SUSTAINABLE WEDDING
AND HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS:
AN INTERVIEW WITH GREEN PEARLS®
A new era of traveling: luxury meets sustainability
Green Pearls®: Guide to environmentally friendly travel experiences & sustainable honeymoon
Sustainability and travel—two aspects that are becoming increasingly important in today’s world. As the world becomes more aware of ecological challenges, more and more travelers are looking for ways to make their getaways responsible and eco-friendly. Enter Green Pearls®, a platform dedicated to promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels and travel destinations. Green Pearls® presents carefully selected destinations worldwide that stand out for their commitment to ecological awareness and social responsibility.
As the founder of marrybylen, a Europe-wide Wedding & Event Planning Agency, I am constantly searching for exceptional locations and innovative concepts that meet our clients‘ and our high standards of aesthetics, service, and sustainability. Our clients appreciate not only stylish and elegant weddings but also the consideration of environmental factors.
In my quest for sustainable honeymoon destinations, I came across Green Pearls® and was immediately captivated. This platform offers an impressive variety of destinations that are both eco-friendly and unique. Each location tells its own story and offers experiences deeply rooted in the local culture and nature. Green Pearls® enables travelers to make responsible decisions without sacrificing comfort and enjoyment.
The hotels and destinations represented by Green Pearls® range from luxurious resorts to charming boutique hotels and idyllic eco-lodges. This diversity reflects the different needs and desires of modern travelers who want to combine luxury and sustainability. It’s about traveling more consciously while enjoying the beauty and comfort of extraordinary destinations.
At marrybylen, we have recognized that sustainable planning and the careful selection of eco-friendly locations not only provide our clients with unforgettable moments but also positively impact the environment. Green Pearls® is, therefore, an inspiring resource for us to offer our clients extraordinary and sustainable options for their honeymoons.
Destination weddings are a wonderful way to combine a wedding with a vacation and offer numerous benefits. Guests often come from different parts of the world to experience a multi-day celebration that includes not only the wedding itself but also shared experiences and explorations of the surroundings. This not only fosters a sense of togetherness and creates unforgettable memories but also has economic benefits for the local community. Additionally, it offers the couple the opportunity to spend their honeymoon right on-site and further explore the region instead of taking an additional trip. This reduces the ecological footprint and maximizes relaxation and enjoyment after the wedding.
In the following interview with Stefany, the founder of Green Pearls®, I gained deeper insights into the philosophy, visions, and recommendations of this impressive platform.
CONTENT
Discovering Green Pearls®: What is the story and inspiration behind Green Pearls®? Was there a defining moment for the founding of Green Pearls®?
Stefany:
Philosophy and Values: Green Pearls® stands for sustainability and environmental protection. How are the locations selected, and what criteria must they meet to be listed with Green Pearls®?
Stefany:
Unique Experiences: What makes a Green Pearls® location unique? Are there specific experiences or services?
Stefany:
Each green pearl is unique in its own way. From our point of view, it is often not so much about the location, services, or activities but about the individual stories behind them. These bring a place to life and make it unique. For example, large weddings are celebrated in the former riding hall at Gut Sonnenhausen near Munich. The estate is a former stud farm in the English style, and the builder wanted something special for the riding hall: a concert gallery. The acoustics of the hall are repeatedly praised by artists.
Perhaps even one step earlier, for the proposal, we can recommend the Hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allgäu. The team there specializes in organizing marriage proposals (and all other romantic occasions). Elopements are also possible on their own mountain hut and the platform there!
Sustainability and Luxury: It is often assumed that luxury and sustainability do not go hand in hand. How do the partners of Green Pearls® manage to combine these two elements to offer eco-luxe honeymoon destinations?
Stefany:
The idea that sustainability and luxury cannot work together is a myth that persists and is based on the belief that sustainability exclusively means renunciation. Sustainable travel is mainly about making more conscious decisions and being aware of one’s own impact.
Fine dining also works with regional ingredients, luxurious spa suites are no less luxurious if they are made from environmentally friendly materials, and wellness is also relaxing if natural cosmetics are used, and the sauna is operated with green energy. Our green pearls demonstrate this.
Future Visions: How do you see the future of sustainable travel? Are there new trends or innovations in the field of eco-friendly hotels and destinations?
Stefany:
Sustainability in travel is a trend that will establish itself in the long term. More and more players in tourism have recognized this and are adjusting accordingly.
The trends in sustainable travel are constantly evolving as the travel industry increasingly focuses on environmentally conscious and responsible travel. Here are some trends that may emerge in the field of sustainable travel:
Regenerative travel:
Regenerative travel aims not only to minimize the negative impact of a trip but also to make a positive contribution to the environment and local communities. To achieve real benefits, travelers actively participate in environmental protection projects or invest in communities.
Micro-adventures and local recreation:
Technology for sustainable travel:
Slow Travel:
The trend towards slow travel continues. People travel more slowly to better get to know their surroundings, foster connections with local communities, and reduce their ecological footprint. This can mean visiting fewer destinations but staying longer in one place and delving deeper into local culture.
Using eco-friendly transportation:
More travelers are opting for eco-friendly transportation methods such as electric cars, bicycles, or alternative modes of transport like train travel or sailing to reduce their CO2 emissions.
Tips for Sustainable Travel: What criteria should couples consider when planning their honeymoon to make a positive contribution to the environment?
Stefany:
Sustainable honeymoons follow the same principles as sustainable travel in general: One should ensure an environmentally friendly journey and, of course, choose sustainable accommodation. For honeymoon destinations, tropical places like the Maldives or Thailand are popular. Here, travelers should ensure that the travel time is proportionate to the journey. Long story short: If you plan only a week for your honeymoon, you should not go on a long-haul trip.
Do you use social media? How do you use social media to raise awareness for sustainable travel?
Stefany:
Dream Wedding Locations: Which locations would you recommend for an unforgettable and sustainable wedding celebration? Are there specific features that make these places particularly special for couples?
Stefany:
If we may take a step back, I would like to highlight the Hotel Das Rübezahl for the proposal. We were recently there, and there are many beautiful ways to make the marriage proposal individual and special. The team brings a lot of experience with them!
For small celebrations, the Okelmann’s Hotel in Lower Saxony offers a cozy, family atmosphere—and an experienced wedding planner on-site.
The HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio is also more suitable for smaller celebrations. The special feature: The ceremony can take place under an old yew tree in the middle of nature.
A unique wedding experience is offered by Keemala on the Thai island of Phuket. This should be more of an elopement without many guests and connected with a longer trip to Thailand or Southeast Asia to make the flight worthwhile.
Idyllic Honeymoon Destinations: When you think of sustainable honeymoons, which destinations within your portfolio immediately come to mind? Can you share some insider tips that offer newlyweds peace, luxury, and adventure?
Stefany:
A difficult question because there are so many different offers. A small insider tip for honeymoons might be Liguria in Italy. We have been working for several years with the Albergo Diffuso Relais del Maro, which is located in a small mountain village.
Otherwise, the ADLER Lodge RITTEN on the Ritten in South Tyrol, the Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, and the Alpine Hideway & Spa Klosterhof in the Berchtesgadener Land are recommended for honeymooners.
For many, the honeymoon is also an occasion to book a long-distance trip. And you can also book sustainably in this case. A classic honeymoon destination is the Maldives, and it is particularly important to pay attention to sustainability there.
We have been working with Gili Lankanfushi for several years. This is also a beautiful example of how sustainability and luxury can go hand in hand.
Sustainable Honeymoon: A win for everyone!
Sustainable Honeymoon:
A win for everyone!
Sustainability plays an increasingly important role in wedding and event planning. At marrybylen, we have recognized that it’s not just about creating unforgettable moments but also about taking responsibility for the environment. Green Pearls® offers a unique platform that combines travel and sustainability. The carefully selected destinations guarantee unforgettable experiences that are both eco-friendly and comfortable.
Through our conversation with Stefany from Green Pearls®, we have gained valuable insights into the significance and implementation of sustainable travel. It is inspiring to see how this philosophy is put into practice in the various Green Pearls® destinations and the possibilities they offer for weddings and honeymoons. We were particularly impressed by the variety of offerings, ranging from intimate ceremonies in remote mountain huts to luxurious stays in historic hotels.
For couples looking for a unique, eco-luxe experience, the Green Pearls® destinations are the perfect choice. Particularly in countries like Portugal and Spain, known for their rich culture and breathtaking landscapes, numerous sustainable gems can be found. These destinations combine local traditions with modern, eco-conscious tourism and provide the perfect setting for unforgettable weddings and honeymoons.
In conclusion, sustainable travel and celebrations are not only possible but also enriching. It offers the opportunity to travel more consciously, experience local culture and nature more intensively, and make a positive contribution to the environment.
For more information about sustainable travel destinations and inspiration for your next trip, visit the website of Green Pearls®.