Turtle Bay Lodge, Espiritu Santo
Sustainability
Patricia Gil & Matthew Yates, Owners/Managers |
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Patricia has been researching Pacific islands for the last 15 years until last year, when she finally found her island dream in Espiritu Santo. She hopes to share some of the island magic with you.
Matt is the founder and director of Lunar Circus, an Australian company based in Margaret River, Western Australia where he is every kid's hero. He has over 20 years experience as a performer and event organiser, during which time he has toured internationally and trained with some of the great icons of circus. He is renowned for his host skills and for his ability to always see the bright side of life. You never know what crazy antics he will do next, but one thing is for sure, there is never a dull moment!
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:
Environmental protection and supporting local children.
Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative:
Patricia and Matthew are long time travellers that have the upmost respect for all cultures and nature. They came to Espiritu Santo to live a wholesome life in harmony with nature. Their aim is to implement sustainable practices in the daily running of the resort.
Organic Vegetable Garden
They have set up a large garden that provides the restaurant with fresh, organic produce. They focus on still buying year-round available produce from the local market, hence they only grow vegetables that are hard to find all year round. This way they remain a level of self sufficiency, whilst still helping provide sustainable income for the local growers.
By avoiding buying products that have to be imported, it also makes a small difference in keeping money locally (such as growing and buying local vegetables; and using local fish, shellfish and meat).
Conserve Water & Energy
The resort operates on generator power, so they plan to install solar panels that will provide power during the night. These solar panels will allow the resort to operate, especially during low occupancy periods, to help them minimise generator use and have a lighter carbon footprint.
Each room has information to provide information for guests on how to conserve energy. All glass, cans and plastic are recycled; whilst the organic matter is used for compost. The resort's commitment to sustainability includes using appliances and lights that consume minimal energy.
Circus Programs
The circus programs in Australia have always had an outreach component. In Australia, a kid's troupe has been set up that trains weekly and performs regularly. In Espiritu Santo, the plan is to offer a similar program to local children to teach them the skills of circus and take them to a standard that will allow them to perform at local festivals etc.
It is hoped that the program will be ongoing and long-term, so it will give many children the opportunity to pursue circus, or other endeavours, as a sustainable form of income. The main area of focus is to create and sustain a community circus, but also achieve sustainability through minimising the daily consumption and usage of resources.
Traveller Feedback
Not impressed
Ms Simone R.
- Australia
on 25 Jul 2009 The only thing we really noted about our accomodation 'caring for the destibntion' was that they only was wash the towels when the client requested as to minimise use of chemicals and thus caring for the enviroment.
