Cavallo Point Lodge Receives 2015 National Geographic World Legacy Award

The 2015 honor is in recognition of driving the positive transformation of the travel industry based on National Geographic's work of inspiring people to care about the planet. Out of five award categories, Cavallo Point Lodge is the winner in the Sense of Place category, recognizing excellence in enhancing sense of place and authenticity, including support for the protection of historical monuments, archaeological sites, cultural events, indigenous heritage and artistic traditions. The resort accepted the award at ITB Berlin -- the world's largest travel gathering -- to applaud and support a tourism revolution in the making.

Across the Golden Gate Bridge, Cavallo Point Lodge has become a perfect place to enjoy nature, nurture, culture and adventure. Today, the award-winning destination attracts visitors and overnight guests internationally, nationally and locally. The lodge offers historic and contemporary accommodations, acclaimed dining, premier spa, cooking school, retail shop, art gallery, hiking and other numerous activities. Additionally, this eco-friendly lodge provides an inspired backdrop for business meetings, corporate retreats and special events for groups of 10 to 300. This new honor is one more reason for travelers and groups to visit the lodge.

“We are humbled and honored to be recognized for our efforts to enhance sense of place through protection of historical sites,” said Brendan Carlin, general manager of Cavallo Point Lodge. “Our commitment to our guests to enjoy nature, nurture, culture and adventure is paramount. This new honor is one more reason for us to deepen our dedication.”
Cavallo Point Lodge, the 45-acre Fort Baker property was given new life in 2008, when it was transformed into a 142-room hotel. Between 1897 and 2000, Fort Baker served as an Army military reservation. Therefore, preservation of the historic structures at Cavallo Point has always been one of the central sustainability themes of the property. At the time of development, the property reused 17 historic previously abandoned and deteriorated buildings. Most of the materials that comprise the buildings were repurposed. Nearly 100 percent of the building shells and approximately 75 percent of the buildings' interior fabric, such as walls and floors, were retained or repurposed. Open space was maximized to encourage wildlife inhabitation.

Peter Heinemann, co-founder and managing director of Passport Resorts LLC., an affiliate of the lodge, said, “A successful collaboration between the lodge, the community and preserving the history and our local culture has always been important to us. Our entire team is passionate about ensuring the best sustainable and soulful experience possible for our guests. The award recognizes the contribution of the National Park Service, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and the staff of Cavallo Point in their dedication to create a successful model of a public private partnership. We could not be happier to receive this recognition.”

Since opening in 2008, Cavallo Point has earned several top environmental accolades, including 2013 Travel + Leisure Global-Vision Award in the category of Sustainability, LEED Gold certification and America's top new national green landmarks by Travel + Leisure.

Cavallo Point was chosen from a pool of more than 150 international entries, representing 56 countries across six continents. Winners and finalists in five award categories were selected by 18 international judges along with an on-site inspection to document sustainable tourism practices in action.

Visit website: www.cavallopoint.com