TRAVEL THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE: HUMANITARIAN HOTELS

Now more than ever, travelers are interested in vacations that make a difference, whether it's an eco-friendly destination, a resort with sustainable practices or volunteer opportunities while away. But have you heard of a Humanitarian Hotel?

At Zapwater, two of our clients are Humanitarian Hotels, giving back through their resort operations in meaningful ways. Owned by the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation, The Inn at Stonecliffe (Mackinac Island, MI) and Saint John’s Resort (Plymouth, MI) offer a stay with purpose, where 100% of all net profits are used to support the Foundation’s charitable and educational initiatives around the globe, giving guests the unique opportunity to make a difference while making memories that last a lifetime.  

Named one of TIME World Greatest Places in 2024, The Inn at Stonecliffe is located on historic, car-free Mackinac Island. The iconic, Edwardian estate reopened in June 2024 after an extensive renovation, including a complete revitalization of all guest rooms featuring the most modern amenities available on the island and the addition of three guest cottages, a Sunset Pavilion, Fitness Center and dining concepts.

As a Humanitarian Hotel, The Inn at Stonecliffe goes above and beyond for its employees, giving them the option to stay in new accommodations on the island during the season, competitive wages and aid for affordable housing and emergency financial relief. All net profits support not only global charitable organizations, but local Mackinac Island initiatives like direct funds to Mackinac Island Public School to be used for college preparation for juniors and seniors. Each year, the foundation also awards two graduating seniors scholarship awards from the William J. Pulte Scholarship Program, which provides tuition support and a stipend for academic testing, college application fees and travel. By 2025, this program will provide up to $93,000 each year to Mackinac Island Public School and its graduates.

Saint John’s Resort, a premiere resort destination located in Plymouth, Michigan, has been a part of the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation’s humanitarian hotel efforts since 2021. Recently named a Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Award resort, Saint John’s is home to 200 acres of luscious grounds, 118 luxurious hotel rooms, three bars and restaurants - upscale FIVE Steakhouse, underground Wine Grotto, and the brand-new Doyle’s Irish Pub, and more than 50,000 square feet of unique wedding and event space. Being a part of Pulte Family Charitable Foundation has given the resort an opportunity to give back to their neighbors in Metro Detroit and around the world. To support the local Detroit area, Saint John’s provides jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to come and work at the resort in partnership with Gesher Human Services and The Living and Learning Enrichment Center. Most recently, the resort hosted a job fair in partnership with Samaritas for local refugees to seek job opportunities, and in the future, they look to provide housing on the property. 

This year, the two resorts also partnered to introduce a Sounds of Summer Concert Series for Good, with all ticket proceeds going to charities of the artist’s choice. The series features artists performing at both properties throughout the summer. Country music artist Logan Mize kicked off the series on June 5th, 2025, with performances from Julia Cole, FILMORE and Shaylen happening throughout the summer. 

At Zapwater, we are travel and tourism experts and thrive when our love for travel combines with our passion for giving back, as it does with these two Humanitarian Hotels.