Fairmont Windsor Park, a bee paradise

For more than 25 years, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has been an environmental leader among eco-friendly hotels. As one of the first luxury hotel brands to achieve emission reduction targets, Fairmont embraces Accor’s Planet 21 initiatives and The Fairmont Promise. At Fairmont Windsor Park, this ethos is woven through all aspects of the property. From beehives to carefully selected spa and wellness partners, there are many sustainability projects underway at the hotel.

With its beautifully landscaped gardens, the grounds surrounding Fairmont Windsor Park provide ample opportunity for sustainability-driven initiatives. Throughout the development and construction of the hotel, many considerations were given to the existing natural habitat. The team installed full protection fencing around all trees that were deemed important to the ecosystem. Areas that required machinery to be driven on had soil de-compacted to ensure no damage to the tree root systems and many new trees were planted on the hotel’s vast grounds.

The addition of new plants and trees not only benefits the planet but also forms an important part of the guest experience. Talented Grounds Manager, Tommy Monteith, who has been with the company for nearly 16 years, and his team play an invaluable role in ensuring that the grounds have something to offer visitors all year round. Tommy said, “My favourite area is the South Lawn in summer when it’s in full swing. During the early hours, the garden looks stunning in the morning sun, it’s so peaceful and the perfect place to relax. In spring, Japanese Holly produces beautiful, delicate white flowers and small, black berries develop in autumn.”

Tommy is aware of the important role that the plants on the property play in sustaining local bee populations, including the two hives found at the hotel. “We are lucky that bees are attracted to some of the most beautiful flowers. I love the bright and striking purple Salvia Nemerosa Cardonna flowers, especially when mixed in with the elegant Stipa Gigantean. The narrow leaves spring many tall stems carrying truly superb heads of oat-like flowers which shimmer and shine as if made from beaten gold.” For guests, the mental and physical health benefits of spending time in nature are well reported (source) which is also an important aspect for Tommy. “The wildflower meadow overlooks the spectacular lake; there is something very calming about the combination of plants and water,” Tommy said. With a world-class spa and wellness offering also available, the hotel offers the perfect destination for the health focussed and environmentally conscious traveller.

If you would like to experience Fairmont Windsor Park’s magnificent grounds and sustainability projects first-hand, please click here to view our offers.