Rural hotel in Andalucia, Spain

Planet

We are fully committed to renewable energy, we have a fully ‘off grid’ system with an extensive array of solar panels for hot water and electricity. We are very happy to show our guests how everything works.

Our central heating system is driven by a large pellet burner stove, which also helps to heat the dining room. We use only energy-efficient light bulbs and every bathroom has shower facilities as well as a full bath to encourage sensible use of water; all the toilets have dual flush; the room keys have an energy saving card to fit in the slot in the room, to ensure there is no waste of energy. For washing we use an eco ball and prefer ecologically friendly cleaning, washing and personal hygiene products, though they are very difficult to find in this part of Spain! We change bed sheets and towels every 4 nights, unless otherwise requested.

Our land is mostly wild, with Almond and Olive orchards which had not been exploited for some time. We do not use pesticides and are bringing the trees back into production organically. We grow our own organic fruit and vegetables in our own kitchen garden, raise free range chickens and source everything else from local organic farmers. We have dedicated recycling bins for guests to use, which we add to our own domestic recycling. We also practice composting which is a great way to use up vegetable peelings and chicken manure!

We support the Foundation Gypaetus, for the reintroduction of the Bearded Vulture which reached the brink of extinction in Europe a few years ago. The FG has a rearing site in the natural park of the nearby Sierra de Cazorla and every year release into the wild a number of vultures, which are then tracked for a minimum of 5 years. Up to now all the released birds have taken up residence in the Sierra de Castril, very close to the hotel. We offer interested guests information about the whereabouts of the birds and how to get to the various sites, plus special information cards to fill out in case the birds are spotted. And of course it is amazing how many other beautiful things you see when looking for something else!

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Our small hotel is family owned and run. All our providers are local, for example we buy fresh eggs from our neighbour, fresh fruit and veggies at the local market, bread and meats at our local shops.

We employ for part of the year a person to help us with the cleaning and we purchase some of the main dishes we serve at one of the nearby restaurants.

We use a local laundrette for all the washing, and an accountant. we also have great recommendations for activity guides, and activly promote most new activities initiatives.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

We employ 100% from the local community.