Hotel Villas Gaia Sustainability
Renewable Energy
Solar panels are located in five strategic locations to heat the water for all casitas and the restaurant
Energy Conservation
All lights in the rooms and work areas are replaced with low watt-fluorescent bulbs, and LED/low voltage bulbs are used for the trails
Air conditioning units are energy efficient models
Timers have been placed at refrigerators and the swimming pool
All electrical equipment undergoes regular maintenance
Water Conservation
Information about re-use of towels and linens is placed in each of the rooms
Low-flow toilets in all bathrooms (max of 1.6 gallons/flush)
The restaurant’s dishwashing procedure minimizes water usage by first cleaning with a special flat spoon and recycling the water
Land Conservation
Hotel Villas Gaia’s has 4 acres of ecological park and gardens, compromising 80% of the hotel property. Guests are invited to learn about the flora and fauna. Additionally, there is an ecological trail on a neighboring property of mangrove and beach that the hotel maintains and protects.
Recycling Program
Hotel Villas Gaia’s recycling program is part of the Fundacion Corcovado, and it supports the local school of Tres Rios. It is a full program recycling aluminum, plastic, paper, glass, and compost. Materials are collected throughout the hotel property and in the kitchen and guest accommodations. Staff members receive training from a biologist, who is an expert in garden composting. Upon arriving at the hotel, guests are invited to participate in recycling.
Waste/ Toxicity Reduction
Only durable and reusable drinking cups are provided
Shampoos, conditioners, and lotions are placed in re-usable containers and refilled
100% biodegradable soap (laundry detergent, dish soap, and hand/body soap)
100% biodegradable cleaning products
Green Certificates/Awards
Certification in Sustainable Tourism (CST), Level 3, 2009.
Community Programs/Charity
Hotel Villas Gaia is involved in an initiative to develop the concept of rural and community based tourism. The social program with the Boruca Indians seeks to improve knowledge about the Boruca way of life and to bring income to their community. Additionally, employees of Hotel Villas Gaia participate in an annual Environmental Education Program at the Ojochal village school. They help with many aspects of its preparation, implementation, and presentation.
Additional Sustainability Steps
The hotel gardens are completely organic- no pesticides or fertilizers. Approximately 10% of the restaurant’s food is produced on site. Additionally, the hotel is involved in a reforestation program where Almendro trees are placed along the beach for the Scarlet Macaw population.
Solar panels are located in five strategic locations to heat the water for all casitas and the restaurant
Energy Conservation
All lights in the rooms and work areas are replaced with low watt-fluorescent bulbs, and LED/low voltage bulbs are used for the trails
Air conditioning units are energy efficient models
Timers have been placed at refrigerators and the swimming pool
All electrical equipment undergoes regular maintenance
Water Conservation
Information about re-use of towels and linens is placed in each of the rooms
Low-flow toilets in all bathrooms (max of 1.6 gallons/flush)
The restaurant’s dishwashing procedure minimizes water usage by first cleaning with a special flat spoon and recycling the water
Land Conservation
Hotel Villas Gaia’s has 4 acres of ecological park and gardens, compromising 80% of the hotel property. Guests are invited to learn about the flora and fauna. Additionally, there is an ecological trail on a neighboring property of mangrove and beach that the hotel maintains and protects.
Recycling Program
Hotel Villas Gaia’s recycling program is part of the Fundacion Corcovado, and it supports the local school of Tres Rios. It is a full program recycling aluminum, plastic, paper, glass, and compost. Materials are collected throughout the hotel property and in the kitchen and guest accommodations. Staff members receive training from a biologist, who is an expert in garden composting. Upon arriving at the hotel, guests are invited to participate in recycling.
Waste/ Toxicity Reduction
Only durable and reusable drinking cups are provided
Shampoos, conditioners, and lotions are placed in re-usable containers and refilled
100% biodegradable soap (laundry detergent, dish soap, and hand/body soap)
100% biodegradable cleaning products
Green Certificates/Awards
Certification in Sustainable Tourism (CST), Level 3, 2009.
Community Programs/Charity
Hotel Villas Gaia is involved in an initiative to develop the concept of rural and community based tourism. The social program with the Boruca Indians seeks to improve knowledge about the Boruca way of life and to bring income to their community. Additionally, employees of Hotel Villas Gaia participate in an annual Environmental Education Program at the Ojochal village school. They help with many aspects of its preparation, implementation, and presentation.
Additional Sustainability Steps
The hotel gardens are completely organic- no pesticides or fertilizers. Approximately 10% of the restaurant’s food is produced on site. Additionally, the hotel is involved in a reforestation program where Almendro trees are placed along the beach for the Scarlet Macaw population.
Hotel Sustainable Practices
Renewable Energy
Energy Conservation
Water Conservation
Land Conservation
14 rooms
Recycling Program
Waste/Toxicity Reduction
Green Awards/Certificates
Community and Charity
Additional Steps
