Photo courtesy of Six Senses Con Dao
Here are sustainable hotels across the globe that are doing it right.
Taking a commendably green approach is hard but some sustainable hotels and resorts are doing it effortlessly. From using recycled wood to forgoing plastic water bottles, there are exceptional properties that are allowing travellers to travel sustainably. Without sacrificing luxury, these sustainable hotels are committed to eco-friendly practices that help keep our Earth clean and beautiful.
Here are eight sustainable hotels around the world that are taking the initiative to do and be better.
Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam
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Dotted with crystal-blue waters and a dramatic backdrop of Lo Voi Mountains, Six Senses Con Dao is the dreamiest place to go for escapism. Like all of their other properties, the sustainable hotel lures you in with their sustainability practices including composting organic food scraps, producing their own drinking water on site with their reverse osmosis system and using reusable glass bottles. In 2021, they even turned over 300 wine bottles into terrazzo flooring to eliminate glass waste. This sustainable masterpiece has everything you need from water adventures to spa treatments and farm-to-table dining options.
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, Australia
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Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is a scenic three-hour drive from Sydney. Surrounded by picturesque valleys and wilderness, this environmentally-sensitive resort boasts rustic-chic villas, nature-inspired spas, and wildlife safaris. You can even go horseback riding and on a nature walk to experience the best kind of Australian adventure. Nestled in the Wolgan Valley, this place has sustainability written all over it with its installation of heat pumps, solar panels, and passive ventilation systems that help keep it a conservation-based resort.
White Pod Hotel, Switzerland
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If there’s one thing notable about this eco-hotel is its geodesic pods scattered amongst the Swiss alps. Without forgoing any luxuries, the Whitepod is known for its environmental preservation. See the likes of wood pellet heating systems, installations of water-saving devices on water taps and shower heads, food purchases in bulk to reduce the amount of packaging, and more. By staying at Whitepod, you’re not only indulging in the allure of its panoramic nature’s beauty, but you’re actively playing a role in its ecological mission.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, New York
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Soaring brightly in the shadows of Manhattan’s skyline, this eco-friendly hotel is the perfect home away from home. This 100 per cent wind-powered hotel enters a new era of sustainability with its green initiatives. The hotel has a rainwater reclamation system on its rooftop, uses reclaimed woods for its furniture, has a filtered water station in each guest room and uses eco-friendly mattresses. Their in-room cups and carafes are even made from recycled wine bottles, to discourage guests from using single-use plastic water bottles. There’s nothing but good energy here!
Hostal Grau, Spain
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From FSC-certified wood furniture to recycled materials and 100 per cent organically-made beds, this eco-boutique hotel doesn’t just charm you with its environmental commitment – but also with its prime location. Nestled in the heart of Barcelona, the hotel is surrounded by little cafés, entertainment outlets, and more. Plus, their rooms are chic, spacious, and bright – the best place to reset and rewind after exploring the city.
Tri Lanka, Sri Lanka
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Overlooking Sri Lanka’s largest lake, the Koggala Lake – the Tri Lanka resort is a romantic spot for honeymooners, but it’s also a great spot to go off the grid. Despite their stunning and Instagrammable scenery, they’re also known for their sustainable movements. The windows, doors, flooring, and cladding have all been made 100 per cent recycled local jak wood, while harvested rainwater has been used to nourish the grounds and edible gardens. Their motto has always been to create more and consume less, and it has been admirable from the beginning.
Soneva Fushi, Maldives
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This is what paradises are made of – sun-drenched blue skies, crystal-blue waters, and beachfront villas. This place is a pinnacle of luxury escapes with its positive environmental, social, and economic impact. The resort offers you eco-friendly surfing gear and a 100 per cent sustainable surfing program perfect for adrenaline junkies and sun-seeking travellers. Complete with jaw-dropping views of the ocean, the resort also works tirelessly to protect the biodiversity and habitats that surrounded the place.
Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Malaysia
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Nestled within 260 million-year-old limestone hills, rainforests, hot springs, caves, and waterfalls, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat in Ipoh, Malaysia shines with its lush greeneries and environmentally-friendly pursuits. This luxe retreat monitors their energy consumption with the help of LED lighting and manages their water consumption by installing water-saving devices in all their guest bathroom. Other than being a great place to indulge guilt-free, this place also offers ultimate relaxation and the rekindling of romance.
