Caring for destination

This accommodation provider has taken action to address one or more issues (whether environmental, social or cultural) which will contribute positively to the long term viability of the destination and hence their site displays a Caring for the destination rating.

Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:  

The hotel focus on environamental and cultural preservation.

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative: 

Being environmentally, socially and culturally sustainable and supportive was the basis of the Pousada Vila Tamarindo Eco Lodge's creation. From the beginning, steps were taken to ensure these goal was realised.

Environment
The Pousada was designed for maximum thermal efficiency. By constructing windows and cross systems on a north-south axis more than 90% of winds from Campeche Beach are captured. These winds cool down the lodge without using energy inefficient systems. The accommodation is north facing maximising the natural light in the rooms and other guest areas.

The overall design of the lodge reduces the visual impact on the area to maintain the original and natural aesthetic appeal. Firstly, the lodge is not located on the beautiful and pristine waterfront and secondly, the five distinct lodge blocks distribute the lodging in a manner harmonious with the natural landscape.

Outdoor living is not exempt from these measures. The common outdoor and garden areas are illuminated at night by ambient solar lamps fitted with photocells for storing solar energy and moving sensors, which reduce the amount of energy required to power them. The water used in the garden and swimming pool is part of a reservoir recycling system: underground river -> reservoir -> irrigation -> underground river. This water does not re-enter the underground river until after appropriate treatment so as not to pollute the environment. This is the case for all solid, liquid and atmospheric emissions and effluents.

Pousada Vila Tamarindo Eco takes simple, every-day action to set the example in sustainable living. So, for example, towels are changed only every two days and the sheets every four days (less upon request), thereby limiting water use and detergent release into the environment.

Society
This lodge is supportive of the local community's environmental and cultural initiatives. Pousada Vila Tamarinda Eco has already committed resources to such efforts. They are actively involved in educating travellers about programs against children sexual exploitation or any other kind of sexual exploitation on tourism. The lodge also has a partnership with BR Trips who promote tours that support local communities, see their website for more details.

Poussada Vila Tamarinda Eco has a policy to purchase local products where ever practicable and especially from suppliers that also have sustainable practices and policies. The delicious and healthy home made breakfasts are made with regional products according to traditional family recipes.

Culture
The Pousada staff even takes breakfast (plus other opportunities) to educate guests about local culture. Guests are encouraged to learn about the region's customs, folklore and handicrafts throughout their stay to stimulates cross cultural understanding. These efforts can be subtle but are still influential and helpful, like the local artwork used to furnish the guest rooms.

It is easy to see that Pousada Vila Tamarinda Eco has taken many steps to becoming a best practice sustainable hotel in Brazil.