Aristi Mountain Resort & Villas employs traditional building techniques and local materials such as stone and wood that have been used for centuries in Greece’s Zagori region, making the property indistinguishable from surrounding mountain villages and an unobtrusive neighbor to natural draws like the Vikos Gorge, rocky Towers of Astraka, and Voidomatis River. In addition, the resort has helped to finance the reconstruction of the traditional cobblestone pathways in the area, according to ancient construction techniques, without any cement.

Cultural experiences are designed to sustain and shed light on local heritage. Guests, for instance, can visit the village of Elafotopos to see traditional weaving demonstrations and create handmade woolen fabrics. Photo workshops with Zagori photographer Costas Zissis travel to nearby villages to learn about and shoot natural and architectural attractions, including Kipi’s preserved stone bridges.

Aristi helped found the Zagori Excellence Network to promote sustainable tourism practices throughout Zagori’s 46 villages. Comprising local hotels, restaurants, and tour companies, the affiliation also focuses on supporting community businesses and preserving local churches and monasteries.

Support for surrounding villages includes sourcing free-range meat, regional wines, and fresh cheeses, fruits, and vegetables from local farms. Produce grown in the resort’s greenhouse and organic garden also informs regional specialties at Salvia restaurant and intensive cooking classes lend deeper insight into traditional dishes like tzatziki, Greek salad, and Zagori pie.

Energy-efficient heat pumps, LED lighting, and water conservation programs highlight Aristi’s extensive eco-efforts, which include elimination of single-use plastics. The resort also works with its partners in the surrounding community to promote awareness and action to eliminate plastics as part of tourism treks and tours.