Sustainability Spotlight: Students Discover Sustainability in Action at Carmel Valley Ranch

November 7, 2025 – Students from the Sustainable Hospitality & Tourism Management (SHTM) program spent a day immersed in the magic of Carmel Valley Ranch, discovering how sustainability, creativity, and community come together in one extraordinary resort.

The visit was part of SHTM’s Sustainability Spotlight Series, an experiential learning program that connects students directly with industry leaders who are redefining hospitality through environmental stewardship and regenerative business models.

From a farm-fresh lunch in the Organic Garden to suiting up for the Beekeeping Experience, students explored how Carmel Valley Ranch integrates its farm-to-table philosophy into daily operations. They learned about pollinator ecology, observed the hives up close, and wrapped up with a sweet honey tasting led by the resort’s beekeeping artisan.

At the Hilltop Corral, students met the resort’s resident animals including goats, alpacas, miniature Highland cows, and donkeys, and discovered how animal care supports both land management and guest engagement. The day continued with a tour of event venues, including a glimpse of a vineyard wedding in progress, and a visit to the creamery to sample cheese made from the goats they had just met.

Throughout the experience, students engaged with leaders from across the resort in Sales and Marketing, Events, Culinary, Rooms, Human Resources, and Recreation, gaining a 360-degree view of how sustainability is woven through all aspects of hospitality operations.

“Carmel Valley Ranch is an incredible example of how business innovation and environmental stewardship can coexist to create meaningful, memorable guest experiences,” said Dr. Paige Viren, Executive Director of the SHTM program. “Through the Sustainability Spotlight Series, students see firsthand how these principles come alive in practice.”

Students echoed that sentiment, sharing how the experience brought their classroom learning to life.

“The biggest impact for me was being able to hear from the people who are part of the organization and listen to their journeys, how they contribute and innovate the sustainability and hospitality aspects of Carmel Valley Ranch,” one student reflected. “It was inspiring to see how much passion and pride everyone has in their work.”

A heartfelt thank-you to Managing Director Ulrich Samietz and the entire Carmel Valley Ranch team for welcoming CSUMB students and showcasing sustainability in action.

For more information about upcoming Sustainability Spotlights, contact Dr. Paige Viren at pviren@csumb.edu or visit: csumb.edu/hospitality