Geothermal energy is becoming a buzzword in the travel industry as luxury hotels and resort companies seek to showcase their environmental and sustainability credentials to holidaymakers.
JW Marriott has just opened in Greece with the unveiling of the JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa, which boasts geothermal-based heating systems, among other sustainability measures.
“The resort has been thoughtfully constructed with sustainability at its core,” the company said in a statement, “from geothermal and solar energy systems to heat recovery from air conditioning for hot water, and the use of treated grey water for irrigation.”
Greywater refers to household wastewater that originates from sources like showers, bathtubs, sinks and washing machines, and and can be reused for non-potable purposes.
Nestled in Marathi, near the town of Chania on the island of Crete, the resort spans over 100 acres of idyllic coastline, and is designed to harmonise with the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the landscape.
“This commitment to environmental responsibility has guided every aspect of the resort’s development, resulting in a destination that not only seamlessly blends with its surroundings, but is also deeply shaped by them,” JW Marriott stated.
Another of the group’s properties, Italy’s Grotta Giusti Thermal Spa Resort in Tuscany, also incorporates geothermal features and treatments as part of its spa offerings.
Around the globe, luxury hotels utilising geothermal energy can similarly be found in destinations including Switzerland, notably its plush mountainous Zermatt resort, and, of course, Iceland.
“The opening of JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa marks a milestone moment for the brand with its entrance into Greece,” added Bruce Rohr, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, JW Marriott.