The Fairmont Orchid
Big Island, Hawaii; www.fairmont.com/orchid, (808) 885-2000
Fairmont’s Green Partnership Program extends throughout its properties, but is beautifully evident at the Orchid. On the environmentally delicate Kohala Coast, the Orchid’s Spa Without Walls features a chemical-free Room to Reef initiative. The exclusive use of botanical cleaners, organic landscaping practices, propagation of native species, and an ongoing partnership with the University of Hawaii are all part of the resort’s commitment to maintaining the health of the coast’s delicate coral reef environment.
Michelle White, Fairmont’s manager of environmental affairs, says the decision to make a strong corporate commitment to minimize operational impacts on the environment’s surrounding Fairmont properties is a result of the company’s desire to set an example of environmental stewardship.
“The decision to invest in green power and green operating practices is, in general, good for the environment,” says White, “and a way for the company to demonstrate good corporate social responsibility. Although green power does cost more, Fairmont feels that it’s important to support these power initiatives. Purchasing renewable energy helps to champion a sustainable future, leading to lowered consumption of natural resources, fewer air emissions, and a healthier environment.”
Natalie Epenesa, spa director at the Orchid, advises spa-goers to contemplate the individual destination and its surroundings. “If the spa is located near the ocean and using that to promote itself or as part of its treatments, what are the environmentally friendly practices being utilized to prevent synthetic fertilizer run off and other harmful substances from flowing into the sea? If it’s a desert environment, what practices are in place to conserve water and to protect rare plant and animal species? Does the spa perpetuate the healing arts of the host culture? Oftentimes, the host culture – in our case, Hawaiian – has lived in harmony with the surrounding environment for centuries, and there is much to be learned from them.”
Kanimbla View – The Clifftop Retreat
Blackheath, Australia; www.kanimbla.com, 02 4787 8985 or 0414 456 452
“The more beautiful, remote, and fragile the natural environment of your destination, the more environmentally demanding and discriminating you should be,” say Hilary Hughes and Gary Werskey of Kanimbla View Clifftop Retreat. “In what way does the property showcase its environmental features? Is staff able to respond quickly and knowledgably to your environmental questions? Has the property earned some kind of eco or sustainable operating accreditation?”
Kanimbla’s Glasshouse Spa is powered, heated, and lit by a solar power plant; it also uses rainwater piped from an adjacent collecting tank. Water conservation technology ensures that used water is sufficiently non-polluted so that it can be drained into the bush with no negative impact on native vegetation. In addition, an ozone generator eliminates the use of chlorine and reduces reliance on other strong chemicals. Other sustainable practices include recycled building materials and composting toilets, leading this property to be voted by Discovery Channel’s Travel Unit as one of the world’s ten best alternative energy tourism sites. Kanimbla is also the recipient of the Ecotourism Association of Australia’s Advanced Accreditation.
Before committing to a destination Hughes and Werskey advise guests to ask tough questions. “What is the energy source used for heat, light, and power – including spa equipment? What steps are taken to conserve energy and limit its use? Where does the water come from and where does it go after being used? What kinds of chemicals are used? How environmentally friendly are they to store, use, and dispose of? How well does the resort monitor its impacts on the environment?”
Silverado Resort & Spa
Napa Valley, California; www.silveradoresort.com, (707) 257-2867 (Operated by Xanterra Resorts, www.xanterra.com)
Chris Lane, senior director of environmental affairs for Xanterra’s Parks & Resorts Programs, says a property should demonstrate both a sensitivity to, and a knowledge about, its specific geographical location. At Silverado, a new water system was recently installed that will cut the resort’s water consumption by thirty percent. Located in one of the world’s most abundant agricultural regions, the resort is also a member of the Chef’s Collaborative, and places great emphasis on sustainable cuisine – including wines, produce, beef, and seafood.
“It is our goal to not only serve environmentally appropriate cuisine offerings, but also to educate our guests and employees about the reasons behind those decisions,” says chef Peter Pahk.
Adds Lane, “All service staff should be able to explain exactly what it is they do within their job to protect the environment. If they draw a blank, and can’t tell you what they do to affect change, the company is likely doing a greenwash. At Xanterra, we train them and give them specific environmental instructions.”
Sabi Sabi Private Game Preserve
South Africa; www.sabisabi.com, 27-11-483-3939
The game preserve, located between Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Reserve, encompasses three separate eco-lodges and two spas – Bush Lodge and Bush Nature Spa, Selati Camp, and Earth Lodge and Earth Nature Spa, which has been hailed as one of the most ecologically sensitive designed lodges in Africa. Programs seek to educate visitors regarding the delicate bio-dependence between nature, wildlife, and geographical location.
“Our advice is for travelers to truly research the region or destination they are visiting, and to become familiar with environmental issues in that area before making a decision to visit,” says Rod Wyndham, operations director. “Once potential visitors understand the region’s challenges they will be more able to make an informed decision about the best choice of destination. Visitors should assess the spa’s philosophy with this in mind. Each region has its own, unique environmental challenges and solutions (such as scarcity of water), and the spa of choice should be in tune with these issues. And as far as possible, the spa should be run and staffed with local people who are sensitive to these challenges and are not only working to overcome them, but are able to discuss them with visitors.”
According to Wyndham, both spas take inspiration from the immediate environment in all areas of practice. “Natural products that mirror the bush environment are used as far as possible,” he says, “and signature treatments are developed on an ongoing basis that complement the African bushveld.”
The Educated Guest
“As a guest, there are certain practices and things you should look for when you choose a resort, lodge, or hotel,” says Chris Lane, senior director of dnvironmental affairs for Xanterra’s Parks & Resorts and Ecologix, its company-wide environmental program. He offers these additional tips:
• Is there a formal environmental policy posted for the public to view, one that clearly explains what the operating company’s environmental mission is?
• Is there energy management – that is, is the lighting efficient, and are the thermostats controlled?
• Are alternative energy sources being used, such as wind, solar, and geothermal energy?
• At the maintenance level, are low VOC paints, recycled materials, and recycled paper products being used?
• Is there educational material in the guest rooms that provides an explanation of environmental measures to guests, as well as advice or tips on how they can be proactive, such as shutting off the lights?
• What kind of transportation is used at the property? Was the vehicle that took you there run via alternative fuels, propane, or electric power?
• What sustainable or organic items are available on the menu? Have endangered species been banned?
• Are green cleaners used on-property rather than chemicals?
May/June 2005
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