SHARE | The Magazine of Eco Resort Network | Issue 02

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ISSUE TWO - DECEMBER 2023

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ECO RESORT NETWORK 18 – 22 MAY 2024 l WELCOME

PEACE & HOPE FOR 2024 Welcome to our second issue of SHARE Magazine and thank you to all of our contributors. It has been such fun to find out what you have all been up to since we gathered in Montenegro in May this year.

And if you are reading this and haven’t been contacted by me, then I am probably planning to include you in issue three, which will be published for next year’s Mauritius event.

We are living in frightening times, amid global conflict and environmental crisis and it is easy to feel overwhelmed. This is why it is so important to do what we can to try to bring about positive change, to listen to others who have different lived experience and to learn how to do better for those who will come after us.

As the organiser of a conference and the publisher of magazines, I am acutely aware that talk is cheap and actions speak louder than words. But our members don’t just talk – they discover, they create, they preserve, they lead by example and they inspire. They dare to think differently, they refuse to accept that the future is bleak

and they seek to transform – with resorts that protect the environment, reconnect the guest and regenerate the communities around them.

There is a huge thrill in finding a tribe of likeminded souls, of adventurers and pioneers.

This is what makes our small gatherings so special. By sharing our stories, we can learn from each other, work with each other and help achieve better outcomes all round.

As we near the end of 2023, I wish you all peace, good health and happiness. I would like to thank everyone for their support, in particular our friends at Tenthouse Structures, whose sponsorship of our event has made everything possible these past two years.

Steph Curtis-Raleigh Organiser Eco Resort Network/ Publisher Upgrade Publishing

P.S. Network member Kerry Roy has been working on an amazing new project – Gabriele D’Aloisio Roy was born on November 18. Congratulations from us all!

SHARE is published by: Upgrade Publishing. Registered address: 47 Oliver Close, London W4 3RL Publisher: Upgrade Publishing, Steph Curtis-Raleigh. e: steph@ upgradepublishing.com Design: Dean Coulter, Design on Tap. www.designontap.co.uk Eco Resort Network w: www.ecoresort.network e: steph@ecoresort.network © 2024 Upgrade Publishing Ltd. No reproduction of any part of the magazine is permitted, nor storage in a retrieval system without prior consent of the publisher. No commercial exploitation is permitted. No warranty is implied in respect of any product or trader mentioned herewith.

Advertising Sales: Kathryn Kelly t: +44 (0) 7575 408580 e: kath@upgradepublishing.com Paula Worswick t: +44 (0) 7360 041486 e: paula@upgradepublishing.com Digital Media Manager: Annabelle Hilton e: media@upgradepublishing.com

Cover pic: ENVI Lodges

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ECO RESORT NETWORK 2024

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MAURITIUS

ECO RESORT NETWORK 2024 MAURITIUS

JOIN US FOR THE THIRD ANNUAL ECO RESORT NETWORK EVENT IN MAURITIUS ACROSS 18 – 21 MAY 2024 AT THE RAVENALA ATTITUDE HOTEL, WITH AN OPTIONAL THIRD DAY ON 22 MAY FOR A FIELD TRIP AND NETWORKING ACTIVITY.

ECO RESORT NETWORK 2024

There is no other networking event for the eco hospitality industry like this. Our goal is that you will not only leave Mauritius equipped with more knowledge of this sector, but also having made genuine partnerships.

The number of delegates who are eager to rejoin after attending both Slovenia and Montenegro goes to show there is an appetite for a boutique, sustainable hospitality event that combines learning with exploring.

The organisers will carefully consider all applicants for suitability and will be in touch to confirm, welcome and establish the delegate’s main priorities from the event.

Tickets include a two-day conference, networking dinners and receptions, all meals and drinks, a fournight hotel stay, airport transfers and entertainment.

There will also be an optional third day on May 22

“I would like to thank you for an excellent event. As mentioned, I had a great time being there and enjoyed the event, meeting beautiful people and listening to their amazing life stories. You and your team proved the point that with love and care, everything is moving in the right direction.”

DANIEL MORARIU, HOSPITALITY MANAGER NEOM (2023)

“A fantastic and unbelievable professionally organised conference. Loved the new connections – now friends – and meeting LinkedIn friends in person, and speakers of the highest degree.”

DAVID COURT, INDEPENDENT EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT BUSHTEC CREATIONS (2023)

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“Thank you for your seamless curation, patience and attention to detail. Such a beautiful country and incredible location.

And what an amazing line up! Group ecotherapy is clearly the new vibe… Connections, friendships, exceeded expectations – so good to meet everyone!”

PETER FARQUHARSON, FOUNDER FURTHER SPACE (2023)

“What a great few days with some valuable presentations from exceptional key note speakers, valuable insights from the panel sessions and discussions that followed, both during the course of the day and socially in the evenings and while on our site tours.

Thanks also to all the specialised suppliers who support this industry and the event.”

MARC MYERS, PROJECT DIRECTOR EXTREME DESTINATIONS (2023)

after the conference closes for further networking opportunities.

Partner tickets for those not attending the conference are available at a reduced rate.

THE AGENDA We are working on our agenda for the 2024 event.

Speakers confirmed so far include Robyn Woodhead (co-Founder White Desert, Antactica) Luca Franco (Founder Luxury Frontiers), Professor Dr. Willy Legrand, Sarah Dusek (co-Founder Under Canvas, Founder Enygma Ventures & Quivertree Collection) Brendan O’Molony (Founder Tenthouse Structures) and more.

We are looking for new speakers to join the agenda and we are particularly interested in speakers with a connection to Africa, given the location of the 2024 event. If you would like to speak to our delegates and

ECO RESORT NETWORK 2024

“Eco Resort Network has been without a doubt the event of the year so far. Great venue, excellent presentations, and more importantly all the people that were part of the network event.”

SAM-ERIK RUTTMAN, DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL HOSPITALITY DEVELOPMENT STUDIO PUISTO (2023)

join the event or have any suggestions, please let us know.

MENTORSHIP We are exploring the idea of introducing some morning mentorship sessions for those looking for guidance in their eco resort businesses. This will allow an opportunity to share a business plan with an investor, designer or supplier who could advise and guide either one on one or in small groups. Obviously, this is an invaluable opportunity for those starting out.

These can only be available on a first come first served basis.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES We invite everyone to arrive in Mauritius on 18 May and you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to the hotel Ravenala Attitude. You will be staying on an all-inclusive basis, therefore we suggest you take the opportunity to relax, rest and enjoy the surroundings

“I was really impressed with the convivial esprit de corps of the delegation. I cannot remember an event quite like this. A diverse and eclectic global group of entrepreneurs and driven but warm business people.”

TODD WYNNE-PARRY, MANAGING DIRECTOR HORWATH HTL (2022)

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until Sunday 19th when we will start the networking process with our welcome drinks reception at the hotel.

On Monday 20th we will start the conference programme and we will also pay a visit to the OBOĒ resort, created by Astrid Arlove, our delegate from the 2022 Slovenia Network event for an evening reception.

Tuesday 21st May will be day two of our conference programme and we will finish with a gala dinner at the resort.

Wednesday 22nd May is an optional field trip to see some resorts being created by Louis Thompson and Nomadic Resorts/Nomadic Escapes – further details to be announced.

Please note, this agenda of activities is subject to change however, there will be no cost attached for delegate and delegate guests, who are also welcome to attend with the guest ticket.

“Thank you so much for this truly enriching event. I met some incredible people, integrated new perspectives and knowledge, discovered a beautiful country and had a lot of fun as well!”

ASTRID ARLOVE, OWNER OBOĒ RESORT (2022)

NEW FOR 2024 We are looking to provide morning mindfulness/ meditation sessions before our conference. Leading health and happiness coach Alejandra Murillo invites everyone to set an intention for the event or day, which we can complement with a guided meditation, a breath exercise and sound healing all together.

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ASTRID ARLOVE

Astrid Arlove

WELCOME TO MAURITIUS IT IS A REAL JOY TO KNOW THAT THE NEXT ECO RESORT NETWORK CONFERENCE WILL BE TAKING PLACE IN MAURITIUS IN 2024! WE CANNOT WAIT TO WELCOME YOU, AND I PERSONALLY TRULY LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING UP WITH SOME OF THE GREAT PEOPLE I HAD MET IN SLOVENIA LAST YEAR!

For those who don’t know me, I was myself born and raised in Mauritius, and even though I have lived and worked 8 years abroad, I chose to come back to Mauritius to develop OBOĒ, an eco-accommodation and community hub North of the island.

Our nation is considered part of the African Continent, lodged in the South West of the Indian Ocean. It may not be the closest destination for most of you, yet it is one that tourists and expats choose over and over again. Many come back every year, and increasingly

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these past few years, many choose to live here.

Not only for the beaches and the sun, but for the community feel, the opportunities it hosts, and the quality of life. Here’s what I hope you’ll get to discover with us (with of course some insights from a local ) It is most fair to say that Mauritius is a melting pot.

With no native peoples initially on land (and therefore no heavy history of communities that were torn or overtaken - which is quite rare in Africa), the nation was initially built by the meeting and melting of Europeans, Africans, Asians. After tugs of war between French and English empires, who have left their (mostly positive) traces on the culture, Mauritius gained independence in 1968. Even though some of us might be more of one or another ethnic influence, most Mauritians consider themselves ‘Creole’ - an ethnic mix that enables an identity of its own. Still today, if not more than ever, Mauritius is still this melting pot, a place where cultures and religions mix and co-live, mostly harmoniously, and often interdependently. My wish is that you meet this authentic diversity, that you taste the food, that you smell the Indian incense, whilst you drink the English Tea and hear French on the radio.That you get a grasp of the Mauritian Creolism, and somehow as citizens of a multicultural world, also feel part of it.

Mauritius is also beautiful natural landscapes (which I actually came to appreciate only after leaving). Of course the sandy beaches at sunset are priceless, yet as you drive across the island, you will be surrounded by mountains in the backdrop, and sugarcane fields that, in the right season, glisten in the sunlight. Above land, there are some nice waterfalls, some well known, and some secret; allowing for some cool treks, some well planned and some still wild. Below the surface, you won’t be surprised that it’s quite a pleasure for ocean lovers. Surrounded all-around by a coral reef, it’s quite safe to dive in Mauritius. And for those who don’t dive, I do encourage you to a snorkelling session whilst you’re

here. My wish is that above and beyond all the places that Google suggests you should see, you first and foremost embrace the vibe and the island rhythm, and get to drive around to different corners of Mauritius to see what’s beyond the tour guide lists.

Eat a Dhal Puri. Drink a Phoenix. Visit the Ganga Talao.

Go to the wild South. Experience the Bazar Port Louis.

Learn a swear word in Creole. Go see the view from Le Morne. Sail a Catamaran. Try a Gato Pima. And of course, come to OBOĒ!: We look forward to welcoming you in May! I truly hope that many of you will be coming through, and that you’ll have a fantastic time discovering our island in the sun!

Astrid Arlove – Delegate/speaker Slovenia 2022 and co-host Mauritius 2024

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TENTHOUSE STRUCTURES

Brendan O’Molony Noka

TREADING LIGHTLY TO INSPIRE AND IMPACT TENTHOUSE STRUCTURES IS ONCE AGAIN THE GOLD SPONSOR FOR ECO RESORT NETWORK 2024. WE SPEAK TO FOUNDER AND CEO BRENDAN O’MOLONY ABOUT HIS CURRENT PROJECTS, COLLABORATIONS AND HOW AFRICA CONTINUES TO INSPIRE THE COMPANY’S COMMITMENT TO A LIGHTWEIGHT FUTURE FOR HOSPITALITY.

WHAT PROJECTS HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN SINCE WE SAW YOU LAST IN MONTENEGRO? It has been a busy and thrilling year for us. Some of the projects we are working on currently include two turnkey projects with Envi Lodges in Oman, a beachcomber camp overlooking the sea of Cortez in Baja in Mexico, two turnkey camps in the Kalahari Khamab Reserve South Africa, a turnkey ultra luxury lodge for Anantara/ Minor group on the Kafue riverbank in Zambia and the stylish refurb of Wilderness Safaris Desert Rhino camp in Namibia.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO HIGHLIGHT ANY PARTICULAR RESORTS YOU ARE WORKING WITH WHICH ARE DOING SOMETHING INTERESTING AND DIFFERENT? All our resort projects are unique in their own way.

Two highlights are: The Envi Lodges in Oman - one on the 2000m Al Akhdar plateau and the other on the glamorous shores of Al Sifah; each with distinct and challenging technical environments. which of course we relish!

These 40 key camps will offer refuge from the desert environment, cradled by mountains and wadis whilst providing for very carefully planned user experiences.

Another project being the remarkable new Kafue Anantara lodge (set to open end 2024) set along a dense African riverine forest band. With its ten sumptuous villas and two treehouses elevated upon 10-20ft elevated platforms and walkways, the generous sweeping rooflines with daylighting features distinguish the design as a piece of iconic new tent architecture.

AS THE MAIN SPONSOR OF THE MONTENEGRO ECO RESORT NETWORK – WHAT WERE YOUR TAKEHOMES FOLLOWING THE EVENT IN MAY? We were truly inspired by the dedication and passion of all the delegates who attended the conference.

The commitment to sustainable tourism and environmentally responsible practices is nothing short of admirable and it was a pleasure to be surrounded by so many like-minded individuals who share our values.

In addition, the possibilities to collaborate, to grow our markets and diversify into other applications are abundant. The event served to further support our vision that THS’s path towards a lightweight future in outdoor hospitality is well grounded.

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IN TERMS OF GLOBAL TRENDS – ARE YOU NOTICING ANY PARTICULAR REGIONS OR STYLES OF RESORT WHICH ARE BECOMING MORE TALKED ABOUT? The integration of local cultural elements and sustainable practices has become a hallmark of eco luxury resorts, offering travellers a unique and environmentally conscious experience. Additionally, the use of innovative designs and cutting-edge technology to minimize the environmental impact is gaining traction globally.

From a tented architecture point of view, we are finding this is very much in demand, especially in regions that are situated in locations of natural beauty, as more and more people desire to be “close to nature” and are looking to visit resorts that offer access to the great outdoors.

WE WILL BE BASED IN THE AFRICAN CONTINENT FOR OUR NEXT EVENT WHICH YOU HAVE GRACIOUSLY AGREED TO SPONSOR AGAIN – WHAT CAN OUR DELEGATES LEARN FROM THEIR AFRICAN COUNTERPARTS WHEN IT COMES TO LUXURY OUTDOOR HOSPITALITY AND SUSTAINABILITY? The African continent provides a rich tapestry of inspiration for luxury outdoor hospitality and sustainability. Many African resorts have seamlessly blended modern luxury with traditional elements, creating a harmonious connection with nature.

The use of locally sourced materials and a strong emphasis on community engagement throughout the chain: investor, operator and guest experience) are valuable lessons that can be applied globally.

Furthermore, Africa’s commitment to wildlife conservation and eco-friendly practices, evident in various safari lodges and nature reserves, showcases a model of sustainable tourism that fosters environmental preservation while delivering a highend experience.

Looking back at some of the projects we have been privileged to work on, Somalisa & Somalisa Acacia, Xigera, DumaTau, Thorntree River Lodge, Noka Camp, to name a few, have been recognised for their combination of design, authentic guest experience offering and sustainability focused practices.

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What stands out for us is: n How the overall structural design and aesthetic blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment – the focus being on passive and low energy strategies and minimal environmental impact of the overall design-build model. n Unique guest experiences tailored to their guest profile and complimentary to the location. n Integration/involvement with local communities, sustainable operating practices, and CSR initiatives.

A MASSIVE $23BN HAS BEEN PLEDGED AT THE RECENT AFRICA CLIMATE SUMMIT FOR GREEN PROJECTS – HOW CRUCIAL DO YOU THINK THIS INVESTMENT WILL BE IN MAKING AFRICA A MAJOR PLAYER IN COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE? This substantial investment should drive a significant shift towards sustainable development practices across the continent.

These funds can be directed into renewable energy projects, afforestation initiatives, and climate-resilient infrastructure, bolstering Africa’s capacity to address environmental challenges.

It not only underscores Africa’s determination to tackle climate change but also opens doors for collaborations, technological advancements, and knowledge exchange on a global scale and signifies a crucial step towards a more sustainable and resilient future for the entire continent.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM TENTHOUSE STRUCTURES IN 2024?

Continued focus on developing our sustainable practices, technology and delivering standout design and engineering, offering our clients flexible turkey solutions from project architecture, through to design, supply and install of the highest quality tensile structures. With our deep know-how in remote resort development underpinned by our product capability; from the outset we aim to design-to-budget rather than the other way around providing developers and investors an accelerated design-build model.

With bold expansion ambitions beyond Africa, into the Middle East, the USA and the Americas, Europe and Asia, you can expect to see the advantages of the Tenthouse brand delivered in flexible turnkey solutions bringing to bear on the global glamping market.

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ENVI The Islita

WHERE VALUES MEET DESIGN ENVI IS GROWING ORGANICALLY AND HAS REACHED THE DESIGN PHASE OF A NUMBER OF EXCITING NEW PROJECTS. WE CATCH UP WITH NOELLE HOMSY, CO-FOUNDER, TO FIND OUT MORE.

Q:

You have attended our last two Eco Resort Network events and spoken on the subject of your brand and your vision. Now you are about to break ground on your first projects. How challenging is this period in the development of ENVI? This phase represents a critical juncture in the development of ENVI, where we translate the core values of our brand into tangible ecolodges. It’s a time when we vividly envision and create the guest experience within a specific environment, climate, and culture, while also defining unique, sustainable experiences. We now lay the groundwork for ecolodges that will host guests for many years to come.

Yet, this phase hasn’t been without its share of unexpected challenges. We’ve come to understand that in the realm of sustainability, bridging the gap between theory and practice can be a big job. While our initial intention was to incorporate every possible

sustainable system into the design and construction, we realized that sustainability is unfortunately expensive, and we need to find the right balance between the financial feasibility of our projects, the comfort of our guests and the lodges’ impact on the environment. This was particularly evident in locations where air conditioning is essential, especially given our lodges’ positioning in the luxury segment.

From left: Paul Jordaan, Chris Nader and Noelle Homsy plant mangroves

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ENVI LODGES

ENVI Jabal Akhdar

Q:

What is the planned schedule for opening of your current roster of projects?

We’ve got several exciting openings on the horizon.

Towards the end of 2024 and in early 2025, you can look forward to experiencing ENVI Al Nakheel in Al Ahsa, ENVI Laguna Bay on the Red Sea, and ENVI Paje in Zanzibar. Additionally, we’re planning to unveil two ecolodges in Oman, one in Jabal Akhdar and the other whose location is shortly to be revealed, set to welcome guests in 2025. Keep an eye out for ENVI The Islita in Costa Rica, which is projected to open by late 2025 or early 2026.

Besides, what’s particularly exciting about ecolodges is that their development phase can be relatively short, so we may have more signings in the near future that could also open around the same time.

Q:

We saw the first renders of the Saudi project from Kristina Zanic during our Montenegro event – how did this collaboration come about?

Collaborating with Kristina Zanic on ENVI Al Nakheel has been an absolute pleasure. She is a highly regarded interior designer in the luxury hospitality sector, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to work with her.

One of ENVI’s sustainability pillars is “Building with a Sense of Place”, which technically involves creating spaces that truly resonate with their surroundings. Kristina Zanic has done an exceptional job in capturing this essence. The inspiration of her interiors draws heavily from the local saying, “under the palms,” a tradition in the Al Ahsa region where people gather beneath palm trees during the pleasant spring season for social gatherings and reunions. The room designs also take inspiration from the intricate palm leaf weaving showcased on the ceilings with hand-woven canopies using various techniques. We are yet to see how these interiors will be once executed and we hope to get the chance to work again with Kristina and her team on other ENVI projects.

Q:

What are you striving for when it comes to the design of an ENVI project?

During the design phase of every ENVI lodge, we prioritize several key principles that can be categorized into 2 buckets, “sustainable” and “experiential”. First and foremost, we aim to create a project that seamlessly integrates with its environment, maintaining a strong sense of place. This extends to ensuring that the project blends well with its surroundings, unlike many other projects that aim to stand out.

We’re committed to sustainability and employ sustainable, natural, and locally sourced materials. We always choose structures that have a minimal impact on the land, consciously avoiding concrete to prevent soil sealing and toxic leakage. Whenever possible, we implement systems and use materials designed to reduce energy consumption.

Our lodges consist of individual guest units, and we aim to provide each unit with ample privacy to facilitate guest disconnection and relaxation. We also ensure the efficient utilization of the site, reserving prime spots for common facilities that all guests can enjoy. This ensures that every guest has the opportunity to experience the best that the location has to offer.

Q:

How much is the location key to designing for the guest experience?

Location is the foundation of our design philosophy.

We initiate our concept with the location as the focal point, shaping the guest experience by carefully considering not only the on-site amenities but also the opportunities in the surroundings. Our goal is to fully immerse guests in the natural environment, nurturing their connection with the surroundings through a wide range of activities.

Furthermore, we hold the preservation of local culture in high regard. This commitment is reflected in our culinary offerings, the integration of local arts and crafts, and our engagement with local communities to facilitate meaningful interactions between guests and residents.

INTERVIEW

In addition to this, our choice of guest unit types is influenced by the unique attributes of each location, including natural features, cultural elements, climate, and, in some instances, the region’s traditional architectural styles. This holistic approach ensures that the guest experience is deeply rooted in the essence of the destination.

Q:

Who are the key members of your team involved in this stage of project development and what skills are they bringing to the table?

This stage of development necessitates a multifaceted team, each member contributing their specific expertise to ensure all aspects are addressed comprehensively.

We have a dedicated design expert responsible for the front-of-house, ensuring the proper implementation of our brand identity and guest flow. Our MEP, sustainability and back-of-house expert takes care of the behind the scenes systems that guests don’t typically see.

In addition, we have Christina our in-house wellness specialist who plays a crucial role in advising on the design of our spas and wellness centres, creating spaces that promote guest well-being. When it comes to specialized areas like kitchen and laundry facilities, we collaborate closely with our operations team, led by

Paje Beach

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Paul Jordaan. They provide invaluable insights on layouts and equipment tailored to the practical needs of our operations. This collective effort ensures that all facets of our projects are expertly addressed.

Q:

You recently announced your first African project in Zanzibar – can you take us through your projects and the reason why you fell in love with them?

Each of our projects holds a unique story and brings significant value to our portfolio. Here is a closer look at what makes each one special: ENVI Paje in Zanzibar is nestled along one of the most coveted white sand beach strips on the island. The destination is a magnet for kite surfers and draws in travellers seeking a serene but also adventurous beach getaway.

ENVI Al Nakheel, located on a date farm in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia, offers a distinctive immersive agri-tourism experience tailored for both adults and families.

ENVI Laguna Bay, positioned just an hour north of Jeddah on the Red Sea, is set against a backdrop of pristine beaches surrounded by mangroves. It’s an ideal escape for both locals and expats seeking an environmental beach experience.

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ENVI LODGES

ENVI Al Nakheel ENVI Al Jabel Al Akhdar is perched on a mountaintop, providing awe-inspiring vistas and direct access to a verdant wadi with rich biodiversity, perfect for hikers and adventurers.

ENVI Oman (location to be revealed) is conveniently close to Muscat, situated on a pristine sandy beach where a wadi converges with the Gulf of Oman, creating a unique landscape.

Lastly, ENVI The Islita in Costa Rica is located in a destination renowned for luxury experiential ecolodges, making it a prime choice for those seeking an unforgettable eco-luxury experience.

Q:

We spoke about the challenges of striving to be ever more environmentally friendly – especially in some locations where the climate makes it difficult to compromise on guest comfort.

What have you learned during the design phase that will really stand you in good stead for the future?

A key lesson has been the importance of setting realistic, achievable sustainability targets from the outset. By doing so, we prevent reaching a stage where we must resort to value engineering, which can lead to rushed decisions that compromise the guest experience.

Additionally, we’ve recognized the significant advantages of collaborating with specialists early in the project’s development. Their expertise enables us to identify alternatives for reducing our carbon footprint more effectively.

We’ve also come to appreciate that, in most cases, sourcing materials locally is not only budget-friendly but also eco-friendly. This approach often surpasses the environmental benefits of shipping so-called “sustainable materials” across the oceans.

We hope that these lessons will come in handy for our future projects but are also sure that we’ll experience new challenges that we’ll learn from.

Q:

By May 2024 when you join us in Mauritius, you will be in the construction phase - will you also be taking on more new properties?

Our organizational structure has been designed to facilitate swift expansion, even across multiple continents. In 2024, we are actively growing our team to effectively execute our current projects.

However, we will continue to be selective in our expansion efforts, focusing on projects that either bring substantial value to our portfolio or are situated in locations where we can create a meaningful and positive impact. Our commitment to quality and sustainability will always guide our decisions when considering new properties.

Q:

You are known to be very precise with your plans and expansion roadmap. Has the journey so far lived up to your expectations?

Our current position aligns with our initial plans and expansion roadmap. However, it’s important to note that the journey to reach this point presented challenges we hadn’t fully anticipated!

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TODD WYNNE PARRY

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MR HOSPITALITY – TODD WYNNE-PARRY THE 2023 ECO RESORT NETWORK SUMMIT WAS ONCE AGAIN A VERY SPECIAL MEETING OF INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE AND SOME WITH ASPIRATIONAL ECO RESORT PROJECTS. IT WAS MY PLEASURE TO ATTEND FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW.

This year my partner DeeDee Taft joined me at the end of the conference to see Montenegro and Dubrovnik. While doing so my close friend, client, and fellow network member Rachel Bowers, joined us for lunch in Dubrovnik. We have been working together over the last year on her eco resort on an amazing site in Northern California. Later that same

Marketing efforts for the outdoor hospitality industry in general and the Horwath HTL Outdoor Hospitality practice in particular were many this year. I have continued writing for the Glamping Business Americas magazine, published

by Steph Curtis-Raleigh. She and her team have been great supporters of mine and do such great work on all

week, another friend and fellow network member, Louis Thompson, founder and CEO of Nomadic Resorts along with his beautiful family joined us for dinner.

their endeavors. While attending the Glamping Show Americas in October, Steph and I met and embarked on a collaboration to publish a book of a collection of my recent articles which will be available in the new year.

Following Croatia, we then extended the trip to visit family and friends in Italy and Greece. Serendipitously, a consulting engagement also placed me in Greece at the end of this visit.

This engagement was to identify multiple glamping sites for my client and developer Ivan Loanidi who also attended the conference in Montenegro.

To accomplish this outcome and provide local market intelligence and guidance on the development process in Greece, Xenophon Petropoulos, head of the Horwath HTL office in Athens joined the team. We were able to identify several suitable sites and at this writing, further investigation into the viability of site acquisitions is continuing.

Not long after returning from Greece, my friend and fellow network member David Leventhal, co-founder of Regenerative Travel and developer of Playa Viva Resort came to visit me at my home in Bend, Oregon. We were able to golf and fly fish here in Central Oregon over an extended weekend. This was one of the few recreational times during this busy summer. Work had me in Palm Springs, California doing a repositioning exercise for a small downtown hotel and in the Texas Hill Country for a feasibility study on a 100-unit glamping resort.

In the last month I spoke on a panel at the American Association of RV Campground’s annual Outdoor Hospitality conference and expo.

Later, while being inducted into the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (“ISHC”), I moderated a panel featuring Peter Mack, CEO of Collective Retreats, Cale Genenbacher, CEO of LOGE Camps, and Whitney Scott, COO of Terramor Outdoor Resorts. These young professionals wowed the audience of 115 hotel consultants from around the world.

Then early in November, I was invited to conduct three class sessions as part of a lecture series on outdoor hospitality at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. This involved providing insights into what outdoor hospitality is and career possibilities in the sector. Nearly 150 students from The Collins College of Hospitality Management attended.

I look forward to continuing my efforts to promote the outdoor hospitality industry as well as working together with Eco Resort Network members globally. This network and conference have been very beneficial to me and my consulting practice. I look forward to hopefully seeing many of you in the near future.

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BILL BENSLEY

A LIFE IN PICTURES ARTIST, DESIGNER, ARCHITECT, PHILANTHROPIST, TRAVELER - THERE ARE SO MANY WORDS TO DESCRIBE BILL BENSLEY AND WE WERE SO HONOURED TO HAVE HIM JOIN US THIS YEAR IN MONTENEGRO. HERE HE SHARES HIS LATEST PAINTINGS FROM THAT TRIP AND OTHERS AND SHARES DETAILS OF HIS UPCOMING PROJECTS.

What were my impressions of Montenegro? I loved it.

We had time to explore and draw the ancient city of Kotor. I imagined the awful day the Russian marched into the quiet village... see my painting below.

And on the day we visited, a huge Virgin Cruise ship arrived and the modern day invasion began all over again. See my painting below.

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As for my current projects – there are many! We are building a beautiful Marwari palace on Pichola Lake in Udaipur. It will open in 2025. I am writing to you from Udaipur now.

I am also working on a series of 4 tiny 4-bedroom camps in north French Congo where there are more gorillas than anywhere else in the world – see my painting below.

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BILL BENSLEY

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Then next May in Bangkok, I will invade the old Russian Embassy for a month to show my work on the ex countries of Soviet Union.

Above is the painting of Azerbaijan, and below, the five stans.

My proudest achievement this year, and it may seem tiny, was the 22-hour sell out of my 38 painting show called The Faroese Chronicles at MOCA Gallery in Bangkok, which made some $250,000 for the Shinta Mani Foundation in Cambodia. With those funds we have built 30+ homes for the poor, graduated 35 students from my hospitality school and made Shinta Mani Wild the safest area in the Cardamom Rainforest! All of the above paintings can be reserved for YOU! For 2024, I have many conservation plans for the Cambodian wilderness and a milk program, as many Cambodian infants are undernourished, and a more comprehensive hospitality school program. If anybody out there would like to help us, please do contact me... bill@bensley.com

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INTERVIEW

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AUTHENTIC LUXURY

Maja Dimnik

NEW HORIZONS FOR AUTHENTIC LUXURY AS MAJA DIMNIK TAKES HER NEXT STEPS WITH HER BOOKING PLATFORM, SHE APPRECIATES THE SUPPORT FROM ALL THE NETWORK MEMBERS WHO HELPED MAKE HER DREAM A REALITY.

A LOT HAS HAPPENED SINCE YOU UNVEILED YOUR NEW BRANDING 6 MONTHS AGO – CAN YOU BRING US UP TO SPEED? We’ve successfully secured initial funding from incredible investors, Fil Rouge Capital, who provide fantastic support. Our team has grown, and I’ve welcomed two new co-founders, making it no longer a one-woman band. We’ve kicked off extensive marketing activities, refreshed our website with valuable content like a corporate section, blog, exclusive offers, and various enhancements to boost bookings. Additionally, we’re working on implementing a booking engine for direct connectivity with the properties featured on our website.

WHAT WILL THE NEXT PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT LOOK LIKE FOR AUTHENTIC LUXURY? We are continuously working on increasing our collection. As mentioned earlier, travelers will be able to view realtime availability and make instant bookings. The next step involves integrating Artificial Intelligence to enhance the booking process. In the upcoming phase of platform development, additional features will be introduced alongside accommodations, empowering guests to craft a one-of-a-kind, dream vacation tailored to their preferences.

HOW CAN WE IN THE NETWORK SUPPORT YOU IN THIS PHASE OF GROWTH? WHERE DO WE SIGN UP!?

At this stage, you would help us most by spreading awareness of our platform, ensuring that as many travelers as possible become familiar with Authentic Luxury and, of course, choose to book with us.

White Desert Antarctica, Echo Camp, Antarctica

Soneva Kiri, Thailand

Keemala, Thailand

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AUTHENTIC LUXURY

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Journeys Namibia, Shipwreck Lodge

WHAT HAVE YOU TAKEN FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF PITCHING FOR INVESTMENT? You could easily ask me, “What haven’t I learned!” Seriously, I’ve gained a tremendous amount of knowledge, and I’m still learning from my investors. In the journey of finding the right investors, I learned how to craft an impressive pitch, how to pitch to investors, what they are looking for, and what matters most to them. Throughout this process, you begin to consider aspects you may not have thought about before but are crucial for a solid business model. This has steered Authentic Luxury in the right direction.

WHO OR WHAT HAS BEEN HELPFUL IN TERMS OF PASSING ON INFORMATION AND SUPPORT? It’s hard to thank everyone individually because each person’s support, no matter how small, has been incredibly valuable. I want to give a special thanks to Chris Nader of ENVI Lodges. His substantial insights into pitching and the investment segment has helped me a lot on my journey, and I’m truly grateful for his assistance.

HOW IMPORTANT HAS YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH ECO RESORT NETWORK BEEN IN THE PROCESS? On my journey in the process of creating Authentic Luxury I have already been involved with many of the industry colleagues and leaders who attended Eco Resort Network. This was a great opportunity for us all to meet in one place, spend valuable time together, and share ideas and experiences. The Eco Resort Network provides a fantastic opportunity for key contributors in our industry to connect and network. I definitely want to be there next year in Mauritius.

WHAT IS THE DREAM ONCE AUTHENTIC LUXURY IS FULLY DEVELOPED? WHAT WILL TRAVELLERS GET FROM IT AND WHAT WILL HOSTS BENEFIT FROM? The vision is to be the leading platform for hosts to align with and for travelers seeking sustainable and immersive resorts and lodges in most beautiful natural locations worldwide. Our goal is to provide a seamless booking experience, coupled with AI assistance, allowing travelers to effortlessly create a personalized, once-in-a-lifetime holiday experience.

JUST HOW STRESSED ARE YOU RIGHT NOW?!

Hahaha, is that a funny question? Yes, I’m feeling stressed, but also more excited than anything. I’m under pressure to get good results and prove to our investors that they made the right choice in supporting us. The need to secure another investment soon adds to my stress. Still, I really believe in the vision of Authentic Luxury, and I’m confident we’ll succeed.

Sundy Praia HBD, Sao Tome and Principe

Camp Sarika by Amangiri, United States

Islas Secas, Panama

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LUXURY FRONTIERS

Luca Franco

Wilderness Usawa Serengeti

THE AMBASSADOR OF ADVENTURE LUCA FRANCO, CEO & FOUNDER OF LUXURY FRONTIERS, WILL JOIN US ONCE AGAIN IN MAURITIUS 2024 AND IS A LOYAL SUPPORTER OF THE EVENT. IT’S BEEN A BUSY SIX MONTHS FOR THE COMPANY, WHICH HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN A NUMBER OF EXCITING NEW PROJECTS, AS WELL AS WINNING SEVERAL INDUSTRY AWARDS.

WHAT HAVE WE BEEN UP TO AT LUXURY FRONTIERS SINCE WE LAST SPOKE IN MONTENEGRO IN MAY 2023?

Since May 2023, Luxury Frontiers has been making incredible strides. We’ve successfully secured new investments that have positioned us for an exciting phase of growth and innovation. Luxury Frontiers 3.0 is on the horizon, and we can’t wait to reveal more about our fully vertically integrated ecosystem and future plans. We started working on new projects with Six Senses in Napa Valley, USA, with Oberoi in Nepal. The recognition we’ve received, like the Hospitality Design Award and AHEAD Americas award for Naviva, has been truly heartwarming.

We’ve also been honored with the Radical

Wilderness Usawa Serengeti

Innovation Award for the second time, thanks to The Turtle Bungalow. Additionally, we’re thrilled to have been selected as finalists at the World Architecture Festival. It’s been a journey filled with excitement since May. WHICH RECENT PROJECTS HAVE BEEN ESPECIALLY EXCITING FOR THE LUXURY FRONTIERS TEAM? Wilderness Usawa Serengeti - This project allows guests to witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration up close and personal. The mobile tents offer a 360-degree view of the Serengeti, making guests feel like they’re sleeping on the open plains. It’s a truly exceptional way to experience nature.

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LUXURY FRONTIERS

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the island’s sea turtles, we designed a self-sustaining, mobile room that reflects the development’s intent.

It offers a whole new way for resorts to market themselves, providing guests with a genuine taste of what’s to come in a truly immersive way.

HOW DO SMALL NETWORKING EVENTS LIKE ECO RESORT NETWORK BENEFIT THE INDUSTRY, AND WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT? I see myself as an ambassador for the Eco Resort Summit and Eco Resort Network and networking events like these offer a fantastic opportunity for industry professionals to come together, learn from one another, and inspire positive change. These gatherings create a sense of community within the industry, where we can all share our knowledge and experiences.

Madwaleni River Lodge Madwaleni River Lodge - This project in the Babanango Game Reserve showcases our commitment to sustainability and community development. It’s not just about creating beautiful spaces; it’s about restoring ecosystems, providing employment opportunities, and honoring the local culture. We’re proud of the positive impact this project has had on the environment and the community.

WHY IS AFRICA IMPORTANT TO THE SECTOR IN TERMS OF SETTING STANDARDS FOR RESORTS AND SUSTAINABILITY? Africa’s historical role in ecotourism and experiential travel is a source of inspiration for the entire industry.

Africa has always set high standards for resorts and sustainability, and its commitment to preserving the environment and supporting local communities is an example. The continent’s unique landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage provide a platform for pioneering sustainable tourism practices.

Africa’s influence in this regard is invaluable, which is something we all can learn from and aspire to.

Turtle Bungalow

WHAT TRENDS DO YOU SEE EMERGING IN THE CURRENT MARKET, AND HOW IS LUXURY FRONTIERS ADAPTING TO THEM? In the current market, we’re observing several trends: n The rapid growth of the adventure travel market, which is expected to reach $4.6 trillion by 2032. n The adventure and safari segments remain strong in the luxury market, commanding over 40% of the total market share. n Capital markets and hospitality brands are increasingly investing in experiential, outdoor, and wellness-focused offerings. n In terms of design, we’re witnessing trends like mobile architecture and modular construction, which resonate with our commitment to innovation and adaptability. Sustainability is a cornerstone of our work, and we’re proud to be part of the shift towards environmentally responsible accommodations.

TELL US ABOUT THE TURTLE BUNGALOW PROJECT AND ITS POTENTIAL IMPACT ON THE INDUSTRY. The Turtle Bungalow project is something very close to our hearts. It was born out of a desire to create a unique and immersive marketing tool for a resort and residential development in The Bahamas. Inspired by

Turtle Bungalow

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ROBYN WOODHEAD

Robyn Woodhead

EXPLORING THE POSITIVES ROBYN WOODHEAD INSPIRED US ALL WITH HER TALK IN MONTENEGRO WHICH LOOKED AT SOME OF THE LOGISTICS OF OPERATING LUXURY CAMPS IN ANTARCTICA. WE CATCH UP WITH HER TO FIND OUT WHAT IS INSPIRING HER, HOW SHE IS BECOMING MORE INVOLVED IN GREEN TECHNOLOGY AND HOW SHE WILL BE JOINING US AGAIN NEXT YEAR IN MAURITIUS.

WHAT HAVE YOUR WORK PRIORITIES BEEN SINCE WE SAW YOU IN MONTENEGRO? It’s been a busy year, with much change, both within White Desert and for me personally. Change is healthy, it keeps us evolving.

Shortly after returning from The Eco Resort Network event in Montenegro, I travelled to Japan, Mongolia and Kazakhstan. Three totally diverse destinations, but each with uniquely inspiring ideas for upcoming projects.

After that, I was off to New York, where I was nominated and invited to attend Change Maker of the Year Awards, as part of Climate Week and UNEP with Responsible Travel. I also spoke on a panel about Governance and Sustainably Leading the Way: specifically regenerative destinations and policy frameworks. The focus was about sharing regenerative destinations that prioritize the well-being of natural and cultural resources. It was about sharing successes across the globe, to try to move the dial forward on creating hope and practical tools for combatting biodiversity loss and climate change mitigation. I spoke about my work co-creating the Climate Change targets, pledge and toolkit for an entire continent, Antarctica, when I was recently Chair of the Executive Committee of IAATO. As a business, White Desert is evolving rapidly too. We now have three guest camps in Antarctica, with our first guests of the season flying in November and the last due out in February, so our longest and busiest season ever is upon us. We have also recently launched White Desert

World, which is a first-of-its-kind, offering a private jet experience that visits all 7 continents over 21 days, which will be happening in 2025.

In November 2023, we launched a new experiential space for safety briefings and guests in the Cape Town gateway to Antarctica. A place where guests can try and purchase the polar clothing in polar like temperatures in our new walk-in freezer space and get a taste for what is to come in the real freezer, whilst still in the summer heat of Cape Town.

White Desert has been nominated for many awards this year too which I am very proud of. Some of which include, The Conde Nast Readers’ Choice awards 2023, and the World Travel Awards, for the sixth year. Our Pods were also recently nominated as best new concept, in the prestigious AHEAD awards in New York in October.

HOW DID THE ECO RESORT NETWORK EVENT RESONATE WITH YOU AND WHAT WERE THE FEELINGS YOU TOOK HOME WITH YOU? I’m sure, like you, how one spends one’s time is precious, and we are all invited to a lot of events. As a result, I question attending in person events far more than I used to. Both as a business founder and as a mother and because travel is a true luxury as we can achieve so much online and save on carbon. So, choosing what to attend is always a real challenge for me. I decided to join Eco Resort Network in Montenegro because the attendees list was capped and exclusive and mostly founders of

INTERVIEW

truly unique eco products in wild destinations. It was extremely professional and well organised by the team.

The fellow speakers and panellists were so varied, yet all fascinating offering insights into their creative processes, experiences, successes, and the learnings from failures too. It’s like we were all invited to the behind-the-scenes edition on eco luxury tourism. So much inspiration, with colleagues doing projects all over the world. Friends were made and there was even the perfect sprinkling of fun to top it all off. Since then, I have had many collaborations with fellow attendees and friendships forged. I will be coming back.

AMONG THE MANY DISTRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL STORIES THAT WE ENCOUNTER – WHERE DO YOU FIND HOPE AND STRENGTH? It’s easy to be doom and gloom and distressed about the state of our planet. It’s the stories of hope that I find inspiring. In fact, I proactively seek them out.

I think 2023 has been a year of massive global shift towards a more optimistic view of carbon and our responsibility as humans to reduce and offset to preserve biodiversity and prevent polar ice caps from further melting. Take China for example; they have had a record break in clean energy, up 212 gigawatts this year, that’s double the total solar capacity of the US. The hope is that energy emissions will peak soon and then decline thereafter. But we all must act, everywhere in whatever industry we find ourselves in, to prevent those polar ice caps from melting to irrecoverable rates. Eco Tourism is a massive movement that I believe is moving in the right direction, using greener solutions and providing feasible alternatives in the luxury tourism space, to the construction industry’s massive cement usage.

I want us to further embrace the technologies that are already in existence, because we actually have the tools already, we just need to implement them on a wider global scale. I am proudly part of that movement.

Clean tech and clean transportation are also an exciting space of planet hope for me. Moving into a revolution in the way that we move around the planet. Super exciting on so many levels. I have been watching the re-emergence of air ships with great fascination as a new way to travel slow in wild places. As a company, White Desert are also excited about the potential of our very own White Desert hovercraft, which I trialled in Antarctica early in 2023, and which we plan to use more extensively in 2024.

PLEASE CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR SEAGRASS PROJECT AND FOUNDATION AND WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU? Yes, it’s very exciting time for us at White Desert, trying to lead the way in sustainable luxury in Antarctica and beyond. In late 2023, we are starting work with green tech start-up, Project Seagrass. We are investing in

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ROBYN WOODHEAD

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a Blue Carbon and green technologies start-ups, in particular this project, which is about the restoration and renewal of seagrass meadows. These areas are able to capture carbon up to 35 times faster than tropical rainforests, storing them in natural carbon sinks. When undisturbed, these habitats have the capacity to store carbon long-term resulting in climate adaptation benefits, such as resilience to extreme weather events.

As a South African myself, and because South Africa is a gateway to Antarctica, I wanted to do a local carbon capture project. We also have an abundance of Seagrass in Southern Africa and it could be a project we take guests to visit when they are here on route to Antarctica.

We are investigating further ways we can create our own Seagrass projects in South Africa for 2024. So do watch this space.

This year, 2023, marks 18 years since I conceptualised White Desert. Having been carbon neutral since 2007, we offset all our flights, activities and projects to ensure that we achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

In the 2021/2022 we became the first operator to test Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) on the continent, testing 40,000 litres in our internal aircraft. We aim to replace Jet A-1 fuel in the next 3 - 5 years. In addition to utilising Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) across our internal flights, sharing our logistics ensures we reduce environmental emissions in this region and help support climate science, astronomy and astrophysics.

We will continue to invest in new projects as part of our Pathway to Net Zero journey. These projects will allow us to become carbon negative, whereby our carbon footprint will be less than neutral, so that our net effect is actually removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere rather than adding to it.

We also encourage our guests to contribute to our carbon offsetting programmes and transform them into Antarctic Ambassadors who return home with a renewed perception of the world (and hopefully their subsequent actions within it).

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ROBYN WOODHEAD

This year, over 150 scientists from seven separate government programmes will reach their research stations with our aircraft. It is something we are very proud to support and, by hybridising our logistics and transporting scientists and tourists concurrently, we are able to significantly reduce carbon emissions (whilst also delivering cost-efficient solutions to our clients). When it comes to visiting the interior of Antarctica, matters of science form an integral part of any journey to the continent. We not only create a space where intrepid tourists and expeditioners can explore; we also have a commitment to support science research in the Polar Regions and preserving it for future generations. We will continue to support science, long into the future, but would like to move into a focus on education in the green tech space or in science with regards climate science/capturing carbon etc.

Looking further into the future, in 2024/2025 we want to create a Green Tech hub at our third and newest camp, Echo, where we can showcase some of the operational technology we are using on ice - show how we lead by example in terms of heating fuel (SAF), electric vehicles, hovercraft usage and beyond…

IN YOUR TALK TO US IN MONTENEGRO, YOU MENTIONED SOME OF THE ALPHA GUESTS YOU HAVE HOSTED AND HOW THEY HAVE BEEN HUMBLED BY THE EXPERIENCE OF BEING IN ANTARCTICA. WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL HUMBLED OR AS A LEADER AND HOW IMPORTANT DO YOU THINK IT IS TO BE HONEST WITH OTHERS ABOUT THESE EMOTIONS? Yes, we have hosted many of the ultra-rich at our camps in Antarctica. Firstly, I try to make a point of not Googling them before a trip, as many of them are trying to unGoogle themselves and have the ultimate luxury, time to experience uninterrupted nature and reconnect with

themselves without the trappings of technology and, in many cases, fame. I also do it, so that my treatment of them is as equals. Antarctica is a great equaliser, we are all insignificant when compared to the power of the highest, driest, windiest place on the planet. I have learnt much from our guests over the years, mostly good things.

Being humble is something many of them struggle with when they arrive in Antarctica, but after experiencing Antarctica, most of them surrender their egos just a little bit. Being humble has never been something I have struggled with, I find it relatively easy, its showing off great work done and ego I struggle with. I have always seen myself equally comfortable talking with someone who has come on hard times or able to converse with a literal prince. We are all the same at the end of the day, we all have dreams, we all have self-doubt, we are all just doing our best with the short time we have on this beautiful planet. Yet, some of our guests really can make a difference to our planet, and I try to provide them with the inspiration to do so when they get home. To care for our planet just a little more. To preserve it for our children’s generations.

We also try to achieve the highest level of return on investment, through hyper personalisation. Seeing the most remote corner of the planet in the safest and memorable way. They become true Antarctic ambassadors and often friends.

We are about experiences that elevate people, taking powerful people off grid, more remote, and offering them an experience that is personalised for them. The most memorable are the seemingly serendipitous moments we create, like an ice picnic after a long trek. A new lens on luxury. It’s personal. This is why I feel AI can’t replace the travel designer, it’s a very human effort and endeavour. The feeling you give people. But there is no doubt that AI is where the planet is going, so we need to use it to our advantage and that’s an exciting space of how we integrate it into our business. Of course, we provide potential guests with a virtual tour of the White Desert, but we want to do so much more in the future.

At the centre of what we do is a human understanding and the process of supporting another human in their experience of nature in its purest form.

As to being honest about emotions as a leader, it’s a fine balance. I always believe honesty is the best policy and people tend to respect that. There are some moments where you have to protect your team from certain difficult truths until the time is right. I believe people need to look up to their leaders, not fear them. I feel that true leaders uplift their team and lead by their own actions and by example, so its actually about uplifting and supporting them to shine and giving a helping hand when they fall, that differentiates true global leaders. white-desert.com

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BESPOKE MODULAR SOLUTIONS

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Jamal Wick

Modular - Farm House

THE FUTURE IS MODULAR BESPOKE MODULAR SOLUTIONS’ CEO JAMAL WICK JOINED US IN MONTENEGRO THIS YEAR AND WILL BE BACK WITH US IN MAURITIUS. HIS SHARED ETHOS WITH THE EVENT AND THE DELEGATES HAS LED TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIS BUSY COMPANY.

WHAT PROJECTS HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN SINCE WE SAW YOU IN MONTENEGRO IN MAY? We have been very busy! We are currently manufacturing villa extensions for the high-end Al Barari development in Dubai. We are the exclusive manufacturer for this project and we are impressed by the fact that it has strong sustainable principles so we building off site with low site disturbance and low carbon footprint.

Bespoke Modular was also awarded a large project with Nakheel Developer for the manufacture of 57 pods to be designed and built in just four months for a new location called Dubai Island. The pods will be used for a mixture of food and beverage, retail, bathroom, storage and prayer rooms, among other things.

Other projects we have been working on include the Cup 28 at Expo, where we created all the food trucks, food and retail kiosks. We are working with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of KSA, where we are submitting a design for the development of a sustainable hospitality project. Also in this region, we are involved in a design project for a Saudi family office (Al Othaim), for the development of a large entertainment and hotel project in a rural location.

Finally, we are designing and building a villa extension for the Minister of Tourism of Dubai (office, lounge, changing rooms for paddle courts).

HOW MUCH DO YOU FEEL THE SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL INDUSTRY IS NOW EMBRACING THE POSITIVE OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED BY MODULAR CONSTRUCTION? We are seeing many large and small companies that have a sustainable ethos approach us in regards to Drive Thru

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BESPOKE MODULAR SOLUTIONS

Modular - Farm House

Modular Construction because of its advantages; some are in sensitive sites, for example UNESCO protected.

Others are in need of a quick turnaround and fast ROI ensuring quality in finishes, which are all examined in our factories.

KOA - Villa Annex

WHAT WERE YOUR TAKE-HOMES FROM OUR MONTENEGRO EVENT AND WHY DO YOU PLAN TO COME TO THE MAURITIUS EDITION? I really enjoyed meeting the attendees, everyone shares a real, honest love for creating a better future for generations to come, while embracing planet earth.

HOW IMPORTANT IS COLLABORATION IN OUR SECTOR DO YOU THINK? HAVE YOU PURSUED ANY NEW COLLABORATIONS SINCE OUR EVENT? It’s extremely important, as we all share a similar vision and that is always an added value in developing projects. I’m currently in final discussions for a joint venture with one of the attendees, and I am also discussing potential projects with 3 others.

WHAT REGIONS DO YOU THINK WE SHOULD LOOK OUT FOR IN TERMS OF EXCITING DEVELOPMENT AND RESPONSIBLE SUSTAINABLE GAINS? Saudi Arabia!

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM BESPOKE MODULAR SOLUTIONS IN 2024?

We are planning a move to a 6500sqm factory with a fully integrated steel and joinery facility, and a large production line.

We also have a number of exciting new projects in the pipeline, developing schools and educational projects in a modular way.

We are launching and doing a joint venture with a luxury tent manufacturer, as well as developing our current design studio! www.bespoke-modular-solutions.com

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MIKE MUNT

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BRANDING THAT SPEAKS VOLUMES MONTENEGRO PROVIDED THE PERFECT SETTING FOR MIKE MUNT TO EXPLAIN HIS VISION FOR A NEW BRAND TO HIS CLIENT RACHEL BOWERS. A BOAT TRIP, A NAPKIN AND SOME CREATIVITY AND TALĀZ WAS BORN!

My name is Mike Munt and I have had the great pleasure of helping visionary experiential accommodation enterprises by designing brands to connect with their market. Having worked with Under Canvas since their inception I have had a front-row seat over many developments in this arena.

Talāz has a missional vision on how to create positive outcomes for the environment, those that visit and the locality through nature based hospitality. In needing to communicate this picture, the challenge for Rachel at the start was not knowing if there was a process that could bring it all together.

In early 2023 I met Rachel Bowers, who is also an Eco Resort Network member.

Knowing that building a new operation takes a great deal of effort, the process of shaping the brand had to not create additional challenges. We needed to create a vehicle to hang the ideas onto to bring along the relevant stakeholders and investors. This same vehicle can then be used to attract guests.

When I discovered that Rachel was going to be at the network excursion to Montenegro I realised it was the ideal opportunity to meet in person. Rachel develops eco hotels and is the founder of TALĀZ, an eco camping experience. The mission at Talāz is to provide a unique and eco-friendly concept that focuses on the most important aspects of life: mental and physical wellness, reconnection, and the environment.

Rachel had done a great deal of background work on the business model and purpose behind the project but was at the beginning phase of putting together a brand. Now there needed to be something that would tie it together and explain it from the ground up.

I initiated the process by digging into the vision, drawing out the underlying brand themes, and progressing towards the development of core ideas.

The aim was to tell a compelling story about why this new venture was of benefit. Rachel shared that of key importance to the enterprise was operating on properties that were around water. Being around bodies of water evokes play, rest and a way of truly immersing oneself in nature.

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MIKE MUNT

With these core ideas in hand, we delved into the exploration of word themes to craft a compelling brand name. Eventually, we landed on ‘Talāz,’ a word derived from both Romanian and Ottoman origins, signifying a large wave or surge. The selection of this name followed extensive research, comparing various options against our core ideas, and it performed exceptionally well in our name evaluation exercise.

Rachel mentioned these processes when I asked what the biggest change in thinking was for her after having worked with me:

“I’ve had other businesses before where either I or someone else, were creating the name, the logo and the brand, so to speak. However, it was on a very rudimentary level. At least I didn’t know it was rudimentary until I went through the process with you” Based on what we now knew I had ideas for a logo that would visually distill some of the key aspects we wanted to convey. By this time the Eco Resort Network trip to Montenegro had come up, but it turned out to be the perfect setting in which to explain how the brand visual identity would work.

One evening we were treated to dinner on a boat as it cruised around the Bay of Kotor. It was a really special night as it was a chance to see the beautiful sights of the area from the water as the boat sailed inland and around the Church of the Madonna dello Scalpello.

This relaxed atmosphere on the water could not have been more ideal for discussing the ideas for the brand as they included the themes of waves, calmness and rejuvenation.

The shapes I was proposing we used represented different waves across a body of water. Some were more rough and uneven, others straighter and calmer.

This describes the action of water over time but also its calming effects on the people that spend time around it. The experience for guests of Talāz is one of waves of rest in nature and the calm state in which they will end their stay. “Choppy” stressed out people in = calm people out.

Explaining it in person on a dining napkin really helped to convey the intended meaning. And doing so in such an appropriate and magical environment probably didn’t hurt either. Having agreed on what and how we were to communicate the brand, the remainder of the design work proceeded - after the rest of the Montenegro trip. A successful journey!

“And then I realised, wow, there is an actual art and science that goes into this.” Rachel Bowers Working together we have built an identity around Talāz’s mission in the field of naturebased hospitality.

This helps to explain its commitment to fostering positive environmental impact and enriching the experiences of both visitors and the local community.

Rachel expressed to me when it was that she realised that there was a pathway to clarifying the brand into something that can communicate its purpose: “I think it was, when you showed me the process, and how in depth you go into creating the text and the colours and the logos. And then I realised, wow, there is an actual art and science that goes into this. So that was a really cool eye opening experience for me.”

Talāz is now something onto which to display the ideas and move forward in engaging stakeholders, investors and later guests. Again Rachel explains it best: “When you see a logo that’s had a lot of work and professionalism put into it, and creativity put into it.

That speaks volumes about the brand itself. So I think it’s definitely given me a confidence boost. And it’s something I’m very proud to put out there.” apogii.uk

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SARAH RILEY

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THE PODMOTHER SARAH RILEY HAS GAINED A WORLDWIDE FOLLOWING WITH HER DULCET TONES AND WISE WORDS FOR HER GROUNDBREAKING INDUSTRY PODCAST. SHE TELLS US ABOUT THE POWER OF CONNECTION AND THE SHARED DESIRE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

The future looks bright as the industry continues to go from strength to strength, bringing with it a whirlwind of activity. This is demonstrated by the exciting projects being developed and the increasing numbers seeking to learn about glamping and eco-resorts.

For example, my industry podcast, The Business of Glamping And Unique Holiday Rentals has over 130,000 downloads and climbing, while The Glamping Academy has much more. For me, this has led to an exciting request to lead the new Glamping Americas podcast, further cementing the extraordinary growth of the industry around the world.

Being able to take part in Eco Resort Network has also been groundbreaking. Never before have I experienced events so full of outstanding industry professional in such amazing locations. These entrepreneurs truly want to make a difference and share their eco-resort best practice generously in the Network’s in-person annual events. There’s no doubt that if you want to launch something exceptional in hospitality then this network is worth its weight in gold.

These opportunities give me a chance to connect with likeminded souls designing one-of-a-kind projects across all continents. One such project was with Cairn Consulting who recently undertook to research the industry by talking to operators and new start-ups. The results highlighted there is still plenty of growth left in this style of outdoor hospitality for anyone wanting to get involved in the future.

This research has also been backed up by real examples from operators, such as how one resort booked out immediately after launching and generated a two-year waiting list just by using social media. While another launched a new style of floating off-grid glamping

structure that seeks to sit within the heart of nature while having the least amount of impact, resulting in a rapid rise in bookings since they opened.

In fact, the results have continued to prove that this is still a good area of investment and having dedicated over a decade to working in this field (literally in some cases!), I’m genuinely thrilled to see it thriving so well.

Building something amazing in the wilderness that provides a gateway into nature without harming it, is difficult but it is possible. It just takes a lot of effort.

This needs to be supported and I’m happy to play a small part in that through my Glamping Club, courses, workshops and podcasts.

From an environmental perspective, there’s no doubt we are in uncharted waters right now as the human race didn’t exist at a time when global temperatures were reaching such heights. We actually don’t know what’s going to happen next. This is a voyage of discovery, and like any voyage, there will be tough and difficult times ahead, as well as new beginnings.

But we can make a difference if we do it collectively and, in my humble opinion, owners of luxury outdoor hospitality are reinforcing this by revolutionising the travel industry so a larger number of people can make more sustainable choices about how they spend their leisure time.

I would even go so far to say that it’s these pioneers who will nurture future generations of earth protectors and advocates and help us move towards a more sustainable future. And I’m definitely looking forward to that! www.inspiredcoursesvip.com

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IAN LINASSI

CURBING THE CARBON ELEPHANT

IAN LINASSI, WHO JOINED US IN MONTENEGRO, URGES US NOT TO OVERLOOK THE IMPACT OF OUR WEBSITES..

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If you’re reading this publication, you’re highly likely to be en route to eco-nirvana. It’s reasonable to assume your business strives to minimise its environmental impact. You may even have commendable credentials such as B-Corp status and for all that we salute you. But for all the collective efforts in our industry, there’s still an ecoelephant lurking in the corner of the room that’s currently producing a whopping carbon footprint far surpassing that of air travel – and it’s growing exponentially.

SO, WHAT IS THIS METAPHORICAL MONSTER? The internet is the pre-eminent touchpoint for most brands, and no business can compete, let alone survive, without it. But, according to a report published in Business Insider in February 2023, the internet currently contributes to nearly 4% of global emissions – double that of the aviation sector. In simple but terrifying terms, if the internet were a country, it would be the fifth-largest emitter of CO2 – right between Russia and Japan.

Ian Linassi

On a micro level, every single page viewed on your website uses a tiny but cumulative amount of energy. According to reset.org, an online resource that reports on and promotes tech solutions to the climate crisis, the average website produces 4.61 grams of CO2 for every page view. For websites enjoying an average of 10,000 page views per month, that bulks up to a hefty 553 kilograms of CO2 per year, which is only a few kilograms short of a one-way flight from London to New York.

WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT THIS? At Linassi+Co, a UK-based branding and digital agency operating globally in the luxury travel, hospitality, real estate and marine sectors, we’re always on the lookout for smart ways to be more environmentally efficient while helping our clients do the same. As part of this process, we recently developed an energy-efficient approach to web builds – one that resulted in our own website, linassi. co, running up to 150 times more efficiently and nearly 20 times faster than 90% of websites.

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HOW DID WE DO IT – AND HOW CAN YOU DO IT? The ways in which a website is built can affect the amount of power required to view it. Off-the-shelf web solutions come packed to the virtual rafters with code to manage a wide variety of content requirements. Having a clear idea of the content you want to display means the developer can remove any superfluous dead code at the build stage.

Further efficiencies can also be made by removing unused fonts and working with modern file formats, such as WebP, as an alternative to traditional image formats, such as JPEGs, PNGs and GIFs. In addition, being selective with the types of content hosted within a page, and optimising the content you feature, will help save power – for example, reducing the use of auto-playing videos, image sliders and interactive maps. Our new approach to development delivers websites that run with considerably greater efficiency, which subsequently results in significantly faster loading times.

DOING WELL BUT CAN WE DO BETTER Put simply, yes. We went one step further with linassi.co by implementing an additional efficiency mode, which allows users the option to optimise further the content they see on the page. When applied, efficiency mode replaces videos and slider functionality with preallocated small image files (we used black and white imagery to emphasise the difference, but you can stick with colour). If you visit our website, click on the lightning flash at the top right corner to switch between modes.

A LITTLE SOMETHING BEATS A LOT OF NOTHING No, we’re not going to end the climate crisis overnight by making a few tweaks to our websites, but being mindful of things we can control and change, can only have a positive effect on the wider effort.

Ian Linassi is the founder and creative director of Linassi+Co. Established in 2008. Linassi+Co is a full-service branding and digital agency working globally across luxury travel, hospitality, residential and marine sectors. linassi.co

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CLOUD COLLECTIVE

Michael Sagild

COOL, CALM & COLLECTIVE MICHAEL SAGILD, CO-FOUNDER OF CLOUD COLLECTIVE, JOINED US IN MONTENEGRO THIS YEAR AND CONTRIBUTED TO OUR AGENDA. HE EXPLAINS HOW HIS LOW-IMPACT, LOW STRESS APPROACH TO RESORT CREATION IS GAINING GROUND.

WHAT IS NEW WITH CLOUD COLLECTIVE SINCE WE GATHERED SIX MONTHS AGO? CAN YOU SHARE ANY DETAILS OF NEW PROJECTS? Our vision for Cloud Collective is to not just lead the market but help define it. With the ambition of showcasing that attractive financial returns can be achieved through the lens of a greater social and environmental purpose, we have been continuing to expand globally through a development strategy that focuses on exciting projects spanning a range of high barriers-to-entry markets, and growth of our business units: Our project in the lush landscapes of the Thai islands is coming soon. Creating laidback places for kindred spirits, this 40-key low-impact resort is framed by the Gulf of Thailand and driven by our ethos of understanding the relationship between space and place. Operated under one of our portfolio brands, this project will truly be the first of its kind in the region.

We have been hard at work scaling our presence in strategic locations around the world and are excited to unveil new projects in unbeatable locations in Bali, Africa, and Saudi Arabia soon.

A true labour of love and passion project for our team, we have an upcoming new portfolio brand that we will be launching soon that is uniquely positioned to showcase a new way of looking at hospitality and conservation, and has been gaining tremendous momentum with impact investors. With an intimate

group of luxury tented suites, these camps will be located in some of the world’s most pristine wilderness areas with a commitment to safeguard the precious cultures, communities, and wildlife rooted there.

Our “Collective” of experts is at the heart of what we do. We have recently onboarded an exciting new roster of strategic partners that we’re excited to work with to innovate and expand on our existing offering Further development of our product lines; having started with a range of designed tented suite products that are shipped ready to assemble and include FF&E and OS&E, we have recently developed a suite of cabin products that allow for more optionality as well as enable us to work with all climate conditions and geographies FOR READERS WHO DID NOT ATTEND MONTENEGRO, EXPLAIN WHY CLOUD COLLECTIVE WAS SET UP AND WHAT IT AIMS TO ACHIEVE FOR THOSE WISHING TO DEVELOP RESORTS ON THEIR LAND? Cloud Collective is a global outdoor hospitality development and management company that was born out of an ambition for change. Our focus: a uniquely experiential approach to development grounded in story and soul.

We are a hospitality company that was started by a band of hoteliers with an intimate level of familiarity with the pitfalls that come with conventional resort development, and a belief that we are the custodians

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of the people we build with and the places we build in. We saw that resort development, particularly in far flung locations, had become extremely complicated and costly for both developers and owners, particularly when it came to control over timelines, budgets, stakeholders, and quality. Having seen first-hand the challenges that came with this, we set out to create a solution that could deliver on resort development and management end-to-end in the most economic and efficient way possible, while also being purposedriven. What that resulted in was an integrated model that brought development and operations together in a way that we had yet to see in the market, and a platform that had the capabilities to not just build luxury resorts at a compelling cost and within a compelling timeframe, but to create destinations with impact.

On the product side, we work with our strategic partners to supply products that demonstrate quality engineering, design, and meaningful sustainability– and that most importantly, we’re confident we can stand behind proudly.

A sense of adventure inspires everything we create. On the management side, we have developed a portfolio of founder-built lifestyle brands, each brought to life with a distinctive purpose, concept, and creative story, but all connected through the Cloud Collective brand pillars. Taking our cues from how we live and why we travel, each of our projects is uniquely set in nature with an emphasis on creating immersive experiences and communities of like-minded individuals with a passion for experiential travel.

HOW IMPORTANT IS COLLABORATION IN YOUR FIELD OF WORK? Collaboration is at the core of our DNA as a company and the inspiration behind our name. COVID-19 taught us that large and heavy corporate structures can be very dangerous, that we cannot be experts in all fields, but that we can put together the best minds and creators that allow us to challenge industry standards while remaining highly adaptable and flexible.

The “Collective” refers to our growing network of curated experts and strategic partners whom we bring in for specific projects in geographical, climactic, or fields in which they’re specialised. All of our Collective partners are selected carefully, and are aligned with our culture, standards and values.

WE ARE UNFORTUNATELY LIVING THROUGH A TIME OF GREAT GEOPOLITICAL UNCERTAINTY – HOW DOES THIS MAKE WHAT WE DO MORE RELEVANT AND IMPORTANT? As the world is evolving, we find that developers who need to create value turn to cost effective solutions such as ours, where placemaking and destination

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creation can be achieved with relatively smaller investments and risk, and where projects can be executed sustainably. We are being considered for destinations where traditional hospitality can’t penetrate, which provides a very exciting opportunity for us and the wider sector.

WHAT DID YOU TAKE FROM THE ECO RESORT NETWORK EVENT? WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OF AT THE NEXT ECO RESORT NETWORK EVENT? The ERN in Montenegro was a real eye-opener for me.

With Cloud Collective, we had entered a very new segment of the hospitality market, but my experience with gatherings and networks in the traditional hospitality space was very different to what I found in Montenegro – a gathering of intensely passionate people and professionals from many walks of life that all shared this idea that nature should drive travel, choice of accommodation, and engagement with the environment and oneself.

There were entrepreneurs, concept thinkers, and creators. Because the size of the event was so manageable, the experience facilitated a sense that this really was the crème de la crème of this nascent but budding industry. Connections were formed, ideas exchanged, and a feeling of ‘let’s keep it to this size please’ permeated very quickly. It was truly transformative for me.

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GORAN BRNOVIC

OBLUN’S DOORS OPEN WIDER

Goran Brnovic

THOSE WHO ATTENDED OUR GATHERING IN MONTENEGRO THIS MAY WILL NEVER FORGET THE HOSPITALITY OFFERED BY GORAN BRNOVIC AND HIS TEAM AND FAMILY AT OBLUN. TO MINGLE UNDER THE VINES, WITH THE BIRDS SWOOPING OVER OUR HEADS AND THE VIEWS OF SKADAR LAKE BEFORE US, WAS TRULY INSPIRING. GORAN BRINGS US UP TO DATE WITH THE LATEST DEVEOPMENTS AS THE RESORT READIES FOR FULL OPENING.

WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING AT OBLUN SINCE WE VISITED? There has been a lot of activity here at Oblun! We have spent considerable time and effort upgrading our facilities for RVs/campers, who have been among our first guests. So, we have added a new washroom building with showers and toilets, which is fully functional. We also spent a lot of time on the

landscaping and so now guests can enjoy more flowers and trees. Overall, Oblun is looking very vibrant and pretty!

Our first campers and RV guests have left us really positive reviews and this has been greatly appreciated by us all.

We’ve also taken a sustainable approach by expanding our vegetable production. The first-year harvest was exceptionally successful, prompting us to start producing vegetable boxes filled with the mixed garden produce. These boxes were sold to local residents and restaurants.

Delegates may remember that our restaurant building was largely constructed back in May and now we are working on the interior, which is very exciting. We are planning to have this open by Spring of next year – ready for the new season.

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Other standout moments in the last 6 months include a visit from a delegation of Polish journalists, facilitated by the Tourist Board which has given us exposure in a new market.

We also organised the cleanup of rubbish along the roadside near Oblun. It is one of the many environmental initiatives we would like to promote and maintain in the future.

HOW DID THE EVENT IN MONTENEGRO AFFECT YOUR PLANS FOR THE RESORT? The event proved to be a significant catalyst, providing a boost of encouragement and reinforcing our dedication to making Oblun a standout destination. The support generated during this event has encouraged us to aim higher and work towards fulfilling our vision for the resort.

WHAT DID YOU THINK YOU LEARNED IF ANYTHING FROM THE EVENT? The importance of networking emerged as a key takeaway.

Establishing and maintaining connections means we can stay abreast of the latest global developments. Additionally, the event highlighted the importance of actively promoting eco-resorts and sustainable concepts on a global scale.

HOW VALUABLE DID YOU THINK IT WAS FOR THE COMMUNITY AND THE TOURIST BOARD TO SEE THE INTEREST FROM THE INTERNATIONAL ECO RESORT SECTOR IN MONTENEGRO AND OBLUN? The recognition and interest from the international eco-resort sector in Montenegro and specifically in Oblun were highly valuable. This extended to the local community and the tourist board, particularly given that a considerable number of delegates had not previously experienced Montenegro. The potential for these individuals to invest in tourism here adds substantial importance to the overall impact on Montenegro and its tourism sector.

WHAT ARE YOU HOPING TO ACHIEVE WITH THE RESORT IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS? Our primary objective is to have Oblun fully operational and open to guests.

We are relentless in our commitment to providing excellent customer service, ensuring that every guests’ experience is memorable. Additionally, we hope to share Oblun’s unique story with a global audience, positioning it as a must-visit destination. oblun.com

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DAVID LEVENTHAL

David Leventhal

AIR, LAND AND SEA

THE WIDER ROLE OF THE HOTELIER DAVID LEVENTHAL, CO-FOUNDER OF PLAYA VIVA HAS BEEN AN INSPIRATION TO THE NETWORK FROM THE START. HE SPOKE THIS YEAR ABOUT ACHIEVING B-CORP CERTIFICATION AND IS NOW INSPIRED BY HIS PROJECT TO REGENERATE THE ENTIRE WATERSHED AROUND HIS RESORT FROM RIVER TO OCEAN. BUT WHEN IT COMES TO OFFSETTING FLIGHTS, HE BELIEVES BIGGER IMPACTS CAN BE MADE CLOSER TO HOME.

SONU SHIVDASANI TALKED RECENTLY ABOUT HOW HE IS CONCENTRATING NOW ON HOW TO TACKLE THE FOOTPRINT OF THE GUESTS TRAVELING TO HIS RESORTS? WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS? This is a “soapbox” issue for me, you might regret having asked. It’s easy to just “flight shame” and say, “How can Play Viva, or any of one of these regenerative resorts be sustainable if people have to fly to them?”

But this question is NOT focusing on the underlying problem. Paul Hawkin wrote a book called ‘Drawdown’, in which he lists the top 100 things we can do to “draw down” the carbon in the atmosphere. Based on flight shaming, you would think air travel would be in the top 10. It is not and it’s not in the top 20 either, it’s not even in the top 50. I believe it’s like 74 or 75. The top 10 items include air conditioning, educating women and girls and issues related to food and agriculture, such as eating a plant-based diet, deforestation, food waste and more. So rather than focus on carbon offsetting your flight and flight shaming, let’s focus on the top 10, top 20, top 50 first! When a guest comes to Playa Viva, there’s no air conditioning, they enjoy locally sourced farm-to-table food and all of our food waste feeds the pigs on our farm and that’s just the start.

We are 100% off-grid solar, reforesting the ecosystem,

planting mangroves, cleaning up the water quality and working in the community on educating women and girls and keeping them in school longer. If you’re traveling to a hotel, and you’re offsetting your carbon, yet your hotel is serving meat flown in from Argentina, wine imported from France, powered by dirty fossil fuels, filling the local landfills with waste, etc. then who cares about off-setting your flights to get to your hotel.

Bottomline, let’s focus on the most impactful items first.

Sonu is definitely a leader in the field and an OG to many of us and someone that I follow for inspiration, but from our personal perspective, I look at Drawdown and Paul Hawkins for inspiration related to the issue of travel vs other areas of making a real impact to draw down the carbon in our atmosphere.

WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO HEAR SPEAK AT A FUTURE EVENT? I always really enjoy hearing Bill Bensley and respect his ability to stay true to his design style while integrating sustainable innovations. Robyn Woodhead and the work that she does as well in support of Antarctica. To hear from more innovators like them would be wonderful.

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WHAT DID YOU TAKE AWAY FROM OUR MONTENEGRO EVENT AS A RESULT OF SPENDING TIME WITH OUR DELEGATES? I really enjoy being able to develop deep relationships with fellow attendees and interact with all different types of peers, not just hotels but even designers, suppliers and especially those who are developing new properties. I would love to see more aspiring hoteliers who are developing innovative and interesting projects.

I hate to say it but it might be interesting to add a “shark tank” like event where you get a couple of, hate to say this too, “old timers” like us with established hotels, experienced designers and suppliers, and provide real-time feedback to those entrepreneurs.

Opinions are worth what you pay for them, but hopefully a fun and interesting interaction for all participants, plus it’s part of our role as “elders” to pay it forward.

WHAT IS INSPIRING YOU RIGHT NOW - DO YOU HAVE A BOOK/PODCAST OR OTHER RECOMMENDATION FOR US? What’s inspiring me most right now is the work that we’re doing in the watershed - ReSiMar, Regenerating from Sierra to Mar. Through that project, we are looking at not just the 200 acres and the mile of beach where Playa Viva is based but also the entire watershed ecosystem which we are a part. Because what happens up the watershed and in the Juluchuca River impacts us directly. The river flows to the ocean, hits the dunes and backs up forming an estuary.

That estuary flows through our property. So if what is happening up the estuary is unhealthy and pesticides and garbage are going into the river then that impacts us at the hotel. Our role really extends all the way up to the headwaters of the Juluchuca River.

ReSiMar is focused on five nodes: Education, Marine Life, Permaculture, Water and Reforestation. Each one of those nodes has subnodes, for example, Marine Life has projects covering sustainable fisheries, mangrove regeneration, and the turtle sanctuary. All this work is being led by a group of young, female environmental and community impact leaders supported by Playa Viva. One of them, for example, who we’re really proud of is Ximena who has been with us for two years now.

She’s working with an expert in Mexico, who leads education development across the country, as her advisor. Together they have developed a bespoke regenerative education curriculum that looks at cultural appreciation, environmental education, and English speaking abilities. The curriculum has been recognized as an innovative case study by Harvard University.

In terms of books, I just finished Overstory, which is a beautiful, poetic story. It was long and hard to finish but a wonderfully, intertwined story about nature, activism and resistance. Reminding us that we need the Earth, the Earth doesn’t need us.

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WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR PLAYA VIVA IN 2024?

For 2024, I am really looking forward to kicking into gear with our social impact work - ReSiMar. I am inspired by how that team is developing. 2024 will be the first year for a while that we don’t have any new rooms or areas being developed at the hotel, so I am looking forward to taking the opportunity to ‘tending to the soil’ so to speak and making it much richer rather than adding anything new.

YOU SPOKE TO US ABOUT B CORP ACCREDITATION EARLIER THIS YEAR - HOW IS THE PROCESS ONGOING? We achieved our B-Corp certification in January 2023, coming out with the highest score awarded to any hotel prior to that date. The thing about B-Corp is it isn’t a quest for perfection it is a quest for continual improvement. As soon as we were certified we started working on our recertification in 3-years. B-Corp is currently redesigning its evaluation process so the goalposts are constantly moving and keeping us on our toes. We spent a lot of time reviewing our score and looking for improvement areas, so right now we are working on putting the processes in place to ensure we can prove continual improvement over the upcoming years. A big task is simply getting the whole team engaged with tracking the data we need so that when it comes to recertifying it won’t take a full year, everything will be ready. I’m really proud of how our team is engaging with B-Corp and constantly reminding each other of what we need to track and improve. Going through the certification process has created a higher level of awareness on how to be more impactful among our entire team.

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DOTT. ARCH. EILEEN MEYER

Dott. Arch. Eileen Meyer

HOW COCON PLANS TO HEAL THROUGH HOLISTIC RESORTS DOTT. ARCH. EILEEN MEYER PLANS TO CREATE A NETWORK OF SUSTAINABLE RESORTS WHICH WILL EMBRACE LOCAL CULTURE AND ARCHITECTURE, WHILE ALLOWING GUESTS TO FIND GREATER BALANCE AND CONSCIOUSNESS AS THEY LEARN MORE ABOUT THEMSELVES AND THE COMMUNITIES AROUND THEM.

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As architect with a background in art history and archaeology, I love to understand historical and cultural contexts as the basics of my work.

Because it is not only in the construction sector that unprecedented innovation is required!

We are facing an enormous transformation today. The problem is that we have lost sight of the big picture, the awareness that we belong to the bio- and atmosphere. A holistic view is needed to understand the complexity of our being! However, this can only be successful if it goes hand in hand with a change in mentality. What we need today is a new awareness of life.

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and resorts to support the formation of a new consciousness. And despite an ever-present trend towards sustainability also in the tourism sector, it is often the case that the architectural part in its being ecological is often overlooked, but as much as the people-centred approaches to cultural heritage for a sustainable development.

Cultural Exchange

And we can only achieve this transformation through interaction between the various sectors. Architecture is an expression of human thought, an expression of people’s ideas about their lives, their built environment and themselves. Today’s built world reflects the gap between people and nature in our thinking. If we want to build healthily, we need to think holistically. Spaces can help or hinder us in our being and our development, as well as in our social relationships; they are an expression of our individual personality, places of social interaction. They can heal, but they can also make us ill. Today, more than ever, we need a new interpretation of places in many respects. Our task today is to create spaces that focus on the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of the individual.

Places that promote social interaction. Places that promote cultural exchange and the preservation of cultural heritage.

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And here CoCoN - co-evolution and construction - was born. Our CoCoN project is based on the values of environmental and social sustainability and represents a new reality in the world of tourism. The concept consists of the creation of new structures (also through renovation) around the world that revive the same matrix in places with an exclusive and authentic atmosphere, where the guest can enjoy all the benefits of nature and an extensive programme of awareness seminars. The topics covered are aimed at raising the guest’s awareness of nature and bringing them to live in symbiosis with it and with themselves.

Experimental Tourism

It’s no coincidence that today’s individual desires more and more wellness, yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, everything that helps one to find their balance in a society that has reached its limits. In this modern world, the word mindfulness is being written more and more on a grand scale. If we want to contribute to a new trend of psychophysical and spiritual well-being, it is important to create holistic places that bring people back into a healthy dialogue with themselves and nature. The world of hospitality offers us a wonderful platform for this, especially as people are particularly receptive during this time of recovery from everyday life. We need new holistic oases of life, holistic centres

Holistic Wellness

In order to raise awareness of other cultures and traditions, it will be possible to participate experimentally in the construction of the buildings through workshops, both to learn about traditional building techniques using raw materials such as clay, straw, hemp and wood, but above all to explore the earth material with one’s senses and haptic perception. In this way, spaces evolve into spaces of development, allowing all participants healthy growth, multiplying our individual action by sharing it with other participants, because peoplecenteredness increases sustainability.

The people-centered approach encourages the participation and empowerment of local communities, which contributes to even greater sustainability. Structures made from sustainable and local materials offer the comfort of a luxury place. That luxury that today has found a new interpretation Sustainability by focusing exclusively on psycho-physical well-being. In an environment surrounded by nature that offers relaxation, personal growth and the experience of human warmth. A sophisticated yet simple, comfortable, and authentic ambience. cocon-by-eileenmeyer.com

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TALĀZ ECO CAMPS

Treehouse unit options

Rachel Bowers

RACHEL BOWERS:

ERN LED TO A CHANGE OF PLAN I AM EXCITED TO BRING YOU THE LATEST UPDATE ON OUR JOURNEY WITH TALĀZ ECO CAMPS AS WE CONTINUE TO GROW AND EVOLVE IN THE WORLD OF ECO GLAMPING AND TOURISM, INSPIRED BY INDUSTRY EXPERTS AND ECO RESORT NETWORK’S INSPIRING SPEAKERS.

Here’s a glimpse into our recent developments: TALĀZ PROGRESS Talāz Eco Camp is currently undergoing rapid development. We have recently made significant strides in the first phases of establishing our North American presence. The Talāz brand is about providing holistic ecological camps to the prevailing traveler. We aim to be an industry leader in the transformational shift to eco-friendly hospitality by providing a purely authentic experience for our guests by reconnecting them to nature, loved ones, and themselves.

Talāz has had an exciting past year, we’ve purchased our first premium property, conducted massive amounts of research and due diligence, built-up our brand’s foundational pillars, designed our logo, and launched a website that provides general information about investment opportunities while showcasing our brand’s vision.

Additionally, we have invested countless efforts researching biophilic design and biomimicry, we have enlisted world-class architects to map out our first site plans, conduct schematics and architecture, and are now working with local firms to navigate permitting processes for development. We are very fortunate to have a wonderful and like-minded team of specialized experts working on our flagship project! We’ve recently captured the attention of a couple esteemed

operators and are beginning our investor ‘seed round’ in the upcoming weeks.

Although we cannot publicly disclose the exact project location just yet, we can say it’s situated in the western United States, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and year-round recreational activities. The area boasts a nearby glacial lake and world-class skiing, making it a really ideal destination for our flagship location. In the coming years, we will start to map out our brand expansion strategies while branching out into new regions in the United States and Europe. Until then, we will continue to seek out investors for the development of our flagship location with an estimated opening date in 2026.

FROM SLOVENIA TO NOW My journey, from the very first Eco Resort Network in Slovenia, to the recent summit in Montenegro has been nothing short of transformational. Comparing these events, it’s quite apparent that the delegates and the network itself have grown significantly. From the intimate post-covid beginnings of Eco Resort Network to having now engaging world-class resort owners, renowned ecological architects, and industry maestros in the 2023 Summit, the network has grown exponentially in just a short period of time.

Personally, I have undergone a profound shift with my project as well. In 2022, I pitched a concept to

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the Eco Resort Network delegates - a modest 16 unit, German boutique hotel concept. I had no brand, no team, just a tenacious vision. Since then, I’ve developed the boutique hotel into a much larger endeavor with the creation of the Talāz brand that is now an “eco glampsite”, with 60+ shelters, in the United States.

This overhaul was, in part, inspired by the incredible network of individuals I found through Eco Resort Summit who have opened many doors for the Talāz brand. The encouragement and tenured advice from one particular delegate, David Leventhal, co- founder of Regenerative Retreats, will always stick with me. He blatantly asked me, “How old are you...why don’t you just go big?” And I thought, that’s a great question, maybe I should!

NETWORK IMPACT My involvement in this network has been invaluable, to say the least! Connecting with like-minded individuals from around the globe who share my passion for eco resorts has been a game-changer. It can be quite challenging to connect with folks in a small niche! This network is truly unique, the simple fact that members lift each other up to become the best versions of themselves, are open to large amounts of information sharing, and remain long-term allies is truly inspiring.

And of course, one of two particular delegates that influenced the Talāz project directly is the luminary and trusted consultant, Todd Wynne Perry at Montare Hospitality Advisors, who has consulted with absolute transparency (for better or for worse), and on numerous

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other topics ranging from finding notable operators to conducting site analysis, collectively teaching me the ropes of glamping development. And secondly, the talented Mike Munt of Apogii Marketing, who helped prepare the Talāz brand, logo, website, and develop our unique name which means giant surge in Romanian and ancient Ottoman Turkish, through numerous marketing workshops and brain mapping projects.

Simply put, Eco Resort Summit acts as a catalyst, allowing like-minded individuals from around the globe to gather information, exchange ideas, and collaborate with influential figures. Every network member I have encountered has left me with a meaningful impact, whether it be working directly together or by sharing operational insights, aweinspiring projects and expertise, or even slipping in the “secret sauce” to success. Each member comes with their own fun bag of expertise and influence.

Overall, Eco Resort Network has served as a powerful resource and for that, I am immensely grateful for the continual support and for the growth I endure at each Eco Resort Network event. As we forge ahead, my devotion to creating extraordinary eco camps will push the boundaries of sustainability and will continue to be inspired by members within Eco Resort Network.

Rachel Bowers, Founder Talāz Eco Camp

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TRUDOMES

FRAMEWORK FOR THE FUTURE KELDA BASSETT AND LOUISE STONE FROM BRITISH GEODESIC DOME MANUFACTURER TRUDOMES MADE A STRONG CONTRIBUTION TO OUR MONTENEGRO EVENT. THE PAIR DESCRIBE THEIR IMPRESSIONS AND HOW THEY ARE HELPING OPERATORS TO MEET THEIR SUSTAINABLE GOALS.

Six months on from a successful appearance at Eco Resort Network 2023, we have experienced a surge in demand from glamping businesses investing in sustainable design to reduce their carbon emissions.

We came away from the event with increased optimism about the sector’s collective commitment to tackle the climate crisis and we have since worked with a range of clients on a series of projects installing domes upgraded to include eco technology and materials such as renewable energy and enhanced insulation.

Sustainability was very high on the agenda for many of the delegates we met at Eco Resort Network 2023.

Many were particularly interested in the features that we can include within our domes to support carbon reduction. Maximising off-grid electricity is considered an essential in eco hospitality.

We spoke to various resorts about using the multiangled surface of our geodesic domes to enable solar panels to charge up more efficiently. We’ve also been working with clients investing in our solar extraction fans to optimise temperatures, support natural ventilation and aid efficient air circulation within their domes.

Many operators are investigating ways to improve the thermal performance of their resorts. Retaining heat in the colder months is vital to reduce the carbon footprint of year-round luxury glamping, and we received a lot of enquiries about methods to achieve this. One of our most popular features is triple-lined foil insulation to keep interiors cool in summer and warm in winter, providing temperature regulation without reliance on high energy consumption.

Industry of all kinds are being encouraged to follow the circular economy as an alternative model which challenges the way we manage our material impact on the environment - instead of steadily degrading,

it uses systems which continually regenerate, minimising waste and maximising use of resources. We were struck by the number of glamping businesses at Eco Resort Network 2023 which advocate the circular economy and understand how the lifecycle of accommodation plays a key role in achieving it. For them, sustainable design is not merely a box ticking exercise – it’s about long-term objectives.

Responsible sourcing and choice of materials was a frequent topic of conversation. We received a lot of positive feedback about our dome frames manufactured from aluminium, the metal which has the lowest carbon footprint and can be recycled repeatedly without loss of performance. Cheaper, less durable glamping solutions are made from low-grade materials that quickly deteriorate and require remediation or replacement, adding to carbon footprint and landfill. Apart from making financial sense in the long-term, investing in accommodation with lower maintenance and a longer lifespan is one of the most effective ways to make luxury eco hospitality more sustainable.

Eco resorts are invariably more environmentally conscious than most businesses. Coming together at events like this provided an opportunity to share ideas and insight, facilitating a more joined-up effort in support of carbon reduction. We offered our expertise on sustainable design and manufacturing, but we also learned from other delegates, and we returned from Eco Resort Network with some fresh ideas to explore.

We made a lot of excellent connections, and we are looking forward to catching up with them at next year’s event. I’m confident that many of our new connections will be reporting some encouraging results in their carbon reduction programmes. www.trudomes.com

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RACHEL MUNT

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A TIME OF BIG CHANGE FOR

RACHEL MUNT IT’S BEEN A TIME OF BIG CHANGE FOR RACHEL MUNT. AFTER ATTENDING ECO RESORT NETWORK 2023 IN MONTENEGRO, SHE HAS NOW OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED HER COACHING BUSINESS, RACHEL MUNT COACHING.

Every successful person has battled the same obstacles: imposter syndrome, the dream of a legacy, or being unfathomably busy but unfulfilled. Rachel Munt now offers resources, workshops and coaching services so you can love what you do again.

Asking Rachel how the event helped make her vision a reality, she said, “I always say that Eco Resort Network is where I accidentally launched my coaching business! Of course, it was always the plan.

“However, connecting with a brilliant crowd of inspiring entrepreneurs who focused on possibilities rather than difficulties proved to be the catalyst to adopting a similar mindset of ‘why not?’

“Now, I get the privilege of helping smart women uncover what makes their hearts sing, so that they can build a life they love. I love digging deep to uncover purpose, address frustration, and combat work-life balance pressures.”

Rachel is kindly offering Eco Resort Network members and SHARE readers some exclusive offers to kickstart their journey to becoming their real, brave, authentic selves. n Free work-life balance video n Free consults for anyone who needs to get some clarity on where they’re at and what they might want next n Taster Coaching Sessions for women who want to try out coaching (Did you know it’s a superpower?) n A 10 session 1:1 Coaching Package where the real magic happens. This is for women who are ready to address the frustration head-on, deal with the issues that keep them stuck and start to make changes.

To find out more, visit rachelmuntcoaching.com.

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CARAGH CURRAN

BALANCING OUR APPROACH TO SUSTAINABILITY

Caragh Curran

CARAGH CURRAN IS THE FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM CONSULTANTS, WHERE SHE ADVISES ORGANISATIONS ON HOW TO DEVELOP STRONG AND SUSTAINABLE BUSINESSES AND SUCCESSFUL TOURISM DESTINATIONS. SHE JOINED US IN MONTENEGRO FOR ECO RESORT NETWORK 2023 AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING HER ONCE MORE IN MAURITIUS NEXT YEAR. HERE SHE EXPLAINS THE WAYS IN WHICH WE CAN SAFEGUARD OUR DESTINATIONS AND BE AUTHENTIC IN OUR JOURNEY TO NET ZERO.

In the ever-evolving landscape of tourism and hospitality, sustainable luxury is no longer just a trend – it’s a paradigm shift. Today, destinations, hospitality and tourism operators are having to adapt their business models and operations to remain competitive and to remain attractive to investors.

So, what does this mean for the hospitality industry? In essence, there is a lot of work to do. According to the International Tourism Partnership, the hotel industry will need to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions per room per year by 90% by 2050, if it is to align with the Paris Climate Agreement targets. But the good news is that there are a lot of initiatives that the sector can systematically begin to reduce its carbon footprint.

Some of these initiatives have been in place for some time, such as minimizing energy usage and food waste; eliminating plastic and paper; and others are evolving such as the “three-zero-concept” approach in architecture for the construction of new properties, using local materials and skills, prioritizing energy management and lower emissions and introducing

life-cycle management into the building process (Matteo Thun 2020).

The focus to date has centered largely on environmental practices, but increasing attention is now being given to social practices to ensure a balanced approach to sustainability.

Tourism and Travel has been proven to bring wide ranging benefits to destinations and communities, but only when it is developed and managed sustainably.

The sector’s success depends on the ability to safeguard and preserve the natural and cultural attractions that compel international tourists to visit a destination and the sector’s ability to cut its carbon emissions to comply with increasingly regulation and consumer demand. Not doing so has irreparable consequences.

For example, in 2000, one of the most significant carved shrines, at the Machu Picchu UNESCO World Heritage Site, was damaged irreparably when a camera platform collapsed on top of it. Similarly,

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in 2018, one of Thailand’s most famous beaches, Maya Bay, was shut down completely to allow it to regenerate. Years of poor management resulted in most of the natural coral being destroyed and the very beauty that drew people to the area being eradicated.

Many local businesses and tour operators went out of business, which could have been avoided with the right management policies in place.

Practicing sustainability in hospitality and tourism comes with many benefits, from attracting more customers and generating long-term savings, to preserving the natural and cultural attractions in a destination and responding responsibly to the climate crisis.

To remain competitive, destinations and businesses need to be authentic in their journey to net zero and net positive and increasingly agile in terms of innovation. Increasing demand from consumers and increasing scrutiny from regulators and shareholders requires businesses to be proactive in mitigating the risk of allegations of misleading statements or “greenwashing” to avoid enforcement action or complaints. Doing the minimum will no longer be enough - businesses will need to make significant changes to be able to achieve the targets expected.

OUR APPROACH: Sustainable Tourism Consultants has been developing policies and strategies in sustainable tourism for the past twenty years. Working with tourism boards and the private sector, we have put in place practical and cost-effective solutions to help businesses on their road to net-zero.

Our proven methodologies and approach to sustainable and regenerative tourism focus on the following four pillars: development, management, marketing, and capacity building. We work with leadership in governments, destinations, and individual businesses to create and adopt sustainable business strategies and development plans, using the UN SDGs as a framework and starting point. We place equal emphasis on the development of products and destinations as well as the daily operations.

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CARAGH CURRAN

(AI), Renewable energy, Augmented /Virtual Reality (AR/VR), 3d printing and robotics are just some of the technologies that are enabling us to optimize sustainability strategies.

For a destination or individual business to thrive, investment must be made in equipping local communities and employees with essential skills to enhance service quality, cultural understanding, environmental awareness, and stewardship. As a sector, tourism and travel creates millions of jobs and opportunities for local communities throughout the world. But there is a global shortage of skilled workers today and retention has been a growing issue for the industry over the past decade.

Our capacity building supports are delivered from inception of projects through to operations using our award-winning learning management platform.

To date, our training programs have been used for onboarding and ongoing training with stakeholders at each point in the sector’s value chain, covering all visitor touchpoints from airport staff to front of house teams, tour guides to activity providers, targeting staff at all levels from entry level positions to senior management.

Our current work extends globally with ongoing master planning projects in the Middle East and Europe, where we provide strategic consulting services to a wide range of different projects such as destinations as well as adventure, wellness, and luxury resorts. We also provide strategic consultancy services across the full spectrum of tourism assets, such as museums, attractions, and activities.

Ultimately, the end result is not a mere place to visit but rather a commitment to preserving the essence of our planet while providing an unparalleled experience for those who seek a harmonious blend of opulence as well as social and environmental responsibility. In the evolving landscape of travel and hospitality, we hope through such initiatives to inspire a new era of regenerative and sustainable tourism that elevates both the traveler’s experience and the well-being of our planet, our people, and overall prosperity. sustainabletourismconsultants.com

We apply a multi-disciplinary approach, working with numerous partners to deliver best-in-class solutions to tackle the wide-ranging challenges that exist today.

Stakeholder management is core to our approach, as partnerships and wide participation within communities is key to success.

From a management perspective, we have several digital supports and solutions available to support destination and asset planning, visitor management, energy, water and waste management and resource efficiency. Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence

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LAAS

Jenny Papadimitriou

LAAS IS MORE JENNY PAPADIMITRIOU AND HER MOTHER ELENI JOINED OUR ECO RESORT NETWORK EVENT IN MONTENEGRO IN MAY. WE CATCH UP WITH JENNY TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THEIR PROJECT LAAS, A SPECTACULAR GLAMPING PROJECT SITUATED NEAR THE 7TH CENTURY TOWN OF KAVALA, GREECE, WHICH IS DUE TO OPEN IN 2025.

PITCH PERFECTION LAAS is a dream glamping project – the location includes a 300m shoreline of fine sandy beach and over 75,000 m2 of pristine grounds, landscaped with local planting and thriving with biodiversity. It is an ambitious endeavour, including around 50 freestanding tents that are intimately connected to the sounds, scents and temperatures of the outdoors, and incorporating private and shared swimming pools. The resort will also include a holistic spa, four restaurants, a beach bar, and a rooftop sunset lounge.

“LAAS has a unique perspective on the beauty of the Aegean, nestled among fragrant pines in a private bay with fine sand and azure waters,” says Jenny. “We have magnificent hiking and mountain biking trails along the coast, and to nearby Mount Pangaion, famous for its scenic forest, waterfalls and monasteries. The town of Kavala nearby is one of the most picturesque in Greece. Fishermen mingle in its lively port with the international sailing community, and its nightlife and tavernas attract locals, island hoppers and cruise guests alike. The international airports of Megas Alexandros and of Thessaloniki are only 30 and 90 minutes by car, respectively.”

Jenny’s family purchased the land, which was being used as a campsite, back in 2004. She returned to work for the family business in 2013, having graduated from hospitality school in Switzerland and honed her craft in several countries around the world, including Spain, UK and the USA. “It was always my dream to come back to Greece and when I returned, I started to work on the existing property where we are now located, organising the camping F&B and doing the event planning,” she says. After a few years around 2017, Jenny and her mother started to look at ways in which they could extend the season on the campsite and the idea to introduce glamping was born.

“This place holds a big place in my heart,” says Jenny, “it is more than a business idea – we are creating a way of living with LAAS. It is quite simply paradise. LAAS is a feeling, a spirit - a sense of escape from everything, and yet a return to something deep within. It’s about slow living. A way of life, flowing between the comforts of tented interiors and the wild nature at your doorstep.

Between the joys of privacy and community, rest and recreation for all ages. A time for both self-reflection and mindful engagement.”

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However, the process of achieving this dream has not always been a smooth one. Greece did not introduce legislation to allow for glamping until 2021 and this was a challenge for the project. In addition, work was slowed considerably by the pandemic. Jenny was further hampered by the distance of many of the team members. “We have quite a large team working on the project and while we are based in Kavala, most of the other team members were based in Athens and Thessaloniki,” Jenny explains. “The LAAS teams including architect and interior designer Gian Paolo Vinier from Studio Otto in Milan, Helli Pangalou Landscape Architects, branding and marketing teams, engineers, lighting specialists, soundproof and acoustic experts, surveyors and tent construction specialists.

Jenny oversees the project as general manager and her mother, who has a background in construction – deals with this aspect and the financial planning.

This is a challenge in itself – the accommodation will be available in three different styles, with sophisticated interiors ranging from 34-70m2 and different veranda spaces designed to suit the unique landscape of each. Jenny and Eleni dealt with several tent suppliers before settling on a domestic tent specialist based in Athens. “We already had one of their tents on site and it has required no maintenance for more than 20 years, so we knew the quality of the work they do,” says Jenny. “With some other suppliers we tried, we found the quality was lacking or it was difficult to get an idea of the detail of the whole tent we required – we had specific ideas on the bathrooms that were important to us, but we are very satisfied with our choice of supplier now.”

It is clear that Jenny and Eleni have very exacting standards for LAAS and require every detail to be perfect, but given Jenny’s young age – and undoubtedly the fact that she is a woman – it has not always been easy to steer the project. “It has been difficult sometimes to be a young woman leading a team that is more experienced and older for a project which is quite different to anything that has been done before in Greece,” she says with a smile. “I have learned to stick to my vision and while it is important to listen to other people – I know to filter the

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information and prioritise the project over anything else,” she says.

As for working with family, this is not a problem. “My mother and I have different roles and it is very clear who does what,” says Jenny, who plans to oversee the general operations of the resort once it opens in 2025.

“I will supervise the guest experience, ensure that they are happy and feed back to ensure the resort runs smoothly,” she says.

Once phase one of LAAS is up and running, there are further phases of the project planned to allow for future expansion. However, the main priority now is to get phase one open in 2025 and to ensure the processes and guest experience are firmly embedded and everything is running smoothly. Activities on site abound and will include cooking classes, creative workshops, cultural tours and connecting with the local community. Various sporting activities including diving in the sea and canoeing in the nearby Nestos river will also be available. Everything – from the food grown in the LAAS GREENS orchard, to the use of local suppliers is of crucial importance to the project, which puts sustainability at its heart.

“We will reduce and recycle waste, draw on spring water as well as solar power, and our composting completes a virtuous cycle with the earth,” says Jenny.

“Transport within the property is electrically powered and EV charging stations are provided. We will source seasonal and organic produce from regional farmers, and our support of local artisans extends to young Greek designers whose clothing and interior designs, organic textiles, children’s toys and essential oils are curated with care in our LAAS shop.”

Jenny and Eleni were inspired by the many stories they heard at the Eco Resort Network event in May. “Attending the conference was very valuable to us.

It allowed us to see where we stand globally and it made us rethink some aspects of our project and make some changes. It allowed us to get in touch with others and exchange opinions with them, which is really important,” she adds. Find out more about LAAS at laas-glamping.gr.