The Conscious Check In – Details, episodes & analysis

Award-winning eco-resort designer Louis (Louie) Thompson, CEO of Nomadic Resorts ( ⁨@Sixsenseshotels⁩  ,  ⁨@PlayaViva⁩  ) joins Amy to explore how bamboo, biomimicry, and biophilic design are transforming sustainable hospitality. From manta ray-inspired treehouses in Mexico to modular, nature-positive lodges, Louie shares practical insights on building regenerative, guest-loved experiences without greenwashing. You’ll learn why bamboo’s rapid renewability matters, how design shapes mental wellness, and what AI means for hyper-personalized, wellness-driven travel communities.

Who this episode is for

Conscious travelers, hotel owners, and hospitality leaders seeking high-impact, guest-centric sustainability strategies and regenerative design inspiration.

Timestamps / Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Intro: From Mauritius to manta rays—meet Nomadic Resorts’ Louis Thompson

02:31 – Career origin: Six Senses, post-tsunami pivot, and “special projects” innovation

05:03 – Career advice: Find what you enjoy, get feedback, and stick with it

07:15 – Why bamboo: Rapid renewability, tensile strength, carbon benefits, and resilience

10:08 – Organic forms: How bendy bamboo enables biomimicry and biophilic design

11:21 – Native ranges: Bamboo worldwide and what that means for local sourcing

13:40 – Genius loci: Designing for place vs. modular, scalable eco hospitality

16:49 – Playa Viva case study: Manta ray bamboo treehouses built in 8 months

18:30 – Results: Global awards, guest immersion, and regenerative tourism in action

20:12 – Rethinking luxury: From objects to transformative experiences and wellness travel

22:49 – “Well-washing”: Spotting superficial wellness vs. evidence-based design

24:34 – Healthy buildings: Materials, VOCs, indoor air quality, and ethical frameworks

29:43 – Biomimicry 101: Nature-inspired function (gecko feet to lotus effect)

31:30 – Biophilic design: Prospect/refuge, mental health, and evidence-based spaces

34:03 – Urban tips: Plants, sunlight, textures, images, and air quality at home

36:10 – Spas of the future: Circadian lighting, acoustic landscapes, color therapy

38:10 – Neuro-architecture: Designing spaces to evoke security, calm, transformation

39:55 – Cocoon-inspired tents: Purpose-built hospitality for specific life moments

40:51 – AI-curated travel: Birds of a feather, niche communities, and brand evolution

43:30 – Net positive impact: Guest experience, community benefit, ecosystem regeneration

44:42 – Life in Mauritius: Walks, sunsets, and building Nomadic Escapes

45:45 – Food with place: Creole outdoor cooking and communal dining

46:48 – Legacy: Leave every site more beautiful and biodiverse

Connect with the guest(s):

• Nomadic Resorts: https://www.nomadicresorts.com

• Follow Louis on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-thompson-9825308/

Out platforms

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-conscious-check-in/id1832522451

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2YfXT8SElYqYEbhYqbD1AJ?si=00fad07476c14a70

Connect with us

Sponsor this Podcast: https://www.greenluxeinc.com/partner-with-us

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theconsciouscheckin/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconsciouscheckin/

About Greenluxe:...

GM TJ Pierri of Pelican Grand Beach Resort (Fort Lauderdale) joins Amy to unpack how a legacy-driven, guest-first approach can power sustainable hospitality. From achieving Green Key Global certification to electrifying team and guest transport with Circuit, turtle-safe beach operations, and energy efficiency in rooms, TJ shares practical steps hotels can take now—plus the leadership mindset that wins buy-in. You’ll learn how to align guest experience with sustainability, start small without sacrificing impact, and communicate values that drive loyalty.

Who this episode is for

Conscious travelers and hospitality leaders who want guest-loved, profitable, and sustainable hotel operations.

Timestamps / Episode Breakdown

00:00 — Conscious travel intro: sustainable hospitality and guest experience

00:29 — Live from Independent Hotel Show: Meet TJ Pierri, GM, Pelican Grand

01:11 — Leadership lesson from geese: team rotation, resilience, and servant leadership

02:53 — Mini-bar evolution: inclusive, low/zero-alcohol options and curated experiences

05:58 — Career path: Hyatt to Noble House; navigating a GM role through the pandemic

10:12 — Noble House DNA: authentically local, values-led, guest-centered hospitality

12:21 — What makes Pelican Grand unique: on-the-sand location, lazy river, Oceans 2000 dining, Pure Spa rooftop rituals

14:26 — Green Key Global certification: retrofitting a 2004 building, PMS-driven energy efficiency, water conservation, housekeeping optimization

16:20 — Electric mobility: partnering with Circuit for team shuttles and guest dinner runs

17:46 — Protecting sea turtles: daily monitoring, operations that respect nesting season

19:05 — How hotels reduce waste and get buy-in: start small, explain the “why,” celebrate wins

21:00 — Biggest operational win: reconcepting five outlets in six months—team-first execution

22:35 — Favorite guest story: turning a rainy-day crisis into a beautiful impromptu wedding

25:19 — Legacy: improve lives, inspire teams, and build cultures guests return to

26:17 — Dream trip: Greece calling

______

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Key Links

Connect with the guest(s)

TJ Pierri's LinkedIn

Our platforms

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Connect with us

Sponsor this Podcast

LinkedIn

Instagram

About Greenluxe

1:1 with Amy

About the podcast

The core mission of The Conscious Check-in is to inspire travelers and hospitality leaders to embrace sustainability,...

In this insightful conversation, Greenluxe founder Amy Wald sits down with global travel influencer and digital marketing expert Scott Eddy to explore what truly drives loyalty and emotional connection in hospitality today. From storytelling and sustainability to personal branding and ROI, Scott shares lessons from decades of experience that hoteliers, marketers, and entrepreneurs alike can apply right now.

Make sure to follow along all of Scott's exciting journeys at:

Website:

www.mrscotteddy.com

Twitter:

@twitter.com/MrScottEddy

Facebook:

facebook.com/MrScottEddyPage

Instagram:

instagram.com/mrscotteddy

LinkedIn:

linkedin.com/in/mrscotteddy

TikTok:

tiktok.com/@mrscotteddy

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📅 Ready to take your sustainability marketing to the next level?

➡ Book an intro call with Amy: https://calendly.com/greenluxeinc/sustainable-hospitality

🌿 Learn more about Greenluxe:

www.greenluxeinc.com

Anegada is unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean.

Flat, wild, and naturally resilient—this coral island has preserved its beauty not because of development, but in spite of it.

In this special episode, I visit Anegada Beach Club and with Bunchie who know the island best. We explore:

• What makes Anegada geologically and culturally rare
• How tourism is being balanced with protection
• Why remoteness may be its greatest strength—and greatest challenge
• And what travelers need to understand if we want to keep places like this intact

This isn’t a sustainability success story. It’s a preservation-in-process story.

💚 For travelers who crave unspoiled destinations—and the hoteliers who want to protect them—this one’s for you.

📅 Ready to take your sustainability marketing to the next level?

➡ Book an intro call with Amy: https://calendly.com/greenluxeinc/sustainable-hospitality

🌿 Learn more about Greenluxe: www.greenluxeinc.com

Join Amy Wald in this inspiring episode of the Conscious Check-in as she sits down with Bria Guishard, General Manager of Long Bay Resort in the British Virgin Islands. Discover how Bria blends authentic hospitality with thoughtful sustainability initiatives to create a luxurious yet eco-conscious guest experience. Learn how community engagement, resilient leadership, and innovative practices define visionary hospitality in the Caribbean and beyond.

Discover:

• Authenticity is key: Long Bay Resort prioritizes genuine guest experiences and meticulous care to ensure consistency between online representation and in-person reality.
• Community integration enhances business resilience, talent pooling, and reputation – vital for island hospitality sectors like the BVIs.
• Sustainability efforts at Long Bay include eco-friendly products, protecting local wildlife habitats, and reducing plastic waste with initiatives like wristband room keys.
• Balancing technology with the human element preserves meaningful guest interactions, a hallmark of visionary hospitality management.
• Future plans focus on expanding farm-to-table offerings to increase local sourcing, reduce import dependence, and deepen the sustainable impact.

💬 Help us grow our channel – don't forget to subscribe!  

📅 Book a 1:1 with Amy: https://calendly.com/greenluxeinc/sustainable-hospitality  

🌿 Learn more about Greenluxe: https://www.greenluxeinc.com/

Join us in this inspiring episode of the Conscious Check-in as Costas Christ, a pioneer of eco-tourism and sustainable travel, shares his groundbreaking journey transforming the tourism industry. Discover how sustainability not only protects our planet but also enhances profitability and creates lasting benefits for communities and businesses alike.

Discover:

• How early observations in Kenya led Costas to challenge traditional conservation and promote tourism as a solution, not a problem.
• The evolution from eco-tourism to sustainable tourism, expanding responsibility across the entire travel industry.
• The critical importance of embedding sustainability into a company’s core mission to outperform competitors and build credibility.
• Practical steps hotels can take immediately, like eliminating single-use plastic water bottles, to make impactful sustainability gains.
• Insights from the Blue Climate Initiative on innovative approaches to reducing carbon footprints in coastal tourism and balancing travel with climate action.

💬 Help us grow our podcast – don't forget to subscribe! 

📅 Book a 1:1 with Amy: https://calendly.com/greenluxeinc/sustainable-hospitality  

🌿 Learn more about Greenluxe: https://www.greenluxeinc.com/

Host Amy Wald sits down with Bethann, General Manager of Staypineapple Chicago, to explore how a historic Loop landmark delivers sustainable luxury without compromise. From Green Key certification and adaptive reuse to plastic-free water programs, elevated in-room amenities, and digital ops that slash waste, this episode shows how boutique hotel sustainability can boost guest experience and business results. You’ll learn practical ideas for sustainable hotel certification, guest-centric green amenities, and how to communicate impact authentically—plus a peek at Staypineapple’s beloved “Naked Experience” bedding and dog-obsessed culture.

Conscious travelers and hospitality leaders seeking actionable sustainable hospitality strategies that enhance guest experience and ROI.

00:00 — The “Naked Experience”: European-style bedding and why guests love it

01:21 — Inside Staypineapple Chicago: sustainable luxury in a historic Loop skyscraper

01:49 — Location advantage: theaters, business district, lakefront access + borrow-a-bike

02:52 — Seamless transit: Blue Line from O’Hare to the hotel in minutes

03:41 — Why meeting planners care: sustainability in corporate RFPs and traveler confidence

04:07 — Green Key certification: third-party verified standards that matter

05:13 — Adaptive reuse wins: Burnham Building history, steel-frame windows, natural light

06:49 — Heritage details: original mosaic floors, office doors, physical keys

07:46 — “Beyond the beige”: unique design with lower embodied carbon than new builds

08:29 — On-property sustainability: composting, in-room recycling, K-Cup recycling

09:27 — Plastic-free water: branded reusable bottles + lobby refill stations (still, sparkling, hot)

10:24 — Sustainability as a value add: enhance guest experience, reduce footprint

10:53 — Cutting paper waste: new tech stack, digital audits, housekeeping boards on devices

12:10 — Culture shift: behavior change, team engagement, and data security benefits

13:10 — Certification clarity: measurable composting, lighting, and onsite verification

15:30 — Discoverability: OTAs now surfacing certified green hotels

16:40 — Luxury where it counts: Serta Black mattresses, durable high-quality linens

18:27 — The “Naked Experience” expanded: super-clean linens, two-duvet comfort

20:11 — The Everything Button: one number, full-service guest resolution

21:37 — Elevated F&B touch: yes, there are chocolate chip cookies

22:04 — Rethinking luxury: dispensing eco friendly toiletries hotels love (Tommy Bahama)

22:59 — Hygiene and security: locked, cleaned dispensers; daily maintenance

24:14 — Rolling out refillables: facing fears, winning guests, major bottle reductions

26:13 — Real impact: thousands of plastic bottles avoided across 10 hotels

27:20 — Teaser: new conservation partnership coming soon

27:43 — Advice to hoteliers: start small, use available resources, iterate what works

29:34 — Staff buy-in: ask, listen, co-create—adoption is easier than expected

30:34 — The future of boutique hotel sustainability: nimble, guest-led, business-smart

32:12 — Dog-obsessed hospitality: pets as VIPs with beds, treats, and Pup Cups

34:13 — Meet Dash: the brand mascot with a mission (donations to local rescues)

35:01 — “Live your dash”: the meaning behind Dash and brand ethos

36:31 — Parting message: fall in love with Chicago like the team does

37:24 — Innkeeper mentality: complimentary welcome beverage and true hospitality vibes

Documentary filmmaker and GLP Films founder Rob Holmes joins host Amy Wald to explore how authentic storytelling, destination stewardship, and GSTC-aligned practices can accelerate the shift toward sustainable travel destinations worldwide.

From accessibility on the Oregon Coast to the groundbreaking Palau Pledge, Rob shares field-tested insights on how destinations and hotels can avoid greenwashing, champion conservation and biodiversity, and turn regenerative tourism into tangible guest experiences.

Expect practical guidance for hoteliers, DMOs, travel journalists, and conscious travelers alike—covering supply-chain shifts, slow travel, Indigenous tourism, and why a little spontaneity still creates the most meaningful trips.

Conscious travelers, hoteliers, DMOs, and travel journalists seeking practical, real-world strategies for sustainable hospitality and destination storytelling.

00:29 – Why sustainable hospitality moved from side note to center stage

02:02 – Food and place: raw, in-the-moment travel experiences (Senegal, Tierra del Fuego)

06:03 – Rob’s path: wildlife conservation, MBA, media, and founding GLP Films

10:20 – The falcon perspective: looking ahead, landscapes, and conservation mindset

12:16 – From slideshows to docs: how storytelling shapes traveler behavior

18:17 – Career advice: find your niche, blend creativity with business, avoid polish for polish’s sake

21:51 – Inside GSTC: raising the bar, community, and post-COVID momentum

23:31 – Certifications vs. checkboxes: accountability, greenwashing, and systemic change

28:22 – Destination realities: small DMO teams, why private sector support matters

33:14 – Case study: Oregon Coast—accessibility, inclusivity, and stewardship storytelling

34:54 – The Palau Pledge: locally led design that shifts traveler mindset

38:04 – World Tourism Day wish: conservation and biodiversity as core KPIs

42:39 – Standout regions: Canada (indigenous tourism), Greenland, Cook Islands, Finger Lakes

46:50 – Traveler tips: slow travel, off-season, public transport, buy local

50:13 – For travel journalists: keep it simple, verify, celebrate leaders, call out greenwashing

53:52 – Hotels: the highest-leverage move—transform your supply chain

58:05 – Travel hack: embrace spontaneity to unlock authentic experiences

1:03:14 – Where to find Rob and GLP Films content

GLP Films Website

GLP Films on YouTube

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Sponsor this Podcast

LinkedIn

Instagram

About Greenluxe

1:1 with Amy

Adventure luxury meets purpose-driven travel. Amy sits down with Kevin Jackson and Maxie Johnson of EXP Journeys, a B Corp adventure operator designing bespoke, conservation-forward experiences across the American Southwest and beyond. From helicopter-only lunches atop Tower Butte to Navajo-led cultural immersions and regenerative partnerships, learn how eco luxury travel can be exclusive, ethical, and life-changing. You’ll hear powerful guest transformation stories, why guided experiences beat DIY itineraries, how EXP vets sustainable partners, and what’s next for adventure travel: privacy, remoteness, and deeper cultural connection.

Who this episode is for

Conscious travelers, luxury hospitality leaders, and families seeking meaningful, sustainable, and bespoke adventure travel.

Timestamps / Episode Breakdown

00:29 – Why adventure travel matters: connection, wellness, and shared experiences

01:17 – Origin stories: from John Muir Trail inspiration to leaving law for guiding

05:19 – Transformative moments: Tower Butte surprise lunch and a grandmother’s first rappel

10:22 – The “aha” loop: continuous innovation in experiential design and family programming

13:18 – Career pivot advice: loving the outdoors vs. loving guiding—what it really takes

16:48 – Spirit animals of guiding: eagle vision and “duck mode” calm under pressure

20:30 – Ideal traveler: curious families and guests who want to connect and give back

24:16 – How custom trips are built: collaboration, curiosity, and going beyond “see the Grand Canyon”

26:30 – Why guided beats DIY: mental load off, on-trip flexibility, and white-glove logistics

30:27 – Backstage access: Navajo Nation cultural leaders, code talker Peter MacDonald, and real fossil digs

33:28 – Conservation and culture: Navajo-led slot canyons, hoop dancing, and intergenerational storytelling

39:20 – Vetting sustainable partners: B Corp framework, local sourcing, and low-impact luxury camps

43:16 – What B Corp means for travelers: long-game stewardship for people, planet, and place

48:10 – Dream trips: GPS-only surprise journeys and a Colorado River land-water-sky odyssey

52:26 – How to connect with EXP Journeys and start your custom itinerary

Key Links

Connect with the guest(s):

• EXP Journeys website: https://expjourneys.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/expjourneys

Out platforms

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-conscious-check-in/id1832522451

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2YfXT8SElYqYEbhYqbD1AJ?si=00fad07476c14a70

Connect with us

Sponsor this Podcast: https://www.greenluxeinc.com/partner-with-us

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theconsciouscheckin/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconsciouscheckin/

About Greenluxe: https://www.greenluxeinc.com/

1:1 with Amy: https://calendly.com/greenluxeinc/sustainable-hospitality

About the podcast

The core mission of The Conscious Check-in is to inspire travelers and hospitality leaders to embrace sustainability, showing how conscious choices in travel and luxury hospitality can create meaningful experiences for guests while driving positive impact for people, planet, and business.

Can a luxury Amazon cruise actually protect wildlife and empower local communities?

In this episode on sustainable luxury travel, we explore how Delfin Amazon Cruises and Relais & Chateaux are redefining regenerative tourism in Peru’s Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.

Host Amy Wald sits down with tropical biologist and sustainability lead Gabriela Orihuela of Delfin Amazon Cruises to unpack what it really means to cruise with purpose in the Amazon. From pink river dolphin research and giant river otter sightings to community-driven “BioRest” reforestation with native species, this conversation spotlights nature-based tourism that restores ecosystems and culture.

You’ll learn how Delfin’s Relais & Chateaux partnership elevates eco luxury travel through seasonal, locally sourced gastronomy; why keystone species like river dolphins matter; and practical ways travelers and hoteliers can avoid wildlife trafficking, reduce impacts, and turn sustainability into a richer guest experience. Whether you’re a conscious traveler, hotelier, or brand leader, you’ll take away field-tested ideas for sustainable hospitality, community-based conservation, and storytelling in hospitality that inspires action.

Timestamps / Episode Breakdown

00:00 - 00:57: Redefining Luxury in the Amazon — pristine rivers, biodiversity & culture

00:57 - 02:42: Delfin Amazon Cruises × Relais & Châteaux — sustainability at sea

02:42 - 04:39: Tropical biologist’s perspective + Peru’s Ramsar wetland & migratory birdlife

04:40 - 10:25: From community handcrafts to BIOREST — women-led impact & native reforestation

10:25 - 18:45: Aboard Delfin III — food heritage, seasonal landscapes & what river luxury means

18:46 - 26:49: Citizen science & wildlife conservation — pink dolphins, giant otters & trafficking threats

26:49 - 31:05: Partnering with the National Reserve + conscious traveler tips (what not to buy)

31:05 - 38:03: Biophilic ship design & Amazonian gastronomy with Relais & Châteaux standards

38:03 - 45:18: A day in the life on Delfin — sunrise skiffs, wildlife talks, community visits & how to get there

45:18 - 51:21: Hotelier playbook anywhere — water & energy savings, sustainable menus, sourcing responsibly

51:21 - 54:06: What to pack for the Amazon + guest takeaways (guides, culture, cuisine)

54:08 - 56:30: Why sustainable tourism matters + closing thoughts

Guest Intro

Gabriela Orihuela is a tropical biologist and the head of sustainability at Delfin Amazon Cruises, the first Amazon cruise line partnered with Relais & Chateaux. She leads community-based conservation, citizen science on pink river dolphins, and Delfin’s BioRest program restoring forests with native, culturally significant species.

Learn more: https://www.delfinamazoncruises.com

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