With the COVID-19 pandemic changing our perspective of the world, about the world, we must acknowledge its silver lining- a recovering environment. On this World Environment Day, Mr. Nikhil Kapur, Founder Director of Atmantan Wellness Centre, tells us what steps have the luxury properties taken towards the environment.

The global lockdown taken as a step towards the prevention of the spread of the virus that has shaken industries and lives to their very core. However, the upside to the current circumstances is witnessed in the swaying of lush green leaves and the chirping of those birds which were rarely seen amidst these buildings and the rush hour traffic. The workings of the industries are at a standstill leading to a drastic drop in emissions, making the water bodies cleaner as well as the air. These are temporary changes but are expected to have dramatic impacts, which leads us into the question- “Why can’t we sustain this for a longer time?” and more importantly, “What can we do, consciously, to bring about changes in our lifestyle?”. This World Environment Day, we Celebrate Biodiversity, in an attempt to conserve and co-exist with the environment.

We, as a society, become increasingly aware of our social and environmental responsibilities. Luxury properties and retreats have taken the onus of not only creating a luxuriant green getaway for their guests but also extending long lasting benefits to communities around them and of course, to nature.

Some of the most stellar initiatives undertaken by leading leisure and wellness retreats are:

• Mindful development: Extensive environmental studies have been conducted to grasp and explore possibilities of greener buildings and preservation of flora and fauna focusing on renewal energy, solar insulation, etc.

• GOLD LEED Certification: The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification has become synonymous to eco friendly construction practices. a green building certification program from the U.S. Green Building Council that recognizes a project’s efficiency standards. It is the most widely used green building rating system. With mindful development in the works, most well-established luxury properties wear this accreditation as a medal of pride!

• Conserving the environment, one drop at a time: Water being one of the most exploited but also the most necessary natural resource, is conserved by properties by harvesting rainwater. From borewell recharging to improving the ground water table, these are impactful initiatives, benefits of which are reaped by the entire community, beyond the confinement of their properties to the neighbouring areas.



• Gift from the sun: Employing solar energy to its maximum use, be it electricity or heating systems.

At Atmantan, we have approached Rain Water Harvesting as a community concept. The idea was to also let our fellow villagers reap the benefits of this project. After we got an initial success on bore well recharging, we embark upon a mission of IMPROVING THE GROUND WATER TABLE OF PALSE VILLAGE AREA. While the area of the village is expansive, we executed our project on over 100 plus acres along the hill side. The driving force of this project is that water on the surface flows at 1meter/sec whereas, if it percolates inside the ground, it flows at 1mm/sec. It thus flows slower from within the ground, making it available for us to use the water even during the hotter months.”

• Reuse, recycle: Most luxurious retreats practice the art of recycling by various methods. One such method we would like to highlight is the installation of sewage treatment plants and reuse of the water/ other by products for practises like landscaping, gardening, etc. Thereby, giving back to the nature and promoting organic living.

• Farm to Table:



With the lush green landscape are soothing to the eyes, there is much more than just that to add to the splendour of these properties. To maximize health benefits and practice Atmanirbharta, most retreats believe in growing their own vegetables and fruits to prepare the perfect organic meal, that cleans and rejuvenates the body and the soul. Most dairy produce is supplied by local farmers, thereby furthering employment and dairy products are manufactured in- house to further the goal of self-reliance as well as minimise carbon footprint.

Disclaimer: Disclaimer: This article is authored by Mr. Nikhil Kapur, Founder Director of Atmantan Wellness Centre. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not represent those of GlobalSpa.