As the adage goes in hospitality, the slickest establishments operate like swans – superficially gliding along smoothly and effortlessly, while just out of shot, they’re paddling like crazy. Back of the house – aka BOH as it’s called in the trade – is where some of the especially fascinating eco magic happens too. Get a glimpse at less-than-glamorous topics of water and waste management and the grunt work that goes into being greener. Here’s a heads-up on the heroes inviting us to see what they’re up to, and who really know first-hand what goes into being a kinder, cleaner, more considerate business. Who knew a poke around utility facilities could be so exhilarating or enlightening?
1. Cayuga Collection Hotels
Spilling eco secrets in Central America
For two decades, these luxury resorts have treated visitors to a look-see. It might not sound scintillating, but feedback says these Back of the House tours of the kitchen, laundry, and maintenance facilities convert nosey-parkers into superfans. For example, at the woodshop at Isla Palenque in Panama, guests can spy fallen trees fashioned into furniture. In Costa Rica, Kura gives a rare reveal of staff quarters, showcasing how avoiding solid waste altogether trumps recycling at Arenas del Mar. Furthermore, Senda’s laundry displays how housekeepers demo their eco-friendly detergents and air-drying of sheets. Meanwhile, Hotel Aguas Claras provides a study in all-local procurement. Even more interesting is Jicaro Island Lodge in Nicaragua, which gifts gas produced by their pigs to a neighbor as power. ‘Nothing is off-limits,’ says Cayuga owner Hans Pfister. He’s observed guests emerging from these tours having learned what it truly means to be sustainable, engaging more meaningfully with team members who are usually backstage. ‘It has travellers well and truly bitten by the sustainability bug.’
2. Heckfield House
From biodynamic planting to their biomass plant
Home Farm set the benchmark when they made Heckfield Place the first luxury hotel in the UK to achieve biodynamic status. Visitors can admire the prettiest flowerbeds and Instagram-perfect polytunnels that support culinary creations. Discover why improving soil health is among the greatest priorities today. A look at the biomass energy center reveals smarter central heating solutions. It’s surprisingly satisfying to explore these behind-the-scenes machines. Also worth acknowledging is the estate’s borehole, which pumps an impressive 70,000 liters of water a day. If you’re genuinely interested, consider dining at Hearth or Marle, the restaurants that best flaunt the fruits of their organic growth.
