Sustainability

Traveling is KNOWING other ways of living, and life in the world. It is UNDERSTANDING that our planet is as finite as it is immense, that human beings are so identical and yet so different. RESPECT the difference and live it, make it ours and PRESERVE its existence as it is, TO SHARE with those who are with us, with those who will soon leave and with those who we meet on our journey. Because traveling is just that: LIFE.

1. BE AWARE OF THE RISKS WHEN TRAVELING AND TAKE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS

• When planning your trip, make sure you know the characteristics of the destination you visit and take the necessary steps to update your documentation, such as insurance and health information that may be requested. In addition, always follow the recommendations of the local authorities, especially in the case of an emergency. Check the composition of the products you consume to avoid any risk, especially those that may arise from allergic reactions or intolerances.

2. DRIVES DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL DESTINATION BY CONSUMING LOCAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES.

• It supports local business by consuming products or services that are produced at the destination and whose direct and indirect benefits are shared across the board and favor the most vulnerable groups. This way, whenever you consume any goods or service, buy only from those who really need it and do so at a fair price so as not to effect the local economy or the living conditions of the owners or employees of the local businesses.

3. LEARN AND SHARE ABOUT THE COMMUNITY THAT RECEIVES YOU RESPECTING ITS VALUES AND TRADITIONS.

• Learn, whenever possible, about the cultural aspects of the destination you visit (customs, gastronomy, languages or dialects, traditions, heritage). Make sure you know the social standards to avoid behavior that could be offensive or demeaning to the host or community. Likewise, become an example of tolerance by creating opportunities for mutual learning with locals and tourists, avoiding conflict or unwanted situations.

4. CONTRIBUTES TO THE CONSERVATION, PROTECTION AND REGENERATION OF AQUATIC AND TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS OF DESTINATIONS.

• Enjoy products, services and experiences that guarantee sustainable exploitation of the destination’s aquatic and land resources and that respect the natural habitat of the native fauna and flora and beyond, avoiding mistreatment of animals or destruction of the surroundings. Likewise, it adopts a responsible behavior, avoiding the creation of waste and collaborates with the collection and cleaning programs carried out at the destination to prevent the deterioration of natural spaces and maintain biodiversity.

5. RESPECT DIVERSITY AND DO NOT PROVIDE OR PARTICIPATE IN DISCRIMINATORY ACTIVITIES.

• It favors the elimination of barriers that limit the integration of people due to gender, origin, religion, sexual orientation, economical situation or any other condition, avoiding sexist language, offensive comments or the use of negative stereotypes. Likewise, it helps access to equal opportunities for those who have special needs in terms of mobility or communication, respecting the spaces or services intended for their use.

6. CONSUME RESPONSIBLY AND PARTICIPATE IN THE SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES.

• Choose products, services or experiences that guarantee intelligent and efficient management, use of water and energy resources, consumption that generates less impact at destination and can be recyclable or reusable. It avoids excessive water consumption and, whenever possible, choose transportation with reduced or non-existent emissions.

7. PROMOTES SUSTAINABILITY OF THE ASSETS AND INFRASTRUCTURES OF THE DESTINATION.

• Pay special attention to recognizing how the destination and its component infrastructures are being managed (buildings, transport, houses, public spaces, etc.) so that your visit does not imply a change in local life. In addition, it contributes to the conservation of tourist attractions, respecting the standards of preservation and protection.

8. CHOOSE PRODUCTS, SERVICES OR EXPERIENCES THAT ENHANCE THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE DESTINATION THROUGH |+D+|.

• Gives priority to products, services or experiences that incorporate new technologies and innovative methods that contribute to the sustainability of the destination through savings or better use of resources, information or communication skills.

9. DECENT AND FAIR EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS THAT RESPECT WORKERS’ RIGHTS.

• Analyze and verify whether the products or services you consume are produced under decent and fair working conditions that integrate the local population or at risk of social exclusion and that avoid sexual or child exploitation, animal abuse, among others. Likewise, treat all workers with respect, both from the companies at the destination you travel to and from your own community.

10. MANIFEST AND SHARE BEING A RESPONSIBLE TOURIST.

• It supports initiatives and programs that encourage the exchange of experiences and good practices and that favor peace, actively participating in networks, associations, activities and alliances that promote sustainable development. Start by adhering to the Responsible Tourist Manifesto, carrying out the identified sustainable actions and sharing your commitment with others.

With NATURE:

CASAS DO PÁTIO, L.DA – COUNTRY HOUSES & NATURE does not intend to be just another accommodation unit in the Rural Tourism. Our concerns go further because we are located in a place where NATURE is evidenced in a very special way, the combination of Land, Pure Air, Water and Fire, with Thermal Waters (Cold and Hot), what we have is very precious for us and for future generations.

Our Houses are environmentally friendly, we have many sunny days throughout the year, so solar energy is the main source of water heating in our kitchens and all our equipment is electrical with a category A+ or superior.

Casas do Pátio – Country Houses & Nature embraces the best that the region has to offer.
In guide book “Expresso Guide BOA CAMA BOA MESA

Our main concerns and motto are Environment and Sustainability.

For you to know that:

• we serve our breakfast, with natural products and products from our region;
• our natural juices are made with fruit from local producers;
• being part of the Serra da Estrela Region, we have home made butter, and creamy cheese from Serra da Estrela;
• the morning sweet treat are produced every day by us with fresh eggs.

On the other hand, the activities that we promote and advertise are always in contact with Nature!
Walks through the village of Caldas da Felgueira, swimming in the River in the region and wine tasting of Dão, are some of these experiences that pleases children and adults alike.

• We ask our guests to request when they want to change their towels;
• Toilet paper waste is reused by our employees;
• Since 2019 we have exclusively available in our houses handcrafted soap “Só Sabão/Amor Luso“, made in the region with products such as Dão grape seeds or olive oil. They are a line of environmentally friendly products based on natural products and free from artificial fragrances, the packaging is also an ecological concern;
• Most of the rooms are well ventilated and have excellent sun exposure. On the other hand, our lamps are all LED in order to avoid excessive consumption of electricity. In addition, the lamps of our passageways have motion sensors.
• Our patio/winter garden has a Galician olive tree, Touriga Nacional vines, and other protected plants such as holly.

With the COMMUNITY:

• We value the cultural heritage of the region, so we elected some objects as part of the decoration of Casas do Pátio, you can find a old (bicycle) that belongs to the family and that was used in the olden days by our grandmother as a mean of transport. The lamps throughout the interior environment are restes of old wine bottles… now transformed into decorative objects.
• In the reception/living room you can find some local and regional products for sale as Dão wine from our partner PalWines, Soaps from Só Sabão, cosmetic products from Amor luso… as well as other rich and interesting items. We intend that those who visit us can also take home a local treat… and contribute to the importance of the local regional products , economy and sustainable development of the region.
• In the year 2019 we are proud to have sponsored a wild animal, an Eagle called “AGUIA DE ASA REDONDA”, which is being recovered at CERVAS (Center for Ecology, Recovery and Surveillance of Wild Animals) and later we will have the privilege to return the Eagle to the wild. We choose Cervas, because we know their excellent work in the region, especially in the area of Serra da Estrela … and because we believe that our mission / commitment to nature and the community only makes sense by helping associations of this kind