Best Green Hotels and Resorts for Eco-Conscious Vacations

Introduction

Over the past ten years, responsible tourism has progressed to become a larger idea about sustainable travel. Today, green hotels and resorts use the latest technologies along with inspiring practices to minimize their carbon footprint while conserving water and supporting local communities. Whether it is solar-powered resorts in the Maldives or eco-lodges on offer amidst the Costa Rican rainforest, there are countless alternative options for more discerning and sustainably-minded travelers.

What Makes a Hotel Green?

But first things first, let me mention the features that make a green hotel what they are – this is before I get on to share with you my list of best eco-friendly hotels and resorts. These criteria often include:

• Energy Efficiency: Tap renewable energy resources, use of power-saving lighting, and effective HVAC systems.
• Save Water: Here you will find green features that allow for the reduction of water consumption through installations like low flush toilets, rainwater harvesting, and grey or black water treatment.
• How They Are Using It – Reducing Waste: Recycling programs, composting, and reducing single-use plastics.
• Sustainable Sourcing: Locally-sourced, organic, and fair-trade products in restaurants & amenities.
• Conservation Involvement: Programs to help preserve area creatures and environments.
• Strong Community: Commitment to local jobs and fair trade practices – involved in the community.

Best Green Hotels and Resorts Around the World

1. Soneva Fushi, Maldives

Soneva Fushi is a sustainable luxury resort located in the quaint Maldives. This resort features:

• Recycling: A hauling program that recycles 90% of their waste, Glass Blowing Studio with recycled glass from across the resort.
• Sustainable: The resort’s restaurants are semi-organic and seafood is sourced sustainably.
• Water Conservation: Soneva Fushi has its own water bottling plant and therefore does not require any single-use plastic bottles.

2. Fogo Island Inn, Canada

Fifteen years in the making, Fogo Island Inn is a new beacon of sustainability and community engagement on Canada’s rugged coast.

• Solar panels are used for heating and the inn has a wood-burning boiler, minimizing its carbon footprint.
• Community Investment: The inn is run by a charity and profits are reinvested in the community, providing livelihoods for local makers and artists.
• Sustainable Building: Designed to sit well on the landscape and pallet of locally sourced materials.
• Conservation Efforts: Fogo Island Inn is involved with marine and coastal conservation efforts.

3. The Brando, French Polynesia

Tetiaroa- For a luxurious taste of the biodiverse and spectacular South Pacific, this private island resort is as sustainable an eco-paradise as they come.

• Sustainable Energy: Running on solar energy & coconut oil biofuel, the use of a seawater air-conditioning system reduces its overall power consumption.
• No Waste Policy: The Brando has an extensive program for recycling, and even composting.
• Wildlife: To protect the native flora and fauna, a research station on site works for effective biodiversity monitoring.
• Sustainable Food: The Brando restaurants feature organically grown produce from the resort’s gardens and locally sourced meat and fish.

4. Proximity Hotel, USA

Proximity Hotel, one of the greenest urban hotels in America is located in Greensboro, North Carolina.

• LEED Certification: Proximity Hotel is the first hotel in America to receive LEED Platinum certification, demonstrating that responsible environmental design can successfully create a world-class guest experience.
• Energy Efficiency: Generating 41% less energy than a typical hotel, the hotel operates with solar panels usual for this type of building, geothermal heating, and events have specific lighting suits.
• Water Conservation: Efficient fixtures and a rainwater harvesting system slash water consumption by 33%.
• Local Sourcing: Print Works Bistro, the hotel restaurant uses local sourcing from area farms and purveyors.

5. Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel in Switzerland

A space nestled in the Swiss Alps, called Whitepod that offers a concept of adventure and sustainability at once:

• Laid Back Design: Housing units in the hotel are large geodesic domes which keep a small footprint on the land and nestle snugly under bushes.
• Powered by Renewable Energy: Pods are powered through solar and wood sources.
• Environmentally Friendly Amenities: The hotel provides guests with environmentally-friendly toiletries and highlights ways to reduce waste.
• Sustainable Pursuits: Guided nature walks and wildlife-spotting nurture conservation culture.

6. Hix Island House, Puerto Rico

Hix Island House caters to eco travelers on Vieques: Built of 32 lofted cubes, the Hix Island house is a modernist construction surrounded by tropical jungle in Puerto Rico.

• Solar Panels: Solar panels and battery storage power the whole property.
• Rainwater Collection: Collect more and use less is the concept behind rainwater collection, which gathers rainfall for irrigation and plumbing.
• Sustainable Architecture: The project was designed to maximize natural daylight and ventilation, minimizing the use of artificial lighting as well as air conditioning.
• Organic Gardens: The hotel has organic gardens that provide fresh produce for guest meals.

7. Jetwing Vil Uyana, Sri Lanka

Jetwing Vil Uyana, Sigiriya: As a property nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle (Sigiriya), Jetwing Vil Uyana is an indigenous resort which cohabits its surrounding lakeside setting.

• Wetland Restoration: The resort is located on an irrigated wetland, restored to its natural habitat and home of many migratory birds.
• Sustainable Energy Source: Powered by solar panels, and a biomass boiler.
• Water Conservation: An on-site WWTP to reuse the water for irrigation.
• Community Commitment: The resort employs locals while also providing educational programming for children in close-by communities.

8. Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam

Six Senses Con Dao, a stunning beachfront eco-resort which puts the environment first:

• Eco-Friendliness: Energy-efficient cooling systems are used and solar hot water panels on the rooftops.
• Recycling and Composting: Extensive recycling and composting programs have existed for years.
• Sustainable Food: Fruits and vegetables are delivered from the organic gardens whilst seafood comes straight to shore from local sustainable fishermen.
• Marine Conservation: The resort works with local organizations to preserve endangered marine species.

9. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, South Africa

Grootbos Lodge in Western Cape – an eco-reserve that promotes sustainable use of land through high-end tourism:

• Energy from Solar Power and Other Renewable Energy: The reserve uses solar power and some sources of renewable energy.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Grootbos has more than 800 plant species, many of which are endemic to the region and our property is involved in a variety of conservation initiatives.
• Supports Local Community: The Grootbos Foundation is a non-profit organization that focuses on local education, training, and job creation efforts.
• Organic Farms: The estate is home to organic farms that supply fresh produce for the guests.

10. Pikaia Lodge, Ecuador

In the Galápagos Islands, Pikaia Lodge offers luxurious stone cliffside sanctuaries:

• Eco-Friendly Building Techniques: Used to minimize lodging environmental impact (recycling, energy-efficient optimizations, and sustainable materials).
• Renewable Energy: Solar panels and wind turbines make renewable energy more than just a philosophy at Thatch Caye, where the lodge takes pride in generating much of its power from them.
• Solid Waste Disposal: A good solid waste disposal program reduces landfill garbage.
• Marine Conservation: The lodge contributes to programs for sea turtle and marine underwater conservation that are in detriment due to the tourism into the unique Galápagos habitat.

Green Hotel: Select the Best Green Resort

How to Choose a Green Hotel or Resort for Your Next Travel Destination

• Certifications: Look for properties with designations such as LEED, Green Globe, or EarthCheck – all of which require a higher standard of sustainability.
• Energy & Water Consumption: Evaluate the hotel’s energy and water usage as well as sustainability initiatives.
• Waste: Make sure you are staying in a hotel that has recycling and waste reduction programs.
• Local Sourcing: Choose hotels that source their food locally and are using organic produce.
• Community Involvement: This is all about choosing hotels that directly benefit local communities and economies.
• Conservation Efforts: Give preference to hotels that are engaged in any kind of conservation and biodiversity projects.

Conclusion

You can still do it in style and comfort while having an eco-friendly holiday. These green safari lodges and hotels provide excellent programs, all with a strong focus on sustainability. When you stay with eco-friendly lodges you are helping the world and saving it for future generations to come.

No matter if you are in need of a remote island holiday, mountain escape, or city break, these green hotels and resorts combine sustainability with luxury to ensure that your stay is both pleasurable yet kind on the environment. Pack your suitcases and tread lightly. This eco tip – which is a great way to keep you humble etc. – can be very good for the rest of us:)