adds .
“ I look for unique locations . I don ’ t want to go where everybody else is going ,” Ghitis says . “ So , I want to be in deserts and rainforests , at incredible beaches that are private . I want to go to places where there ’ s incredible native culture , a lot of history with archaeological remains . I want people that come to the hotel to learn .”
Rooms pencil out anywhere from about US $ 300,000 to US $ 600,000 per key , and while sourcing local artisans is preferred , certain FF & E is coming from the outside , especially Indonesia and Africa , and challenges persist . Generally speaking , Ghitis says sourcing goods costs five or six times more than it used to .
Suite bathroom at Nayara Hotel , Spa & Gardens , Costa Rica
Spa pavilion at Nayara Hotel , Spa & Garden , Costa Rica
For example , Ghitis says containers coming out of Indonesia used to cost about US $ 5,000 a piece ; now they are US $ 30,000 . “ And that ’ s if you ’ re lucky . When there are containers , there are no ships , and when there are ships there are no containers . Finally , we got our hands on a couple of containers a weeks ago and they were all full of holes .” Eventually , Ghitis found someone in Indonesia who could fix the containers .
In South Africa , where Nayara was sourcing fabric for tents and facing growing COVID-related challenges , the answer eventually became flying in the fabric , which was outrageously expensive . But , again , there were no ships , and it took three months to get a plane .
But attention to detail and finding
the right amenities seems to be paying off for Ghitis and Nayara . “ Our hotels are all freestanding villa products and typically they have oversized plunge pools , private gardens , and outdoor showers … We always appeal to that traveler that wants privacy and luxury at the same time , while remaining in contact with nature .”
It all comes back to being a force for good . “ Even if your motive is purely dollars and cents , just economic , just know that you will do so much better if you take care of the environment , the community and your employees ,” Ghitis concludes .
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