Eco-Luxury: The Visionary Behind Green Hospitality Without Compromise

In an era where climate urgency is reshaping every industry, few sectors face a paradox as complex as hospitality. The promise of comfort and indulgence often stands at odds with the principles of sustainability. Yet, in a quiet corner of the world—where rainforest canopies whisper into turquoise tides—a new chapter is being written. One that proves you don’t need to compromise the planet to provide unforgettable experiences. At the helm of this transformation is Ava Lemaire, a visionary who dared to imagine what luxury might look like if it was rooted in responsibility.

A Vision Born of Two Worlds

Ava’s story begins far from the tropical paradise she now calls home. Raised between the eco-conscious hills of Oregon and the structured precision of Swiss boarding schools, Ava developed a dual lens early in life—one that valued both harmony with nature and high standards of elegance. With a degree in environmental engineering and a master’s in hospitality leadership, she was uniquely positioned to bridge these two seemingly disjointed worlds.

Yet, it wasn’t until a soul-searching sabbatical through Southeast Asia that her vision crystallized. Staying in eco-lodges and luxury resorts, Ava noticed a troubling pattern: sustainability often meant sacrifice. Either the property compromised on comfort in the name of eco-friendliness, or environmental values took a backseat to extravagance. She wondered: What if we didn’t have to choose?

The Birth of Solaya Retreat

That question gave rise to Solaya Retreat, a groundbreaking eco-luxury haven carved into a secluded coastline of Central America. The land itself had a story—a once-degraded parcel now undergoing rewilding, selected not just for its beauty but for the potential to restore. Ava worked alongside conservationists and indigenous leaders, ensuring the development would enrich rather than erase the local ecosystem and culture.

Construction followed the strictest green guidelines: carbon-negative materials, passive cooling systems, and a zero-waste policy that extended even to the construction crews. Each villa is a masterclass in understated luxury—minimalist design blended with native aesthetics, smart energy systems, and locally crafted furnishings that tell a story of place.

But Ava knew that architecture alone wouldn’t redefine eco-luxury. The essence of hospitality, after all, lies in experience. And so she began crafting an entirely new guest journey.

Experience Rooted in Purpose

From the moment guests arrive at Solaya, they’re enveloped in something different—not just natural beauty, but intention. There’s no check-in desk. Instead, guests are welcomed in an open-air lounge with herbal refreshments harvested that morning. A team of hosts, not staff, offers a personalized orientation, sharing the retreat’s philosophy and how each guest can engage with its ecosystem.

Daily activities reflect Ava’s belief in immersive education through experience. Guests can volunteer in reef restoration, participate in regenerative farming, or take part in ocean conservation expeditions led by marine biologists. There’s also a holistic wellness program that integrates yoga, forest bathing, and locally inspired spa therapies, all designed to reconnect guests to themselves and the planet.

Cuisine at Solaya is another cornerstone. Partnering with farmers and artisanal producers, the culinary team sources 90% of its ingredients within a 50-mile radius. Seasonal tasting menus change weekly, guided by what nature provides and cooked with zero food waste practices. Diners enjoy Michelin-level quality on plates made from compressed pineapple leaves, beneath the stars, with the sea as their soundtrack.

Leading by Inclusion

True to her roots, Ava didn’t stop at creating a sustainable resort—she built an ecosystem of opportunity. Ninety percent of Solaya’s team hails from nearby communities. Through the Solaya Hospitality Institute, locals receive training not only in high-end service but also in environmental sciences, cultural heritage, and leadership. Her goal isn’t just to hire staff—it’s to empower stewards.

Ava’s internal culture is as progressive as her vision. Flexible scheduling, profit-sharing, and mental health support are built into the organizational fabric. Gender parity is enforced at every level, and promotion is based on peer mentorship and skill mastery. The result? A team that is proud, engaged, and deeply invested in the mission.

Changing Minds—and the Market

When Ava launched Solaya, skepticism was fierce. Investors worried the model was too idealistic, too costly, too slow. Critics said affluent guests wouldn’t give up conventional luxuries. But the resort didn’t just thrive—it set a new standard.

Today, Solaya boasts a global clientele with a six-month waiting list. It’s been featured in Architectural Digest, Forbes Travel, and National Geographic. But more importantly, it’s become a case study for eco-hospitality done right. Ava now advises developers worldwide and collaborates with NGOs to replicate the Solaya model in threatened environments.

Her success hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2024, Ava was named one of the Top 10 Sustainable Business Leaders by the Global Climate Forum, and her TED Talk—“Why Luxury Must Lead the Green Revolution”—has been viewed over three million times.

Redefining Luxury, Redefining Leadership

For Ava, the mission is far from over. She’s currently designing a sister retreat in the Andes, exploring carbon-positive construction methods and indigenous co-ownership models. “We’re not building resorts,” she says. “We’re building blueprints—for an economy that celebrates life, not just lifestyle.”

Indeed, Solaya Retreat stands as more than a destination. It is a living, breathing demonstration that luxury need not be extractive. That beauty can heal. And that a single vision, when paired with resolve and compassion, can rewrite the rules of an industry.

As the climate crisis accelerates and the demand for responsible travel rises, one thing is certain: the future of hospitality belongs to those who understand that sustainability is not a constraint—it is the greatest form of luxury.