As the sun dips below the horizon in Ibiza, Margaret von Korff finds excitement in an unlikely subject: manure. But this isn’t just any manure; it’s destined for something special. “I call it The Temple,” von Korff explains, motioning toward a far corner of hotel Cas Gasi’s grounds. “Because it really looks like one. It’s fantastic.”
In this tranquil corner of Ibiza, nestled among orchards and olive groves, lies von Korff’s latest passion project: a composting facility where waste from her free-range chickens blends with organic kitchen leftovers, ultimately transforming into fertilizer for Cas Gasi’s vegetable gardens.
For von Korff, the magic lies not only in the manure itself but in the virtuous cycle it creates between the soil and Cas Gasi’s acclaimed restaurant. Every flavorful fruit or vegetable on the menu has its roots in the hotel’s gardens, nourished by this homegrown feed.
Von Korff, an unconventional hotelier, embodies a no-waste ethos that has made Cas Gasi a beacon of sustainability since its inception in 1995.
Transforming her family home, a 19th-century farmhouse near Santa Gertrudis, into a 21-room sanctuary, von Korff has woven sustainability into every aspect of Cas Gasi’s operations, earning it a loyal following among island regulars like Kate Moss and Jade Jagger.
Recycling is just one facet of von Korff’s broader commitment to the planet. The hotel boasts no-dig gardens, an on-site water-cleansing plant for irrigation, salt-water swimming pools, and photovoltaic cells on every roof, ensuring energy self-sufficiency in the summer months.
“What’s interesting is that everyone thinks being sustainable is a new idea,” von Korff reflects. “But actually, it’s quite old-fashioned — the idea of reusing rather than throwing anything away, of being mindful and not wasting resources like water or electricity. This attitude was part of my German upbringing, but it’s something that is now, in a very organic way, catching on again.”
This planet-first philosophy, once relegated to New Age retreats, is gaining traction among travelers as a blueprint for responsible tourism. As awareness of the climate crisis grows, so too does the demand for sustainable travel options.
According to Booking.com’s 2023 Sustainable Travel Report, 76% of holidaymakers express a desire to travel more sustainably, with nearly half willing to pay extra for eco-friendly experiences. Already, two-thirds of travelers are taking steps like reducing air-conditioning use and reusing hotel towels to minimize their environmental footprint.
But how does this ethos translate to a destination like Ibiza, synonymous with hedonism and excess?
With its vibrant nightlife and influx of millions of visitors each year, Ibiza presents unique challenges for sustainability. Yet, amid the revelry, a movement toward greener practices is gaining momentum.
Local initiatives like IbizaPreservation advocate for a more sustainable approach to tourism, emphasizing the intrinsic link between economic prosperity and environmental preservation.
Businesses are also stepping up to the challenge. Serena Cook, co-founder of IbizaPreservation and owner of Deliciously Sorted concierge, notes the island’s progress in areas like restaurant sustainability and plastic reduction.
But perhaps the most significant impact comes from individual choices. By opting for eco-friendly transportation, supporting local businesses, and seeking out responsible tourism initiatives, travelers can contribute to Ibiza’s sustainability efforts.
As the island grapples with issues like overcrowded beaches and carbon emissions, the path to sustainability may be long and complex. But with each eco-conscious decision, visitors and locals alike move closer to a greener, more sustainable Ibiza. And amidst the pulsating beats of its legendary nightlife, there’s still room for moments of eco-friendly magic, like the sunset drumming gatherings at Benirrás beach—a reminder that sustainability and celebration can go hand in hand.
