ANTIOQUIA, COLOMBIA (Nov. 13, 2023) – Nestled in the heart of the Colombian Andes 40 minutes from Medellin airport, Cannúa is the country’s first high-end, sustainable and responsible ecolodge. Designed on permaculture principles, full of organic gardens and high-end dining, Cannúa is much more than just a hotel, it's an experience.
Immersed into the incredible biodiversity of Colombia, the property features 18 rooms including 6 Cabañas and 2 Junior suites, along with a spa, bar and restaurant that has been nominated as one of the best in the country. The sprawling property provides guests the extraordinary opportunity to explore a renewed, magical Colombia through genuine local experiences, incredible biodiversity, gourmet food, and rewarding adventure excursions.
Pioneering Sustainable Construction
Cannúa is the first hotel in the world built of compressed earth bricks. A team of engineers were tapped to develop a modern technique – based on ancient processes from the region – to construct the lodge in a sustainable way. Bricks were formed and sun-baked on site, saving the need for 1,000 trucks and other heavy machinery. The hotel’s earth-brick construction is energy efficient, absorbing heat during the day and giving it off at night, which nearly eliminates the need for heating and cooling. Other sustainable attributes include exclusive use of rainwater in the operation of the hotel, and food is grown using kitchen compost.
Founded on Permaculture Principles
The hotel's restaurant was nominated as one of the best in Colombia and focuses on rescuing lost flavors of Colombia. Chefs walk the property each day harvesting crops from the hotel's organic gardens as well as non-traditional edible plants thought by many to be weeds, but that bring out surprising flavors.
The team is creating 86,000 square feet of organic gardens and food forests. Staff lead guests on tours through the gardens sharing the principles of permaculture and teaching about the rainforest.
Reforesting for Carbon Neutrality
Cannúa is actively reforesting its acreage using permaculture, without chemicals, with an aim to help regenerate natural ecosystems and become carbon negative.
Antioquia, the area where Cannúa is located, is one of the most biodiverse bird areas on the planet with many endemic species of birds, trees and amphibians that can only be found there. Three quarters of the Cannúa property is designated as a protected forest, and 100 species of birds live on the property.
Pre-Hispanic hiking trails have been preserved throughout the property. Built by indigenous peoples hundreds of years ago as a trade route, and later used by important Spanish aristocrats and soldiers, guests can go on guided hikes to learn about this history and to visit a neighboring town.
Fostering Sustainable Communities
The lodge is set in a fertile area of the Andes Mountains, and while most locals farm their land, they commonly sell their crops wholesale and live off diets of processed foods. The Cannúa team is working with the neighboring rural population to educate them about sustainable, permaculture methods for the betterment of communities and the natural landscape around the lodge.
Cannúa is also bringing rural employment to its community with fair wages and benefits, and by bringing new opportunities to rural lands. The team behind Cannúa is helping to pioneer a sustainable future for Colombia's rainforest.
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About Cannúa
Nestled in the heart of the Colombian Andes 30 minutes from Medellin airport, Cannúa (cannua.com) is the country’s first high-end, sustainable and responsible ecolodge. Designed on permaculture principles, full of organic gardens and high-end dining, Cannúa is much more than just a hotel, it's an experience. The property features 18 rooms including 6 Cabañas and 2 Junior suites, along with a spa, restaurant and bar. The sprawling property provides you the extraordinary opportunity to explore a renewed, magical Colombia through genuine local experiences, incredible biodiversity, gourmet food, and rewarding adventure excursions.
About J.MAK HOSPITALITY
J.MAK Hospitality (www.jmak.com) works alongside leading luxury hotels and residences, destination experts and travel services around the world to connect them with key travel agency partners and broader audiences who will impact their businesses and drive awareness. J.MAK focuses on hospitality brands with personality, helping each client articulate their individual flair, so they can relax, feel confident and authentically stand out. We harness our network to build relationships through in-person and virtual connection, as well as hefty marketing and social media engagement. We are passionate, experienced luxury travel experts disrupting the industry norm.