Picture: David Capellari

Jessica Stockmann is a versatile personality: former actress and presenter, now successful real estate entrepreneur and interior design expert. She owns the famous Villa Monaco on the Cote d’Azur, which is regarded as a pioneer in terms of sustainability.

In her day-to-day work, she demonstrates how luxury and sustainability can be perfectly combined: with high-quality, long-lasting materials, vintage treasures and a long-term design concept. Her personal commitment is reflected both in her projects and in her public work – for example in the podcast or in her clear stance on environmentally conscious design in real estate strategy.

Insider interview on luxury in the tourism industry and sustainability – do they go together?

Business Voice Magazine (BVM): The famous Villa Monaco is considered a pioneer in sustainability in the luxury tourism industry on the Cote d’Azur. What does sustainability actually mean for Villa Monaco?

Jessica Stockmann – Villa Monaco: Sustainability is a very comprehensive concept for us. We believe that sustainability and luxury do not have to be mutually exclusive – on the contrary. Villa Monaco is intended to inspire and contribute to environmentally conscious concepts finding a firm place in the luxury segment in particular. We have created a hideaway that is in harmony with nature and its guests, while also supporting the local community.

BVM: Villa Monaco is known for its particularly luxurious interior design. What is the philosophy behind the elegant interior?

Jessica Stockmann – Villa Monaco: Our aim was to create an elegant atmosphere that places particular emphasis on a unique and sustainable design concept. We have original Art Deco furniture from the 1920s, Venetian mirrors from the last century and we dine with antique silver cutlery. Our chandeliers and lamps are carefully selected vintage designer treasures from auction houses. The vintage designer furniture is not only sustainable, but also lends Villa Monaco its exclusive charm.

BVM: You built Villa Monaco on an old olive plantation. What role do the centuries-old olive trees play in the concept of Villa Monaco?

Jessica Stockmann – Villa Monaco: Not only olive trees are part of the history of this place, but also ancient pine trees, palm trees, eucalyptus trees, and a large baobab tree, which is one of the protected trees of the region. All these “old gentlemen” are living witnesses to the importance of nature. They convey the values of consistency and sustainability to us. These trees have grown over hundreds of years and show that treating nature with respect and using sustainable practices deliver long-term results. Our gardener, who has been tending our property since the beginning, has been using only organic fertilizers for years and avoids chemical pesticides and similar products. When the olive trees get their annual pruning, the wood is stored and dried for two years so that we can use it in the fireplace in winter. When the fireplace crackles, you don’t have to feel guilty that a tree had to die for it, but can simply enjoy the winter atmosphere to the fullest.

BVM: Can you tell us more about how Villa Monaco implements its sustainability goals on a day-to-day basis?

Jessica Stockmann – Villa Monaco: In addition to our energy supply, we also pay attention to sustainability when selecting food. Our chef sources vegetables exclusively from the surrounding area, which avoids long transport routes and supports local agriculture. A tomato that has been harvested just before consumption tastes a thousand times better than a tomato that had to ripen in a container and saw little sun. Next spring, we want to create a small vegetable garden on the property so that our chef can conjure up fresh salad and other ingredients from our own garden at any time. The fresh fish we serve also comes from the Mediterranean and not from distant oceans or fish farms. We offer our guests fresh, regional ingredients and at the same time minimize our ecological footprint. Our property is also home to ancient lemon and orange trees, all of which are pesticide-free. This means that the freshly squeezed juice at the breakfast table is full of vitamins, free of chemicals, and tastes simply fantastic.

BVM: In addition to ecological sustainability, there is also a social dimension. How does Villa Monaco take this aspect into account?

Jessica Stockmann – Villa Monaco: The social aspect is particularly important to us, and teamwork is a top priority. We work closely with local businesses to promote the regional economy and create stable jobs. Our approach includes fair working conditions, which has resulted in long-term partnerships.

BVM: Critics complain that sustainability in the luxury segment is often just a marketing trend. What do you say to this?

Jessica Stockmann – Villa Monaco: That is a legitimate question. For us, however, sustainability is much more than a PR concept – it is an integral part of our philosophy. We set ourselves clear standards and continuously strive to minimize our ecological footprint. Villa Monaco aims to prove that a high level of comfort and environmental awareness are compatible and can even complement each other.

BVM: So Villa Monaco is not just an exclusive retreat, but could also serve as a model project for sustainable luxury tourism?

Jessica Stockmann – Villa Monaco: Oh yes, that would be great. We want to show that sustainability and luxury don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Villa Monaco is intended to inspire and contribute to environmentally conscious concepts finding a firm place in the luxury segment.

BVM: What about the guests’ responsibility with regard to their own ecological footprint, especially when it comes to bed linen?

Jessica Stockmann – Villa Monaco: We don’t want to impose anything on our guests, but at our hotel, guests have the freedom to decide whether they want their bed linen washed daily or whether they would prefer to wait a few days. This allows them to take personal responsibility for their ecological footprint and actively contribute to sustainability. It is important to us to give guests the opportunity to make conscious decisions, and if a vacation at Villa Monaco helps to raise awareness of sustainable retreats in the luxury sector, then we have taken a big step forward.