So, you want to get away for the weekend, but also want to make sure that trip doesn’t compromise your beliefs. Bright lights, flights, hotels, and disposable culture are not your things – so where do you turn? There’s a new player that’s just hit the market, and we’re very excited to see what they offer. ‘Heartful’ is the brainchild of Jen Clark, a designer and former Air BnB host, who wasn’t happy with what was currently on offer for guests. So much so, that she built a completely new option! Places that list on this platform, as well as offering high quality stays, also have a focus on a much bigger picture. Whether it’s sustainability, accessibility, inclusivity, or embracing the diversity of guests, stays you find here will have one major thing in common; all of the hosts care.
Do you want to feel welcome at your country retreat, or happy about the impact your stay is having on the environment?
How much do you know about your accommodation?
Traditionally, online travel agencies might concentrate on whether there’s a pool, or a hot tub. But do you know what the property’s impact on the environment is? What’s the power or water usage? Do they compost and recycle? Am I welcome there, whatever my background, orientation or beliefs? If they say they’re wheelchair accessible, do they really mean it?
“We’re striving for a tourism sector where everyone is truly welcome.” -JEN CLARK, HEARTFUL FOUNDER
Jen’s mission sounds simple:
“We believe the time has come to manage and equip short-term accommodation in ways that better reflect our human diversity and differing needs while respecting and enhancing the natural environment. Fundamentally, we believe everyone should have the ability to get away in comfort and style, regardless of their individual background or circumstances. We’re striving for a tourism sector where everyone is truly welcome.” Remember, if you’re also a host, it’s easy to check whether you qualify to list with Jen. Just head to https://heartful.travel/criteria-check and there’s an easy-to-use web form.
Finding the perfect accommodation just got easier!
Here at Willow’s Retreat, it was encouraging to learn we hit ‘Heartful Hero’ ranking, showing a good mix of conversation, sustainability and accessible features. Whilst we are well established on the sustainable and environmental side, one of our next goals will be looking at adding options to help our accessibility further. In the short term, that has included adding rails in the toilet and shower- but we have big plans for the future, all whilst maintaining affordability for your trip! If you’re not sure whether we fit your individual needs, drop us a line and let’s have a yarn about what an ideal stay looks like for you. And if we don’t fit the bill yet, there’s bound to be someone else on the Heartful platform that will…
