In the past few years, there has been a spike in eco-tourism, as travellers are choosing luxury hotels that have sustainability at their core. And while you may think luxury and sustainability don't go together, these hotels are setting the right example. Their eco-friendly and sustainable measures are not limited to using energy-efficient technology and eliminating plastic; they extend to protecting the surrounding fauna and flora, liaising with local environmental organisations for a better understanding of the region and planning targeted initiatives, and, above all, motivating their esteemed guests to become climate warriors during their stay. All this, without compromising the luxe quotient and comfort.
So if you are planning a holiday and want to do good for the planet while at it, here's a list of some of the world’s most sustainable luxury hotels that you must check into.
Pench Tree Lodge, Madhya Pradesh
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If you love glamping and staying amid nature, then this eco-friendly stay in Madhya Pradesh is the perfect choice for you. Located 20 minutes away from Pench National Park, the property sits in the middle of a 40-acre forest and has a unique selection of accommodations constructed using local sal wood and other natural materials. Staying in the treehouses—each built at a height of 18 feet—and cottages, provide you with a spectacular panoramic view of the forest, allowing you to experience the natural flora and fauna around you. The property also includes a pool where you can take a dip, a patio to enjoy the sunset, and an adventurous night trail that you cannot miss out on!
Saffire Freycinet, Australia
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The property, consisting of only 20 rooms, offers its guests stunning views of The Hazards mountain range. Their luxury suites and private pavilions, which come with their own kitchen and dining areas, are done up with minimalistic interiors featuring Tasmanian timber furniture pieces. After a long day of sightseeing, you can unwind on the private terrace or take a plunge in the pool in the courtyard. The Palatte Restaurant in the hotel serves a delectable multi-course menu and local wine.
Nature lovers can hike in the forest and visit the many beekeeping and oyster farming spots in the area. You will also be treated to the sights and sounds of the local flora and fauna in the vicinity, thanks to the 30,000 plus native plants that the hotel has replanted in its endeavour to safeguard the environment and revive the area. It has also implemented an airflow system to naturally heat and cool the property. Their commitment to sustainability is also seen in the support they extend to local conservation efforts like Save the Devil, which provides aid to the endangered Tasmanian Devil, and the Raptor Refuge
Bawah Reserve, Indonesia
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Imagine starting your day with the sound of fresh spring waterfalls, venturing out into the tropical jungle or a permaculture farm, or taking a jetty to see the coral reefs. The Bawah Reserve property, a luxury private island in Indonesia’s Anambas archipelago, provides all these experiences and more. It is the country’s first island resort powered by renewable energy, crafted entirely from sustainable bamboo and recycled materials such as driftwood and copper, and has its water locally sourced, recycled, and heated with solar power. There are three crystal-clear lagoons where you can relax, an open-air spa, and many beach-facing eateries for a memorable vacation. What makes the hotel stand out is that its profits go to the Anambas Foundation, which aims to improve the overall ecosystem in the Anambas, both underwater and terrestrial, as well as sustainably uplift the community’s welfare.
Fogo Island Inn, Canada
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This luxury hotel, comprising 29 rooms, is situated on a remote and tiny rocky island in Canada, off the coast of Newfoundland. The property has set the gold standard in the world of eco-friendly hotels through its design and services. For starters, it is made from locally sourced wood and does not use plastic in any form. Guests will find refillable bottles, local toiletries, and mattresses made by the ethnic community, and are treated to locally farm-produced meals made from foraged fruits and plants along with some North Atlantic seafood. While the rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking views of the wildlife and the ocean, you must step out to explore the rooftop sauna and hot tub and activities such as snowmobiling, boat building, pottery making, heli-hiking, and whale watching.
Whitepod, Switzerland
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Launched in 2004, this luxury resort is made up of geodesic domes that consume 30 per cent less energy compared to regular buildings and are shaped in a triangular framework that requires less material. Their ultra-cosy pods use wood pellet heating systems sourced sustainably from nearby springs and local suppliers. They also use 100 per cent biodegradable cleaning products and adhere to strict waste management procedures. Whether you visit the place during winter or summer, you’ll get to indulge in a host of activities including skiing, paragliding, and hiking with a group of huskies right by your side.
Svart, Norway
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A trip to the Cold North above the Arctic Circle is worth it when you stay at this energy-positive hotel. Its mission to transform the future of hotels sees it generating more energy than it consumes and raising awareness about the environment—especially the polar regions. Its unique architectural design stretches across the calm waters of the Holandsfjorden fjord and gives those staying there a series of panoramic views of the nearby glacier. Taking the right steps towards sustainable tourism, the hotel now plans to be a fully carbon-neutral hotel by becoming completely self-sufficient with electricity.
Lead image credits: Travel Away | Pinterest
Also read: Simple ways to make your vacations more sustainable
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