The Olive tree is one of the most sacred trees. Its place is firmly rooted in Ancient Greek tradition and mythology. Traditionally, the Olive tree is a symbol of peace and friendship. Peace and friendship are only few of many great values I’ve experienced at my recent stay at the sustainable luxury resort Castello del Sole. The „Castle of the Sun“. A place where the sun always shines, from inside out, where farm-to-table is not just a trend, but the way of living, where trees have names and are part of the family, and where „in harmony with nature“ is a standard.

Speaking of standards: Coffee culture is also a celebrated „standard“ at the Italian inspired Castello del Sole on the shores of Lago Maggiore in Ascona, Ticino, which is part of The Living Circle Hospitality Group.

„Buongiorno Signora, how would you like to drink your coffee today?“ the charming Italian Bar-Man asked. „Sustainable“ I replied with a grin. „No problem, here you go.“ and he served me the new Nespresso Congo Organic coffee in a cup, while telling me the story of this ethically produced coffee, and how rural regions in Africa became a new hub for this organic and innovative coffee line. It’s those little things, these values, that add up and make you enjoy your cup of coffee even more. Sitting under an over 200 year old olive tree, that radiates peace, stillness and wisdom, listening to the sounds of the birds (from Castello del Sole’s nature reserve, that hosts all kinds of birds and lets you experience nature at its very finest), wow!

Fully taking in the magic of nature, and the magic of a really good cup of (N)espresso, make you automatically grounded, peaceful and happy. Knowing where your coffee comes from, how it has been produced and that the production is even doing good to so many people, makes you enjoy it just so much more.

Same goes for the farm-to-table meals, such as a risotto from locally grown rise, the locally produced wines from Terreni alla Maggia, Castello del Sole’s vineyards as well as the freshly pressed apple juice that is being made from the garden’s own apple trees. These values are, why Castello del Sole has become part of Switzerland’s leader in sustainable hospitality: Responsible Hotels of Switzerland.

Everything is energy – and you can truly feel and taste a difference, if things are made with consciousness and love. And as we all know: we become the foods we eat, the places we go, the environment we stay in and the people we surround ourselves with. Today is Earth Day and I thought this is a perfect day, to share this beautiful experience with you, to get inspired, curious and conscious about what and how you consume, travel and live.

Happy Earth Day!