Sonnwies Sustainability
The Sonnwies is located in the unique UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Dolomites, in an unmistakable natural paradise which we all have a duty to preserve and protect. It is particularly important to us, the Hinteregger family, to work in an environmentally conscious and responsible manner in our various areas of activity. We want to offer our guests natural luxury and at the same time take responsibility for the environment and society. We are convinced: If you want to live sustainably, you definitely don't have to do without luxury. One does not exclude the other. Natural luxury that should be resource-friendly and comprehensible. This is why we have developed our SONNWIES CIRCLE. It is intended to explain simply and clearly how we live sustainability in our resort.
Social
Philosophy
The Sonnwies is in perfect symbiosis with the surrounding nature. The credo is: not faster, further, higher but slower, more conscious and more sustainable. The focus of the resort is on raising children's awareness of nature, which is conveyed through various activities and offers in the context of childcare (adventure farm, manufactory) etc.. Furthermore, we make every effort to employ staff from the village or neighbouring communities, taking into account the necessary qualifications. Our new projects are also completely focused on sustainability.
Social
Your and our contribution
Sustainable together - a small contribution can make a big difference! We can achieve a lot with our measures, but of course we also count on the help of our guests: towels and bathrobes are only changed on request, guests are asked to use the air condition, in available in their suite, only selectively and not to let the water run unnecessarily. Furthermore, we ask our guests to bring their own bath slippers for their stay, as these are disposable products that account for an enormous share of waste production. By bringing your own slippers, we have managed to save more than 3500 slippers this year, which corresponds to about 1/3 of the consumption in recent years.
Earth lab
Farm to Table
In the culinary, our focus is on regionality, seasonality and the highest quality. In our kitchen philosophy there is a conscious reduction: three kitchen lines with plenty of delicious options - alpine, mediterranean and vegetarian. Agricultural products taste all the better the fresher they are processed and consumed. That's why the hotel's own 1,200 sqm Organic Culinary Garden and the Sonnwies Farm are significant suppliers. As an introduction to the 5-course dinner, our guests enjoy homemade farm butter, homemade bread and a wild herb salad bowl with vegetables directly from the garden.
Earth lab
Agriculture
The organic farm with more than 30 animals is one of our heart's desires. Here we grow and process products from our own farm. Accordingly, here on the farm the little guests get to know the rural alpine tradition through a targeted range of activities - for example, children are allowed to fetch their breakfast eggs from the chickens in the morning, sleep in the hay or help feed the cows. Another special feature is our manufactory, where we teach children about the careful use of sustainable materials at an early age with activities such as making wreaths, churning butter or tasting local products. We are particularly proud of our animal species, which are threatened with extinction: the Pustertaler Sprinzen and the Villnösser Brillenschafe. Due to the danger of extinction of these animal species, we consider it extremely important to work for their preservation and to value their living value even more.
Earth lab
Regionality
We attach great importance to working with local and regional suppliers and businesses. A large part of our food is sourced from our own organic farm as well as from local businesses. The free range eggs for breakfast, for example, come from the Flitzerhof farm in our neighbouring valley of Villnöss. It is not only in the culinary area that we attach great importance to quality and regionality - high priority is given in all areas. For example, the Sonnwies was implemented by local companies and craftsmen.
Environment
Location
Due to its unique location in the middle of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, the Sonnwies Family Resort offers a special and natural retreat in the middle of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site Dolomites surrounded by numerous meadows and forests. Furthermore, we are part of Natura 2000, the interconnected network of protected areas within the European Union.
Environment
Architecture
Our exclusive bio-construction, which was realised by local companies and craftsmen, is well thought-out and, in view of its natural resources and diversity, meets the highest standard criteria of sustainability. The interior is exclusively made of solid wood furniture such as larch, spruce, Swiss stone pine and oak, as well as natural elemental textiles such as cotton, loden and linen. Furthermore, natural stone from Pfitsch and the Dolomites as well as handcrafted natural steel are used. However, you will not only find local natural products in the interior design. Since our façade is finished with local larch, it blends unmistakably into the idyllic surroundings around Lüsen.
Environment
Eco-power & bio-mass heating plant
Our in-house biomass heating plant supplies the entire facility with 100% climate-neutral heat from renewable raw materials (wood pellets). Furthermore, we use 100% CO2-free green electricity, which is produced from the small hydroelectric power plant in Lüsner. We also use the high-quality Lüsner Alm water, which springs from the heights of the Lüsner Alm. The water is used in all areas of the hotel, such as the swimming pools, SPA area and for cooking. In order to reduce not only water consumption but also energy consumption, we use water-saving fittings in all areas.
Environment
Waste-Management
Through targeted measures, we avoid waste such as plastic packaging, printed matter, etc. and separate and dispose of waste in the correct manner. The breakfast buffet is free of plastic and packaging, plastic straws are not used at all and we try to use mainly recyclable products. Daily cleaning is carried out exclusively with natural cleaning agents that do not contain any chemicals. Our guests will find 100% organic cosmetics in the rooms.
Environment
Mobility
Since 2019, our entire hotel complex has several charging stations for your emission-free electric car. The hotel's own e-bike rental service (for a fee) allows our guests to reach their destinations comfortably and stress-free by e-bike.
