Sustainable resort: BonGolf's commitment to sustainable development

BonGolf, the rebirth of the historic Bonmont, not only aims to become one of the most emblematic golf destinations in Europe, but also places sustainability at the heart of the entire development. Under the concept dubbed "The Green Jacket of Sustainability", the resort puts together a set of infrastructures and certifications that seek to minimize its environmental footprint without giving up sporting excellence or the luxury of a five-star hotel.

This article reviews what that commitment involves, how the so-called ERA model (Water Regeneration Station) works, and why this approach makes BonGolf a benchmark for responsible tourism nationwide.

A rebirth with sustainability as a priority

The BonGolf project grows out of the union of Grupo Costa and ARUM Group, two players who have decided to revive the legacy of the old Bonmont through a comprehensive refurbishment and a flawless modernization. The plan includes an exceptional golf course, a top-level sports area, a five-star luxury hotel and a residential development of designer homes conceived to blend in with the natural surroundings of Mont-roig del Camp, in Tarragona.

Far from being a mere cosmetic renovation, the resort has based its repositioning on a clear premise: environmental commitment as an absolute priority. This philosophy translates into concrete technical decisions affecting the management of water, energy and landscaping across the whole complex, which will be rolled out gradually, culminating in 2028 with the presentation of the residential project.

Golf, luxury and wellbeing in balance with the territory

One of the most notable aspects of the project is how it manages to reconcile three elements that have traditionally been hard to balance: high-level golf, hotel luxury and respect for the natural environment. BonGolf argues that this rebirth will boost the sustainability of the territory and, at the same time, generate a significant economic impact in the region, combining environmental responsibility with a long-term vision for the future.

What is "The Green Jacket of Sustainability"

BonGolf has decided to give its environmental strategy a name of its own, borrowing the symbolism of golf's legendary green jacket to represent excellence. "The Green Jacket of Sustainability" brings together the resort's main ecological initiatives, including responsible water management, energy self-sufficiency and technical innovation applied to course maintenance.

This approach is not limited to statements of intent: it is backed by the resort's own infrastructure and by international certifications that objectively validate the level of environmental commitment achieved.

The ERA model: the key piece of the water strategy

The most innovative element of this commitment is the Water Regeneration Station (ERA), a proprietary facility that supplies reclaimed water exclusively to the golf course, the hotel and the landscaped areas of the complex. Thanks to this station, BonGolf can meet a good part of its water needs without relying on drinking water, a particularly relevant point in an area like the Costa Dorada, where efficient water management is a growing challenge.

The ERA model does not work in isolation: it is integrated into a completely renovated irrigation system, designed to maximize efficiency and minimize waste of resources.

Responsible water management

The complete replacement of the golf course irrigation system, directly connected to the reclaimed water station, strengthens the water sustainability of the entire complex. This change ensures efficient water use both on the playing areas and in the landscaped areas of the hotel and the residential surroundings.

Water self-sufficiency

UOne of the most significant achievements of the ERA model is the elimination of drinking water use for irrigation. This decision anticipates possible future environmental restrictions and strengthens both the sustainability and the operational resilience of the resort in the face of drought or water scarcity, which are increasingly frequent on the Mediterranean coast.

Technical and environmental innovation at the service of European golf

Beyond water management, BonGolf has incorporated landscaping, technical and environmental improvements in line with current high-level European golf standards. This comprehensive redesign of the course is led by the company Green Project, with Alfonso Viador as CEO. At the same time, the redesign respects the original layout by Robert Trent Jones Jr., one of the most internationally renowned golf architects, once again placing sustainability at the center of this transformation.

This combination of sporting heritage and responsible modernization aims to turn the course into one of the best in Spain, without losing sight of the balance with the ecosystem in which it sits.

BREEAM certification: an international recognition

BonGolf's commitment to sustainability aims at obtaining BREEAM certification, with a rating of "BREEAM Very Good". This international seal endorses the resort's work in sustainability, energy efficiency and responsible resource management, placing it among the hotel and sports projects most committed to the environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria of the sector.

Clean energy: the resort's photovoltaic plant

The complex's energy strategy is completed by the addition of a photovoltaic plant for self-consumption. This infrastructure makes it possible to generate electricity sustainably, reducing reliance on external sources and minimizing the carbon footprint of the entire resort, from the golf course to the hotel and the sports areas.

Why this model makes a difference in the luxury golf sector

High-level golf tourism faces a constant challenge: keeping courses in optimal condition requires intensive use of water and energy, resources that are increasingly limited in Mediterranean destinations. BonGolf proposes a comprehensive answer to this challenge, in which sustainability is not seen as an add-on but as the axis around which every design and management decision is built.

The combination of the ERA model and its own photovoltaic plant makes BonGolf a pioneering project in the landscape of golf resorts in Spain, offering a replicable example for other destinations that want to combine luxury, sport and environmental responsibility.

BonGolf shows that a five-star golf resort can aspire to sporting and hotel excellence without giving up a real and measurable environmental commitment. Through "The Green Jacket of Sustainability" and, above all, the ERA water regeneration model, the project lays the foundations for responsible tourism development on the Costa Dorada, with a view to its progressive opening between 2026 and 2028.

Frequently asked questions

What is BonGolf's "The Green Jacket of Sustainability"?

It is the name BonGolf gives to its sustainability strategy, which brings together the resort's main environmental initiatives: responsible water management, energy self-sufficiency, technical innovation and international certifications such as BREEAM.

What is the ERA model at BonGolf?

ERA stands for Water Regeneration Station (Estación Regeneradora de Agua), a proprietary facility of the resort that supplies reclaimed water exclusively to the golf course, the hotel and the landscaped areas, eliminating the use of drinking water for irrigation.

How does BonGolf contribute to the region's water sustainability?

Through the complete replacement of the irrigation system, now connected to the reclaimed water station, and the elimination of drinking water use for irrigation, which strengthens the resort's resilience against possible future environmental restrictions.

What environmental certifications does the project aim to obtain?

BonGolf aims to obtain BREEAM certification, with a "BREEAM Very Good" rating, an international recognition that will endorse its commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency and responsible resource managemen

Does BonGolf use renewable energy?

Yes, the resort incorporates its own photovoltaic plant for self-consumption, which makes it possible to generate electricity sustainably and reduce reliance on external energy sources.