Sustainability in practice at St. Martins Therme & Lodge

An alkaline lake, white donkeys, and an employee fund.

Sustainability in practice at St. Martins Therme & Lodge

Preserve. Relax. Experience.

St. Martins Therme & Lodge is known as a luxury spa resort. But we are proud to be much more than that! For us, sustainability in the sense of “give and take” is a matter of course and part of everyday life. We consume water and energy, but use both resources responsibly and give back to nature wherever we can. 

The journey to becoming fossil-free

We use the heat energy from the healing spring for heating, and a brand-new PV system on the roof has recently begun supplying additional clean energy. Our stated goal is to become climate-neutral, i.e. fossil-free, in the long term. The latest technical standards are reducing the energy consumption of the spa and lodge to a minimum.

Circle of continuity

Since 2018, we have been carefully channeling our excess thermal water into the Pimetzlacke, a former alkaline lake, which we have successfully brought back to life. Under scientific supervision, a unique new “old habitat” has been created – a project that is our pride and joy! From an observation shelter, our guests can watch and photograph over 200 bird species up close, including rare birds such as stilts, lapwings, and redshanks, thanks to mirrored windows. In 2015, our bird ringing station began operations, giving guests the opportunity to observe scientific bird ringing and learn about this method of bird research. 

A vital habitat

In addition to the former alkaline lake, we manage our own farm, "Gut St. Martins," which includes a wet meadow, a 500-meter-long hedge, and, since early 2022, a 30-meter-long breeding wall for the colorful birds of the Merops apiaster species. Even old domestic animal breeds, like the once widespread white Baroque donkey, are thriving with us. Thanks to our pasture management and the complete absence of chemical fertilizers, species-rich pasture grasses have reappeared around the house, and the open meadows are an important CO2 reservoir. Our unique “farm-fresh” offer: your deeply relaxing break in an environment full of optimism.

Regionality in action

Great enjoyment, short transport routes: We prefer to process and serve what grows and thrives in our region, practically right on our doorstep – and thanks to our Pannonian climate, that's quite a lot! Since 2023, signs on the fields in the surrounding area have been highlighting our local suppliers. Lake Neusiedl may look a bit like the sea, but we don’t serve sea fish or seafood. Instead, only sustainable freshwater fish from Austria are served here. 

Our herb garden is a great example of creative recycling. Covering approximately 40 m², it was built using old decking boards from Darwin’s Bar. Six sturdy raised beds provide the foundation for fresh, sustainable moments of enjoyment! 

Our purchasing policy is shaped by environmentally conscious waste management. We minimize our waste volumes by using bulk and reusable packaging. Strict waste separation and staff training in this area are part of our standards.

Employee fund

Wherever people live and work together, challenges and emergencies are bound to happen. However, a strong community can help soften their impact. For us, this is part of sustainability, so we established the employee fund “Employees help employees” many years ago. Regular employee events, like raffles and sales of homemade items, generate additional income - and St. Martins Therme & Lodge doubles the proceeds.

Baby steps - but we're moving in the right direction!

 

Learn more about sustainable initiatives and measures at St. Martins Therme & Lodge.