Welcome to The Conduit’s podcast series, Service Please. This series will be focusing on ethical and sustainable hospitality, engaging with a diverse range of industry experts and a variety of individuals across different sectors, disciplines, roles and levels. From supply chains to sourcing, waste management to wellbeing and welfare – what problems need tackling and what does the future of hospitality look like?

As part of our series The Conduit has teamed up with the brilliant Design Hotels on a series spotlighting some amazing individuals who have created incredible, responsible places to stay around the world. For 30 years Design Hotels has been at the forefront of a movement in travel, by curating a global collection of independent, design-driven hotels that function as social hubs and spaces for purposeful experiences, connection and curiosity.

In this episode we are joined by Christiane Wassmann, the creator of the intimate Rastrello in Umbria, an eight-room hotel that embodies the organic sensibilities of the Italian countryside. Housed in a former palazzo, the hotel is set among gardens that feed the farm-to-table restaurant and olive groves that produce award-winning olive oil.