Travelling Green: 7 Eco-friendly Hotels and Resorts to Stay in 2018
Who doesn't like to travel? Warm days under the sun, exploring nature or snorkeling in paradise… Count me in!
Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. It can have a positive impact on local, national and international economy at many levels. But it can also have a negative impact to the environment. It often puts pressure on natural resources through over-consumption – often in places where resources are already scarce.
Fortunately, eco-tourism is a rapidly growing industry, with potential benefits for both the environment and the economies of the tourist destinations. More and more hotels are making important changes to implement practices that recognize the three pillars of sustainable tourism—economic, social, and environmental.
We've put together a list of 7 eco-friendly hotels that go beyond of just reusing bath towels or turning the lights out when not in use, and go the extra mile to embrace sustainability.
Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam
Recognized as one of the world’s top eco lodges by National Geographic Traveler, this resort has been built using sustainable building materials and it's structure is designed to maximize air flow to reduce the need for air conditioning.
The resort and staff are passionately committed to both social responsibility — via education — and reducing the carbon footprint.
Alila Villas Soori, Bali, Indonesia
Set between the rice fields and coastline the hotel was designed in accordance with the EarthCheck international environmental standards.
The resort is completely water efficient with rainwater optimized to meet all of their water needs. More than half of all ingredients, goods and services are purchased from the local area. Locally sourced materials such as sand stone and natural stones were used in building the resort, which incorporates a combination of indigenous volcanic rock and abundant plants to organically cool the villas.
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Hawaii
Andaz Maui is Hawaii’s first LEED-certified resort. The hotel's sustainable elements include a solar hot water system, variable speed chillers, motion-sensor lighting controls, LED lighting, and low-flow plumbing fixtures. From the glassware (made of recycled wine bottles) to the gardening (green waste is recycled into mulch) to the kitchen (where a food hydrator is used to compost food waste and then repurpose it for gardening), the hotel is designed to reduce energy and water consumption and minimize harmful emissions.
1 Hotel South Beach, Florida
The hangers in the closets are made out of recycled paper like maps and books, the guest rooms have water filters, the glassware is made out of recycled bottles, and the list goes on and on.
Thala Beach Lodge, Port Douglas, Australia
This resort has been awarded with one of the highest eco-tourism accreditations, Eco certified – Advanced Tourism. The resort is actively involved in assisting the environmental rehabilitation process. Situated on 145 acres of property, Thala invites elders of the Kuku Talanji community to take guests through a journey of their culture; from healing plants to foraging for bush food.
Tri Lanka, Sri Lanka
From its green roofs and living walls to its solar hot water and recycled wood, Tri is dedicated to sustainable design through and through. The contemporary hotel is nestled in the lush landscape around the lake.
Garonga Safari Camp, Phalaborwa, South Africa
The resort supports the local community through economic empowerment. Locals are offered employment opportunities, with potential for career development, while food and goods are sourced locally where possible. Additionally, guests are invited to offset their carbon footprint by assisting with the planting and growing of Spesbok Trees in the Eastern Cape.
We all need to make better choices in what we consume and how we live. You might be surprised to discover that while we all need to make lifestyle changes, saving the planet doesn't have to mean giving up the things you love.
Have fun living a more sustainable life!
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