Sustainable Luxury Countryside Lodge Balances Comfort and Ecological Considerations

dutch focus SUSTAINABLE LUXURY COUNTRYSIDE LODGE BALANCES COMFORT AND ECOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Unspoiled nature We are always happy to suggest some Returning guests Over a decade ago,two Dutchmen, Jeroen van Drunen and Irota is a small cul-de-sac village, hidden gems.” In summary, Lennard Construction of the premises of Lennard de Klerk, moved to Hungary and came up with the populated by around a hundred says they recommend this lodge as a the Irota EcoLodge was finished in idea of creating a luxurious, eco-friendly holiday resort in people. However, there is a lot to holiday destination for those who are 2016. “Feedback from our guests is see and experience in the village and interested in enjoying nature without very positive, so far. In particular, Irota, a village in the northeastern part of the country. the broader environment. Jeroen giving up on luxury. “For them, Irota Hungarians marvel over the fact highlights that “first of all, there is EcoLodge is the ideal destination. that such a beautiful place exists in “We first discovered the we are proud to be the first in the unspoiled nature. Hours of walking We allow people to bring their pets. a relatively disadvantaged corner area in 2007 when we were sustainable hospitality industry in without running into other tourists, Also, each house is suitable for the of the country. And we have many helping a friend renovate his Hungary and, so far, the only climate- how awesome is that? Additionally, physically challenged and includes a returning guests, some of them countryside cottage. Somewhere in the neutral holiday accommodation in we are close to the Tokaj wine region wheelchair-accessible bathroom.” having been with us two or three back of our heads was this romantic this country – and probably in the and the spectacular cave complex in times already. Our average rating idea of renovating a dilapidated wider region, as well. When we Aggtelek National Park. Miskolc, with Corporate clients on booking.com is 9.8 (classified mansion in the middle of nowhere designed the Lodges, we applied its Diósgyőr castle, beautiful Lillafüred The lodge is suitable for corporate as ‘exceptional’) which is quite and starting a small, eco-friendly the latest available environmental and the cave baths of Miskolctapolca purposes, as well, like team-building, illustrative,” Lennard points out. holiday resort. We fell in love with technologies. For example, we have are not far, either. For those who incentive programs or conferences for Regarding plans to expand the the Cserehát region with its beautiful the first commercially-operated want to venture over the border into high-end decision makers. As Jeroen business, Jeroen stresses that hills, and our first online search led natural swimming pool in Hungary, Slovakia, we recommend a visit to puts it, “we offer something different they are not so much thinking us to exactly the house we envisaged, which does not use chlorine, but the attractive city of Košice (Kassa in from the standard business retreat. about expanding, but rather about in exactly the village we hoped for: natural reed to purify the water. Hungarian). And there is much more. Our corporate guests will be far away improving. “The small-scale a beautiful, tiny village in a valley, at The bearing structures are made of from the daily hustle and bustle, but character of our resort is one of its the end of the road, Irota,” Jeroen van wood, which is a reusable material. with all modern conveniences at their main attractions, so, we don’t want Drunen recalls to Diplomacy&Trade. Between the wooden structures, 15- disposal. If they want to prepare their to tamper with that. Since we do not cm thick cellulose has been blown in meals together, our well-equipped see this venture as a quick money Sustainable hospitality as insulation material, which is made kitchen will offer everything they maker, but as a business model for The EcoLodge the two Dutchmen of used newspapers. Rain water is need. If they don’t, the best cook in the future, we hope to improve our created aims to set an example collected to flush the toilets and to the village will bring her tasty dishes efforts along these lines. Our next for the home-based hospitality supply the washing machine. This way, to them. We can invite a sommelier steps will include an electric car industry by showing that luxury and a we save up to 60% of our tap water. from Tokaj with his wines for a tasting, which we will be able to feed with our sustainable lifestyle can complement Rainwater is also used to replenish provide them with mountain bikes for home-generated solar energy. Also, each other perfectly. As Lennard de evaporated water in the swimming a wonderful outdoor experience and we want to expand the production

LUKAS HOLZMEIER, MARIËTTE HARMS, EVELINE EIJKHOUT Klerk explains, “we are convinced that pool. And, of course, we have solar organize trips in the area including of organic food we have recently luxury and a sustainable way of life go panels and collectors to generate transportation – everything tailor- started. This will hopefully give our

photos by well together. With Irota EcoLodge, electricity and hot water with the sun.” made, so their wish is our command.” village an extra boost, as well.”