In a significant milestone for sustainable travel, the well-being hideaway Quinta Marugo, nestled in Portugal’s serene Alentejo, has secured its first-ever Green Globe certification. This esteemed accolade attests to the retreat’s steadfast pledge to ecological stewardship and its mission to cultivate a balanced interplay among hospitality, the natural landscape, and surrounding communities. Being among the very select properties to meet this demanding criterion, the retreat is establishing itself as a forerunner in the sustainable tourism arena and is offering a replicable benchmark for the wider sector.
Occupying more than thirty contiguous hectares, the retreat provides a tranquil refuge for guests in search of renewal within an environmentally attuned framework. Founders MaryAnn Voli and Ugo Uberti Foppa have crafted Quinta Marugo around the tenets of sustainable stewardship, orchestrating every detail so that visitors may repose in settings engineered to conserve, rejuvenate, and heal the landscape that sustains them.
Sustainability has become a focal point in the global travel and tourism sector, with travelers increasingly seeking eco-friendly, socially responsible, and authentic experiences. The rise of conscious travel, where consumers prioritize environmental and ethical considerations in their decisions, has pushed hospitality providers to adopt more sustainable practices. This shift has prompted industry stakeholders to focus on reducing carbon footprints, promoting conservation, and integrating eco-friendly solutions in their operations.
In this context, Quinta Marugo’s achievement of Green Globe certification aligns with the broader trends in the travel industry, where more properties are adopting green practices. Green Globe is an internationally recognized certification program that sets high standards for sustainability in the travel and tourism sector. The certification not only affirms Quinta Marugo’s commitment to environmental conservation but also provides reassurance to eco-conscious travelers that they are choosing a destination that actively contributes to the preservation of natural resources.
When MaryAnn and Ugo first arrived at Quinta Marugo, the land was in poor condition due to over-farming practices and soil erosion from prolonged exposure to the elements. Recognizing the urgency of land regeneration, the couple embarked on a mission to restore the soil’s fertility and combat erosion. By planting native drought-resistant bushes and using permaculture techniques, they created a sustainable agricultural model that rejuvenates the land while supporting biodiversity.
The regenerative agricultural practices at Quinta Marugo go beyond simple conservation; they play a key role in combating climate change and preserving local ecosystems. By choosing native plants and implementing soil conservation techniques, Quinta Marugo has transformed the land into a thriving ecosystem that absorbs carbon, improves soil health, and contributes to the local environment. For travelers interested in sustainability, Quinta Marugo offers an insightful opportunity to witness firsthand how agriculture can be part of the solution to climate change.
Quinta Marugo’s culinary offerings are rooted in its sustainable farming practices. The retreat’s 1,000-square-meter organic vegetable garden serves as the foundation for the property’s farm-to-table model. Guests enjoy fresh, seasonal vegetables that are grown on-site, with any surplus sourced from nearby organic farms. By collaborating with local farmers, Quinta Marugo strengthens the regional economy and promotes the consumption of local produce while minimizing its environmental footprint through reduced transportation emissions.
The menu at Quinta Marugo is entirely vegetarian, in alignment with the retreat’s commitment to sustainable food practices. The use of organic, seasonal ingredients ensures that each dish is not only delicious but also aligned with the principles of sustainable agriculture. Guests are encouraged to explore the food production process during their stay, learning about the benefits of organic farming, composting, and soil health.
For many guests, the dining experience at Quinta Marugo is an eye-opener, inspiring them to adopt more sustainable eating habits once they return home. As part of its ongoing commitment to health and wellness, Quinta Marugo has even introduced a zero-sugar menu, which has garnered positive feedback from guests who report feeling healthier and more energized after reducing processed sugar from their diets.
Quinta Marugo’s Green Globe certification is not just a testament to its agricultural practices but also to its comprehensive approach to sustainable hospitality. The retreat has adopted a zero-waste strategy, ensuring that every aspect of its operations is as eco-friendly as possible. The property uses two boreholes to source fresh water, which is then recycled and filtered. In addition, rainwater is collected from the roofs and stored in tanks, significantly reducing the need for external water sources.
The retreat’s swimming pool is another innovative feature that highlights its commitment to sustainability. Instead of using chlorine or salt, the pool is biologically cleaned with plants, creating a natural filtration system that attracts local wildlife and contributes to the property’s rich biodiversity. This method eliminates the need for harmful chemicals, making the pool not only safer for guests but also environmentally friendly.
Moreover, Quinta Marugo has embraced renewable energy solutions, with solar panels providing much of the property’s electricity needs. This reliance on solar power significantly reduces the property’s carbon footprint and makes it a model for other eco-conscious accommodations in the region.
Quinta Marugo goes beyond environmental stewardship by actively engaging guests in sustainability practices. Visitors are encouraged to adopt eco-conscious habits during their stay, such as conserving water, reducing waste, and enjoying the natural cooling methods provided by the retreat’s architecture. Instead of relying on air conditioning, the retreat utilizes thick walls, double insulation, and carefully positioned windows to regulate indoor temperatures, even during the hottest months.
The retreat also supports waste reduction by purchasing cleaning products that are chemical-free and come in sustainable packaging. For example, bath gels in guest bathrooms are provided in compostable pouches that reduce plastic waste and minimize the carbon footprint of transporting liquid products.
The story of Quinta Marugo is an inspiring example of how sustainable tourism can thrive in today’s eco-conscious travel market. Its Green Globe certification underscores its leadership in the responsible tourism movement, demonstrating that it’s possible to create a world-class hospitality experience while minimizing environmental impact. Quinta Marugo offers a model for other properties to follow, showing that sustainable tourism is not only viable but essential for the future of the industry.
As more travelers seek out eco-friendly destinations that align with their values, Quinta Marugo represents a growing trend in the travel industry toward environmental stewardship and regenerative tourism. With its focus on soil health, zero waste, renewable energy, and farm-to-table dining, Quinta Marugo is redefining what it means to provide an ethical and sustainable travel experience.
Quinta Marugo’s receipt of the Green Globe certification serves as an influential case study in the capacity of sustainable hospitality to energize both ecological stewardship and social well-being. By weaving sustainable principles into the full continuum of its operations—from regenerative agriculture to the curated guest journey—the estate is exerting strategic influence on the trajectory of responsible travel. Escalating market interest in low-impact tourism further lends credence to Marugo as a lodestar in the ongoing crystallization of a greener lodging sector.
Visitors in search of immersive ecological engagement, as well as opportunities to internalize sustainable methodologies, will find in Quinta Marugo the optimal environment to unwind, recharge, and contribute to a widening diaspora of principled hospitality.
