As the Cebu tourism and hospitality industries rely on the island’s inherent beauty, the importance of preserving this gift has become necessary amid the challenge of global environmental threats.
With these challenges in mind, Cebu’s hospitality industry is taking a bold step to contribute to the movement to preserve the environment by joining hands with the local community to promote environmental awareness in the most creative way possible.
One such advocate that has internalized the value of environmental preservation is Asmara Urban Resort and Lifestyle Village is one of Cebu’s best lifestyle spots.
To the naked eye, the resort is a lush, intimate, tropical paradise that has entranced its guests and customers for over four years.
Eco-architecture
An architectural feat in itself, Asmara is also a total ecological project.
Carlo Cordaro, the resort’s chief executive officer, said that he designed the resort’s Lifestyle Hotel to be suited for the Philippines’ tropical climate by incorporating earth-friendly technology into its structure.
“We use raw materials from mother earth. The main structure of the Lifestyle Hotel’s three-story building is in Glue Lam, a technology that uses abundant plantations trees like spruce and pine which thanks to a well-developed process converts into solid columns and beams that are capable of resisting typhoons and earthquakes better than traditional construction materials that are as strong as of prime raw materials like iron, stone, and cement,” Cordaro said.
The resort’s ecological venture and mission is a continuous movement as it has been able to come up with more creative and innovative ways to make use of Cebu’s wet climate.
“Due to the scarcity of water in the Banilad area, I designed a double inclined roof which allows the rainwater to fall to our main lounge reverse pyramid which can collect up to 20,000 liters on a very rainy day,” Carlo said.
One of the most striking features of Asmara is its all-wooden structures, meticulously crafted using sustainably harvested spruce timber.
This conscious choice of building material showcases the resort’s dedication to minimizing its environmental impact.
By opting for wood over traditional materials like iron, stone, and cement, Asmara not only exudes a warm and inviting ambiance but also reduces its carbon footprint, contributing to the conservation of precious natural resources.
Sustainable oasis
Asmara’s sustainable movement extends to its wellness and sports facilities.
With three open-air clay tennis courts, named after countries that have hosted international tournaments, the resort offers guests the chance to engage in an eco-friendly sporting experience.
Additionally, an air-conditioned squash court, which can also be transformed into a table tennis court, provides fast-paced fun for enthusiasts.
Beyond sports, Asmara’s upper deck becomes a serene sanctuary for scheduled yoga classes. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, guests can immerse themselves in wellness practices that harmonize the body, mind, and environment.
Sustainable hospitality
Asmara Urban Resort and Lifestyle Village stands as a shining model for sustainable hospitality, demonstrating that a luxurious and eco-conscious experience can go hand in hand.
By embracing sustainability in all its facets, the resort paves the way for a more responsible tourism industry—one that cherishes the environment and nurtures the local community.
As guests immerse themselves in the exquisite beauty and hospitality of Asmara, they become part of a greater movement—one that champions the ethos of sustainability and sets a new standard for responsible luxury in the heart of Cebu.