Caring for our world
‘Sustainable’ translates to: To be maintained for a long time. This is the goal at each Mantis Collection property – to find long term solutions that are implemented every single day. To take care of our environment, be kinder to our world and encourage everyone to help the planet thrive for future generations.
Origins Lodge by Mantis in Costa Rica recently received high praise for its diverse and impactful ‘green’ projects when it was awarded the ‘2022 Prix VillĂ©giature Award for Sustainability’.
Origins – situated within 111 acres of lush rainforest jungle in Costa Rica – is luxurious. It offers six well appointed, one-bedroom circular lodges and a stylish three-bedroom Villa, all with private plunge pools, outdoor fireplaces, wood-fired terrace baths, the finest linens, bespoke locally produced bath amenities and exceptional cuisine. It also features a Spa Suite, a bamboo yoga studio, a waterfall at the edge of the property, 180-degree views and an array of authentic guest experiences.
Despite its beautiful, natural location and deluxe offering, there is no compromising when it comes to the goal of being ‘the most sustainable luxury lodge in the world.’ The team has managed to fuse luxury with an enviable sustainability ethos seamlessly.
The Melipona is the smallest of bee species. Harmless and with no sting, it shoulders a big responsibility in terms of maintaining biodiversity and mitigating the degradation of ecosystems. Origins is home to 25 Melipona beehives and their honey is harvested for local use.
An alliance with the CR Wildlife Foundation is fighting for the survival of the Central American Tapir. This beautiful animal, the largest terrestrial mammal in the neotropics and one of the most ecologically important species, is in danger of extinction. Known as the ‘Gardeners of the Forest’, Tapirs are living fossils which disperse a variety of large seeds and play an important role as ecosystem architects. They are also a strong ally in the fight against global climate change.
Each year, the Origins team plant approximately 500 indigenous double or triple-purpose trees along the edges of rivers and other water sources to restore the balance lost due to deforestation and maintain an abundance of water. Fruit trees are planted for birds and animals to eat and to continue the circle of life through pollination.
Hurricanes, tropical storms and climate change have led to fallen trees on the property, that are beautifully transformed into furniture and flooring. Through a partnership with ‘Planta mi Arbol,’ a Costa Rican Foundation devoted to reforesting specific areas throughout the country, guests can balance their travel carbon footprint by buying various tree packages.
The vegetables, fruits and herbs in the garden are planted in 100% organic soil, according to Kiwa International Certification. The daily menu reflects what is in season and uses this fresh produce in a ‘soil to table’ philosophy. Guests are invited to visit the garden, walk around and immerse themselves in a world of smells. The garden provides a place of tranquility and is the setting for cooking classes, using freshly picked produce.
In addition, vermicomposting is practiced ensuring a rich soil for the crops. This worm composting, produces a soil rich in nitrates and minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and potassium, along with beneficial microorganisms to enhance soil quality.
Origins is a plastic-free hotel, it is part of the UNEP (United Nations Environment Program pledge) for single-use, plastic free policy. The property has its own waste management and recycling program, with organic waste for the compost and non-organic recycling of glass, plastic, paper and cardboard.
Organic bath amenities – consisting of shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, body lotion and facial soap – are made on-site from the Ylang-Ylang trees on the property. These high-quality products, with their aromatherapy properties, do no harm to the environment and are beneficial for skin and hair.
Solar water tanks in each room heat the water for showers and there’s a natural treatment plant for soapy water to be reused to water the plants. In addition, there is no air conditioning and the property uses LED lights to reduce the carbon footprint.
A small farm with chickens and quails, produce organic eggs and Margaret, the cow, provides 13 litres of milk for home-made cheese. There is also a small sugar cane plantation that produces sugar cane juice and natural sugar.
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Origins believe in helping the local farmers and other entrepreneurs to succeed in strengthening the local economy. It currently works with more than 30 providers from the local town. In addition, 95% of hotel employees are from the local town and this, together with the local farmers, has positively impacted approximately 300 people who support the local economy.
Origin Lodge by Mantis may offer an exclusive escape into a luxurious world shaped by its natural surroundings. However, respecting and nurturing this natural habitat, promoting organic ingredients and practicing environmental principles and sustainability throughout the journey is the key to its success.
Sustainability as a way of life and business philosophy, without compromise, is feasible. Origins is testimony to this, as are the other Mantis properties.
You too can make a difference. It’s simple: It starts with one starfish, one bee, one tree, one drop …
