Practices of responsible tourism, blended with comfort and education, represent an ideal combination for modern travelers who enjoy luxury but are also concerned about the effects that the excesses of present day society may have on future generations. When Condé Nast Traveler presented the World Savers Award, one of the world's most important sustainability awards in the hotel industry, to the Cristalino Lodge, situated in Alta Floresta, in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, it was showing recognition of an eco-hotel that has remained true to the philosophy of hosting that makes a luxury of the essential. The Cristalino Lodge has also earned TripAdvisor’s GreenLeaders certification, under a program that draws attention to eco-friendly hotels and hostels, from the most economical to the most luxurious.
Many practices of responsible tourism are employed at the Cristalino Lodge. They range from simple procedures carried out by our trained team, such as using fluorescent light bulbs, recycling waste, using biodegradable cleaning products and reutilizing towels, to major matters like the architecture that is in complete harmony with nature, designed by architect Adriana Riva, solar water heating and the treatment of greywater and blackwater using permaculture filters.
More recently, the Cristalino Lodge began to generate photovoltaic power, using solar panels, to ensure essential services such as freezers and refrigerators, which is another important step along the environmental responsibility path. Renewable energy is essential to future harmony between man and nature.
Moreover, the conservation, research and knowledge generation programs developed in partnership with the Cristalino Ecological Foundation also generate positive results for the region, particularly in the public school systems of Alta Floresta and Novo Mundo. The schools participate in the "A Day in the Forest" program, taking students aged 13 and 14 to see the Amazon in a new light and perform educational activities under the guidance of the Cristalino Ecological Foundation’s educational team.
This means that tourists visiting the hotel are collaborating in important responsible tourism initiatives, including the preservation of an 11,399 hectare reserve containing primary forest. It is an area 6 times larger than Brazil’s ecological reserve in the Fernando de Noronha archipelago and almost double the size of New York’s Manhattan Island.
The Cristalino Lodge was one of the world’s first establishments to earn TripAdvisor certification, in the gold category. Developed in partnership with UNEP (United Nations Environment Program) and the Rainforest Alliance, the program aims to encourage sustainable practices within the hotel industry. In 2015, the Cristalino Lodge was also presented by TripAdvisor with their Certificate of Excellence, due to the consistently high ratings awarded by its guests, gratifying evidence that our visitors approve of our blend of leisure and conservation efforts.