Environment Award 2023

More and more tourist accommodations are becoming aware of the importance of merging hotel excellence with a firm commitment to sustainability. This is something that has been understood for years at La Bobadilla, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, the establishment located in Loja (Granada) that has helped Barceló Hotel Group to win the award in the Environment category at the third edition of the Traveling for Happiness Awards.

Awarded to a company or organization whose project has focused on caring for our environment, promoting awareness, conservation, research or protection of the environment in Spain, this oasis located in the heart of Andalusia has gone from being a luxury destination to being at the forefront of environmental responsibility thanks to its innovative biomass power plant, an example of commitment to sustainability and harmony with the environment.

A very special source of energy

What would you think if we told you that olive pits have become a vital resource for heating and water use in the hotel? Well, it's just as we told you. In a statement of respect for the earth, La Bobadilla, a Royal Hideaway Hotel uses biomass as an energy source, one of the most environmentally friendly thanks to its practically zero pollution levels. The burning of this fuel generates a minimal amount of waste, just 100 grams of ash for every ton of olive pits. Instead of being turned into waste, these remains are used in a much more profitable way. 

The Barceló Hotel Group establishment's palpable commitment to environmental responsibility translates into unique accommodations that fuse sports, nature and sustainability, betting on an experience that connects visitors with the land, fresh air and activities that respect the natural environment. As Barceló Hotel Group CEO Raúl González explains, "the Barceló Group is fully committed to creating a better world for new generations, one that is more exciting and livable. There are many lines of action to achieve this".

Guests at La Bobadilla, a Royal Hideaway Hotel can enjoy a very special connection with nature thanks to the lush surrounding forests, the outdoor pool surrounded by nature and activities ranging from hiking to yoga. All of these experiences have been specially designed to comply with the principles of sustainable development.

According to the director of La Bobadilla, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, Cristina Domínguez, "for the entire team that is part of the hotel, sustainability is the basis of our day to day. We strongly believe that we can enjoy nature without harming it and protecting it because really helping the environment is everyone's responsibility".