you are here: ethos

“The lodge fits its environment like a glove - from the freindly staff to the design of the lodge and its rooms, to its ethos of environmental friendly policies, this place really does meet and surpass your expectations.” LoveS_Travel_71, TripAdvisor, June 2010


EcoHotels upholds the following values:

• To provide educational, adventurous experiences in natural environments and indigenous communities

• To have as little impact as possible on the environment both in the building and operating of the lodge, and through the    activities offered to guests

• To sustain the cultural integrity of the local people by hiring members of the community, and respecting their habitat and    traditions

• To generate revenue for the conservation of nature and betterment of local communities through ecotourism initiatives

• To leave every guest with a delightful memory of the warm hospitality, seamless service and charming atmosphere of the    lodge


minimal damage to the environment

• solar power: Feynan exclusively generates its own electicity through
  solar/photovoltaic (PV) panels and is not connected to the electricity grid. In order to
  efficiently utilize stored energy, only essential electrical appliances are used, and
  those employed are certified to use very low amounts of energy. The kitchen,
  washrooms and office are the only areas electrically lighted with CFL 8 watt bulbs.
  Appliances such as the refrigerators in the kitchen are Energy Star (US rating) or
  A/A+ (EU rating) certified. Laundry is air dried, reducing the need for energy
  consuming driers. Batteries store 54kWh, enabling the lodge to store 3 days worth of
  electricity to account for cloudy days.

• solar heating: To hear water, an extensive solar heating system is in place that
  provides all necessary hot water for the kitchen, guests, and washing machines (the
  washing machines do not heat water electrically).

• limited water consumption: The lodge is kept hydrated by local spring water
  from one of the nearby Wadi Dana springs. Kitchen water use is strictly controlled
  while aerators limit water flow from room faucets and showers.

• heating: Due to warm climate at Feynan, heating is only required for a short part of
  the year. For 60-90 evenings each winter, waste from olive pressing known as jift in
  Arabic or olive pit charcoal is burned in the two fireplaces at the lodge to provide
  heat. This preserves Jordan's trees and utilizes a renewable source of energy that is a
  natural by-product of Jordan's annual olive harvest.

• composting: To minimise waste and utilise resources, the lodge has composting
  facilities where all food excess and waste is transformed into fertilizer.

• recycling waste: Although only minimal amounts of paper and plastic are used on
  site, most waste is recycled and recycling bins are placed in convenient locations
  around the lodge for guests to take part in this important initiative.

• reusable material: Locally produced clay jars for water are placed in guest rooms to
  avoid disposable plastic water bottles. Feynan Ecolodge is currently in the steps of
  introducing reusable water bottles for hikes in an effort to further eliminate disposable
  water bottles.


hiring locally and investing in socio-economic initiatives

In line with EcoHotels’s mission and the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature’s (RSCN) policies to employ staff from local areas and communities, Feynan Ecolodge has an almost entirely local team working onsite. This helps create the uniquely authentic atmosphere in the lodge, while generating much needed income for surrounding communities. In addition, the candle-making and leather workshops on site give women in the community the opportunity to work to help support their families and showcase their art. All revenue generated from transportation to and from the lodge goes directly to the 40 or so drivers from the local Bedouin community. This revenue supplemental income to these drivers' families.