Applied to:
This award recognizes the best opening or re-opening of a resort. The evaluation criteria include investment, architectural design, key performance indicators, concept, and CSR policies implemented. The hotel must have been opened or renovated within the past two years and is currently operational.
The project:
Whaka Lodge, located in the heart of Gers, Occitanie, redefines the eco-resort experience by seamlessly combining sustainability, comfort, and emotional engagement. Spread across 12 hectares of immersive natural surroundings, it offers an innovative concept designed to cater to leisure and corporate travelers alike. With 48 eco-responsible accommodations ranging from luxury lodges with private jacuzzis to family cottages by the lake, Whaka Lodge is a haven for relaxation and connection with nature.
The resort’s design philosophy emphasizes eco-friendly practices and a chic lifestyle aesthetic. All accommodations are constructed using sustainable materials, blending modern amenities with an "Out of Africa" ambiance. Guests can indulge in a holistic experience that combines outdoor activities, themed culinary journeys across continents, and vibrant entertainment such as live concerts, yoga sessions, and white-themed beach parties.
Whaka Lodge operates on a unique dual-concept model: catering to corporate seminars from Monday to Friday and transitioning to leisure stays for families and couples during weekends and school vacations. This agile operational approach ensures a seamless experience for distinct customer segments without overlap, maximizing resource utilization and customer satisfaction.
Sustainability is central to Whaka Lodge’s ethos. Initiatives include eco-friendly cleaning products, water and energy conservation measures, and partnerships with local artisans and suppliers. The resort uses electric vehicles for maintenance and is committed to biodiversity conservation through projects like preserving wildflower meadows and replanting trees.
Since its opening, Whaka Lodge has achieved remarkable success, attracting both domestic and international clientele with a 50% occupancy rate and generating a revenue of €1.2 million. The resort’s innovative approach to creating an eco-chic lifestyle destination has made it a standout contender for the "Best Resort Opening" award, setting new standards for sustainable luxury in the hospitality industry.
The Hospitality Awards celebrate innovation and excellence and highlight the most creative initiatives in a sector that is constantly and rapidly changing hospitality.
