Sustainability

Interview on Sustainability at Villa Monaco

Interviewer: The famous Villa Monaco is considered a pioneer in sustainability in the luxury tourism industry on the Cote d’Azur. What does sustainability actually mean for Villa Monaco?
Villa Monaco: Sustainability is a very comprehensive concept for us. We believe that sustainability and luxury do not have to be mutually exclusive – on the contrary. Villa Monaco is intended to inspire and contribute to environmentally conscious concepts finding a firm place in the luxury segment in particular. We have created a hideaway that is in harmony with nature and its guests, while also supporting the local community.

Interviewer: Villa Monaco is known for its particularly luxurious interior design. What is the philosophy behind the elegant interior?
Villa Monaco: Our aim was to create an elegant atmosphere that places particular emphasis on a unique and sustainable design concept. We have original Art Deco furniture from the 1920s, Venetian mirrors from the last century and we have antique silver cutlery for dining. Our chandeliers and lamps are carefully selected vintage designer treasures from auction houses. The vintage designer furniture is not only sustainable, but also gives Villa Monaco its exclusive charm.

Interviewer: You built Villa Monaco on an old olive plantation. What role do the hundreds of years old olive trees play in the concept of Villa Monaco?
Villa Monaco: Not only the olive trees are part of the history of this place, but also the ancient pines, palms and eucalyptus trees, as well as a large baobab tree that is one of the protected trees of the region, all these “old trees” are living witnesses of how important nature is. They convey the values of permanence and sustainability. These trees have grown over hundreds of years and show that respectful treatment of nature and sustainable practices deliver long-term results. Our gardener, who has been taking care of our property from the very beginning, has been using only organic fertilizers for years and does not use chemical pesticides or similar. When the olive trees receive their annual pruning, the wood is stored and dried for two years so that we can use it for the fireplace in winter. When the fire crackles, you don’t have to feel guilty that a tree had to die for it, you can just enjoy the winter atmosphere to the full.

Interviewer: Can you tell us more about how Villa Monaco implements its sustainability goals in everyday life?
Villa Monaco: In addition to our energy supply, we also focus on sustainability when selecting food. Our chef exclusively sources vegetables from the local area, which helps avoid long transport routes and supports local agriculture. A tomato that was picked just before consumption tastes a thousand times better than one that had to ripen in a container and saw little sunlight. Next spring, we plan to create a small vegetable garden on the property so our chef can always prepare fresh salads and other ingredients grown on-site. The fresh fish we serve comes from the Mediterranean, not from distant oceans or fish farms. We offer our guests fresh, regional ingredients, while also minimizing our ecological footprint. On our estate, we also have ancient lemon and orange trees, all untreated. This means that the freshly squeezed juice on the breakfast table is full of vitamins, free of chemicals, and simply tastes fantastic.

Interviewer: In addition to ecological sustainability, there is also a social dimension. How does Villa Monaco address this aspect?
Villa Monaco: The social aspect is especially important to us, and we place great value on teamwork. We work closely with local businesses to support the region’s economy and create stable jobs. Our approach includes fair working conditions, which leads to our long-term partnerships.

Interviewer: Critics argue that sustainability in the luxury sector is often just a marketing trend. What do you say to that?
Villa Monaco: That’s a valid question. For us, however, sustainability is much more than a PR concept – it is an integral part of our philosophy. We set clear standards and continuously work to minimize our ecological footprint. Villa Monaco should prove that high comfort and environmental awareness can go hand in hand and even complement each other.

Interviewer: So Villa Monaco is not just an exclusive retreat, but could also serve as a model project for sustainable luxury tourism?
Villa Monaco: Oh yes, that would be wonderful. We want to show that sustainability and luxury don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Villa Monaco aims to inspire and contribute to making environmentally conscious concepts a permanent feature in the luxury segment.

Interviewer: What about the responsibility of the guests regarding their own ecological footprint, especially with regard to the bedding?
Villa Monaco: We don’t want to impose anything on our guests, but at Villa Monaco, they have the freedom to decide whether their bedding should be washed daily or if they would prefer to wait a few days. This way, they take personal responsibility for their ecological footprint and actively contribute to sustainability. It is important to us to give our guests the opportunity to make conscious decisions, and if a stay at Villa Monaco helps raise awareness for sustainable retreats in the luxury sector, then we have made significant progress.