The Leela Kovalam, A Raviz Hotel, illuminated its annual Christmas celebrations recently with a tree lighting ceremony that reimagined traditional festivities through the lens of environmental responsibility. The event showcased two remarkable installations that have set a new benchmark for sustainable luxury hospitality in the region.
The centerpiece of the ceremony was a striking 15-foot Christmas tree constructed entirely from repurposed coconut husks – materials collected throughout the year from the resort’s traditional welcome rituals. The artistic installation demonstrated how waste materials could be transformed into elegant design statements, reflecting the hotel’s commitment to nature-inspired aesthetics and environmental stewardship.
Complementing the tree was an enchanting Walk-In Gingerbread House, meticulously built using recycled and upcycled materials salvaged from various events hosted by the property throughout the year. The structure welcomed guests into a festive realm where conscious craftsmanship met imaginative design, proving that sustainability and celebration need not be mutually exclusive.
Speaking at the ceremony, the General Manager Mr. Ayyappan Nallaperumal reflected on the philosophy behind this year’s installations: “Our endeavour this year has been to blend inventive design with naturistic values that remain true to our ethos. These festive installations are a testament to our belief that innovation and sustainability can coexist beautifully. They express our commitment to responsible luxury, where every detail is thoughtfully crafted to honour both our guests and the environment.”
The Gingerbread House quickly became the evening’s star attraction for families, transforming into a magical wonderland filled with festive indulgences. Guests explored an impressive selection of seasonal treats, including the resort’s signature year-soaked plum cake, artisanal stollen, delicate macaroons, spiced ginger cookies, traditional mince pies, authentic panettone, and decadent chocolate yule logs. The confectionery collection extended to handcrafted candies, colourful lollies, and gummy favourites, ensuring sweet surprises for visitors of all ages.
The ambitious project came to life through the collaborative efforts of multiple departments within the hotel. The in-house wood artisans, engineering team, and culinary brigade worked alongside numerous supporting departments, each contributing specialized skills and creative passion to realize the season’s signature experience. The installations represented months of planning, material collection, and meticulous craftsmanship.
The ceremony drew an enthusiastic response from hotel guests, visitors, and members of the local community, who gathered to witness the lighting and explore the unique sustainable creations. Children were particularly captivated by the Gingerbread House, spending the evening sampling treats and posing for photographs against the festive backdrop.
The event underscored a growing trend in the hospitality sector, where leading properties are increasingly finding innovative ways to balance luxury experiences with environmental accountability. By transforming materials typically destined for disposal into artistic installations, The Leela Kovalam has demonstrated that sustainable practices can enhance rather than compromise the guest experience.
The Christmas installations will remain on display throughout the festive season, offering guests and visitors an opportunity to experience a celebration that is meaningful, imaginative, and deeply rooted in responsible practices. The hotel continues to welcome the community to view these creations and participate in their ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.
This initiative aligns with The Leela Kovalam’s broader sustainability goals, which include waste reduction, resource optimization, and community engagement. The resort’s approach to this year’s Christmas celebrations has established a creative precedent that other hospitality establishments may well seek to emulate in seasons to come.
