Have you ever wondered how a 21-year-old sitting around a campfire in Kenya could spark a global movement that would transform how we think about travel? That's exactly what happened when Costas Christ witnessed something that would change his life—and the entire hospitality industry—forever. In this eye-opening episode of The Conscious Check-in, I had the incredible privilege of speaking with Costas Christ, the "godfather" of sustainable tourism. From serving as a National G

Can luxury and sustainability truly coexist? It’s a question many hotel leaders wrestle with. For decades, luxury was synonymous with indulgence, excess, and little concern for environmental impact. But pioneers like Hervé Houdré —creator of the Forbes Verified Responsible Hospitality Program—prove that sustainable hospitality  is not only possible, but profitable. In this episode of The Conscious Check-in Podcast , Amy Wald sat down with Hervé to explore how luxury hotels ca

The Strategic Advantage of Sustainable Certification for Your Next Hospitality Project  Sustainability in hospitality isn't just about being green—it's about being smart, forward-thinking, and ultimately, more profitable. As the industry evolves, early adopters of meaningful sustainability practices aren't just leading environmental change; they're capturing market share, reducing operational costs, and attracting premium financing options that give them a decisive competitiv

It seems like everywhere you turn these days when it comes to travel there is an emphasis on ways to travel: eco, sustainably, consciously. But what does that really mean? Most of us will still fly (which most know emits greenhouse gases). We will produce trash that is not recyclable– however hard we try to avoid it. And, most importantly (I think) unknowingly funnel money that doesn’t go to support the very core people and communities in the places we are visiting for a holi

Before it was a global mandate, Secret Bay was all about seclusion and safety due to the values the property was built on back in June 2011. Their “Stay Well Certified” program is built on three principles: green and clean practices, nutrition-based vitality and Dominica’s healing biodiversity. Sounds like an interim vaccine to me? In recent months we have all become more familiar with the importance of healthy surroundings, nutrition and overall well being. Which is what mak