Water consumption has become newsworthy in an era when we are more conscious of climate change and how it is changing our weather patterns.  When rainfall is less dependable, we all need to be making more efforts to use water responsibly.

Casa de Olivos is proud to offer discerning guests the best of sustainable tourist accommodation, and we are going further than many to make sure we get the most out of every drop of water. Our off-grid Casa Rural is accredited with Green Tourism and BioScore for our commitment to economic, environmental and social sustainability.

When it rains, we store

Collecting rainwater as our primary water source has really connected us to our water usage. With all our water stored on site, we have an ever-present visual reminder of the resource, and no longer take our supply for granted. 

It’s the loveliest water we’ve ever used. Filtering and purifying it on demand, we add no chemicals, and our treatment system is entirely solar-powered. Environmentally sustainable and chemical-free water that’s great to drink and shower in is hard to beat.

The guest experience is not diminished by us being off grid however. We have done all the hard work to ensure that water is used as efficiently as possible. 

We believe our guest experience is enhanced by being off grid. Remember that filtered and purified water without chemicals? It leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated after showering, and tastes great. Something our guests often comment on. And no plastic water bottles going to waste either.

Better for guests and the planet

Each apartment has a dishwasher with an Eco setting that we encourage guests to use. They’re on holiday! Who wants to wash up anyway? But the real reason is that they use a lot less water to clean dishes than hand washing would. We reckon about 60% less per day. 

All our toilets, basins and showers are fitted with water-saving measures, without compromising their use. And all the water from the laundry, showers, kitchens and basins goes into a grey water tank to be used on the ornamental plants.

Finally, our swimming pool is covered when not in use to help minimise evaporation, as well as retaining the warmth of the day. And the salt-water system means we can safely keep the pool water for multiple seasons, meaning we don’t have to drain and refill each year.

We don’t ask our guests to change their behaviours while they’re on holiday, partly because we’ve done the work for them. But even so, there are some ways that customers can help us to be even more efficient with water such as:

·     Avoid running the tap while brushing teeth

·     Don’t wash up under a running tap

·     Keep any unused towels to one side when you leave so they aren’t unnecessarily laundered

·     Be mindful excessively long showers

·     It can save a lot of water to turn off the shower while soaping up

Our hope is that by showing how a few simple changes make a big difference to your water footprint, guests may make take some positive actions back in their own homes.

Escape, enjoy, be kind. Holiday without costing the earth.

Claire and Ed