My Roots in Nature and the Call for Regeneration in Hospitality

From my earliest years, nature has been a quiet yet powerful guide. Growing up, every weekend, my family and I would hike through mountain trails, sometimes just beyond our backyard, at other times in the wild landscapes of distant regions and in other countries. These hikes became more than simple escapes; they were rituals, a space for healing, and for reconnecting with something much larger than ourselves. They sparked my lifelong fascination with how deeply the earth can ground, and renew us. My father would often say, “Listen to the trees, hug them, keep the balance.” Those experiences planted in me a lifelong respect for nature and a sense of responsibility to preserve it.

As I grew older, my curiosity for ancient indigenous traditions intensified, expanding beyond the mountain trails of my youth. In my professional journey, I've had the privilege of learning from ancient communities across Spain, Mexico, Vietnam, Norway, Australia and Morocco, among others —each culture with its own wisdom on balance, and the powerful intersection of body, mind, and nature. These experiences have been transformative on both personal and professional levels, driving me to bring this same spirit of balance and connection to our work at REGENERA LUXURY. Here, we fuse ancient traditions with science driven by values to redefine luxury hospitality as a path to authentic, holistic regenerative experiences.

This story captures some of these encounters and explores how the ancient principles of regenerative values offer insights for our modern world, bridging indigenous wisdom and contemporary wellness.

Celtic Traditions in Galicia: Honoring the Land of My Ancestors

In Galicia, my ancestral home in Spain, I reconnected with Celtic traditions that remain alive today. Using hawthorn, elderberry, and other native plants, local healers promote a holistic view of health that includes respect for the land and its natural cycles. For them, each season brings its own energy and gifts, which they honor in their healing practices.

As I learned from these traditions, I understood that the success of a hotel or retreat shouldn’t be measured solely by its beauty or exclusivity. True luxury is about fostering harmony with the surrounding ecosystem and community, a principle that REGENERA LUXURY now embodies in its certification. By helping hotels adopt regenerative practices and honor local traditions, we’re redefining what luxury can mean in a way that respects both people and place.

Mayan Healing in Mexico: A Lesson in Harmony and Respect for the Land

In the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, I experienced the energy-cleansing ritual known as limpia with a Mayan healer. With sage, copal, and other native herbs, this ritual was as much about aligning with the natural world as it was about personal well-being. The Mayan people believe deeply in the interdependence between humans and nature—a belief that is often overlooked in the luxury hospitality industry.

In witnessing the Mayan approach, I realized that a hotel could offer more than a luxurious setting; it could be a place that truly connects guests to the land and local culture. This experience shaped our vision to encourage hotels to build not just for aesthetic value, but for the long-term health of the environment and community.

Dao Healing in Vietnam: Balancing Individual Wellness and Collective Harmony

Traveling through Vietnam, I encountered the Dao people’s healing practices, which emphasize balance between mind, body, and the environment. With lemongrass, ginger, and mugwort, I participated in an herbal bath ritual that offered deep physical and mental rejuvenation. These herbs, sustainably harvested and used according to traditional knowledge, remind us of the healing power of nature.

For me, this experience highlighted the potential for luxury hospitality to create meaningful wellness experiences rooted in the region’s culture and ecosystem.

Berber Traditions in Morocco: The Wisdom of the Desert

In Morocco, I encountered the Berber and Gnawa traditions, where argan oil—a sacred resource in Morocco—is used for physical health and spiritual alignment. Participating in a Berber ritual involving argan oil and medicinal herbs, I felt a profound sense of grounding and peace. This experience reinforced my belief that luxury hospitality can offer guests more than comfort; it can offer a deep sense of belonging and well-being by respecting the land and its heritage.

The Berber tradition of using resources sustainably inspired our emphasis on integrating local practices in a way that supports both the guest experience and the local economy.

The Camino de Santiago: A Journey of Inner and Outer Renewal

Walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain was also a transformative experience. Along this ancient pilgrimage, I felt the power of nature to restore and renew. With each step, I connected more deeply to the landscape nd its history. The Camino taught me that wellness is not just a destination; it is a journey that involves the land, the people, and the shared experience of simplicity and respect.

This understanding of regeneration as a journey is a core principle of REGENERA LUXURY. We encourage hotels and retreats to create environments that foster connection—to nature, to local communities, and to each other.

The Power of Regenerative Business in Hospitality

Reflecting on these experiences, I am convinced that regenerative hospitality is not just an option—it is a responsibility. In the luxury sector, we have a unique opportunity to set a new standard, one that combines financial success with a conscious, positive impact on the world around us. By aligning with regenerative principles, hotels can build strong connections with their communities, respect the local environment, and provide guests with an experience that nourishes mind, body, and spirit.

The REGENERA LUXURY certification is our commitment to this vision. Drawing from global standards like UNWTO, B Corp, WTTC, UNESCO, LEED, and more, we have created a framework that supports hotels in adopting regenerative practices that enhance both their business and their community. Through this certification, we are creating a movement within luxury hospitality that respects nature, supports local economies, and offers guests a genuine connection to place.

If you’re inspired to explore this path, I invite you to speak with us.

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Download our REGENERA LUXURY brochure here and join us in redefining the future of luxury hospitality.

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