There are luxury hotels and then there are eco-friendly luxury hotels. It’s easier than ever to combine luxury and green travel - just pick one of these hotels, which are amongst the greenest in the world.
Capella Lodge, Australia
Celebrated as the pinnacle of luxury on the island of Lord Howe, Capella Lodge takes the prize of being one of Australia’s prime boutique hotel destinations. The settings are quite relaxed yet the surroundings will take your breath away! Expect exclusivity, stunning ocean views and majestic mountain scenery.
Explora Rapa Nui, Easter Island, Chile
Ever dreamt of getting lost in the middle of the Pacific? Then Explora Rapa Nui is the place for you! This remote resort is located in tranquil settings from where it’s easy to explore the island by boat, bicycle or foot. Explora is all about award-winning architecture and beautiful views. Oh, and Easter Island is one of the world’s most isolated islands….does that poke you inner globetrotter?
Lefay Resort & Spa, Lake Garda, Italy
Romance, views, luxury - this resort has got it all! Set on a hillside above the picturesque lakeside village of Gargnano, Lefay offers its guest the ultimate eco travel adventure through impressive architecture that includes floor-to-ceiling windows allowing you to see the lake from everywhere. The hotel’s energy strategy is thought out meaning huge reduction in energy use and carbon emissions. About 60% of all electricity here is produced on site. The laid-back yet very stylish spa is a chapter for itself!
Hoshinoya Karuizawa, Japan
Pure zen-style relaxation and tranquility is what you get at this recognized eco resort in Hoshino, Japan. Experience Japanese culture at first hand while indulging in the surrounding hot springs and breath-taking mountain scenery. The hotel strives to obtain zero waste and even introduced an award-winning non-profit conservation, which takes care of the wild life and provides nature tours for visitors. Being very minimalistic in every sense, Hoshinoya Karuizawa is the perfect getaway if you need to find complete peace and serenity.
Hilton Centraal Station, The Netherlands
Centraal Station in Amsterdam is part of the Hilton chain and its facilities especially appeal to business travelers, who appreciate a central location and green initiatives. DoubleTree by Hilton has a reliable approach to sustainability such as energy efficient building design and green heating and cooling infrastructure, and the famous roof-top bar with stunning views of Amsterdam is also very alluring! It makes a great base for exploring the city.
Bohinj Park Hotel Eco Resort & Spa, Slovenia
Located in the Slovenian Alps and near the Triglav National Park, Bohinj Park Hotel is nominated one of the greenest resorts in the world and it has won several awards. Why? Here’s a couple of examples: the majority of lighting is LED, food waste is given to animals or turned into briquettes for fuel and 84% of the staff is local. The interior is very natural and minimalistic and there are several options of hiking, biking and skiing in the area. The spa is huge and offers plenty of activities and treatments as well.
Garonga Safari Camp, South Africa
Ever dreamt of going on a true African safari? Garonga Safari Camp near Kruger National Park is the place you should stay at! Nestled in a private and ethical game reserve, Garonga provides guest with luxury accommodation and direct views to leopards, lion and elephants. Oh, and when you get tired of being on safari (if ever!), take an outdoor bush bath shower under the stars or indulge in the open-air spa area.
Reef Villa & Spa, Sri Lanka
Being one of Sri Lanka’s most luxurious and peaceful boutique hotels with only 7 rooms, Reef Villa & Spa captures the hearts of anyone with a weakness for low-key beach luxury. The small hotel does a lot to preserve the local wildlife and 99% of the energy efficient lighting is LED. Sri Lanka is full of eco-friendly hotels making a difference and Reef Villa & Spa is just one of them.
Treehotel, Sweden
A tree-top hotel in the middle of the Swedish forests sounds like a childhood dream coming true - and it is! Five modern (and completely different) tree houses allure guests with total peace and serenity, and even though it’s pretty far away from anything, the concept really works! You become one with nature and contributes to a healthy development - the forest is protected from logging. Showers are shared, but there’s a tree-top sauna and a restaurant serving mainly local produce.
One Aldwych, London, UK
Even though One Aldwych is located in central London, it still pushes the boundaries for what hotels in capitals can do in terms of sustainability. The location is super central and the busy bar is always full of guests and regulars who enjoy the cosy atmosphere. Most importantly, this luxurious boutique hotel has made a clear commitment to the environment by reducing chemicals and supporting local culture (for example by giving to a number of homeless and arts charities). Check the underground swimming pool, which is rare for London! It has underwater music and mood lighting.
Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles,USA
You might not think that a Ritz-Carlton hotel in the middle of LA works with eco-friendly solutions, but they actually do. In fact, this is one of the greenest hotels in the city. Located in the heart of downtown LA, Ritz-Carlton allures with its usual marble counters and five star amenities, but the 26th-floor open-air pool with views over LA, takes it up a notch! The hotel is Green Seal certified meaning they have completed a certification process within the area of sustainability and they also work with energy efficient lighting and recycling programs.
For more information about the world’s greenest luxury hotels, visit www.ecoluxhotels.com.
