Solscape- a hostel or a way of life? As we pulled up to Solscape on the evening of the 3rd, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Our sleeping accommodations were a mix of upcycled train cars and eco-tipis in the woods. Yoga classes are offered overlooking the ocean and all the food in the cafe is grown on site. Our first morning we met with Phil, the creator and owner of Solscape. A self proclaimed activist, Phil spent time working for green peace and saving New Zealand’s coast line. He designed Solscape to be as self sustaining as possible. For example, the plants are planted in soil that was gathered from compost. Food is picked from the garden, food scraps are fed to the worms, and the soil the worms create is returned to the garden, leaving no footprint. The same approach was taken when designing the Ecolodge. The lodge has large windows to catch the sunlight in the winter. The bricks in the lodge absorb the sunlight, keeping it warm- no electricity needed. Both of these are examples of permaculture: living in harmony with the planet. Leaving Solscape, my goal is to have a more symbiotic relationship with the earth… and to surf more:) Thank you Phil and thank you Solscape.
Carly S.