
Sustainability at Naantali Spa
Naantali Spa is a key operator in the tourism and hospitality industry in Naantali and the entire Southwest Finland region. As a well-established provider, we recognize our responsibility towards the environment and strive to do everything we can to protect it.
Our commitment to nature is reflected in all our daily operations and decisions. We strictly adhere to environmental legislation and are proud of our Green Key and Sustainable Travel Finland certifications, which also demonstrate our long-term dedication to responsible practices.
We continuously strive for new eco-friendly actions and aim to raise environmental awareness both within the hospitality industry and among travelers. We want future generations to also enjoy the beautiful and diverse nature during their travels.
By choosing Naantali Spa as your destination, you are making a choice for a sustainable environment and responsible tourism.
Naantali Spa strives to be a leader in sustainable development and tourism. The spa received the Green Key certification in 2021.
The Green Key program promotes sustainable tourism by encouraging both staff and guests to participate in eco-friendly actions and by raising environmental awareness within the tourism industry and among travelers. It demonstrates the hotel's commitment to sustainable tourism, exceeding the requirements of Finnish environmental legislation. Naantali Spa's most recent Green Key re-certification was awarded in December 2024.
Naantali Spa has also been part of Visit Finland's Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) program since the spring of 2022.
Both certifications require continuous improvements in sustainable practices. Since obtaining the certifications, Naantali Spa has consistently exceeded the requirements, showcasing the hotel's strong commitment to sustainable development beyond the certification standards.
Read Finland’s Pledge for Sustainable Travel
Waste Management and Recycling
Minimizing waste and recycling are part of our everyday operations. Our recycling rate in 2023 was 49%, and we continuously strive to improve this figure.
Old bed linens are returned to the supplier, where they are repurposed into materials such as oil-absorbent mats. Used coffee grounds are sorted and turned into raw material for garden soil. We also sort used wine bottle corks, which can be used as a growth medium for plants like orchids.
We measure our food waste daily and actively work to reduce it, not only during food preparation but also by informing and guiding our guests, especially during breakfast and buffet services.
We encourage our guests to avoid single-use cups, glasses, plates, and cutlery. However, there are certain situations, such as in pool and gym areas, where the use of disposable materials is permitted. Even in these areas, we continually seek more sustainable alternatives.
We have also made a conscious decision to replace single-use, individually packaged shampoos and other hygiene products with environmentally friendly dispensers, made and packaged with respect for the environment.
When renovating our facilities, we use sustainable materials and aim to reuse as much as possible, such as reupholstering and sanding items to give them new life. This approach has been applied in recent renovations, including those of the spa lobby, café area, and Tammikellari.
We sort and recycle paper, cardboard, metal, cans, glass, plastic, refundable bottles, organic waste, and used cooking oil. Guests also have the opportunity to sort waste during their stay.
Energy Efficiency
In property management, special attention is given to energy and environmental efficiency. The energy consumption of the spa hotel is monitored monthly, and deviations are addressed. The goal is to significantly reduce energy consumption over the next three years.
In Naantali, more than 90% of the lights are already LED lights. When we replace electronics, such as refrigerators or minibars, energy-efficient models are prioritized. A major project for the coming years is the renewal of heating and air conditioning systems.
As a spa hotel, our water consumption is naturally higher than that of hotels without pool facilities, but we are committed to responsible water use. We regularly monitor our total water consumption as well as water usage per guest night on a monthly basis.
We have installed water-saving devices in all room toilets and showers that meet Green Key restrictions: the toilet flush uses no more than 6 liters of water, and the shower uses no more than 9 liters. Our kitchen and housekeeping staff are also trained to use dishwashers, kitchen appliances, and laundry machines as efficiently as possible to conserve energy and water.
We inform our guests about how they can save energy and water during their stay with us. For example, we actively encourage guests to drink tap water instead of bottled water.
We also measure our carbon footprint and have made a conscious decision to replace various appliances, such as kitchen and cleaning equipment, with newer, more energy-efficient alternatives.
Restaurant Services
At Naantali Spa’s restaurants, special attention is given to ingredient selection, recycling, and waste reduction.
We have increased the proportion of local food and local producers as part of our food offerings, and we strive to use as many seasonal products as possible from small local producers. Our restaurants also consider national and global sustainability themes, such as Waste Reduction Week, Earth Hour, and World Vegan Day.
We offer only fair-trade coffee to our guests. Our breakfast, buffet dinners, à la carte menus, and café always include vegetarian or even vegan options. Our restaurants follow the WWF Fish Guide and select ethically sourced seafood. We prioritize MSC-certified fish and seafood products.
Waste management is closely monitored, and we aim to continuously reduce it. We carefully forecast the order quantities for our restaurant products. We offer smaller portion sizes at our buffet and encourage guests to fill their plates responsibly. If there is any leftover food, excess portions from Café Roma and Le Soleil are sold via the ResQ Club app whenever possible.
Cleaning
Our cleaning methods are optimized to use as little detergent and water as possible. All the cleaning products we use are environmentally certified. Our staff is trained in the latest, up-to-date cleaning techniques.
We prefer ecologically produced paper towels, plant-based wipes, and toilet paper. By using microfiber cloths for cleaning, we have significantly reduced the consumption of paper, water, and chemicals. All our cleaning tools and materials are sourced from trusted, environmentally certified partners.
For longer stays, we only clean rooms upon request unless the guest prefers otherwise. Guests can also easily choose whether they would like a new towel for the next day or if they prefer to reuse the same towel and bathrobe multiple times.
Sustainable travel options
Naantali is easy to reach using sustainable modes of travel. From Turku, you can take the local Föli bus service approximately every 15 minutes. The stop is located just 200 meters from the spa. Check schedules at foli.fi »
The train or bus trip from Helsinki or Tampere to Turku takes less than two hours.
Biodiversity
We care for biodiversity and well-being in the spa’s surrounding area. We do not use chemical pesticides or fertilizers in our green areas. Irrigation is limited to early morning and evening hours to conserve natural resources. When planning new green areas, we focus on planting native plant species.
To enhance biodiversity, we have added beehives and birdhouses to our garden areas. Our staff has participated in various environmental initiatives, such as cleaning up events.
Staff Environmental Training
Naantali Spa is dedicated to supporting sustainable development in a holistic way. An environmental officer has been appointed from among the staff. Sustainability matters are also an important part of the onboarding process for new employees. The staff aims to communicate the company’s environmental values to our visitors by providing many opportunities for recycling, energy saving, and environmentally friendly practices.
The hotel management keeps the staff updated on current and future sustainable development measures. The spa has a separate responsibility team, which includes representatives from different departments, and meets 3-4 times a year to discuss sustainability issues.
Equality
Naantali Spa is committed to the principle of equality in all its operations. Everyone is welcome at Naantali Spa as they are, and we do not tolerate any form of discrimination. We require all staff, partners, and subcontractors to commit to the same values.
Our recruitment practices are inclusive and non-discriminatory, without prejudice based on age, gender, nationality, religion, socioeconomic status, or any other factors.
We are continuously working on improving our responsible practices and systematically evaluating the implementation of equality. Our employees are committed to a shared ethical code. We welcome any suggestions for improvement via email at vastuullisuus.naantali@sunborn.fi.
Diversity
Diversity is strongly present at Naantali Spa. People come here for vacations, rehabilitation, work, events, dinners, beauty treatments, and fitness activities.
Naantali Spa is part of the family-owned Sunborn Group, which has been a major employer in the Southwest Finland region for 50 years. Sunborn is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and treats all job applicants fairly.
At Naantali Spa, work is carried out professionally, ethically, and responsibly, in a sustainable way for both the environment and society.
Our employment impact in the Turku economic region is significant, and during the summer months, the spa provides jobs for up to a hundred young locals. In addition, numerous students participate in work experience (TET) programs at the spa each year.
We also collaborate and engage in open discussions with organizations, authorities, and other decision-makers. For nearly 20 years, we have provided our facilities for the Supertreenit event organized by the Turku Sports Union, with proceeds going to support children's and youth sports. Naantali Spa is also a partner in the The Unique Archipelago Sea initiative.
We donate used items such as mattresses, bedding, towels, and furniture to local communities and our charitable partners.
Accessibility
Accessibility has been an important part of the spa’s design. There is wheelchair access to all public areas, and all floors are accessible by elevator.
We have special rooms for guests with mobility impairments, designed with practicality and ease of movement in mind. These rooms are of Comfort standard and are located in the spa’s main building.
Assistants can attend public events at Naantali Spa for free with an assistant card.
We are continuously working to improve the accessibility of Naantali Spa and welcome suggestions for improvement via email at vastuullisuus.naantali@sunborn.fi.
Safety
Our goal is to make Naantali Spa as safe a space as possible for everyone and to promote the realization of equality.
Physical and mental integrity is a right for all, and our spa is a place where everyone should feel safe, free from any form of discrimination, harassment (whether sexual or verbal), or inappropriate behavior.
Together with our guests, employees, subcontractors, and other stakeholders, we strive to create an environment where everyone feels good and safe. The safety and security of the premises are overseen by the property and security manager.
We are prepared for a variety of potential emergencies and will inform our guests about procedures when necessary. If you notice any safety concerns at Naantali Spa, please inform our staff or contact us at vastuullisuus.naantali@sunborn.fi.
At Naantali Spa, we adhere to the principles of creating a safer space. Every visitor and employee at the spa have the right to feel safe without fear of any form of discrimination, harassment, sexual, physical, or verbal abuse.
If you encounter uncomfortable or otherwise inappropriate or disturbing behavior at Naantali Spa, please report it immediately to our staff. You can also contact the right person via email at sales@sunborn.fi after the incident.
The principles and practices of a safer space are aimed at creating an environment where everyone contributes to building an equal, respectful, and open atmosphere and dialogue.
We encourage all of our guests and employees to actively foster an environment where the safety and well-being of others are priorities.
- Respect personal space: You cannot know another person's boundaries without asking. Listen and adjust your behavior if someone expresses that your actions make them uncomfortable.
- Respect everyone: Do not make assumptions about anyone’s sexuality, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, values, relationship status, culture, socioeconomic background, ability, or health. Be aware of your own privileges.
- No body shaming: Do not comment on someone’s body. Also, refrain from commenting on others' food choices or eating habits.
- No discrimination: Do not tolerate homophobia, transphobia, sexism, racism, discrimination based on disability, health, or any other personal characteristic, or any inappropriate actions or behavior.
- Respect differing opinions: Do not mock, ridicule, make jokes, belittle, push aside, or embarrass anyone through your words, behavior, or actions.
- Be responsible for your actions and behavior: Be aware that your actions affect others, even with good intentions.
- Contribute to creating a safer space for everyone: Intervene if you witness discrimination.
Naantali Spa is committed to the principles of equality in all its operations. Everyone is welcome at Naantali Spa as they are, and we do not tolerate any form of discrimination. We require all staff, partners, and subcontractors to commit to the same values. If you experience or witness harassment or discrimination, please report it immediately to our staff. You can also contact the relevant personnel via email at vastuullisuus.naantali@sunborn.fi after the incident.
We continuously work on improving our practices to be honest and responsible, and we systematically evaluate the implementation of equality. Our employees are committed to a shared ethical code. We are happy to receive any suggestions for improvement via email at vastuullisuus.naantali@sunborn.fi.
We pay special attention to the health and safety of both our guests and staff. We are committed to following the current regulations and guidelines issued by authorities (e.g., the Finnish Food Authority, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Regional State Administrative Agencies). Staff and restaurants follow shared safety, serving, and hygiene guidelines. Those working with rehabilitation clients hold the required social and healthcare professional qualifications.
If you have any questions related to spa safety or encounter any problematic situations, such as experiencing or witnessing disturbing or inappropriate behavior, please approach our staff. They can assist you with any safety-related issues or other concerns.
If you need more information about Naantali Spa's safety practices, you can contact us at vastuullisuus.naantali@sunborn.fi.
Economically Sustainable Tourism
Naantali Spa engages in long-term and strategic work to operate economically sustainably. For our operations to be financially sustainable, they must also be profitable.
We employ approximately 200 permanent staff, along with hundreds of seasonal workers, interns, and work experience students each year, in addition to hundreds of people through our partnerships and subcontractor networks. We are among the 30 largest corporate employers in the region.
We comply with legal employer obligations and pay in accordance with industry wage recommendations.
We prioritize responsibility in our purchasing and services, and we favor local suppliers whenever possible.
Naantali Spa enables year-round tourism in Naantali, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from across Finland and abroad to this town of 20,000 residents every year. We also aim to contribute to the revitalization, attractiveness, and economic success of Naantali and the entire Southwest Finland region.
At Sunborn Group, we ensure that the same environmental and sustainability standards applied in customer areas are also followed in staff areas. This includes efficient management of water, energy, and waste, as well as involving staff in environmental projects and awareness campaigns.
We are committed to reducing the use of office supplies, paper, and brochures across all departments. We also require responsibility actions from our external partners and suppliers.
When purchasing new products, we prioritize environmentally certified products. During renovations, we actively look for opportunities to reuse materials and furniture. We also donate usable items such as mattresses, bedding, towels, and furniture to local communities and our charitable partners.
Sustainable Travel Finland is a programme developed by Visit Finland for tourism companies and destinations, to help the tourism industry respond to changing demand and ensure long term continuity with the help of sustainable development. Companies that complete the programme are authorised to use the Sustainable Travel Finland label as a sign of responsible operations to international travellers. Visit Finland is the tourism expert unit of Business Finland, responsible for actively promoting tourism to Finland.
Green Key is the leading global environmental label for the tourism industry. There are more than 3,200 Green Key certified destinations in 65 countries. Companies that are awarded the Green Key label are committed to e.g. increasing the environmental awareness of customers, improving energy and water consumption efficiency, and reducing their environmental footprint.
The Green Key programme is administered by FEE (The Foundation for Environmental Education).
More on the environmental label: https://greenkey.global