Environmentalism is a top concern today. We’re constantly looking at when, where and how we can reduce our carbon footprint, and this doesn’t stop when we travel.
Ecologically-friendly practices are becoming the norm in hotels around the world, but a few have taken the next big step by going green in as many ways as they can. By saving water, decreasing electricity usage and reducing waste, eco-friendly hotels are leading the way for more sustainable travelling around the globe.
1. Hotel Verde, South Africa
Located in Cape Town, a mere stone’s throw from the city’s international airport, the hotel boasts many eco-friendly features including a green roof, a plant room, an eco-pool and energy-efficient LED lights.
The hotel’s Pontos grey water plant filters and sterilises used bath and shower water through the use of UV light before re-using it to flush toilets. The wind turbines, which produce renewable energy for the hotel, are key in promoting the hotel’s philosophy about solutions to the world’s energy problems.
2. Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation Resort, Costa Rica
This inn, perched atop a verdant cliff on a coffee plantation, is a marvel to behold. As the highest ranking member of the Sustainable Tourism Certificate programme, with a perfect 100 score, they are also leading by example as an eco-friendly destination.
Based in Heredia, Costa Rica the inn’s underground electrical systems don’t interfere with the wildlife, the linen is made from bamboo and the vegetables are all organic. Social consciousness is also a cornerstone of their sustainability goals, evidenced in the focus on education and community development.
3. Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji
This resort, based on a coconut plantation on Vanu Levu, Fiji has made sustainability a priority. The cuisine excludes farmed fish, the lighting is low-voltage and all wood is sourced from certified local forests.
Cultural activities, as well as ecological tours led by an on-site marine biologist, uphold the resort’s educational and ecological goals.
4. Devil’s Thumb Ranch, USA
At Devil’s Thumb – in Tabernash, Colorado – only a fraction of the land is used for the ranch – the rest is dedicated as habitat for wildlife.
The ranch’s buildings are heated using geothermal energy to decrease complete dependence on electricity and natural gas; while the installation of dual flush toilets helps save water. Along with recycling programmes, sustainability is promoted through the use of biodegradable cleaning and spa products, as well as organic and locally-grown produce for their restaurant.
With all this in place, it’s no surprise to learn that they have received the Environmental Protection Agency Award for Responsible Development and Historic Preservation.
5. Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam
The blue waters of this idyllic archipelago are home to a small population of dugongs. Con Dao is the only place where this gentle sea mammal’s protection is enforced in Vietnam.
They are also proud to promote the sustainability of their luxury accommodation, using materials which come from sustainable resources and maximising air flow in the buildings in order to reduce the need for air-conditioning.
6. Hotel Mocking Bird Hill, Jamaica
Having won a Green Globe Certification Award, this hotel based in Port Antonio, Jamaica uses eco-friendly practices such as the use of solar energy and natural air-conditioning.
They have implemented recycling programmes and rainwater harvesting. No pesticides or insecticides are used in the gardens; and local, organic items are used wherever possible.
7. Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa, Chile
Staying true to its name, which means “earth”, this hotel in Torres del Paine, Chile makes the most of its surroundings, showcasing the raw beauty of the far south.
The hotel uses low-energy lighting in its interior, as well as furniture sourced from local craftspeople.
The hotel also supports Reforest Patagonia, a campaign which aims to plant one million trees in Chilean Patagonia.
8. Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada
Situated in St. George’s the resort has always believed in blending into its environment. They continue to do so with eco-practices which involve recycling and composting programmes, replanting trees, energy-efficient lighting, eco-friendly cleaning products, chlorine-free pools and community clean-ups.
In addition to appointing an environment officer, they screen their suppliers for proper environmental practices and products; and to top it all, the entire resort is completely smoke-free.
9. Chumbe Island Coral Park, Tanzania
Lying just off the island of Zanzibar is this beautiful and unspoiled nature reserve whose goal it is to preserve the island’s delicate coral reef ecosystem.
The bungalows at the eco-lodge make use of environmentally-friendly practices in an effort to limit impact on the environment. Rainwater harvesting, solar water heating, grey water filtration and composting toilets are just some of the many methods used.
10. Alexandra Hotel, Denmark
The Alexandra Hotel in Copenhagen is more than 100 years old. They continue to uphold a tradition of excellent hospitality and service that has lasted through the decades.
Not to be left behind in modern times, they have become eco-friendly, receiving the Green Key: an environmental certificate bestowed on hotels that introduce and maintain eco-friendly practices.
Featured image of Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Colorado, USA by devilsthumbranch.com
