All staff employed by Montanema Handmade Village are 100% local residents, with approximately 70% accommodated on-site, ensuring stable livelihoods and reducing commuting costs. 

The hotel is situated in a region where the primary occupations are agriculture and livestock farming; by establishing its operations in this rural setting, the hotel has created roles in areas such as cooking, outdoor maintenance, animal care, and housekeeping.

Over 90% of the hotel’s suppliers are based within the immediate region, with the furthest located only 40 kilometres away. This short supply chain supports local entrepreneurship and reduces economic leakage from the area. 

Additionally, the hotel consistently supports children with special needs by purchasing their handmade creations—such as keychains, charms, and candles—during festive periods, which are then offered as gifts to guests.

Montanema also ensures that salaries are fair and reflect each employee’s responsibilities and length of service, regardless of gender, thereby promoting job retention. 

Through year-round educational excursions and skills training, staff are empowered to grow professionally while also contributing to the protection of local biodiversity.

All visitor activities are designed to be inclusive, offering equal access and opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. Guests engage in educational experiences that celebrate the region’s cultural and ecological heritage, such as forest hikes, herb collection, cheese-making, mushroom foraging, traditional cooking, and natural cosmetics workshops. These activities not only preserve local knowledge and traditions but also enhance the earning potential of staff who facilitate them.

The hotel sources around 40% of its food from its own farm and permaculture gardens, and an additional 30% through in-house production of staples like dairy, bread, pies, marmalades, and wine. This self-sufficiency model supports food security, minimises waste, and keeps economic benefits within the community.

Through these integrated actions, Montanema Handmade Village supports the eradication of poverty by generating inclusive economic growth, fostering resilience in the local economy, and ensuring that benefits are equitably shared with the community it serves.

Located in the Agrafa region—recognised by UNESCO as one of the five cleanest areas on the planet—the village draws its water from mountain springs located at 1,600 metres, ensuring a natural, high-quality supply. 

To preserve this precious resource, the village employs biological wastewater treatment through two septic tanks. The treated greywater is repurposed for irrigation, returning safely to the environment without polluting nearby rivers or Lake Plastira. 

In its efforts to reduce water and chemical consumption, Montanema replaces commercial cleaning agents with handmade soaps and low-phosphorus detergents. Used oils are repurposed, and the use of surfactants is minimised. 

Housekeeping is offered only upon guest request, and linens are replaced only when signalled—further reducing unnecessary water use and detergent discharge. 

Automated irrigation systems water the grounds at night to prevent water loss from evaporation.

Educational practices also promote water awareness. Guests are taught the value of spring water and natural ecosystems through guided hikes, nature-based workshops, and farm visits. The same values are instilled in staff, who participate in volunteer clean-up initiatives and educational trips.

From its conception, the project was driven by a deep love of nature and a profound respect for the environment, with every decision—design, construction, and operation. 

The architectural design of the village follows bioclimatic principles and incorporates eco-structure methods. Built using local stone and timber, the construction minimised environmental disruption and maintained harmony with the surrounding landscape. All buildings have high thermal insulation, reducing energy consumption year-round, and are equipped with energy-efficient features including pellet stoves, energy fireplaces, and double-glazed windows. Renewable energy sources such as solar panels are used to supply hot water, and digital thermostats ensure responsible energy use.

In keeping with its ecological ethos, Montanema chose materials that are natural, non-toxic, and recyclable. Floors are made of baked clay, walls are coated in certified eco-friendly paints, and the cement screed was sourced from Kourasanit, a sustainable building material. Interior elements such as mattresses and textiles are anti-allergenic and made from recyclable materials.

The village sources 30–40% of its food from its own organic farms and permaculture gardens, with the remainder coming from certified local producers. 

Traditional preservation methods are used for seasonal produce, and food preparation honours local culinary heritage. In partnership with WWF’s food waste initiative, Montanema actively promotes mindful consumption through educational signage and portion-conscious serving. All leftover food is either reused or fed to animals on the farm, ensuring zero food waste—even composting is unnecessary.

Recycling and composting are integral parts of daily life at Montanema. Organic waste is composted for use in the gardens, while glass, metal, and plastic are sorted and recycled. Energy-saving measures include LED lighting, efficient fireplaces, ventilation systems with energy recovery, and kitchens powered by gas or wood instead of electricity. Air conditioning is unnecessary due to the local climate and architectural design.

The commitment to sustainable living is also reflected in Montanema’s guest experiences. Visitors are invited to engage with the land through guided hikes, mushroom foraging, wild herb collection, and farming activities. Workshops on natural cosmetics, traditional cooking, and cheese-making deepen awareness of natural cycles and the value of handcraft. These activities not only entertain but educate, fostering a stronger connection to the environment.

Situated in the Agrafa region—recognised by UNESCO as one of the five cleanest places on Earth—Montanema Handmade Village continues to operate with care, transparency, and intention. It is a living example of what it means to consume and produce responsibly.