Building a Circular Homestay: Lessons from the Field

At Magnolia Sustainable Experiences, we believe that homestays should not only provide an authentic cultural experience but also contribute to a more sustainable way of living. One of the ways we integrate sustainability into tourism is through the circular homestay model, which minimizes waste and optimizes natural resources. Here’s how we create a circular homestay in a way that benefits both the environment and the local community.

Step 1: Selecting the Right Homestay

The first step in implementing a circular homestay model is choosing the right location. The homestay must have a large garden area of at least 1,000m². This space is essential to integrate key features such as a banana circle, composting areas, and organic gardening zones.

A crucial component of the system is the banana circle, a natural composting and filtration system. This circular garden bed, typically 2x2m, is designed to break down organic waste while providing fertile soil for banana plants and other crops. The banana circle should be positioned as far as possible from guest rooms to avoid issues with smell, mosquitoes, flies, and insects.

Step 2: Designing the Water Management System

A well-planned water management system is critical for a circular homestay. The homestay’s kitchen wastewatershould be directed into the banana circle through a wide water tube of at least 50cm in diameter. This ensures smooth water flow and prevents clogging. The wastewater provides nutrients to the banana plants, which in turn act as natural filters, improving water quality.

Additionally, in coastal areas, where sand can quickly accumulate in drainage systems, frequent cleaning and maintenance of the water tubes are necessary to prevent blockages and ensure the system functions effectively.

Step 3: Continuous Maintenance and Upkeep

Maintaining a circular homestay requires regular effort and community participation. Since sand buildup is a major issue in coastal areas, the water filtration and drainage system must be frequently cleared to prevent obstruction. Homestay owners and community members should monitor soil health, check composting progress, and trim plantsregularly to keep the system running efficiently.

Aside from technical maintenance, homestay operators are encouraged to engage guests in sustainable practices, such as composting organic waste, participating in gardening activities, and learning about local resource management. This enhances the guest experience while fostering a deeper connection between visitors and the local environment.

The Bigger Picture: Sustainable Tourism for Stronger Communities

Implementing a circular homestay model is about more than just sustainability—it’s about resilience. By integrating nature-based solutions like banana circles and adopting regenerative tourism practices, homestay owners not only reduce their environmental footprint but also enhance food security, improve soil quality, and create a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

At Magnolia, we work closely with local communities to develop self-sustaining tourism models that preserve natural resources while providing economic opportunities. The circular homestay model is one of the many ways we aim to transform tourism into a force for good—one that supports both people and the planet.

While designing a water-circulated homestay in Tam Thanh was a significant step, the journey doesn’t end there. The ultimate goal is to minimize resource consumption and create a fully closed-loop system, where energy, water, and waste are managed holistically.

This means going beyond the banana circle and greywater reuse—to rethinking how homestays consume, conserve, and generate energy in ways that integrate with the local environment.

Would you like to experience a circular homestay in action? Join us on our journey toward sustainable and regenerative tourism!

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