At Aljana, we believe that meaningful change begins with small steps.
When restoring Aljana, we wanted to preserve what was already here and bring new life to a place that had been quietly waiting for it. We kept the building’s vernacular architecture and its thick walls, which naturally help regulate indoor temperatures and reduce the need for heating and cooling.
By giving an existing building a new life, and reusing much of the material resulting from the demolition work, we were also able to reduce the waste that comes with building from scratch.
When restoring Aljana, we also wanted the interiors to reflect the place we call home.
Whenever possible, we chose to work with local makers and sources, combining locally crafted furniture and lighting with pieces of older furniture from the house.Some of our lamps were made using the famous traditional clay of Beja, crafted in Beringel, just 20 kilometres away. In this way, we tried to create spaces that feel rooted in their surroundings, while supporting local craftsmanship and making the most of what already existed.
Our location is another part of this approach. Aljana is right in the heart of Beja, within walking distance of the city’s main sights, restaurants and local shops. We encourage our guests to leave the car behind and discover the city on foot, at their own pace.
Water
Water is a precious resource, particularly here in the Alentejo, so we try to use it thoughtfully.
We use flow restrictors in our taps and showers;
Our toilets have dual-flush systems;
We encourage guests to reuse their towels during their stay;
Water in the rooms is provided in reusable bottles, filled with drinking water from our mains supply.
Energy & comfort
We combine simple technology with the natural qualities of the building to reduce energy consumption and keep our spaces comfortable.
Our hot water is heated using solar thermal panels;
We use LED lighting throughout the property;
Our bioclimatic pergola helps keep the outdoor areas and adjacent indoor spaces cooler, reducing the need for air conditioning;
The building’s traditional architecture and thick walls naturally help maintain a more stable indoor temperature.
This summer, for example, the comfort provided by the building and the pergola meant that air conditioning in our common areas was rarely needed.
Less waste
We try to avoid waste wherever we can and to make simple choices that reduce unnecessary consumption.
We separate our waste for recycling;
We have reduced the use of single-use plastics;
Our bathroom amenities are provided in larger, refillable containers rather than individual single-use packaging;
We use reusable water bottles in our rooms.
Our Mediterranean garden was designed for the particular climate of inland Alentejo, choosing plants that are naturally suited to the heat and dry conditions.
A drip irrigation system helps us use water more efficiently, and we do not use chemical pesticides or fertilisers in the garden.
Some of what grows here also finds its way to our breakfast table, depending on the season — lemons, oranges, pomegranates, mint and other herbs.
For us, this simple connection between the garden and the table is part of what makes staying at Aljana feel connected to its surroundings.
Local & seasonal
At breakfast, we prioritise local, regional and seasonal products, celebrating the flavours of the Alentejo and supporting the people who produce them.
Whenever possible, we choose products from nearby and family-run producers.
We believe that caring for a place also means valuing the people who live and work there.
Small gestures, shared
We believe sustainability is not only about what we do as a guest house. It is also about the small choices we can make together with the people who stay with us.
In the rooms, we invite our guests to switch off the air conditioning when it is not needed, use water mindfully and reuse their towels during their stay.
We also encourage a slower way of discovering Beja and the Alentejo. We provide suggestions for walks, local routes and activities that can be enjoyed without a car, making it easier for our guests to explore the area on foot and experience the place more closely.
We are still learning
For us, sustainability is not a finished project. It is an ongoing process of looking at what we do, learning and finding better ways of caring for our surroundings.
We continue to look for simple and meaningful ways to reduce our impact, use resources more consciously and preserve what makes Aljana part of this place.
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