Eco-friendly lodges are the new trend among accommodation offers: sustainably-driven, they strive for a circular economy by not only supporting regional products but also local companies and workforce. Simpleviu is one of them, providing people with a unique experience surrounded by nature!
Awarded the best business plan of 2020 by the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, Simpleviu offers unique stays in unusual lodges and houses around nature, in the South of Luxembourg. The idea originated in the pandemic, where vacations quickly turned into “staycations”, making people yearn for novelty and movement. As such, Philippe Morgado, the owner of Simpleviu, decided to start his own business in order to foster local tourism while adhering to government restrictions during Covid-19.
The accommodations
Simpleviu is currently composed of two houses and four lodges, all called “Kabaisercher”. “The Gonner House” as well as “the old Arbed office” are two houses, which have been refurbished to accommodate guests. Both houses have kept their charming façade and are themselves historical sites: they both served as administrative offices of the ironworks company. The “Gonner House” is also close to the National Mines Museum, providing visitors with a cultural activity while staying there. As for the lodges, “the Floater” in Dudelange literally floats on water, providing guests a unique staycation. The cooling basin, which was used to serve steelworks, processing the ore mined in the surrounding mining areas, has now been adapted to a mindful retreat.
Each Kabaischen is situated near the 90km-long Minett Trail to invite people to discover the Minett region, also called “the land of the red rocks”. In fact, the Minett Unesco Biosphere officially joined the world network of Unesco Biosphere Reserves in October 2020. With that in mind, Simpleviu will definitely be able to promote the Minett’s rich biodiversity as well as historical sites!
“The concept is not to offer solutions for mass tourism but for personalised tourism.”
P. Morgado
In addition, the business has recently opened their newly built Kabaisercher in Bergem, which are made out of 24 layers of recycled cardboards, produced in the Netherlands. Named “Wikkelhouse”, i.e. “cardboard house” in Dutch, the lodges are formed of single modules that can be assembled in flexible, creative ways. Additionally, they are easily transportable, therefore, ideal to preserve the natural environment around them. These lodges are long-lasting, completely biodegradable, great for insulation and 3 times more eco-friendly than traditional housing. Visitors are also encouraged to adopt a minimalist lifestyle when staying at one of the three lodges. Indeed, they include instructions on how to recycle and showers are equipped with hourglasses to be mindful of one’s water usage.
Future projects
All in all, 15 different accommodations are expected in 11 Luxembourgish municipalities, which will all surround the Minett Trail. According to Philippe, a new gîte will also arrive in Belvaux, Sanem, and this time it will be a hostel accommodating 12 people, and a second one in Linger, Bascharage, which will be a converted former school. A breakfast option may also be implemented in the foreseeable future, so you can enjoy your stay to the fullest!
Pictures: Simpleviu