Just the name itself attracts me!
Set on the tranquil shores of Ullswater in the Lake District, this somewhat contemporary hotel, ‘Another Place, The Lake‘, is nestled amongst the trees with breathtaking views of the fells and the lake. It’s quite a mystical spot in one respect, in that we arrive there and seem to relax instantly! For me this perfect holiday scenario is backed up by the hotel’s extensive ‘sustainability’ programme, of which I am learning much more this trip.
Imagine my joy when I found out that The Machrie, where we had booked to stay on the Isle of Islay, had been acquired by ‘Another Place’.
I had to find out what their plans were…..
But first, let me give you some context concerning the ‘sustainability’ concepts this small hotel group has, the third hotel being Watergate Bay, Cornwall … maybe next for a visit.
In an earlier post about Another Place, The Lake, I outlined some of the sustainability programmes that were in place and in particular those that were visible to guests. From a thermos flask in your room – for picnics or hot drinks while you walk by the lake – carafes of water in your fridge and sustainable amenities, to their Land&Water natural products in the shower, founded by one of the directors, they seemed to be already taking many steps.
As I found out on a call with Helen Bishop, Group Head of Sustainability and Engagement, there is so much more going on, somewhat hidden from guests unless you, like me, ‘scratch beneath the surface’ and ask the question. Why do I do that? I regularly make choices where to go, which hotel to stay at, based on these conversations.
Speaking with Helen on my return from this trip, there is a lot still to come for The Machrie, but interestingly it many things were already in place that fit with the group’s sustainability policies, which focus on three things: Circular approach, Conservation, Community.
What Does Sustainability Mean?
What might be helpful here is to share the definition of that word ‘sustainability’.
‘Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, while ensuring a balance between economic growth, environmental care and social well-being’
Their focus fits perfectly.
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Another Place, The Machrie
Being an Island and part of the Inner Hebrides has its challenges. The Machrie were already sourcing produce locally, within a 50 mile radius, making their own bread, have a UV filter to bottle their own water and eliminating plastic, with the kitchen team co-ordinating island deliveries to reduce food miles. In fact that was one thing we loved at dinner each night during our stay, we learnt how the menu was designed around fresh local foods, not just supporting the island’s economy but for us we really felt we were in a unique part of the UK, reflected in what we were eating.
Responsible Visitor Charter
Melding a new hotel into an existing group I can imagine is challenging, but when you have sustainable initiatives at both your existing and new hotels, initiatives that will enhance the group’s policies, that helps.
Here’s an example: The Machrie has a ‘responsible visitor charter’, Helen’s looking to revise and roll that out across the group. Love that! Us guests have to take responsibility for our destination travel, ensuring we tread as lightly as possible, ensuring the places we visit remain for generations to do the same in the future. From not disturbing the wildlife and their habitats, to caring for and supporting the local communities both economically and socially. This felt particularly poignant in such a stunning place where The Machrie is located.
You just want to switch off the lights and look up at the stars.
Eco-Bunkers
Despite none of our party having played golf for a while, we had to have a game at the renowned Machrie Golf Links course. Stunning coastal views and challenging play were the perfect combination for a memorable day, even if the course claimed about two dozen of our golf balls along the way!
What I didn’t know about until I spoke with Helen is the standout feature of The Machrie is its commitment to sustainability, exemplified by the use of EcoBunker technology. These eco-bunkers are built with recycled synthetic astro-turf, mimicking traditional revetted bunkers while reducing maintenance, erosion and minimising the need of water to keep them in good condition. Yes it is a plastic, but rather than it ending up incinerated which we breathe in, or in landfill because it cannot be recycled, it’s been regenerated in the bunkers. AND it’s reducing the use of water, one of our precious resources. This innovative approach not only preserves the natural landscape but also enhances the durability of the bunkers, aligning with the course’s environmental ethos. Would you know? Absolutely not….
Forest Gardening
From ‘forest gardening’ to no-dig method for the kitchen gardens, looking after the health of the land their properties are on and trying to improve bio-diversity are high on their list. I had to look up what ‘forest gardening’ was to be sure I understood; it mimics the structure and function of a natural forest ecosystem, with multiple layers of plants. What’s the benefit? Once established they are self-sustaining and low maintenance reducing the need for chemical fertilisers and pesticides, which in turn benefits the biodiversity by providing a perfect place for beneficial insects, birds and wildlife. It can also help with mitigating the effects of extreme weather events – we know we are becoming more susceptible to these as our climate changes.
Biodiversity is important and particularly at Another Place, The Lake they have several fields of wild flowers that make up part of the stunning scenery.
But as we know some wildflowers and grasses, like those introduced from other regions, can outcompete native plants, reducing habitat and food sources for local wildlife. They recently had a biodiversity expert in to help rebalance and remove anything that could affect the health of these areas.
From planting Oak saplings, planning ahead for the replenishment of very old existing Oaks, to composting food waste and coffee grounds, they are excelling in this area.
When the team at The Machrie were asked what they would like to support their health and wellbeing, a team allotment was high on the list. A team allotment can be a valuable tool for UK hotels to improve staff morale, foster teamwork, enhance service delivery, attract and retain talent, and positively impact the local community.
Gap Years and Well Being
Staff wellbeing is part of their holistic approach to sustainability, and they developed a unique ‘Gap Year’ programme at both the Lake and the Watergate. A nine month programme that initially kicked off after COVID, that gives experience in all of the areas of hospitality at the hotels, an apprenticeship if you like. It’s still popular today and they hope to keep this going and roll it out at The Machrie.
This is how it works. They have four gap years that come to Watergate every year for the nine months and spend 1 month in housekeeping, 1 month in a restaurant and 1 month on the front desk. They then move to the central office next, spend a bit of time there and then head off to where they are needed and/or what they would like to experience next. How to train and bring people into hospitality, and see how it can become a career path. Often it’s a great way to gain some experience and confidence before making the decision to go to university – or not. Recently one of the gap years decided to stay on and make a career with this hotel group.
Thats not all of course, and they are very active on team development, general wellbeing including mental health; from mental health first aiders to running staff sessions of guest workshops such as pilates and ensuring the staff feel valued. Guests definitely benefit from this ethos.
Measuring guest awareness of the environment, this was interesting. They carried out an in-depth survey of guests, where they asked about sustainability and the results were surprising. 73% believed they were doing a good job on the sustainability on that front, with only 28% that didn’t want to think about sustainability while they were away but were glad the hotel was! Being aware of the environment you are in, especially where these three hotels are, in very beautiful locations and the environment is an important part of the experience. Acknowledge that and be aware of it, ensuring we all leave it in the best state for future generations to enjoy.
Watergate are working towards their B Corp certification, so wishing them all the best with that.