The organic guesthouse MANI Sonnenlink celebrates its 10th anniversary this year as part of the prestigious BIO HOTELS® association. This remarkable milestone highlights the unwavering commitment to sustainability, organic quality, and the unique vacation experience in Greece. For this anniversary, we conducted an exclusive interview with Burgi Bläuel, the founder of MANI Sonnenlink, and Christian Pfanner, the managing director of BIO HOTELS®.
Celebrate with us and take the opportunity to win a €500 voucher for an unforgettable stay at MANI Sonnenlink. The main prize awaits you: a voucher for a stay at the organic guesthouse in Greece. Additionally, we are giving away 5 BIO HOTELS® cookbooks and delicious MANI product packages. Stay tuned and discover at the end of the interview how you can participate!
Interview with Burgi and Christian
Christian, why do BIO HOTELS® exist?
Christian: BIO HOTELS® were founded in 2001 in Austria. At that time, about 23 years ago, the core idea was that guests could enjoy certified organic food while on vacation. Since organic was not as widespread and sourcing was not as easy, we joined forces. Over time, the sustainability concept was extended to the entire hotel and implemented holistically. Our standards now include certified organic cosmetics, green electricity, resource conservation, natural materials, building biology, regular organic inspections, and CO2 balancing.
Christian Pfanner is the Managing Director of BIO HOTELS® .
Christian Pfanner lives in Tyrol and has studied tourism management. He is the managing director of BIO HOTELS® and has been dealing with tourism and sustainable travel for over 10 years.
Burgi, what prompted you to certify Sonnenlink as BIO HOTELS® 10 years ago?
Burgi: For me, a hotel is a reflection of society. If all aspects of this society are sustainable or organic, it is a beautiful example of a new society. Not only within our house, but our suppliers must also look for organic sources. For instance, in our area, after '10 years of Biohotels,' many people buy organic products because they get offered and sold in local stores through our purchasing connections. Organic farming is based on a life-promoting, loving attitude towards agriculture and the general food trade.
It's no coincidence that everyone involved in production and the hotel are very loving people. However, I have learned from our guests that this is not only the case with us but also in all the organic hotels they have visited so far. Family-oriented, focused on soul wellness, personal, delicious.
Burgi Bläuel is the founder of MANI Sonnenlink.
Burgi Bläuel, co-founder of MANI Bläuel, fulfilled her dream with the "Mani Sonnenlink," the first certified organic hotel in Greece. Located in the South Peloponnese, it offers ideal conditions for relaxation under the Greek sun.
Burgi and Christian, what does traveling mean to you in general, and traveling to one of the BIO HOTELS® in particular – also in terms of sustainability?
Burgi: I observe here in Mani that our tourism has remained at a certain scale. Meaning, thankfully, there is no mass tourism here, and it will not occur. However, many people are not familiar with this kind of travel without mass tourism. They come to us and are stunned by sheer fascination. And it's precisely this way of traveling that I want to not only pass on; I want to experience it myself! Biohotels offer this great balance between professional travel/hospitality and quality at all levels, even in terms of intimate familiarity, like at a mountain hut."
Christian: For me personally, traveling means the opportunity to discover new places, learn about different cultures, and develop personally. It offers the chance to step out of one's comfort zone, expand horizons, and gain new perspectives. Traveling allows me to broaden my senses, discover new tastes, visit historical sites, and admire the beauty of nature.
In terms of sustainability, traveling is an increasingly important topic. The way we travel can significantly impact the environment. Therefore, it's important to make sustainable travel decisions to minimize ecological impacts. This may mean taking fewer flights, using public transport, choosing eco-friendly accommodations, and supporting local products.
The special thing about a vacation in BIO HOTELS® is that you don't have to compromise on your sustainable lifestyle. As a guest, you can trust the high quality and transparency of the BIO HOTELS® brand. So, you can look forward to a carefree vacation and fully enjoy it. Besides vacations, many of our establishments also offer sustainable celebrations and green meetings. So, why not hold the next company event or seminar at a BIO HOTEL?
Christian, what makes a stay at one of the BIO HOTELS® special?
Christian: When I'm at one of our BIO HOTELS®, I know exactly what to expect, namely 100% organic and sustainable hotel experiences in beautiful regions and cities across Europe. Additionally, there's the right offer for every guest, as our establishments – apart from the same standards and values – are very individual: From active vacations, wellness breaks, city trips, fasting or mindfulness vacations to vacations by the sea at the organic guesthouse Mani Sonnenlink, a lot is offered here. Moreover, many of our bio-hoteliers also have their own gardens or organic farms. The saying 'from the field to the plate' therefore has a special meaning for us! This is also exemplified by Mani with its olive products."
Burgi, what is special to you about Sonnenlink, what is your most cherished "Sonnenlink moment"?
Burgi: My most cherished moment at Sonnenlink is the mindful togetherness with the lenders who have spent a week with me in the magnificent Mani. We have lived in community and experienced stillness at the same time – whether it be in the olive grove, by the sea, in the oil press, or on an old churchyard in the mountains. Then we receive feedback and hear about so many special and worthwhile things, more than I was ever aware of, that can be found here.
Christian, what does working with MANI mean to you? We are mainly known for our olive oil and olive products, not primarily from the BIO HOTELS®?
Christian: The Mani Bläuel family has been a crucial pioneer in the organic sector for decades. We are therefore even more delighted that they are also part of the pioneers of sustainable tourism with the MANI Sonnenlink. It fits wonderfully together, as both share the same values and are committed to a future worth living for future generations.
Dear Burgi, dear Christian, thank you very much for the conversation!
The organic guesthouse MANI Sonnenlink is located in the South Peloponnese.
Contest: Celebrate 10 years of sustainable vacationing with us! - The giveaway is no now closed!
Now that you've gained deeper insights into the philosophy and specialties of MANI Sonnenlink and the BIO HOTELS®, we want to crown our anniversary with an exciting contest.
Simply answer the question: How long has the MANI Sonnenlink been part of the BIO HOTELS® association?
The giveaway is now closed. Many thanks to all participants.
Send us your answer by email with the subject "MANI Sonnenlink Gewinnspiel" and secure your chance to win the main prize or one of the other fantastic prizes.
The contest runs until May 1st at midnight, and the winners will be determined by a random draw the following day. The winners will be notified via email. Detailed terms and conditions for the contest can be found here.
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BIO HOTELS®: Green Vacation in Europe
Since 2001, BIO HOTELS® have set standards for sustainable tourism. Guests enjoy 100% organic food, green electricity, and natural cosmetics in eco-conscious hotels. Focusing on regionalism and resource conservation, these hotels offer authentic and sustainable travel experiences in five European countries.
www.biohotels.info
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