For the eco-conscious traveller, it can be a difficult thought fuelling a notoriously environmentally-unfriendly industry. The protection of the planet is front of mind for more people than ever before and with that, comes the rise of accommodation boasting clean, green credentials. Here are eleven destinations that prove style and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Hotel V Fizeaustraat
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
A leading city in terms of eco-friendliness and sustainability, it’s no surprise there’s no shortage of clean, green accommodation. Set in a former office block building on the outskirts of the city’s famed canals, Hotel V Fizeaustraat proudly boasts a Green Key: a label awarded to those in the tourism industry showing environmental responsibility and sustainable operation. Mixing modern design with the style of the 70s, the property doesn’t shy away from reclaimed materials, plus there’s a green living roof where fresh produce is grown for the restaurant’s menu.
&Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Located in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the construction of this eco-lodge was done against a backdrop of limitations and strict building requirements, and is proof that sustainability is attainable in even the most unlikely and off-the-grid settings. The 12 suites with striking curved exteriors are all built with entirely biodegradable materials, 70% of the property’s energy must come from sustainable sources, and water and waste is pumped through an onsite biological treatment plant before being discharged in the surrounding environment. An effortless blend of design, hospitality and nature, here there’s nothing separating guests from the world’s most outstanding and beautiful wildlife.
Tri Lanka
Koggala Lake, Sri Lanka
Photo courtesy of Em Campos
Sitting at the water’s edge of Sri Lanka’s finest lake, Tri is at the cutting-edge of sustainable design. A vision conceptualised by Robert Drummond who fell in love with the country and wanted to share it with others, Tri has taken its cues from nature rather than damaging it. Built entirely of recycled local materials, the site’s infrastructure is made of jak wood, bamboo and even lemongrass and cinnamon. The infinity pool is solar heated, living walls and green roofs adorn the suites and the menu showcases the best of local superfood ingredients.
The Scarlet
Cornwall, United Kingdom
Photo courtesy of The Scarlet
Perched upon a cliff in north Cornwall, this adults-only eco hotel is redefining luxury. Dedicated to reducing its environmental impact and enhancing the natural surrounds, the hotel’s sustainability policy has seen them take 101 steps in a green direction. Solar panels are used throughout, heat and warm water comes from biomass boilers fired on wood chips, staff receive regular sustainability training, and the hotel has set up a charitable community fund to support local environmental projects.
1 HOTEL BROOKLYN BRIDGE
New York, USA
Photo courtesy of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
Raising questions around New York’s greenest hotel, 1 Hotel Brooklyn is shaking up the city’s elite hotel scene in all the right ways. Upcycled materials are scattered throughout; reclaimed wood from an old Kentucky distillery lines the floors and walls, salvaged rubber has been turned into an impressive art piece by local artist Jarrod Beck, and the rooftop bar and pool makes use of unwanted railroad ties. Not short of obvious green drives, like the 25-foot green wall that welcomes guests, rooms also contain hemp-blend mattresses, low-energy light bulbs, and there’s a fleet of Teslas on hand to get you around the city.
THE FINOLHU VILLAS
Baa Atoll, Maldives
Photo courtesy of The Finolhu Villas
Designed by architect Yuji Yamazaki, this eco-friendly oasis set on the Maldives’ island of Baa Atoll is testament that luxury need not be compromised in the face of sustainability. Not letting the challenging environment hinder green practises, highlights include the resort’s waste management system, a desalination tank for self-sufficient water supply, and the aesthetically-pleasing solar panels that generate enough energy to power the whole island.
SIX SENSES CAN DAO
Can Dao, Vietnam
Photo courtesy of Six Senses Con Dao
This five-star resort sits amongst the breathtakingly beautiful Con Dao islands, which also doubles as a protected national and marine park. Built using sustainable materials and operating at low energy and conservation levels, the 39 suite, 15 villa property’s architecture firm AW2 was awarded a Green Good Design award for their work. The spectacular views and luxury design promises guests a memorable stay, with minimal impact.
THE INN AT DOS BRISAS
Texas, USA
Photo courtesy of The Inn at Dos Brisas
Ranch-style living at its finest, The Inn at Dos Brisas is a truly authentic Texan experience. Set on a former cotton plantation spanning over 300 acres, the ranch retreat is well-regarded for its luxurious cabins and farm-to-table philosophy. The resort’s five-star restaurant offers menus that make the most of the on-site USDA certified organic farm; think pure Texas wagyu beef burgers, matsutake mushroom tempura and farm yolk pasta with truffle tremor and farm beets.
CRISTALINO JUNGLE LODGE
Alta Floresta, Brazil
Comprised of 16 eco-friendly bungalows in the Amazon, Cristalino Jungle Lodge is immersed in one of the most ecologically rich areas of the world. Only accessible by boat, the stylish but sustainable accommodation is the first Private National Heritage Reserve (RPPN) in Mato Grosso, meaning it’s a site protected in perpetuity to preserve the untouched region’s biodiversity. Built in harmony with the environment, the bungalows are made of natural materials and have free-flowing ventilation but retain luxuries like indoor and outdoor showers, private verandas, hammocks and believe it or not, Wi-Fi. An entirely secluded Amazonian sanctuary, a stay here is in complete support of protecting one of the world’s most impressive natural wonders.
RAMADA ECO BEACH RESORT
Broome, Australia
Photo courtesy of Wedding Pages
Travel down under and bask in au natural luxury at Ramada Eco Beach Resort. The award-winning accommodation, set in Western Australia’s idyllic Kimberley region, boasts eco-friendly initiatives to put the minds of conscious consumers at ease. As well as an on-site water recycling plant and a restaurant menu created with fresh ingredients sourced from an organic garden, the 25 Eco Villas and 30 safari-style Eco Tents are run off solar power. Committed to sustainable tourism, the resort allows guests to experience and appreciate the environment with peace of mind.
Contact the Total Management Travel team for further information. Preferential rates and exclusive benefits may apply.
Svart Hotel
Salten, Norway
Not due to open until 2021, once it’s complete, this secluded getaway will set the benchmark for sustainable hospitality. Located in Northern Norway surrounded by the Svartisen glacier, Svart plans to be the first energy positive hotel above the Arctic Circle, meaning there will be more renewable energy produced over its lifetime than what would be required to build it, cover daily operations, and demolish it. A circular hotel with panoramic views of the fjord, this is one stay that’ll put you in proximity with untouched nature.