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Travel isn’t always eco-friendly (even though there is a long list of eco-friendly travel destinations you can visit across the globe). One way can reduce our environmental footprint while we travel is by booking a room at one of these eco-friendly hotels. These hotels use alternative energy methods, incorporate organic materials and decor, and strive to co-exist with natural surroundings. Stay guilt-free at one of these incredible eco-friendly hotels.
Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel, Switzerland
Experience the beauty of the Swiss Alps through the eco-friendly Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel, where guests stay in energy-efficient pods. Environmental conservation was considered in every avenue here, from its construction to its operation. The pods even change color depending on the season to blend in with the surrounding scenery. Energy and water use are controlled for a low-impact stay, and even the staff walk to work at this eco-luxury hotel.
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, Maldives
Stay guilt-free at the gorgeous Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa in the Maldives. As the only resort in the Maldives to hold an EarthCheck certification, this Park Hyatt resort blends beauty and conservation effortlessly. The hotel harvests rainwater and reduces its plastic use. To continue to protect the surrounding reef, there are actually resident marine biologists that monitor the water daily.
Manapany - St. Barth
A slice of paradise that’s also eco-friendly, Manapany is a five-star luxury eco-resort in St. Barth. Each of the private villas and suites has a terrace and view of the sea, while in a select few, you can wake up with your feet in the sand. It’s St. Barths’ first eco-resort, with an impressive list of environmental initiatives, including the production of its own water via a desalination system, transformation of solar energy to produce hot water, 100% electric vehicles (including those for guest use), collection and recycling of rainwater, and a property layout to support the passage of wildlife, such as turtles and iguanas. You can even dine on freshly caught fish and lobster delivered daily by local fishermen at the on-site restaurants, while bartenders create cocktails with herbs and fruits from the on-site garden.
H2Hotel - Healdsburg, California
H2Hotel is a LEED Gold Certified hotel in California that is so chic that you’ll forget that conservation was the main goal in its design. The curved roof was created to filter and manage rainwater flow to reduce its runoff impact on the nearby Foss Creek. However, the most impressive aspects of H2Hotel are the solar panels, which not only heat water for the rooms but also heat the swimming pool. Guests also enjoy bamboo floors and organic linens here as well.
Proximity Hotel - Greensboro, North Carolina
This Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, North Carolina incorporates so many sustainable initiatives it’s hard to keep track. From its 100 solar panels to refrigerators that run on geothermal energy to an elevator that regenerates power, the ingenuity in this hotel is unmatched. It is no wonder why The Proximity was the first hotel in America to receive the LEED Platinum certification. It also boasts a prime location near Greensboro’s family-friendly attractions.
Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda, Italy
Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda offers a remarkable stay in the Italian countryside. This resort is built into the hill country here to reduce temperature fluctuations, which minimizes its energy use altogether. Rainwater is collected here as well, and only seasonal, local, and organic ingredients are used for meals.
Soori Bali, Bali
Soori Bali isn’t just one of the most beautiful resorts in Bali, but it also incorporates smart conservation practices too. All of the hotel’s water derives from its rainwater filtration system. This area of the world receives plenty of rain, so it would be wasteful if this Bali resort didn’t take advantage of this natural resource. Besides its rainwater system, the hotel was also built with locally-sourced and eco-friendly materials.
Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam
Six Senses Con Dao is a five-star resort in Con Dao, a picture-perfect island in Vietnam, and has a unique construction that reduces its environmental footprint. By maximizing airflow throughout the resort, A/C isn’t necessary when the ocean breeze cools off the place just fine. Six Senses Con Dao strives for an eco-conscious world, even educating its staff on reducing their carbon footprint.
Inn by the Sea, Maine
Inn by the Sea is a gorgeous Maine resort that strives to incorporate green products wherever it can. Staff uses non-toxic cleaning products that are safe for animals, humans, and of course the environment. Furthermore, this Portland, Maine resort is heated entirely by biofuel and solar energy. Expanding on the resort’s love for the environment and animals, both wildlife and pets are cherished here, as pets always stay free, and a garden habitat onsite is regularly visited by local wildlife.
Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada
Solar panels, community beach clean-ups, and non-chlorinated pools are a few initiatives that keep Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada eco-friendly. Close to Grand Anse Beach, the owners of this luxury Caribbean resort knew it would be important to keep the area pristine by reducing the resort’s environmental impact here. Guests will be pleased to see recycling practiced here too.
Hotel Terra Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Hotel Terra Jackson Hole is a LEED-certified resort in Wyoming. Constructed from recycled materials, Hotel Terra started thinking eco-consciously from the start. Aside from using organic mattresses, aluminum bottles, and fluorescent light bulbs, this resort also utilizes solar, wind and hydropower for energy.
Hix Island House, Puerto Rico
To reduce energy consumption, Hix Island Hotel is situated on a breezy hilltop that receives regular wind flow. The open concept of Hix Island Hotel is unique, eco-friendly and stunning. To heat water and produce electricity, the resort uses solar panels for that. This nearly zero waste hotel also harvests rainwater and recycles greywater. It truly is one of the most eco-friendly hotels found on this list.
