Conscious travellers are feeling stuck. They love to travel AND they love the environment, but it’s a fact: travel in its current state is not fully sustainable.

For example, we are faced with CO2 emissions from flights, as well as the rampant use of single-use packaging, from food containers to headphones in plastic wrap. There is also poor energy efficiency in terms of the cost of water, electricity, oil, and gas when it comes to accommodations.

The latest U.N. report on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is our wake-up call to find travel industry solutions to this issue.

On the positive side, as we move into a post-pandemic era many travellers have increased their environmental and sustainability awareness. According to this study conducted by The Vacationer, 87% say sustainable travel is important, 82% are making more eco-friendly travel decisions, and 78% are ready to pay more to lower their carbon footprint.

Ralia Retreats’ guests at the wellness cruise activation.

Are luxury and sustainability a possible combination?

Our answer is yes. While some ethical luxury travel brands have begun to address this issue, at Ralia Retreats we are front and centre when prioritizing sustainability in everything we do.

So, what can conscious travellers and eco-friendly luxury brands do?

1- Waste Less

Here are some quick practical and easy tips to reduce your environmental impact:

Bring on your own food and reusable containers on flights.
Bring your own bags to the grocery shop - no more plastic! (This is what we do at Ralia Retreats. We even get our organic vegetables and fruits in reusable boxes. We say no to single-use plastics).
Be mindful of water consumption when cleaning and bathing, as well as electricity consumption for AC units and heating.
Look into the home where you are staying and ask questions about waste management from compost, recycling, garbage, and even what is done with your wastewater.

Hmmm… have you ever wondered where your wastewater goes when you live next to an ocean where you are about to swim????

2- Environmentally Responsible Water Usage

As the impacts of climate change are upon us, we will face and need to adapt to many factors. According to scientific reports, future water stresses will be one of those issues.

Sustainable luxury accommodations should consider the following strategies:

Water-use efficiency
Water recycling
Water harvesting
Water conservation

Climate change stress is even more evident in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Ralia Retreats is constantly helping to improve and maintain sustainable water management systems at The Palms, where our villa in Costa Rica is located.

With its proximity to the beach, the water management systems are designed carefully, mindful of where all the water goes, and they include an on-site treatment plant.

On average, the Palms Residences use 80% to 90% of their treated water for landscaping and gardens.
100% of all the water from the common laundry room goes directly into the irrigation system.
There is a water captivation system with an underground tank, created so that the overflow from the treatment plant has a place to go. It also contains the rainwater and water used to wash the filters for the pools.

3- Use Eco-friendly Products

Non-biodegradable detergents and soaps harm the bacteria that help to break down our waste. For this reason, using eco-friendly products becomes essential.

The Palms main facilities use a local eco-friendly laundry detergent with no phosphates or strongly scented aromas: Florex. Using these types of detergents allows the natural digestion of organic materials by bacteria in the holding tanks.

Ralia Retreats, on the other hand, provides guests with products from the following eco-friendly and sustainable brands:

Aromas: we use their soap, shampoo, and conditioner. We buy them by the gallon and refill the dispensers after guests leave, so we reduce the use of plastics.

Ecos: we use their dish detergent and laundry soup.

Curasana: we gift our guests their organic skin care products.

To make sure we are on the right track, monthly water testing is conducted, which is similar to a blood test for the whole water system.

We also encourage our guests to be responsible when purchasing and using soaps.

Green luxury: a needed rise of sustainability in the travel industry

At Ralia Retreats, we believe people have a personal, social, and moral responsibility to address climate change. Therefore, our mission is to incorporate the best conservation practices without leaving the perks of luxury behind.

The Palm Residences, home of Ralia Retreats in Costa Rica, is unique in being environmentally responsible and keeping in compliance with the Costa Rican Health Ministry.

Shortages of potable water are a reality on the Nicoya Peninsula in the summer, so the efforts taken by The Palm Residences and Ralia Retreats are helping the community to use drinking water - a life-giving resource - in a sustainable way.

Also, Ralia Retreats has committed to getting its Ecologic Blue Flag certification in March 2023. Then, when guests come to stay with us, they feel good knowing about the sustainable actions that Ralia Retreats and the Palm Residences are taking, because these actions provide meaning.

Participating in sustainable efforts is not just a moral choice: it is a meaningful course of action - one that brings us hope, empowerment, and needed change.

Looking for a custom eco-friendly luxury travel experience aligned with your values? Come and explore the ‘Joy of Life Retreat’ in Costa Rica. Learn more.