luxury hotels in Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua, the resort integrates nature, culture, and community into its operations and guest experiences. It is set on an 11-acre nature reserve, serenaded by howler monkeys and surrounded by ocean and lush rainforest. A former plantain farm, it was reforested with more than 7,000 native trees and plants to foster the environment to be the vibrant home of endemic species, both plant and animal, that it is today. The resort’s mission to be a responsible steward of the land extends to its beaches, as well, where they engage in twice-monthly cleanups. Even construction of the resort itself used mindful practices to have minimal — or even beneficial — impact on its surroundings, from incorporating trees into the actual structures to repurposing discarded plastic for roofing. The wide-reaching and omnipresent efforts invite and engage its guests, as well, to be mindful of the precious land that hosts them. Through this conscious effort to nurture the land and simultaneously provide a luxurious experience for its guests, the resort proves that sustainable travel is not just a travel model, but the future of the travel industry, both in Costa Rica and worldwide.

This article was written by Hans Pfister, President and Co-Founder of The Cayuga Collection.

Costa Rica has enjoyed a very special and successful tourism model for many years. It evolved from a few scientists traveling to Costa Rica in the 1980s to research the rainforest canopy and being the cradle of ecotourism to receiving almost 3 million tourists per year. Today’s visitors are still predominantly interested in the country’s flora, fauna, and natural beauty.

Most visitors will visit about two to four locations during one trip, spreading their tourist spending across the country. For example, they will stay at a beach hotel and possibly hire a local surfer for lessons. Then, they might visit one of the country’s national parks with a local nature guide and stay at a lodge nearby. Most likely, they will also dine at several restaurants along the way and buy souvenirs at local shops.

The “leakage” of the tourism dollar is low in Costa Rica and the “drip” is high, which means that the biggest chunk of tourist spending stays within the country. This requires several conditions to be in place, including a stable democracy, security, and a solid education and healthcare system. Add to this the country abolished its army 75 years ago, ensures 25 percent of the territory is protected area, and it is home to about five percent of the world’s biodiversity, and you have the formula for success.

Like everywhere in the world today, things have shifted, and this very special model could be threatened. The main concerns are over-tourism and the increase in short-term rental units.

After the pandemic, visitation to Costa Rica exploded — especially during the high season between late December and mid-April — which overwhelmed part of the country’s infrastructure. A possible solution is to promote other less-developed areas like the Caribbean coast and incentivize visitation during shoulder season months.

Many foreigners, especially from North America, bought land in Costa Rica after the pandemic and built houses that are now flooding the rental market and becoming a threat to small, locally owned hotels and lodges that make up the majority of the hotels in the country. Short-term rentals should be part of a destination’s lodging options, but it should be regulated so it does not strangle the essence of what makes a destination special. Regulation of hospitality in all its forms will be essential to ensure that all are able to coexist and thrive.

In the end, the main asset that Costa Rica has is not only its biodiversity, oceans, volcanoes, and forests, but also its people. They’re the secret sauce in the mix. Costa Rica’s neighboring countries have similar natural beauty, but often lack political stability and the Ticos’ (as the Costa Ricans are known) unique, positive pura vida outlook on life. The Ticos are the main reason that tourists enjoy visiting the country. They feel welcome and are treated kindly. Costa Ricans are among the happiest people on the planet, and after all, a place where locals are happy is a great place to visit.

Beyond Green member Arenas Del Mar in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica is leading the way in sustainable tourism. As part of The Cayuga Collection, a portfolio of independent sustainable luxury hotels in Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua, the resort integrates nature, culture, and community into its operations and guest experiences. It is set on an 11-acre nature reserve, serenaded by howler monkeys and surrounded by ocean and lush rainforest. A former plantain farm, it was reforested with more than 7,000 native trees and plants to foster the environment to be the vibrant home of endemic species, both plant and animal, that it is today. The resort’s mission to be a responsible steward of the land extends to its beaches, as well, where they engage in twice-monthly cleanups. Even construction of the resort itself used mindful practices to have minimal — or even beneficial — impact on its surroundings, from incorporating trees into the actual structures to repurposing discarded plastic for roofing. The wide-reaching and omnipresent efforts invite and engage its guests, as well, to be mindful of the precious land that hosts them. Through this conscious effort to nurture the land and simultaneously provide a luxurious experience for its guests, the resort proves that sustainable travel is not just a travel model, but the future of the travel industry, both in Costa Rica and worldwide.

This article was written by Hans Pfister, President and Co-Founder of The Cayuga Collection.

Take, for instance, The Leela Palace Udaipur, which brings to life the ancient craftsmanship of the Mewar region of Rajasthan. Dying Indian art forms like Thikri, a type of mirror mosaic, are given a place of prominence. Dark, hand-crafted wooden furniture with tarkashi inlay work and intricately embroidered tapestries were either sourced or commissioned by the hotel, aiding the livelihoods of many local women. Beautifully carved lotuses in white Makrana marble and artifacts created by silversmiths adorn the interiors for guests to stop and admire. Not only do they have a stunning effect, but they speak to the group’s social responsibility, helping to preserve Indian traditions.

The Leela Palace Bengaluru boasts beautiful sculptures, chief among which are those of Yali, a Hindu mythological creature who is a recurrent motif in South India’s temple architecture. The walls of the hotel are also adorned with specially selected masterpieces, such as intriguing works by contemporary artist Bhim Singh Hada, which feature the royal Wadiyar family of Mysore.

By placing art and culture front and center in its properties, The Leela has achieved two goals: They have created livelihood opportunities for the many talented artists and craftspeople of India and, by highlighting each region’s specific strengths and traditions, they have achieved the creation of stunning and unique hotel interiors, celebrating the context in which the hotels exist, involving the community, and giving the world a truly Indian experience.

Take, for instance, The Leela Palace Udaipur, which brings to life the ancient craftsmanship of the Mewar region of Rajasthan. Dying Indian art forms like Thikri, a type of mirror mosaic, are given a place of prominence. Dark, hand-crafted wooden furniture with tarkashi inlay work and intricately embroidered tapestries were either sourced or commissioned by the hotel, aiding the livelihoods of many local women. Beautifully carved lotuses in white Makrana marble and artifacts created by silversmiths adorn the interiors for guests to stop and admire. Not only do they have a stunning effect, but they speak to the group’s social responsibility, helping to preserve Indian traditions.

The Leela Palace Bengaluru boasts beautiful sculptures, chief among which are those of Yali, a Hindu mythological creature who is a recurrent motif in South India’s temple architecture. The walls of the hotel are also adorned with specially selected masterpieces, such as intriguing works by contemporary artist Bhim Singh Hada, which feature the royal Wadiyar family of Mysore.

By placing art and culture front and center in its properties, The Leela has achieved two goals: They have created livelihood opportunities for the many talented artists and craftspeople of India and, by highlighting each region’s specific strengths and traditions, they have achieved the creation of stunning and unique hotel interiors, celebrating the context in which the hotels exist, involving the community, and giving the world a truly Indian experience.

Beyond Green hotels, resorts, and lodges are actively contributing to protecting over 24 animal species and one plant species — all registered on the IUCN Red List or the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s endangered list — significantly improving their chances for survival now and well into the future.

Protecting our planet’s biodiversity and the enormous variety of life on Earth is crucial to the health of our planet because all living things are dependent on each other for their survival, and many species are in critical danger of extinction due to the continuing destruction of their habitats.

Currently, more than 42,100 species are threatened with extinction according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This organization’s Red List of Threatened Species was established in 1964 as the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global extinction risk status of animal, fungus, and plant species — it is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity.

Beyond Green hotels, resorts, and lodges are actively contributing to protecting over 24 animal species and one plant species — all registered on the IUCN Red List or the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s endangered list — significantly improving their chances for survival now and well into the future. See some examples below.

The California condor, which is listed as critically endangered by IUCN and endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, enjoys gliding freely in the skies around Post Ranch Inn along California’s beautiful Big Sur coastline. These spectacular birds, the largest in North America, nest in caves high on cliff faces, but can also be found roosting within the resort’s biophilic architecture; they are particularly fond of the natural wood beams around the Sierra Mar restaurant.

As a part of the conservation plan it launched in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Post Ranch Inn allocated 90% of its 100 acres to be a dedicated and protected space for the many species, from the California red-legged frog and the Smith’s blue butterfly to the majestic California condor, that call this area home.

Additionally, landscaping practices at Post Ranch Inn focus on removing and replacing invasive species with native plants and restoring the California sagebrush scrub habitat, as well as planting over 150 redwood and oak trees that support biodiversity conservation while sequestering carbon.

In Mongolia, Bronze Age nomadic tribes once roamed the steppes and the high mountains, and while there aren’t many nomadic cultures left in the world, it’s still very much an integral part of Mongolian life. Beyond preserving and celebrating the traditions of this unique culture, Three Camel Lodge is committed to protecting native species, including the golden eagle, that are central to the Mongolian nomadic way of life. Generations of Mongolian nomads have used female golden eagles for hunting. These imposing birds of prey, which can reach 15 lbs. with a wingspan of 7 ft. 8 in., use their talons and diving speed of up to 200 mph to snatch animals such as hares and foxes. In 2020, this eco-resort in Bulgan in Mongolia’s Gobi, one of the most remote places on Earth, launched a conservation partnership to protect the golden eagle which was suffering as their numbers were threatened by climate change, loss of habitat, second-hand poisoning (rat poison), and poaching.

Three Camel Lodge is also funding a research project led by the Wildlife Science and Conservation Center of Mongolia (WSCC) to study the golden eagle population in western Mongolia and support the cultural traditions of golden eagle falconry. The world’s oldest field sport, falconry began on the great steppes of Asia, flourishing under the khans of Mongolia, who practiced the art between military campaigns for sport and to capture food. The research will contribute valuable data to the Global Raptor Impact Network and ensure the long-term sustainability of these majestic birds and the ancient heritage they represent.

Mnemba Island, off the coast of Zanzibar, is believed to be the only place on Earth where the rarest antelope species in Africa, the Aders' duiker, can be found in the wild. In 2005, five of these antelope were introduced to andBeyond Mnemba Island, an ideal location for a breeding project due to its good food supply and lack of natural predators. Between 2005 and 2013, the duiker tripled their number on the island. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) estimates that there are now between 300 and 600 Aders' duiker remaining in the wild. Working with WCS, andBeyond Mnemba Island has collected information on the duikers’ diet and behavior which continues to improve the breeding program and is leading to an increase in the species numbers.

Additionally, andBeyond Mnemba Island, as a leader in marine conservation, worked in partnership with the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries to establish the Mnemba Island Marine Special Area (MIMSA), to protect the biodiverse waters surrounding the island. Coral transplants are provided from an on-site nursery to Oceans Without Borders marine rangers who revitalize damaged local reefs, and the property also serves as one of the few protected nesting sites for the endangered green sea turtle. Guests are invited to join conservationists for an introduction to nesting, tagging, and the challenging factors these brave hatchlings face as they find their way from the safety of their sandy nests to the ocean.

Read the Beyond Green Global Impact Report for more information on the positive impact Beyond Green hotels, resorts, and lodges are making on biodiversity in locations around the world.

Beyond Green hotels, resorts, and lodges are actively contributing to protecting over 24 animal species and one plant species — all registered on the IUCN Red List or the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s endangered list — significantly improving their chances for survival now and well into the future.

Protecting our planet’s biodiversity and the enormous variety of life on Earth is crucial to the health of our planet because all living things are dependent on each other for their survival, and many species are in critical danger of extinction due to the continuing destruction of their habitats.

Currently, more than 42,100 species are threatened with extinction according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This organization’s Red List of Threatened Species was established in 1964 as the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global extinction risk status of animal, fungus, and plant species — it is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity.

Beyond Green hotels, resorts, and lodges are actively contributing to protecting over 24 animal species and one plant species — all registered on the IUCN Red List or the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s endangered list — significantly improving their chances for survival now and well into the future. See some examples below.

The California condor, which is listed as critically endangered by IUCN and endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, enjoys gliding freely in the skies around Post Ranch Inn along California’s beautiful Big Sur coastline. These spectacular birds, the largest in North America, nest in caves high on cliff faces, but can also be found roosting within the resort’s biophilic architecture; they are particularly fond of the natural wood beams around the Sierra Mar restaurant.

As a part of the conservation plan it launched in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Post Ranch Inn allocated 90% of its 100 acres to be a dedicated and protected space for the many species, from the California red-legged frog and the Smith’s blue butterfly to the majestic California condor, that call this area home.

Additionally, landscaping practices at Post Ranch Inn focus on removing and replacing invasive species with native plants and restoring the California sagebrush scrub habitat, as well as planting over 150 redwood and oak trees that support biodiversity conservation while sequestering carbon.

In Mongolia, Bronze Age nomadic tribes once roamed the steppes and the high mountains, and while there aren’t many nomadic cultures left in the world, it’s still very much an integral part of Mongolian life. Beyond preserving and celebrating the traditions of this unique culture, Three Camel Lodge is committed to protecting native species, including the golden eagle, that are central to the Mongolian nomadic way of life. Generations of Mongolian nomads have used female golden eagles for hunting. These imposing birds of prey, which can reach 15 lbs. with a wingspan of 7 ft. 8 in., use their talons and diving speed of up to 200 mph to snatch animals such as hares and foxes. In 2020, this eco-resort in Bulgan in Mongolia’s Gobi, one of the most remote places on Earth, launched a conservation partnership to protect the golden eagle which was suffering as their numbers were threatened by climate change, loss of habitat, second-hand poisoning (rat poison), and poaching.

Three Camel Lodge is also funding a research project led by the Wildlife Science and Conservation Center of Mongolia (WSCC) to study the golden eagle population in western Mongolia and support the cultural traditions of golden eagle falconry. The world’s oldest field sport, falconry began on the great steppes of Asia, flourishing under the khans of Mongolia, who practiced the art between military campaigns for sport and to capture food. The research will contribute valuable data to the Global Raptor Impact Network and ensure the long-term sustainability of these majestic birds and the ancient heritage they represent.

Mnemba Island, off the coast of Zanzibar, is believed to be the only place on Earth where the rarest antelope species in Africa, the Aders' duiker, can be found in the wild. In 2005, five of these antelope were introduced to andBeyond Mnemba Island, an ideal location for a breeding project due to its good food supply and lack of natural predators. Between 2005 and 2013, the duiker tripled their number on the island. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) estimates that there are now between 300 and 600 Aders' duiker remaining in the wild. Working with WCS, andBeyond Mnemba Island has collected information on the duikers’ diet and behavior which continues to improve the breeding program and is leading to an increase in the species numbers.

Additionally, andBeyond Mnemba Island, as a leader in marine conservation, worked in partnership with the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries to establish the Mnemba Island Marine Special Area (MIMSA), to protect the biodiverse waters surrounding the island. Coral transplants are provided from an on-site nursery to Oceans Without Borders marine rangers who revitalize damaged local reefs, and the property also serves as one of the few protected nesting sites for the endangered green sea turtle. Guests are invited to join conservationists for an introduction to nesting, tagging, and the challenging factors these brave hatchlings face as they find their way from the safety of their sandy nests to the ocean.

Read the Beyond Green Global Impact Report for more information on the positive impact Beyond Green hotels, resorts, and lodges are making on biodiversity in locations around the world.

It’s time to shine a light on the story of a standout, remarkable women whose leadership in hospitality extends beyond simply what she is doing in their own backyard.

Instead, her work contributes to the broader effort worldwide, toward meaningful travel and a sustainable future — exemplifying the mission of Beyond Green. 

Trina White, General Manager at The Parkside Hotel & Spa in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, is a trailblazer in her industry. “I love what I do and am thrilled to be part of an industry that can be a power in support of renewal,” says White. Named the 2023 Hotelier of the Year at the BC Hotel Association Awards of Excellence, she uses her position as a platform to support sustainability in the workplace, both at her own hotel and on the sustainability sub-committee of the the Hotel Association of Greater Victoria, which she co-founded in 2018. “Many years ago, I made it my mission to help save the planet, marching in support of positive change,” she says. “I’m so proud to continue my sustainability leadership, working to educate and mentor other hotel leaders, our city, island, and province.”

Under her leadership, this carbon-neutral, biosphere-certified hotel was the first urban hotel to join Beyond Green. Goals both big and small are constantly set and evaluated to keep the hotel on course in its mission for ongoing sustainability.

When it comes to creating luxurious, authentic guest experiences, Beyond Green hotels, resorts, and lodges have sustainability at their core. From foundation to operation, preservation of community, culture, and environment is what informs and defines every detail, right down to the studs, proving that “sustainable luxury” isn’t a contradiction.

Since its debut in 1992 — long before sustainability was a priority for most travelers — Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, California, has held steadfast to its guiding principle that “what is good for the planet can also be good for the guest experience.” It truly began with the creation of the inn itself. The use of bio-architecture was not only an intentional approach to minimizing environmental impact; it also creates a truly immersive experience for all who visit. The resort was designed and built with attention to the preservation of existing trees wherever possible, and any trees that fall on the property are reused and transformed into benches along the pathways. As many trees as possible were preserved in its development, and any trees that fall on the property are re-used and transformed into benches along its pathways. Stilted Tree House accommodations were designed to protect the delicate root balls of the trees around them. Sod roofs serve both beauty and function, blending into their surroundings for unobstructed nature views, while also reducing heat loss. And, reclaimed wood and other natural materials are all thoughtfully chosen to complement rather than compete with the inn’s breathtaking natural surroundings.

At Casa di Langa, in Italy’s Piedmont region, beautiful things happen when commitment to the environment matches commitment to a luxurious experience. With architecture and design inspired by its natural setting— vineyards, a hazelnut orchard, and a vegetable garden — the estate is a sustainable sanctuary at the foot of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Recovered rather than rebuilt from an already existing structure, it features locally sourced and recyclable building materials, and interiors include elegant furnishings and textiles of Italian origin. The environmental dedication that influenced its creation continued when Casa di Langa opened in 2021, and from that moment, it has pledged to be carbon neutral, use recycled water for irrigation, geothermal heating, solar power, and more. Its deep respect for nature and the planet equally instills in its guests a genuine appreciation and reverence for this stunning region.

It might seem a tall task to strive for sustainability and luxury in the heat of the African desert, but andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge delivers both, harnessing the power of Namibia’s intense sun to generate heat, energy, and even shade. Its efficient roof design accommodates solar panels that sustain the lodge’s essential functions, from air conditioning to refrigeration to a fully independent hot water system. Even its sophisticated water treatment and recycling system is solar-powered, generating more than 100,000 liters of gray water monthly. Precious rainwater is harvested, and plunge pools are covered when they’re not in use to mitigate evaporation. Thoughtful use of resources ensures luxury rather than sacrifice, even in this extreme environment.

The World Children’s Day theme — For Every Child, Every Right — emphasizes the critical role of youth in society and the need to support and advocate for this demographic internationally. Beyond Green hotels, resorts, and lodges continue to make an impact through health and education initiatives in their community, with a focus on improving the lives of local children.

World Children’s Day is UNICEF’s annual day of action for children, by children. As children and young people are becoming more active and more vocal on issues that matter to them and their generation, they are calling on adults to help them create a better world for children and a better future for all. The travel and tourism industry can support the youth of today, by educating, engaging, and encouraging them to be a part of sustainable change.

Promote Social and Economic Well-Being

Through the Beyond Green Pillars of Sustainability, our members demonstrate their commitment to sustainability leadership through their actions and impact. Among their efforts to promote social and economic well-being, Beyond Green hotels support their local communities, including hiring locally, partnering with local businesses, artists, and artisans, and contributing to micro-enterprise projects, education, health, and other community development priorities.

In beautiful Dominica, Coulibri Ridge, a fully off-grid, 200-acre sustainable resort, used innovative design and harnessed local resources to set new standards of energy efficiency and quality. Its nonprofit organizations, the Humane Society of Dominica and REZDM, make direct impacts on the local community. REZDM was established to provide support to the communities of Dominica in their recovery efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Maria. They rebuilt a primary school in the village of Soufriere to ensure local children had access to education and they equipped the school with solar panels. The organization has a focus on establishing long-term resilience to the impacts of natural disasters, including the construction of resilient structures such as homes, and a jetty in the neighboring fishing village of Scott's Head, helping the communities preserve their local village life and economy.

Inn by the Sea (Cape Elizabeth, Maine) believes every visit is an opportunity to inspire guests to protect their own local environments. The inn’s involvement in the local community — Earth Day celebration, classes, beach cleanups, pumpkin carving — ensures that the inn’s green message reaches far beyond its property and local community. A unique program, Books for Bookings, supports local schools by donating books — one for each booking — during the month of December. The inn also has an annual “giving tree” that provides warm, new outerwear to children in need. Additionally, head gardener Derrick Daly gives lectures and garden tours on native planting, teaches about the importance of bugs in ecosystems with a whimsical “It’s a Bug’s Life” class, and hosts a variety of low environmental impact events for the inn’s youngest guests and community school children.

The Brando in French Polynesia helps to fulfill founder Marlon Brando’s dream of developing a “university of the sea,” a facility on the island that could be used by scientific researchers. Ecostation, created by the resort for their nonprofit partner Tetiaroa Society, serves as a hub for the scientific and conservation work on the island. hosts visiting scientists who work on — and teach guests about — critical marine research and conservation initiatives. Guests give back through hands-on experiences such as helping to release fish larvae and baby turtles.

Mongolian music and dance students at the Gobi Hanhongor School receive supplies and instruments from Three Camel Lodge and are invited to perform live for guests. The lodge also provides a scholarship program and support for performing arts students studying at the university level to help ensure Mongolia’s music and dance heritage lives on in future generations. They also established a college fund for students pursuing their education in traditional performing arts.

andBeyond Bateleur Camp (Kenya) has deep roots in its neighboring communities, employing locally and investing with Africa Foundation initiatives dedicated to education and healthcare. During the pandemic, 90 Maasai households (584 people) were supported with a total of 270 food relief parcels in 2020; four primary schools, including 99 staff members and 931 students, received stable food supplies; and Emurutoto Clinic, built by Africa Foundation in partnership with andBeyond, and nominated by the Kenya government as a COVID-19 support center, provided medical, PPE, and sanitizing supplies.

A key project supported by andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge (Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia) for more than 15 years is the school nutrition program, which currently provides meals for as many as 600 local students a day at the P.A. Schmidt Primary School in the community of Maltahöhe. Additionally, in collaboration with the Africa Foundation, 360 households were identified as needing food supplies, and the lodge provided food parcels and organized distribution to these acutely vulnerable households.

The World Children’s Day theme — For Every Child, Every Right — emphasizes the critical role of youth in society and the need to support and advocate for this demographic internationally. Beyond Green hotels, resorts, and lodges continue to make an impact through health and education initiatives in their community, with a focus on improving the lives of local children.

World Children’s Day is UNICEF’s annual day of action for children, by children. As children and young people are becoming more active and more vocal on issues that matter to them and their generation, they are calling on adults to help them create a better world for children and a better future for all. The travel and tourism industry can support the youth of today, by educating, engaging, and encouraging them to be a part of sustainable change.

Promote Social and Economic Well-Being

Through the Beyond Green Pillars of Sustainability, our members demonstrate their commitment to sustainability leadership through their actions and impact. Among their efforts to promote social and economic well-being, Beyond Green hotels support their local communities, including hiring locally, partnering with local businesses, artists, and artisans, and contributing to micro-enterprise projects, education, health, and other community development priorities.

In beautiful Dominica, Coulibri Ridge, a fully off-grid, 200-acre sustainable resort, used innovative design and harnessed local resources to set new standards of energy efficiency and quality. Its nonprofit organizations, the Humane Society of Dominica and REZDM, make direct impacts on the local community. REZDM was established to provide support to the communities of Dominica in their recovery efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Maria. They rebuilt a primary school in the village of Soufriere to ensure local children had access to education and they equipped the school with solar panels. The organization has a focus on establishing long-term resilience to the impacts of natural disasters, including the construction of resilient structures such as homes, and a jetty in the neighboring fishing village of Scott's Head, helping the communities preserve their local village life and economy.

Inn by the Sea (Cape Elizabeth, Maine) believes every visit is an opportunity to inspire guests to protect their own local environments. The inn’s involvement in the local community — Earth Day celebration, classes, beach cleanups, pumpkin carving — ensures that the inn’s green message reaches far beyond its property and local community. A unique program, Books for Bookings, supports local schools by donating books — one for each booking — during the month of December. The inn also has an annual “giving tree” that provides warm, new outerwear to children in need. Additionally, head gardener Derrick Daly gives lectures and garden tours on native planting, teaches about the importance of bugs in ecosystems with a whimsical “It’s a Bug’s Life” class, and hosts a variety of low environmental impact events for the inn’s youngest guests and community school children.

The Brando in French Polynesia helps to fulfill founder Marlon Brando’s dream of developing a “university of the sea,” a facility on the island that could be used by scientific researchers. Ecostation, created by the resort for their nonprofit partner Tetiaroa Society, serves as a hub for the scientific and conservation work on the island. hosts visiting scientists who work on — and teach guests about — critical marine research and conservation initiatives. Guests give back through hands-on experiences such as helping to release fish larvae and baby turtles.

Mongolian music and dance students at the Gobi Hanhongor School receive supplies and instruments from Three Camel Lodge and are invited to perform live for guests. The lodge also provides a scholarship program and support for performing arts students studying at the university level to help ensure Mongolia’s music and dance heritage lives on in future generations. They also established a college fund for students pursuing their education in traditional performing arts.

andBeyond Bateleur Camp (Kenya) has deep roots in its neighboring communities, employing locally and investing with Africa Foundation initiatives dedicated to education and healthcare. During the pandemic, 90 Maasai households (584 people) were supported with a total of 270 food relief parcels in 2020; four primary schools, including 99 staff members and 931 students, received stable food supplies; and Emurutoto Clinic, built by Africa Foundation in partnership with andBeyond, and nominated by the Kenya government as a COVID-19 support center, provided medical, PPE, and sanitizing supplies.

A key project supported by andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge (Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia) for more than 15 years is the school nutrition program, which currently provides meals for as many as 600 local students a day at the P.A. Schmidt Primary School in the community of Maltahöhe. Additionally, in collaboration with the Africa Foundation, 360 households were identified as needing food supplies, and the lodge provided food parcels and organized distribution to these acutely vulnerable households.

At Starhotels E.c.ho. in Milan, every detail was designed to deliver an exceptional stay in a relaxed, efficient environment. The hotel has been dedicated to creating a real impact on its immediate surroundings for more than a decade, actively participating in various programs and projects to preserve and support the local community, as well as the care and protection of the environment.

More and more, companies are embarking on green and social programs for their employees with concrete initiatives to be carried out during their work activities. That's why people increasingly feel the need to engage in these activities even when they are traveling and more often choose to stay at a hotel that likewise prioritizes minimizing its ecological footprint. Because Starhotels E.c.ho. has been a leader in sustainable hospitality for more than a decade, developing and enriching its commitment over time, it is the obvious choice for conscious travelers.

Protecting & Preserving the Environment

In a proactive effort to minimize its ecological footprint, Starhotels E.c.ho. and Fedegroup, its food and beverage partner that manages Orto Green Food & Mood restaurant, launched a comprehensive food waste reduction program. Through the “Too Good To Go” platform, hotel guests now have the opportunity to buy kits directly from the hotel restaurant containing fresh and delectable dishes that would otherwise go to waste — contributing to both sustainability and gastronomic delight.

Another noteworthy effort involves introducing an innovative compensation system for meetings and events hosted in the Starhotels E.c.ho. eco-friendly meeting rooms. Through this system, the hotel takes measures to counterbalance the CO2 emissions produced by these events by planting trees as part of global environmental initiatives.

The staff at Starhotels E.c.ho. has also been trained in best practices that enable them to be more environmentally active and proactive. This includes adopting eco-friendly behaviors in their daily tasks, as well as knowing how to respond to guests who inquire about making their stay in Milan more sustainable. The staff also provides recommendations for organic restaurants and shops with locally sourced products. Often, guests who are increasingly conscious of these important issues seek activities in the city that are environmentally oriented and do not involve excessive CO2 consumption, and because the hotel also encourages the use of public and shared transportation, electric bicycles and scooters are available for its guests.

For the hotel’s best employees, the general manager implemented planting a tree in their name as an award and supporting Forestami, an initiative promoted by the Municipality of Milan to plant 3,000,000 trees by 2030. This idea then prompted another initiative involving Starhotels E.c.ho..’s youngest guests. During Green Week 2023, children were gifted with a tree planted for them by Treedom in one of the areas most at risk of deforestation, scattered across every corner of the planet.

Giving Back to the Community

Beyond their environmental efforts, Starhotels E.c.ho. is deeply intertwined with the local community, providing active support to the Milano Centrale District, an association dedicated to improving the quality of life in the area through cultural and urban regeneration projects.

Starhotels E.c.ho. has partnered with SOUx Milano, the city’s school of architecture for children, in a project promoted by renowned architect Mario Cucinella and directed by Caterina Malinconico. In collaboration with the Centrale District Association, they are spearheading a project that encourages the younger generation to imagine and design a new vision for Milano Centrale Station, the epicenter of the district. The overarching objective of this project is to promote a series of initiatives geared towards revitalizing the urban and social fabric of the neighborhood.

Finally, Starhotels E.c.ho. has forged a meaningful partnership with Banco Alimentare, empowering guests to actively participate in social responsibility endeavors. Guests have the option to make donations, equivalent to the price of a coffee (or more), to the association, with each €1 contribution supporting those most in need.

These initiatives exemplify Starhotels E.c.ho.'s unwavering dedication to the preservation of the environment and the welfare of its local community as a part of its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

Cultural heritage preservation means keeping the artifacts and traditions of a community intact against factors trying to change them or wear them away. Beyond Green is committed to efforts that preserve the cultural heritage of their communities and surrounding areas, as well as sharing the cultural heritage with guests as global ambassadors of these cultures.

In the upper northwest region of Greece sits Aristi, one of the most beautiful traditional villages of the region and home to Aristi Mountain Resort. This resort was designed with an appreciation for the history of the Zagori region and its unique cultural identity. It was built in complete harmony with the surrounding landscape in the local traditional architectural style. Only local materials, stone, and wood were used and the resort continues to cooperate with local companies and prioritize local vendors and producers.

Aristi Mountain Resort was among the pioneers working to achieve regional UNESCO designation for the area, which resulted in Zagori Cultural Landscape officially joining the World Heritage List. In addition, the resort initiated the “reappearance” project to restore a section of old cobbled pathways and arched bridges that were once part of the kalderimi network. These ancient paths ran up and down the mountainsides, connecting villages and fields in rural Greece with Istanbul, the capital of the Ottoman Empire. It took four weeks to construct the 60-meter-long pathway, around 65 square meters of dry-stone walls, along with a small public fountain inside the village. Locals and community leaders involved were so excited by the results that they expanded the project on their own, creating a movement to restore and rebuild the pathways throughout the region.

The Aristi Mountain Resort staff is comprised of locals and they work together to increase awareness of the area’s cultural heritage through activities and cuisine offered at the resort. During cooking courses at the Aristi farm, guests learn about the traditional local cuisine and flavors of authentic Greek dishes while preparing a full three-course meal using local produce and hand-picked fresh organic ingredients from the greenhouse. In a sheep wool processing workshop, participants wash the sheep wool, dry it, lay it down, and have the chance to observe the techniques used to create handmade fabrics, such as knitting and weaving on the traditional loom.

Three Camel Lodge celebrates the heritage of the nomadic culture in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia, home to the only living truly horse-based nomadic culture on Earth. About 30% of the Mongolian population is still nomadic, herding animals and moving from pasture to pasture, living the way of life that has been passed on from generation to generation for centuries. It is a rare spot on the planet where visitors can observe the living culture and the way of life of indigenous people. Three Camel Lodge showcases the culture through its design and construction, in activities and excursions tailored to engage guests in Mongolian culture, such as constructing a ger, horseback riding, or practicing archery, and by offering traditional dishes in the lodge's restaurant to promote local culinary traditions.

Beyond celebrating the culture throughout the property, Three Camel Lodge collaborates with local non-profit organizations, museums, and educational institutions to implement programs and projects designed to preserve the cultural heritage, including advocating for and supporting local artists and education initiatives that ensure the continuation of traditions. They are especially proud of the work they do with local performing arts in Gobi schools. Children of herders who are inspired to be musicians, dancers, and other performance artists are supported through direct donations and the purchase of instruments, and students practice their skills through performances for guests. Many go to college with the support of Three Camel Lodge and become professional musicians and dancers, sharing their cultural heritage with the world.

Through the Bankhar Dog and Golden Eagle projects, Three Camel Lodge integrates the preservation of cultural heritage with wildlife conservation in the local community. Reintroducing and protecting these valuable native species has brought attention to these unique cultural traditions, expanded the population of these animals, and preserved the way of life for these nomadic people.

Beyond being one of the most sustainable places to stay in La Antigua, Guatemala, Porta Hotel Antigua inspires its employees to proudly promote their traditions and living cultural heritage in every aspect of service, amenities, and activities at the resort, as well as supporting the local community through acts of service and educational programs. The “Cooks for Hope” program provides scholarships to area residents, enabling them to enter the local tourism industry workforce with an accredited diploma in just eight months, keeping many young people with their families. Beyond encouraging visitors to purchase local artisan products and handicrafts in the resort’s boutique, Porta Hotel Antigua hosts craft shows and business skill workshops that set these traditional craftsmen, many female heads of their households, up for success and build businesses that support their families.

In the picturesque Araucanía region of Chile’s Lake District, andBeyond Vira Vira encourages guests to interact with the fascinating cultural and culinary heritage of Chile’s indomitable Mapuche people and learn about their unique ways of life firsthand. They can enjoy lunch at a traditional ruka, where a Doña Rosario shares cooking techniques that have been shared from mother to daughter for centuries, and continue exploring the nearby village of Curarrehue with a visit to a Mapuche weaver who demonstrates traditional Mapuche skills and techniques as she works the loom. These guest experiences, along with projects that include conservation classes by andBeyond Vira Vira guides for children from the Quelhue Elementary School and the creation of an organic greenhouse and artisan cheese factory stimulate the preservation of a traditional way of life and build cultural awareness.

Living culture initiatives at Beyond Green hotels, resorts, and lodges support craft and cultural practices that are part of the community’s heritage. These programs offer unique experiences for travelers while preserving and protecting the community’s living culture.

The boutique at Arenas Del Mar beach resort in Costa Rica sources many locally made products, featuring a variety of crafts handmade by local artisans including jewelry, woodwork, and purses. Additionally, it was the first resort in Latin America to support the Dock to Dish program, which works in the same way as farm-to-table for farmers, connecting chefs directly to local fishermen so that they can buy fresh, sustainable fish and seafood daily without middlemen. Through Dock to Dish, there is no over-fishing or species-targeting and Arenas Del Mar supports families that have fished the waters of Manuel Antonio for generations.

High in the mountains of Northern Greece, near the winding footpaths, pristine rivers, and hiking trails that run through spectacular Vikos Gorge in Vikos-Aoös National Park, Aristi Mountain Resort offers experiences designed to shine a light on local heritage and culture. Guests can create handmade fabrics, knitting and weaving on a traditional loom, as a part of a seminar that takes them through every step of the sheep-to-wool journey. Additionally, culinary classes explore traditional Zagori cooking techniques and local cuisine and a photography workshop led by renowned Zagori photographer Costas Zissis offers guests the opportunity to advance their skills and photograph the majestic landscape, preserved stone bridges, and nearby villages.

Well aware of the value of its pristine location on Miami Beach, The Palms Hotel & Spa has set the highest standards for eco-friendly operations that minimize its impact on the environment and it embraces the culture and eclectic array of activities available in this vibrant beach town. The resort hosts walking tours of Miami’s street art, the Wynwood Art District, neighborhoods such as Little Havana and Little Haiti that preserve the culture, texture, and flavor of their earliest settlers, and the Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Miami Modern architectural styles found throughout the city.

In the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge, Cavallo Point sits on the edge of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, minutes from San Francisco and charming Sausalito. In addition to supporting local schools, museums, the Marine Mammal Center, and establishing The Conscious Kitchen, a program that addresses food equity in local schools, Cavallo Point celebrates local artists in the guestrooms and common areas at the resort. A gallery space dedicated to sustainability and conservation features a rotating exhibit from local artists and renowned nature photographers including Russ Eddy.

Living culture initiatives at Beyond Green hotels, resorts, and lodges support craft and cultural practices that are part of the community’s heritage. These programs offer unique experiences for travelers while preserving and protecting the community’s living culture.

The boutique at Arenas Del Mar beach resort in Costa Rica sources many locally made products, featuring a variety of crafts handmade by local artisans including jewelry, woodwork, and purses. Additionally, it was the first resort in Latin America to support the Dock to Dish program, which works in the same way as farm-to-table for farmers, connecting chefs directly to local fishermen so that they can buy fresh, sustainable fish and seafood daily without middlemen. Through Dock to Dish, there is no over-fishing or species-targeting and Arenas Del Mar supports families that have fished the waters of Manuel Antonio for generations.

High in the mountains of Northern Greece, near the winding footpaths, pristine rivers, and hiking trails that run through spectacular Vikos Gorge in Vikos-Aoös National Park, Aristi Mountain Resort offers experiences designed to shine a light on local heritage and culture. Guests can create handmade fabrics, knitting and weaving on a traditional loom, as a part of a seminar that takes them through every step of the sheep-to-wool journey. Additionally, culinary classes explore traditional Zagori cooking techniques and local cuisine and a photography workshop led by renowned Zagori photographer Costas Zissis offers guests the opportunity to advance their skills and photograph the majestic landscape, preserved stone bridges, and nearby villages.

Well aware of the value of its pristine location on Miami Beach, The Palms Hotel & Spa has set the highest standards for eco-friendly operations that minimize its impact on the environment and it embraces the culture and eclectic array of activities available in this vibrant beach town. The resort hosts walking tours of Miami’s street art, the Wynwood Art District, neighborhoods such as Little Havana and Little Haiti that preserve the culture, texture, and flavor of their earliest settlers, and the Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Miami Modern architectural styles found throughout the city.

In the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge, Cavallo Point sits on the edge of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, minutes from San Francisco and charming Sausalito. In addition to supporting local schools, museums, the Marine Mammal Center, and establishing The Conscious Kitchen, a program that addresses food equity in local schools, Cavallo Point celebrates local artists in the guestrooms and common areas at the resort. A gallery space dedicated to sustainability and conservation features a rotating exhibit from local artists and renowned nature photographers including Russ Eddy.

Living culture initiatives at Beyond Green hotels, resorts, and lodges support craft and cultural practices that are part of the community’s heritage. These programs offer unique experiences for travelers while preserving and protecting the community’s living culture.

The boutique at Arenas Del Mar beach resort in Costa Rica sources many locally made products, featuring a variety of crafts handmade by local artisans including jewelry, woodwork, and purses. Additionally, it was the first resort in Latin America to support the Dock to Dish program, which works in the same way as farm-to-table for farmers, connecting chefs directly to local fishermen so that they can buy fresh, sustainable fish and seafood daily without middlemen. Through Dock to Dish, there is no over-fishing or species-targeting and Arenas Del Mar supports families that have fished the waters of Manuel Antonio for generations.

High in the mountains of Northern Greece, near the winding footpaths, pristine rivers, and hiking trails that run through spectacular Vikos Gorge in Vikos-Aoös National Park, Aristi Mountain Resort offers experiences designed to shine a light on local heritage and culture. Guests can create handmade fabrics, knitting and weaving on a traditional loom, as a part of a seminar that takes them through every step of the sheep-to-wool journey. Additionally, culinary classes explore traditional Zagori cooking techniques and local cuisine and a photography workshop led by renowned Zagori photographer Costas Zissis offers guests the opportunity to advance their skills and photograph the majestic landscape, preserved stone bridges, and nearby villages.

Well aware of the value of its pristine location on Miami Beach, The Palms Hotel & Spa has set the highest standards for eco-friendly operations that minimize its impact on the environment and it embraces the culture and eclectic array of activities available in this vibrant beach town. The resort hosts walking tours of Miami’s street art, the Wynwood Art District, neighborhoods such as Little Havana and Little Haiti that preserve the culture, texture, and flavor of their earliest settlers, and the Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Miami Modern architectural styles found throughout the city.

In the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge, Cavallo Point sits on the edge of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, minutes from San Francisco and charming Sausalito. In addition to supporting local schools, museums, the Marine Mammal Center, and establishing The Conscious Kitchen, a program that addresses food equity in local schools, Cavallo Point celebrates local artists in the guestrooms and common areas at the resort. A gallery space dedicated to sustainability and conservation features a rotating exhibit from local artists and renowned nature photographers including Russ Eddy.

Inn by the Sea, a sustainable luxury resort on the coast of Maine that fosters adoptable rescue dogs on-site, encourages guests to fall in love on vacation.

Inn by the Sea’s approach to hospitality is inspired by its pristine surroundings on the coast of Maine. The seaside resort minimizes the impacts of operations with eco-friendly initiatives and habitat restoration and shares the soul of their location with guests through an appreciation of all things local, supporting the region through intentional community collaborations with local growers, vendors, and not-for-profits. The most popular by far with both inn staff and guests is the foster dog program in collaboration with the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland (ARLGP).

“Inn by the Sea has been welcoming guest dogs to our coastal resort for decades, so it was natural for us to reach out to ARLGP and offer to foster adoptable dogs here at the hotel,” said Michael Briggs, Inn by the Sea Managing Director. “Fostering shelter dogs at the property broadens exposure for the rescues, helps save lives, and aligns with Beyond Green values for community support.”

The foster program is simple. Inn by the Sea provides a temporary home for adoptable dogs from ARLGP. The staff cares for the pups 24/7—walking, feeding, and giving them lots of tummy rubs and the occasional meal from the gourmet dog menu. Guests are also welcome to walk or play with the dogs; and happily, some guests fall in love and adopt. Since the program’s inception eight years ago, 173 “good boys” have found permanent homes with guests.

“Inn by the Sea will always hold a very special place in our hearts with many fond memories of time spent with family and loved ones,” says Mary Johnson, who has visited the inn many times. She remembers an extraordinary moment during one visit when she noticed an adorable puppy on a staff member’s lap suddenly pop into view at the reception desk. She was totally smitten.

“Everyone Molly meets falls in love with her, whether they’re a dog person or not,” says Ms. Johnson. “Molly brings much love and happiness to our lives and home. I feel it was fate that March morning in the lobby at Inn by the Sea.”

Anne Bolton, Guest Services Director at Inn by the Sea agrees, “We all think Molly is a truly wonderful dog and love to see her return with her family, year after year.” In fact, the staff feels fortunate to see so many former rescues enjoying their best lives when they return with their adopted families.

This article was written by Rauni Kew, PR & Green Program Manager at Inn by the Sea.

Inn by the Sea, a sustainable luxury resort on the coast of Maine that fosters adoptable rescue dogs on-site, encourages guests to fall in love on vacation.

Inn by the Sea’s approach to hospitality is inspired by its pristine surroundings on the coast of Maine. The seaside resort minimizes the impacts of operations with eco-friendly initiatives and habitat restoration and shares the soul of their location with guests through an appreciation of all things local, supporting the region through intentional community collaborations with local growers, vendors, and not-for-profits. The most popular by far with both inn staff and guests is the foster dog program in collaboration with the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland (ARLGP).

“Inn by the Sea has been welcoming guest dogs to our coastal resort for decades, so it was natural for us to reach out to ARLGP and offer to foster adoptable dogs here at the hotel,” said Michael Briggs, Inn by the Sea Managing Director. “Fostering shelter dogs at the property broadens exposure for the rescues, helps save lives, and aligns with Beyond Green values for community support.”

The foster program is simple. Inn by the Sea provides a temporary home for adoptable dogs from ARLGP. The staff cares for the pups 24/7—walking, feeding, and giving them lots of tummy rubs and the occasional meal from the gourmet dog menu. Guests are also welcome to walk or play with the dogs; and happily, some guests fall in love and adopt. Since the program’s inception eight years ago, 173 “good boys” have found permanent homes with guests.

“Inn by the Sea will always hold a very special place in our hearts with many fond memories of time spent with family and loved ones,” says Mary Johnson, who has visited the inn many times. She remembers an extraordinary moment during one visit when she noticed an adorable puppy on a staff member’s lap suddenly pop into view at the reception desk. She was totally smitten.

“Everyone Molly meets falls in love with her, whether they’re a dog person or not,” says Ms. Johnson. “Molly brings much love and happiness to our lives and home. I feel it was fate that March morning in the lobby at Inn by the Sea.”

Anne Bolton, Guest Services Director at Inn by the Sea agrees, “We all think Molly is a truly wonderful dog and love to see her return with her family, year after year.” In fact, the staff feels fortunate to see so many former rescues enjoying their best lives when they return with their adopted families.

This article was written by Rauni Kew, PR & Green Program Manager at Inn by the Sea.

With its rich cultural and natural heritage, spectacular views of land and sea, and warm, inviting hospitality, the Mediterranean has always been regarded as a feast for the mind, body, and soul.

The region is alive with a sense of well-being and longevity: from the fresh, open air village squares, to the passionate pursuit of la dolce vita, to a healthy, active lifestyle. And then, there’s the food.

For centuries, the people living near the Mediterranean basin have known that the secret to good health is enjoying a bountiful array of fresh, seasonal food, including fruits and vegetables grown organically in the area’s fertile, often volcanic, soil; locally produced olive oil; and moderate amounts of local wine—a way of eating that is as beneficial to the planet as it is to its people.

The Artistry of Sustainable Dining in Greece

Art and nature come together on the plate in the ruggedly beautiful mountains of the Zagori region of Northwestern Greece. There, Aristi Mountain Resort and Villas elevates traditional Greek and regional dishes to unforgettable haute cuisine; using fresh, seasonal ingredients grown in their own organic gardens or purveyed from local Epirote villages.

Meals with a view at Aristi’s flavorful Salvia restaurant.

The resort’s award-winning restaurant, Salvia, is noted for its contemporary, sustainable takes on traditional Greek cuisine. From the exquisite simple pleasure of handmade warm Zagori pita served with galotiri, a soft cheese made with goat or sheep’s milk, to more elaborate preparations of tender lamb from local farms and fresh trout from mountain streams a stone’s throw from the resort, each meal strikes a balance of creativity and healthfulness—all while supporting the local culture and economy and respecting the natural resources of this remote area.

Guests are invited to enjoy a cooking workshop, where they learn to prepare a three-course meal of regional specialties, as well as culinary experiences, such as visits to local wineries, restaurants and tavernas, and foraging adventures, such as hunting for wild mushrooms in the surrounding forests during the fall.

At Borgo Pignano, in the hills of Tuscany, nearly all of the food is grown or produced on the 750-acre estate, in harmony with sustainable agricultural traditions that have helped shape the land and the local community for centuries.

Community-based initiatives are not always visible to guests but make no mistake, a property that has fostered long-term relationships with the locals will create authentic high-quality relationships that impact guest experiences.

Economic leakage is a big challenge for popular and emerging tourist destinations. This happens when money generated through tourism goes outside the community—for example, hotels and restaurants that import building supplies, menu ingredients, and other goods or staff their businesses with foreign workers. Keeping social and economic sustainability top of mind, Beyond Green members implement local, community-based initiatives as a way to positively impact their location and prevent economic leakage.

“When you buy local and think local, what goes around comes around,” says Trina White, General Manager at The Parkside Hotel & Spa in Victoria, British Columbia. “When businesses think local first, the money stays in the local economy, in the businesses, the tax base, and the school systems.” The hotel has a purchasing mandate to work with local businesses as their suppliers. Further, their preference is to work with local companies that share their values, goals, and visions. In fact, last year 74% of their supplies, from the locally handcrafted items in their gift shop to the soaps and towels in the baths, the beds and dressers in the guestrooms and tables dining room, and even the bikes they offer guests at no charge, came from local manufacturers and craftsmen.

The Parkside Hotel & Spa is a city-center hotel that has long been at the forefront of sustainable tourism, it was built in 2009 to LEED Platinum Standards, the first LEED building in Canada. The hotel sits on the unceded territory of the Lekwungen people, the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, and recognizes that heritage is an important part of the community’s sense of pride and belonging. The hotel has worked for decades on the careful process of blending “modern times” with traditional customs, ensuring that the unique character and identity of the Lekwungen people are not lost.

Another great example is Arenas Del Mar on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. “Sustainability is more than being green, it is also community impact,” explains Hans Pfister, co-founder of the Cayuga Collection, which includes Beyond Green’s Arenas Del Mar.

The resort pioneered the Dock-to-Dish program in Central America. This cooperative program connects the resort’s chefs directly with a group of artisanal Quepos-based fishermen, which eliminates the need for imported seafood and provides income for local fishermen. Chefs love the abundance of low-carbon, sustainable seafood, but because it is impossible to predict what the ocean will yield on any given day, they need to be flexible and take on the challenge to create dishes based on each day’s catch. The happy result is an ever-changing menu spotlighting the freshest, most local seafood, delivered directly from boat to kitchen to table, to the delight of resort guests.

Additionally, Hans says, “human resource” is the most important pillar of their businesses, “we work with 100% locals.” From the gardeners to the general managers, staff members come from Quepos and the surrounding regions. Through training and education, there are many opportunities for employees to move up through the ranks to become managers in their departments. Providing people from rural and coastal areas with high-quality jobs and a career path supports the local economy and keeps families rooted in the community and culture.

From Mongolia to Italy to California, Beyond Green members around the world are prioritizing rewilding efforts to restore lost plant and animal species.

Beyond Green members around the world prioritize rewilding efforts to restore lost species, by giving them space to thrive, through population enhancement, and by reintroducing key native species.

Rewilding enables nature’s processes to shape, or re-shape, itself. This progressive approach to conservation requires repairing damaged ecosystems and restoring degraded landscapes, then patiently allowing nature to take care of itself. Through these rewilding efforts, Beyond Green sustainability leaders give nature a “helping hand” to create natural, more biodiverse habitats.

In Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn has planted over 200 redwood trees since it opened in 1992. They receive trees in 24-inch boxes and plant them around the 80 acres of open space surrounding the property that cannot be built on. This preserves the natural environment for generations to come.

“We love protecting this land,” Mike Higgins, Vice President of Operations at Post Ranch Inn’s parent company Passport Resorts, explains. Among the endangered species on their property, the Smith’s Blue Butterfly, which migrates to the steep hillsides of Big Sur, California, lives on the coastal buckwheat, a plant that grows there. Post Ranch Inn has planted over 300 of these plants and protects them while they are growing, to support the maintenance of this butterfly species. “This has nothing to do with hospitality and everything to do with responsible stewardship.”

Three Camel Lodge was created based on the leaders’ vision to develop Mongolia’s most inspiring and sustainable eco-lodge. Using ancient Buddhist temple construction methods, this unique property was painstakingly built to reflect traditional Mongolian culture, respect its pristine surroundings, and serve as an active community resource. Three Camel Lodge also functions as a base for research within the Gobi and regularly hosts sustainability and preservation experts, including at the 2019 Symposium on Asian Dinosaurs.

In 2020, they launched a conservation partnership that funds research by the Wildlife Science and Conservation Center of Mongolia (WSCC) to study the golden eagle population in western Mongolia and support the cultural traditions of golden eagle falconry. The research will contribute valuable data and ensure the long-term sustainability of these majestic birds and the ancient heritage they represent.

Another rewilding project adopted by Three Camel Lodge founder Jalsa Urubshurow is the Mongolian Bankhar Dog Project (MBDP). The Bankhar dog has aided the nomadic people for as long as they have lived on the steppe, but the current Bankhar dog population is a fraction of what it was in the past. Traditionally, nomads and herders kept these specially bred working dogs to protect livestock from predators, including the endangered snow leopards that often go after local livestock. MBDP breeds Bankhars to preserve their genetic diversity and is steadily reintroducing them to host families to bolster the culture and traditions of nomadic people, restore the depleted grassland ecosystems, protect the livestock, and subsequently protect the predators by preventing conflict with local herders.

At Edgewood Tahoe Resort, Director of Engineering Gerry DeYong is passionate about protecting the lake and unique environment that has been his home for more than 40 years. The fact that the resort borrows the land and the lake from future generations is not lost on him. Every move we make, he explains, we must consider, first and foremost, minimizing our environmental footprint and keeping the area as pristine for those who come after us, as it was for those who came before us.

Edgewood Tahoe Resort removes 500,000 pounds of sediment from Lake Tahoe each year and has planted over 200 trees within the property over the last three years—they host a community tree planting event each year on Earth Day. These efforts, along with the ongoing realignment and daylighting of Edgewood Creek to allow a native fish passage and a spawning habitat, ensure that there is a healthy environment and space for nature to take its course.

Beyond Green marine conservation and education initiatives strengthen their local communities and the spectacular oceans they call home.

For the hotels, resorts, and reserves of Beyond Green, sustainability is not just conservation and green technology, it involves respect for all aspects of their environment, including the care of the local community, natural resources, and wildlife.

On a rugged island in the center of the Caribbean, Coulibri Ridge (Soufriere, Dominica) was conceived as a long-term research project on developing and operating a modern, luxurious, self-sustainable eco-resort. Every detail of the resort was carefully researched and implemented to minimize the impact on the environment--such as generating all its power through solar and other sustainable energy techniques–and following a devastating category 5 hurricane in 2017, the resort worked closely with community leaders to implement a series of projects to build Dominica’s resistance to natural disasters and the impact of increased tourism. Ongoing REZDM (Resilient Dominica) projects include recruiting and training the resort’s coral conservation team, constructing an essential jetty within the marine reserve that will provide sea access for local fishermen and tourists, rebuilding village schools, and creating a school food program that ensures every child receives at least one nutritious meal every day.

The coral protection project incorporates three different approaches: coral treatment, which uses a topical antibiotic to prevent the spread of coral disease; building coral trees that encourage coral growth without removing it from their natural environment; and coral farming outside of the reef. Trained volunteer divers perform these labor-intensive tasks and monitor the success of this program daily.

Community and conservation projects at andBeyond Mnemba Island (Zanzibar, Tanzania) and other andBeyond destinations on the eastern African coast directly support local communities dependent on healthy seas, coastal forests, and coral reefs. Celebrating more than 20 years of continuous sea turtle nest monitoring, the program on Mnemba Island offers vital insights into the five species of sea turtles found here, including the endangered Green Turtle. Sea turtles are an important indicator of the health of oceans and beaches. Consistent attention to monitoring these turtles on Mnemba Island has so successfully protected these nesting sites that turtles hatched on the beaches here have begun returning to nest. The program also offers a unique opportunity for visitors to observe nesting turtles and watch as the heroic hatchlings head off to the sea.

The coral reef restoration program at andBeyond Mnemba Island is relatively new–just 18 months ago local residents were trained to dive and farm coral. Divers collect broken or naturally dislodged pieces of coral from local reefs, carefully transfer them to the underwater nursery, nurture them, and then after 6-9 months, plant healthy cultivated coral back onto the reef. The nursery is about 100 meters offshore, close enough for guests to snorkel out and observe the process.

Because the islands of an atoll are actually built and supported by coral reefs, conservation efforts at The Brando (Tetiaroa, French Polynesia) are essential to preserving the island, restoring it to a natural state, and creating a sanctuary for natural species. An important step in this process has been removing species that do not support the environment. For example, just six months after the eradication of rats on the island, there has been a significant increase in seabird nesting and the appearance of indigenous wildlife, such as a colony of fiddler crabs that were observed before.

Additionally, removing plants and animals not native to the island improves the nutrients in the soil and increases the nitrogen levels necessary to restore the coral reef. All initiatives include an essential element of community involvement, such as education programs that engage local fishermen and school children.

Guests are invited to visit the “university of the sea” eco-station created by the Tetiaroa Society, where scientists who work on these programs discuss critical marine research and conservation plans.

Beyond Green marine conservation and education initiatives strengthen their local communities and the spectacular oceans they call home.

For the hotels, resorts, and reserves of Beyond Green, sustainability is not just conservation and green technology, it involves respect for all aspects of their environment, including the care of the local community, natural resources, and wildlife.

On a rugged island in the center of the Caribbean, Coulibri Ridge (Soufriere, Dominica) was conceived as a long-term research project on developing and operating a modern, luxurious, self-sustainable eco-resort. Every detail of the resort was carefully researched and implemented to minimize the impact on the environment--such as generating all its power through solar and other sustainable energy techniques–and following a devastating category 5 hurricane in 2017, the resort worked closely with community leaders to implement a series of projects to build Dominica’s resistance to natural disasters and the impact of increased tourism. Ongoing REZDM (Resilient Dominica) projects include recruiting and training the resort’s coral conservation team, constructing an essential jetty within the marine reserve that will provide sea access for local fishermen and tourists, rebuilding village schools, and creating a school food program that ensures every child receives at least one nutritious meal every day.

The coral protection project incorporates three different approaches: coral treatment, which uses a topical antibiotic to prevent the spread of coral disease; building coral trees that encourage coral growth without removing it from their natural environment; and coral farming outside of the reef. Trained volunteer divers perform these labor-intensive tasks and monitor the success of this program daily.

Community and conservation projects at andBeyond Mnemba Island (Zanzibar, Tanzania) and other andBeyond destinations on the eastern African coast directly support local communities dependent on healthy seas, coastal forests, and coral reefs. Celebrating more than 20 years of continuous sea turtle nest monitoring, the program on Mnemba Island offers vital insights into the five species of sea turtles found here, including the endangered Green Turtle. Sea turtles are an important indicator of the health of oceans and beaches. Consistent attention to monitoring these turtles on Mnemba Island has so successfully protected these nesting sites that turtles hatched on the beaches here have begun returning to nest. The program also offers a unique opportunity for visitors to observe nesting turtles and watch as the heroic hatchlings head off to the sea.

The coral reef restoration program at andBeyond Mnemba Island is relatively new–just 18 months ago local residents were trained to dive and farm coral. Divers collect broken or naturally dislodged pieces of coral from local reefs, carefully transfer them to the underwater nursery, nurture them, and then after 6-9 months, plant healthy cultivated coral back onto the reef. The nursery is about 100 meters offshore, close enough for guests to snorkel out and observe the process.

Because the islands of an atoll are actually built and supported by coral reefs, conservation efforts at The Brando (Tetiaroa, French Polynesia) are essential to preserving the island, restoring it to a natural state, and creating a sanctuary for natural species. An important step in this process has been removing species that do not support the environment. For example, just six months after the eradication of rats on the island, there has been a significant increase in seabird nesting and the appearance of indigenous wildlife, such as a colony of fiddler crabs that were observed before.

Additionally, removing plants and animals not native to the island improves the nutrients in the soil and increases the nitrogen levels necessary to restore the coral reef. All initiatives include an essential element of community involvement, such as education programs that engage local fishermen and school children.

Guests are invited to visit the “university of the sea” eco-station created by the Tetiaroa Society, where scientists who work on these programs discuss critical marine research and conservation plans.

Destinations across the region offer guests once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to connect with the community and culture.

An important component of traveling “gently” is immersing yourself into the rhythm and flow of a destination and connecting with the local community and culture through authentic experiences that not only enhance your journey but also create a lifelong connection to the destination. Every Beyond Green destination offers opportunities to embrace the culture in ways that will surprise and inspire you.

Enjoy an Up Close Costa Rican Rain Forest Encounter

From listening to the howler monkeys to bird-watching excursions and nature hikes after dark, you’ll discover many ways to experience the wildlife that surrounds Arenas Del Mar, a sustainable luxury resort in Costa Rica ideally located between a flourishing rainforest, miles of uninterrupted Pacific Ocean coastline, and a private 11-acre nature reserve. In-house naturalists are always available to help you spot monkeys, sloths, and other rainforest residents at the resort. They will also lead you through the adjacent Manuel Antonio National Park, nearby Carara National Park, a birders’ paradise, and Barú National Wildlife Refuge, home to several endangered species including tapirs and pumas, and Marina Ballena National Marine Park, where migrating humpback whales can be spotted hanging out hang along the coast. All tours are small, private, and relaxed – the guides offer you all the time you need.

Imagine exploring the rainforest after dark when the rainforest really comes alive. At night, your sense of hearing will heighten as you tune in to the rainforest’s nocturnal chorus, and your guide will introduce you to red-eyed tree frogs and snakes, rare owls, translucent grass frogs, eyelash vipers, and other wildlife who prefer the nightlife.

Discover Chile’s Adventure Playground

In the picturesque Araucanía region of Chile’s lake district, andBeyond Vira Vira is surrounded by dramatic landscapes of glacial lakes and national parks. The 34-acre estate, with a modern working farm, an organic farm-to-table vegetable garden, and a cheese factory, offers a range of unique experiences for outdoor enthusiasts and every level of adventurer to experience the fascinating cultural and culinary heritage of Chile’s Mapuche people.

Choose from guided treks through Villarrica and Huerquehue national parks, dogsledding, helicopter tours, heli-fishing, and mountain biking; or if you prefer to engage with nature more quietly, try a drift boat excursion down the Liucura River to Villarrica Lake, catch-and-release fishing, birdwatching, relaxing in one of the hot tubs, or Shinrin Yoku (forest therapy), the soulful practice of being in nature.

Through guided community visits you will learn first-hand about the unique culture of the Mapuche, an agriculture-based community indigenous to this region. Explore the town of Curarrehue in Chile’s Lake District and watch as a traditional Mapuche weaver works her loom, and Doña Rosario will welcome you to her ruka (traditional house) where she will prepare lunch for you using age-old cooking methods – sharing the tools and traditional techniques she uses.

Beyond Green destinations maintain their dedication to protecting endangered species, arresting extinction, and expanding wilderness environments.

In honor of World Wildlife Day, Beyond Green is spotlighting hotels, resorts, and lodges around the globe that honor their commitment to protecting endangered species and preserving large expanses of wilderness environments—from supporting local and international conservation initiatives to collaborating with scientific research projects focused on biodiversity.

Each of these Beyond Green destinations invites guests to stay and learn more about the importance of protecting wildlife in some of the world’s most beautiful and unique destinations.

Built and staffed by locals, Three Camel Lodge in Mongolia’s starkly beautiful Gobi Desert provides an unparalleled guest experience with preservation at its core. Through local partnerships, the luxury ecolodge supports the conservation of two iconic cultural symbols – the Bankhar (pictured above), an ancient Mongolian dog breed, and the golden eagle, which is key to the local tradition of falconry. By breeding, raising, and donating Bankhar puppies to nomadic families to safeguard their livestock, endangered snow leopards are protected while a traditional way of life is preserved.

Tucked between verdant rainforest and the Pacific Ocean within a private, 11-acre nature reserve, Arenas Del Mar is an important corridor for Costa Rica wildlife. A major reforestation effort over the last two decades, including 7,000 native trees and thousands of endemic plants, has created a thriving nature reserve for rescued sloths, the national animal of Costa Rica. The resort’s electric system is also built underground as an additional measure to protect wildlife.

Although the exclusive barefoot island of andBeyond Mnemba Island may seem small—it is inhabited only by guests and the staff, this intimate resort has made a big impact on conservation. Mnemba Island is a crucial protected nesting site for the endangered green sea turtle in Zanzibar, and guests can share an unforgettable experience on a green turtle nesting adventure while learning about the critical conservation work being done by Oceans Without Borders, a marine conservation initiative founded through the collaboration between andBeyond and Africa Foundation.

Photo Credit: andBeyond, Pangolin conservation (C) Simon Needham

Conservation efforts at AndBeyond, including Beyond Green members andBeyond Bateleur Camp, andBeyond Vira Vira, and andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, impact more than nine million acres of wildlife land and 3,000 km of coastline in Africa and South America. andBeyond has been responsible for the largest single translocation of rhinos, transporting 30 white rhinos from Phinda Private Game Reserve on a 3,400 km journey to Rwanda’s Akagera National Park; bringing the pangolin back to a region where it has been locally extinct for decades; and was key to the re-emergence of the critically endangered Aders’ duiker, the rarest antelope species in Africa. In 2005, five of these antelope were successfully introduced to Mnemba, their numbers continue to grow and andMnemba Island is believed to be one of the only places in the world where the Aders’ duiker can be spotted in the wild.

Photo Credit: andBeyond, Rhinos to Rwanda with African Parks, and Gael van de Weghe

As leaders in sustainable tourism, Beyond Green member hotels are collectively responsible for the regeneration of more than six million acres of formerly degraded terrestrial ecosystems that are home to rare and endangered wildlife.

Beyond Green destinations maintain their dedication to protecting endangered species, arresting extinction, and expanding wilderness environments.

In honor of World Wildlife Day, Beyond Green is spotlighting hotels, resorts, and lodges around the globe that honor their commitment to protecting endangered species and preserving large expanses of wilderness environments—from supporting local and international conservation initiatives to collaborating with scientific research projects focused on biodiversity.

Each of these Beyond Green destinations invites guests to stay and learn more about the importance of protecting wildlife in some of the world’s most beautiful and unique destinations.

Built and staffed by locals, Three Camel Lodge in Mongolia’s starkly beautiful Gobi Desert provides an unparalleled guest experience with preservation at its core. Through local partnerships, the luxury ecolodge supports the conservation of two iconic cultural symbols – the Bankhar (pictured above), an ancient Mongolian dog breed, and the golden eagle, which is key to the local tradition of falconry. By breeding, raising, and donating Bankhar puppies to nomadic families to safeguard their livestock, endangered snow leopards are protected while a traditional way of life is preserved.

Tucked between verdant rainforest and the Pacific Ocean within a private, 11-acre nature reserve, Arenas Del Mar is an important corridor for Costa Rica wildlife. A major reforestation effort over the last two decades, including 7,000 native trees and thousands of endemic plants, has created a thriving nature reserve for rescued sloths, the national animal of Costa Rica. The resort’s electric system is also built underground as an additional measure to protect wildlife.

Although the exclusive barefoot island of andBeyond Mnemba Island may seem small—it is inhabited only by guests and the staff, this intimate resort has made a big impact on conservation. Mnemba Island is a crucial protected nesting site for the endangered green sea turtle in Zanzibar, and guests can share an unforgettable experience on a green turtle nesting adventure while learning about the critical conservation work being done by Oceans Without Borders, a marine conservation initiative founded through the collaboration between andBeyond and Africa Foundation.

Photo Credit: andBeyond, Pangolin conservation (C) Simon Needham

Conservation efforts at AndBeyond, including Beyond Green members andBeyond Bateleur Camp, andBeyond Vira Vira, and andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, impact more than nine million acres of wildlife land and 3,000 km of coastline in Africa and South America. andBeyond has been responsible for the largest single translocation of rhinos, transporting 30 white rhinos from Phinda Private Game Reserve on a 3,400 km journey to Rwanda’s Akagera National Park; bringing the pangolin back to a region where it has been locally extinct for decades; and was key to the re-emergence of the critically endangered Aders’ duiker, the rarest antelope species in Africa. In 2005, five of these antelope were successfully introduced to Mnemba, their numbers continue to grow and andMnemba Island is believed to be one of the only places in the world where the Aders’ duiker can be spotted in the wild.

Photo Credit: andBeyond, Rhinos to Rwanda with African Parks, and Gael van de Weghe

As leaders in sustainable tourism, Beyond Green member hotels are collectively responsible for the regeneration of more than six million acres of formerly degraded terrestrial ecosystems that are home to rare and endangered wildlife.