A Gold Seal of Integrity: ELaiolithos Among Europe’s Finest Sustainable Stays — Standing Alone in Greece with Gold Certification
In June 2025, ELaiolithos underwent a rigorous and comprehensive sustainability audit by Good TRAVELSEAL — one of the most respected and fully independent international certifications in responsible tourism. We are honored to have earned the Gold Certification, making ELaiolithos the only destination in Greece to receive this distinction.
This recognition, awarded in collaboration with Green Destinations and aligned with the standards of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), is not a promotional label. It is an independently verified acknowledgment of our long-standing commitment to sustainability, authenticity, and conscious hospitality.
A Recognition Rooted in Substance
The audit results placed ELaiolithos among the top sustainable travel destinations in Greece and Europe, reflecting consistently high performance across all sustainability criteria.
ELaiolithos offers a collection of thoughtfully designed villa suites on the island of Naxos, shaped by bioclimatic principles and crafted using local stone and marble. Every design choice is guided by respect for the land, minimizing environmental impact while maintaining a refined sense of comfort. Sustainability here is not an added feature — it is woven into the architecture, the daily practices, and the way experiences are offered.
Guests are invited to experience Naxos through its culture, landscape, and people, enjoying contemporary comfort that remains deeply connected to place and purpose.
This Gold Certification is not about labels or claims. It is an independent acknowledgment of long-term commitment, local responsibility, and mindful hospitality.
For travelers who value substance over slogans and authenticity over excess, this recognition simply confirms what is already felt.
This recognition was not purchased — it was earned through a rigorous, independent evaluation of every aspect of our operations. What emerged was a clear affirmation of our approach: thoughtful actions, genuine values, and measurable impact.
We are honored by this distinction and inspired to continue evolving, shaping a way of travel where sustainability and comfort coexist naturally, even within the rugged landscape of a Cycladic island.
At ELaiolithos, eco-conscious hospitality is not a compromise. It is proof that respect for place, refined comfort, and contemporary design can exist in harmony.
Green Destinations
- Adherence to the principles of Sustainable Tourism is a key priority for the ELaiolithos®, which is not simply a sustainable destination, but an accommodation where Sustainability and Authenticity are felt from the first glance. With 100% transparent sustainable practices, a strict focus on quality, and genuine hospitality, ELaiolithos emphasizes:
- Care for the local community and environment
- Love and care for nature
- Respect for the scenery and surrounding landscape
- Support and promotion of local handmade arts and products
- Environmentally friendly tourism activities
- Good health and well-being of all visitors, guests, employees, and locals.
The traditional elements that decorate the themed suites give life to the area and tell stories about traditions of the old times. Every luxury suite offers a different eco-experience! ELaiolithos® broadcasts the island’s identity, local art, and history.
ELaiolithos® demonstrates that luxury can harmonize with environmental respect, even on a remote Greek island.
Built with Respect for Place
Over 90% of ELaiolithos’ construction is made from local, natural materials, including Naxian stone and marble. The architecture follows bioclimatic principles, allowing the buildings to work in harmony with the landscape rather than against it. Natural, earthy materials are used throughout — from walls and floors to bathrooms and countertops — each crafted in the traditional pressed cement mortar technique. This 100% natural, chemical-free material has been used in the Cyclades for decades and brings together durability, elegance, and environmental responsibility.
Every suite is individually designed to reflect its legend, history, and tradition, featuring handmade artworks by local artists and creating a warm atmosphere that blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary comfort.
Conscious Comfort
All suites feature:
- Organic cotton sheets and locally hand-loomed 100% cotton textiles
- Non-smoking interiors
- Eco-friendly, organic bath amenities
- Low-flow faucets, showerheads, and water-saving toilet systems
Hot water is supplied 24 hours a day through solar energy, while energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, and motion sensors in shared areas reduce unnecessary consumption.
Food with a Sense of Place
Our cuisine follows a true farm-to-table philosophy. All ingredients sourced exclusively within a 5 km radius of the property. This ensures freshness, supports local producers, and significantly reduces energy use.
Breakfast is served à la carte, prepared entirely with local ingredients. Any edible leftovers are donated daily to local livestock, and getting fresh eggs and vegetables in return, completing a circular food system with zero waste.
Responsible Daily Practices
- Use of recycled, non-chlorinated paper
- Cleaning exclusively with non-toxic, chemical-free Green Seal products
- Durable, non-disposable service items throughout the property
- Natural tap water sourced from the spring of the nearby village of Moni
- Staffed entirely by local residents
- Facilities and activities accessible to physically challenged guests
- Offer personalized hospitality. Every day, we create tailored itineraries for our guests based on their interests, whether it’s exploring the island’s hidden trails, hiking scenic paths, or discovering local culture.
Experiences Rooted in Community
Beyond the architecture and daily practices, sustainability at ELaiolithos is lived through shared experiences with the local community. Guests are invited to connect with the land, the people, and the traditions of Naxos in ways that are meaningful, hands-on, and respectful of place.
These experiences are designed to foster understanding, participation, and a genuine sense of belonging, while supporting local livelihoods and preserving cultural heritage.
→ Discover our curated Experiences
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Visits to the protected juniper forest of Alyko (Natura 2000)
Our central location in mainland Naxos allows guests to explore the island with lower carbon emissions, deeper cultural understanding, and genuine human connection.
A Living Commitment
ELaiolithos actively protects cultural heritage and reinvests in the local community, ensuring that traditions, people, and landscapes continue to thrive. Responsible tourism is not a concept here — it is a daily practice.
Nature is our teacher, our partner, and our responsibility. Every decision we make reflects care for our guests, respect for the environment, and commitment to the place we call home.
Why Travelers Choose Sustainable Villa Suites
As environmental awareness grows, travelers are becoming more intentional about where—and how—they travel. Today’s guests seek destinations that respect nature, protect local ecosystems, and operate with integrity. They value meaningful experiences over excess, authenticity over appearances, and places that reflect their personal values.
Sustainable travel is not a trend—it is a conscious choice. Choosing a responsibly run stay contributes to environmental preservation, supports local communities, and safeguards natural resources for future generations. More than ever, travelers understand that sustainability benefits everyone involved: the destination, the people, and the journey itself.
At ELaiolithos® in Naxos, sustainability is not a promise—it is a practice. Transparency, responsibility, and long-term commitment shape every decision. Here, luxury is defined through thoughtful design, comfort, quality craftsmanship, and a deep respect for place—enhanced by a sense of authenticity, rarity, and quiet elegance.
Every stay tells a story—one rooted in culture, tradition, and the surrounding landscape—inviting guests to connect with the island on a deeper level. A sustainable villa suite in the Cyclades becomes more than accommodation; it becomes part of a meaningful way of traveling.
Which is our most sustainable practice?
It begins with proximity.
Every ingredient, every material, every choice is rooted in the land that surrounds us. What we use comes from here—from nearby fields, local hands, and long-standing relationships. Fresher, more responsible, more honest. Sustainability, for us, is not an add-on; it is the natural result of staying close to our source.
From this principle, our practices naturally follow:
Solar Energy
Hot water needs are covered through solar energy, providing continuous efficiency while significantly reducing energy consumption.
Self-Sustained, Local Farming
We cultivate our own produce and work exclusively with nearby farms, embracing seasonality and the Slow Food philosophy. Fruits, vegetables, olive oil, wine, goat milk, and cheeses are produced organically and sourced directly from our land and trusted local producers—minimizing transport, conserving resources, and supporting clean, mindful nourishment.
Supporting Local Artisans
Textiles, artwork, and handcrafted details are created by local artisans within walking distance of the property. From hand-loomed cotton woven by local women to traditional crafts, each piece sustains both heritage and community.
Zero Plastic Philosophy
Plastic has no place in our operations. We actively avoid it across all areas of daily life, choosing reusable, natural, and long-lasting alternatives.
Circular Food Responsibility
Edible leftovers are never wasted. They are returned to the land by feeding local livestock, creating a natural, respectful cycle. In turn, this contributes to fresh eggs and vegetables for our kitchens.
ELaiolithos®: A Green Building with Sustainable Architecture
ELaiolithos® is a testament to sustainable design, built to minimize environmental impact while honoring the natural beauty of Naxos. From the initial concept to construction, energy use, and waste management, every detail was carefully considered to create a villa complex that is both functional and deeply connected to its surroundings.
Inspired by the spirit of the island, the architecture embraces Cycladic traditions, natural rhythms, and local materials. The primary construction uses stones from Moni village quarries, complemented by Naxian marble, eco-friendly cement mortar, and handwoven loom textiles. Each suite reflects a harmony of comfort, craftsmanship, and environmental responsibility, blending seamlessly into the landscape.
From the choice of materials to the design of each space, ELaiolithos® demonstrates that luxury and sustainability can coexist. The villas provide a safe, healthy, and serene environment, allowing guests to connect with the land, with themselves, and with the local community.
At ELaiolithos®, true luxury is a conscious experience—where the rhythm of nature meets thoughtful design, every moment invites you to slow down, feel deeply, and live with intention. More than a stay, it is a harmonious journey with the land beneath your feet.
A stay that’s simple, real, and mindful. Reserve your sustainable suite now!
