Sustainability
With the focus on protecting our pristine environment for generations to come, we believe that Ikurangi Eco Retreat is an excellent template for how sustainability can work commercially, without compromising indulgence. A place where visitors to our beautiful island can leave feeling like they’ve been a part of something that positively impacts our environment, community and economy.
Our philosophy combines the importance of guest enjoyment and comfort with our strong sustainability principles and we work hard to ensure a delicate balance between the two concepts.
Planet
- Luxury Safari tents built on shallow foundations to minimize our effect on the land
- Chemical free and plant based products for cleaning and guest toiletries
- The reuse of wastewater to irrigate our organic gardens
- Our tents feature modern composting toilets
- Extensive organic gardens which provide much of the fruit for our guest breakfasts
- Low-energy light bulbs in all rooms
- Recycling & composting initiatives
- Invite guests to be a part of our efforts e.g. compost bins in each room for food scraps
- Salt water swimming pool
- Rooms built to encourage natural ventilation, no air-con
- Cloth shopping bags and bamboo cutlery provided in rooms
- Bicycles for all guests to use free of charge reducing reliance on fossil-fueled vehicles
- To limit single-use packaging including sourcing goods locally, buying in bulk and recycling packaging we do use
People
- We believe in a living wage for all people and this is reflected in our staff salaries
- We encourage our team to develop professionally and support initiatives for personal and professional development
- Ikurangi Eco Retreat is deeply rooted in our local community supporting and sponsoring non profit activities around Rarotonga
- As part of our ethos to support and enable other small local businesses to grow and succeed, wherever possible we buy local
Profits
- We are committed to the economic sustainability of our property - by applying good business practice and using industry mentors, we are able to contribute better to the Cook Islands economy
What our guests can do
- When you book direct on our website, you help us to grow as a business and increase our ability to contribute more to our local community
- Upon check out, guests are invited to participate in our Mana Tiaki programme, a way to give back financially to our environment and community - 100% of all donations go to Te Ipukarea Society
- We encourage our guests to support local businesses by eating , shopping and playing around Rarotonga
- Volunteer - we will happily arrange volunteer opportunities for you to contribute time to a local non profit
- Continue your sustainable journey when your holiday ends - we encourage you to take on some of our principles and practices in your daily life which contribute positively to our earth
