Solar energy? Biomass heating technologies? Yep, probably not what you’re looking for when picking a hotel. But actually a number of hotels go the extra mile for the good of the environment, so you don’t really have to think about it.
With solar-powered electricity, structural elements made from natural materials and downright beautiful scenery, you’ll definitely find a destination where you can travel responsibly.
Below, we’ve compiled a big list of some of the top eco-friendly hotels in the world.
DDG Retreat, Casares, Andalusia
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Where?
A beautiful eco bolt-hole, about one hour’s drive from Malaga, set in four hectares of natural woodland.
Eco credentials:
If you’re looking for a burst of pure, guilt-free escapism, you’re in the right place. The retreat’s six casas are built to blend with the landscape and to protect the forest, losing only three trees in construction and replacing those trees with 100 others. It also has it’s own water supply from underground reservoir, and the pool uses an ozone cleaning system instead of chlorine. A new tree is planted for every booking, they use local produce in the restaurant and, despite being super remote, free bike loans are on offer to discourage the use of cars.
Casas from Rs. 6,444 pp, room only. For more info click here.
White Pod, Switzerland
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Where?
The Swiss Alps with incredible scenic views.
Eco Credentials:
First up, you sleep in luxurious pods that double as ‘low impact accommodations’. This means you use minimal water and electricity, produce less waste and utilise renewable resources. Plus, you’re living in the mountains – fresh air!
From Rs. 49,228 per night, to book click here.
Hix Island House
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Where?
Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico
Eco credentials:
Designed and launched in 2000 as a hillside eco-retreat by the architect John Hix (he specialises in energy-efficient buildings), this house runs on batteries charged through solar power. It also recycles rainwater, was designed to catch cooling winds and returns grey-water to the environment. It features outdoor showers, but no phones, TV or air-conditioning.
Prices start from Rs. 8,145 per night for the Rectangular Gallery. For more info click here.
Basecamp Explorer Eagle View, Kenya
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Where?
Mara Naboisho Conservancy, in a remote and undeveloped part of the Mara.
Eco credentials:
Voted one of the most sustainable lodges by the National Geographic, this hotel was built using recycled steel, sustainably sourced wood, certified bamboo and local materials. The electricity and hot water is powered by solar energy and, unlike many safari lodges built on ancestral Maasai lands, Eagle View supports the local community directly, paying a guaranteed income to each of the 500 families who own the Naboisho Conservancy.
Doubles from Rs. 49,944 including full board, airstrip transfer, walking tours & game drives. For more info click here.
The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Maldives
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Where?
On its own little island in the Maldives.
Eco credentials:
This island is quite literally a dream come true. On top of that, it’s self-sufficient, the sea water purification plants produce all their own water, it has it’s own sewage recycling plant and reusable fuel generators, plus they grow the majority of the produce used in the restaurants.
Doubles from Rs. 19,512, B&B. For more info click here.
Fogo Island Inn
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Where?
The the wild northern coast of Newfoundland, which is the most easterly province of Canada.
Eco Credentials:
Owner/founder Zita Cobb drew on the island’s past and area’s rich heritage to create this striking and unique retreat. In 2017, Cobb received the Order of Canada in Ottawa for her dedication for rural development. All the building materials were locally sourced and sustainable, and recycling, composting, renewable solar and wood-burning energy sources are in place throughout the inn. Plus, just look at it.
Double rooms from Rs. 81,808. For more info click here.
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba
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Where?
The pretty island of Aruba, Caribbean
Eco credentials:
Firstly, this resort has won more than 24 environmental awards. And even before you’ve got there, their use of eco-friendly paper for marketing materials has saved 82 trees. They also use solar panels for hot water (and have the lowest per-occupied-room electricity usage of all hotels in Aruba), local suppliers and products and in-room dispensers for locally made shampoos, conditioners and lotions, which cuts down on plastics. Oh, and the bathroom water is treated and reused in the gardens, so the plants win too.
Doubles from Rs. 16,558, B&B. For more info click here.
Hotel Santa Teresa, Brazil
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Where?
In the arty barrio of Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro.
Eco credentials:
Santa Teresa was built with sustainable natural materials such as coconut, burnt slate, banana tree fibres, wild cotton, and tropical hardwoods, Objets d’art are sourced from local artisans, helping the artistic community and the furniture is made from sustainable Amazonian timber.
Doubles from Rs. 19,244, room only. For more info click here.
FROM ELLE UK
