Yoga retreat in North Cyprus

Planet

We take seriously the impact that tourism has on the environment. As most of our customers are nature lovers and responsible travelers, we believe that the more people come to enjoy our tours, the more the local community becomes aware of the potential for responsible tourism and learns how to value and protect the environment, culture and traditions for the future.

We know single-use plastic bottles are not avoidable; During the tour, our guide will collect them and make sure that they will be recycled.

We constantly give environmental tips to the hotels. The waste advice is to use refillable shampoo, soap and lotion containers; choose durable goods such as drinking glasses and coffee cups; durable sheets that do not need constant replacing. On the water-saving, we advise them to put up signs for sheet and towel replacements so that only when the items are on the floor, they need to be replaced.

We encourage suppliers to put an emphasis on fresh, local food, to reduce plastic packaging and save energy. We explain the negative impact of cleaning chemicals. On routine visits (e.g. checking up on the condition of the accommodation), we hold short meetings on the standard of cleanliness we expect and on how to make use of alternative cleaning materials that do not damage the environment.

Our team members are heavily involved with Çatalköy‘s Gelistirme ve Kultur Dernegi (CADER) organization, which was the initiator of the north Cyprus children’s conference. This organization won a grant from SAVE (Supporting Activities that Value the Environment) USAID, to implement a campaign to reduce the use of plastic bags in the northern part of Cyprus. Children participating in the initiative performed a dance under the sounds of sombre music. They covered themselves in a massive plastic sheet and got tangled up in it. This signified the suffocation of the planet. They played this in several supermarkets to inform the public against the use of plastic bags. Bags for life were distributed.

People

We support the local economy wherever we can by employing yoga teachers from the island and also by suggesting our guests visit villages and local shops around us and recommending restaurants and places where we like to go.

Our travel agency chose guest houses for accommodation whenever possible to make sure incomes stay within the village. Our chosen Guest Houses are more environmentally concerned.

This vacation takes place at a small hotel managed and run by a local family. The owner's philosophy is to offer their guests a quiet and peaceful vacation in their idyllic surroundings.

Our efforts go to endorsing local events and festivals which promote local culture and help preserve long-standing Cypriot traditions. At the same time, there is a chance of interaction and communication between the cultures. As part of our customer care, we notify our guests of any events occurring during the period of their stay.