The year 2022 has become a top priority in the hospitality industry across the world when it comes to being conscious of the environment and taking measures, no matter how small, to reach a certain level of sustainability. This could range from reducing wastage (food and other natural resources), controlled energy usage to banning plastic and sourcing locally.
On World Tourism Day, Zee Zest curates a list of resorts in India that not only focus on the comfort of its guests but also takes the impact tourism has on nature into account.
1. Six Senses
Six Senses Fort Barwara reflects the history and heritage of the Barwara community as it has unfolded over generations. The 700-year-old palace and temples have been responsibly restored using traditional building techniques used in Rajasthan sensitively incorporating efficient design elements such as rainwater collection tanks and solar panels to complement rather than detract from the beautiful and historic architecture. The Six Senses Environmental and Social Sustainability Policy focuses on energy efficiency, water and waste management, social commitment, protecting natural surroundings, air quality and noise control. The rewilding project aims to conserve the natural habit by removing invasive species such Prosopis Juliflora and by planting native and endemic trees and plants which are vital for a healthy ecosystem. The property also focuses on rainwater harvesting where age- old water techniques have been modernised in a way to not only celebrate rain in this area but also make the observer acutely aware of this precious resource through spiral structures across the resort. Their initiatives also include in-house water bottling unit, natural and non-plastic amenities in the rooms and organically grown plants.
2. Relais & Châteaux Shreyas Retreat, Bengaluru
From the judicious use of nature’s bounty & the conservation of footprint, to landscaping that carefully harnesses rainwater through a system of channels & ponds which conserve water for 3-4 months in the rainy season and help recharge the grounds. The rainwater collection pits dug around the bore-wells also help rejuvenate the bore-wells naturally. All meals served at Shreyas Retreat are made from organically grown ingredients freshly hand-picked by the chefs. The variety of vegetables and herbs grown in their 5-acre organic garden cover 80 percent of consumption in the kitchen. The remaining are purchased from the local organic vendors. The in-house cows are fed with the grass that is grown at Shreyas and naturally grown food is provided to the cows. The waste from the vegetables and fruits are directly sent to the cattle. The other kitchen waste is sent for compost manure. The loads of dry leaves from gardens are collected and made into natural manure.
3. Vythri Resort, Wayanad
Elegant, exclusive and in its essence a state of mind, the Vythiri Resort is an exquisite jungle getaway located in Wayanad, a largely mountainous district in northern Kerala, a state in the south of India. Situated beneath an enormous canopy of a lush tropical rainforest, journey into nature's wonderland - in the company of amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, flowering plants and butterflies that inhabit the dense Vythiri rainforest. You will be seduced by the promise of discovery, bliss and exaltation - body, mind and soul. Set along the slope of a forest clad hill, beside three branches of a sprightly mountain stream that forks as it flows through the 150-acre property, coming together and broadening at the end of the slope, Vythiri Resort is an exquisite jungle hideaway and a naturalist's treasure trove. Built with wooden rafters on the roof and parquet flooring, furnished in wood and fabrics in a palette of earth colours - the accommodations are spacious, equipped with the state of the art in amenities and verandas that look out at fabulous views of the forest - an intimate experience of the surrounding sights and sounds.
4. Grape County, Maharashtra
Grape County is an ecosystem that offers an opulent retreat amid a forested landscape and picturesque lakes. It covers 180 acre of land which is right next to 5,000-acre of untouched wilderness. Environmentalists, landscapers, and horticulturists provided direction during the development of this eco-resort to ensure that everything was done with the least amount of disruption to the surrounding natural landscape. There are three artificial lakes on the property offer kayaking and adventurous sports and the biodiversity space is where one may also spot leopards, snakes, rare birds, and more.
5. Relais & Châteaux Mihir Garh, Jodhpur
This property is conscious of their ecological responsibilities. Landscaping has been consciously designed in a way that makes it possible for Mihir Garh to protect the local, indigenous flora and fauna and help them thrive in nature as well as harvest rainwater which can be stored for over a year effectively minimising wastage of pure rainwater. Mihir Garh has designed an advanced sewage treatment system through which gray and black drainage water can be recycled and put to effective use. It also uses solar heating to provide warm/hot water to the guests so that use of electricity for heating purposes is curtailed. Finally, the land around Mihir Garh has been left to nature so that local indigenous flora can thrive, and subsequently attract fauna around it as well.Apart from their ecological responsibilities, Mihir Garh also supports their local community, the Bishnois, who have protected nature for more than 500 years and are responsible for the very survival of species like the Black Buck antelope.
6. Viveda Wellness, Nashik
In Trimbakeshwar, Nashik, there is an opulent integrated wellness village called Viveda. This wellness facility encourages healthy living by utilising the traditional knowledge of Ayurveda and naturopathy. It is infused with Indian hospitality traditions. The architecture of the place uses only four materials, keeping the environment in mind.