Hotels around the world are doing more to help the local area and the planet. Explore our list of the top 5 Sustainable / Eco Friendly Hotels perfect to book for your next holiday.
The Brando, French Polynesia
Marlon Brando was enchanted by the Island of Tetiaroa. He always wanted to open a resort that barely impacted on the natural beauty around. Also, within this he wanted to establish a centre for scientific research. One to work on ways of protecting this magnificent but fragile environment and being as sustainable as possible.
Both have been achieved and this resort is 100% energy independent and has almost reached carbon neutral status. We love that local materials are used to build most parts of the villas. They are all fitted with air-conditioning which is incredibly powered by the sea. The fruit and vegetables are grown in the resort’s organic garden. Honey collected by their own bees and fresh fish caught from the surrounding waters. All the ingredients grown are then used in the restaurant. This is a stunning, relaxing and unforgettable place to stay.
Photos © The Brando, French Polynesia
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Eco friendly hotel on the Island of Vanua Levu, Fiji
This beautiful destination is located on the island of Vanua Levu. A 72-acre site of a previous coconut plantation, this resort has become a centre for marine conservation. There are resident marine biologists, a reef protection programme and a giant clam breeding project. You will feel at the heart of ocean preservation when you stay at this hotel.
The buildings are made to blend into their surroundings. Built using sustainable timber and thatched with local reeds. They provide escorted diving groups which are fascinating. However if you’d prefer to be land based there is the medicinal plant walk and the hike through the rainforest to the magnificent waterfalls on the island. All the tours are led by experienced, extremely knowledgeable guides. The delicious food is from sustainable local sources and their own organic garden. Cultivated in the ancient Fijian way. The philosophy of this resort is to follow Fijian codes with regards to crops and fishing, to be gentle on the earth.
Photos © Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort
Hotel Punta Islita, Costa Rica
If there was a school for eco-friendly hotels this resort would be a star pupil. It is nestled within the densely wooded hills of the Guanacaste Province. This hotel follows a holistic, sustainable approach, supporting the environment around, including reforestation and local community projects.
Positioned above a beautiful cove, it is the perfect place to explore the tropical jungle and the exotic wildlife. Being a non-touristy destination makes it an exciting holiday too. The eco-adventures and cultural experiences add to the incredible location. All the mouth-washing food is from local or regional sources and is beautifully cooked. Punta Islita is one of the most eco-friendly beach front hotels there is. Their mantra – plant friendly, people positive. A place you will not forget.
Photos © Hotel Punta Islita
Soneva Fushi, Eco friendly hotels in the Maldives
This resort is at the top of the list for taking its environmental responsibility seriously. Making their annual sustainability report open to the public. The water supply is 100% sustainable and also. They filter all the waste water so that no untreated water is released into the surrounding Indian Ocean. The Soneva Foundation in conjunction with various charities has helped over 600,000 people access safe water. The white sandy beaches and the crystal seas make this a wonderful place to visit. They have a fantastic programme for the smaller members of the family. It is hard to leave this wonderful hotel without purchasing one of their “upcycled” decorative and practical pieces of artwork. All made from their own waste glass. A truly wonderful Atol.
Photos © Soneva Fushi
Borgo Pignano, Tuscany
This hotel is famous for making its guests feel connected to nature with a very low impact on their rural surroundings. A 750-acre country estate, it has a unique infinity pool carved into an ancient limestone quarry. A draw in its own right.
Borgo Pignano has its own organic farm, solar powered systems, community initiatives and projects for restoring the eco-systems around the villa. Guests can make their own organic soap with the resident herbalist, go truffle hunting or wine- tasting to name a few pastimes. Dinner at this wonderful place is a social affair with a shared table by the fireside delivering unbelievable food from their organic farm. You will be warm inside after a visit to this hotel made perfect by the environment and also, by the wonderful, friendly staff. Top 5 Sustainable/eco-friendly hotels.
Photos © Borgo Pignano
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