It seems today in our world of tourism, we are fixated on the abundance of trends. Just like the latest fashions from Marc Jacobs or Mr. Ralph Lauren, it seems that the masterminds behind the latest trends in travel are becoming the fashion rockstars of the tourism industry. It is becoming more and more apparent that the word green is no longer a color, but could be argued as a belief, a lifestyle, a message, and to some extremists, even a religion! For the focus of this article, let’s just say green echoes the words sustainability, renewable resources, and conscious thinking. Never has a trio of these words defined so perfectly the trends that are occurring at the Hotel Rancho Margot, Lake Arenal, Costa Rica.
Over the past summer I had the chance to experience the sights, sounds, smells and culture of the ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle in Costa Rica. Particularly, this trip included a three-night stay in the middle of the rainforest. No seriously, this hotel is completely off the grid and is so sustainable, even recycled newspaper tends to get a little jealous. One of the major aspects that make this hotel operation not only practical, but successful is the management team. Rancho Margot was first designed to be an organic farm, but after a few pitched tents from friendly expats and outdoorists alike, it quickly remodeled itself into becoming a fully sustainable ecolodge. I mean fully sustainable in every sense of the word. Practically everything that is utilized throughout the ecolodge is made onsite of the property or somewhere within the general region of Costa Rica. This is important to note since green tourism was made a national policy in Costa Rica. Everything from the bar soap, to the benches were made on property. All of the daily food for guests and workers are derived from Rancho Margot’s organic garden, cows, pigs, and chickens, which make’s way for the ultimate in healthy dining.
There have been many definitions to the concept of ecotourism, and many corporations and hotels alike have utilized this concept of not only ecotourism, but similar catch phrases like sustainability, and going green to jump on the green train. It is important to distinguish particular entities that simply claim they are sustainable, but simply lack in the actual substance otherwise known as “greenwashing.” Let it be known that Ranchot Margot clearly stands as a living and visual definition of what it means to be sustainable.
One key aspect to note about the background of Rancho Margot is that it is family owned and operated, which can ultimately ensure a stable work environment. Additionally, some of the philanthropy that Rancho Margot includes would be it’s reforestation, ranger station, animal rescue and reintegration center, and it’s future developments for a on site school for local persons of Costa Rica. Keeping in mind that there is no actual requirement for any of these good works to be in existence, but when talking to Frederick Sostheim who is the Director of Operations, he simply replied, “It’s the right thing to do.” Perhaps many lessons can be learned by taking one trip to this fabulous place. Lessons about sustainability and organic farming, or deeper lessons about one’s self and attaining or restoring that balance of harmony with nature. Not too many hotels and resorts with 1,000 count sheets and convey the magnitude of that message. It is important of visiting the property, to take a tour by Fredrick of the Ranch to fully understand and appreciate all the innovative technologies and projects that are occurring and in progress at Rancho Margot.
Resource:
Sostheim, F. (2006). Rancho margot. Retrieved from http://ranchomargot.org/
This post was really interesting. I have never heard of a place that is this extreme when they talk about being green and sustainable. I love that the food is from right there at the property and is fresh. I am not totally all for the green movement but I do think that it would be very educational and interesting to visit a location like this plus I have always wanted to go to Costa Rica.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting. I guess it is their marketing way to attract tourists over, and plus they liked to be green. I wanted to experience their hospitality to check out if I could feel comfortable enough to be able to feel I was a vacation!! Good choice!!
ReplyDeleteStephen,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post, since I have never been to Costa Rica, let alone this great, fully-sustainable hotel "in the middle of the rainforest." It has to be great knowing that your food is completely fresh, and free from preservatives and other gross ingredients. The fact that it is a family owned and operated hotel makes the guest feel more at ease, since the staff truly does care.
I would love to go to Costa Rica, and if I get the chance I will stay at Rancho Margot!
Great post,
Lorissa Hutson
I really enjoyed your review because you pointed out flaws or I should say trends of today’s society and this company focuses on those trends to target many whom practice the whole "green" concept. I also valued your say on green being more than a color. Its a lifestyle. That saying has instilled into my brain positively as we move forward into the future where it will become more abundant to us all
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post because I do not believe that many business operated by families receive their due credit! There are so many business's and corporations that were either initially family founded and operated or still continue to function under this category. In my personal opinion, this type of service is irreplaceable, and also many a time, sets the standard for many other business's to follow suit in the same customer service fashion. Thank you for posting an original response that accurately stated a trend that has been overlooked for the most part in the hospitality industry.
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ReplyDeleteI really liked your post. I think you did a great job describing why Rancho Margot is truly sustainable. I also found very interesting that you mentioned that it is important to distinguish between truly sustainable entities, and those who just claim to be sustainable but fail to meet sustainability principles. I think Rancho Margot is a great example of a well-managed hotel.
ReplyDeleteOh my God!! I need that lifestyle.I think that I will buy lots in costa rica to have a better life.
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