Travelers have spoken, and the hospitality world is listening. That is why eco-friendly travel combined with thoughtful sustainability programs are becoming the norm in luxury travel. To meet the demand, hotels are competing with one another to provide unmatched luxury while doing their part to save the environment and support local economies. 

There is no doubt that eco-friendly luxury travel is in high demand. Virtuoso, a leading global network of more than 20,000 travel advisors, conducted a travel survey. The results revealed that four in five people (82%) reported that they want to travel more responsibly in the future. Close to 72% of participants believe travel should support local communities and economies, preserve destinations’ cultural heritage, and protect the planet.

For hotels and resorts to stay relevant in this changing environment, they need to develop robust sustainability programs without sacrificing the luxury experience. Several hotels and resorts around the world are exceeding this challenge through creative green initiatives.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Hotels Around the World

Six Senses Laamu

One of the most amazing places I have ever stayed is Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives. Yes, the resort itself is incredible, but the work behind the scenes and with the local community is even more impressive.

The hotel offers a sustainability tour that focuses on the inner workings of the resort. I jumped at the chance to take this tour. As our tour progressed, I learned about the water desalination process, I walked with the chickens who lay fresh eggs for guests, toured the central power station, and observed the glass recycling process. 

Six Senses Laamu goes to impressive lengths to create a sustainable, eco-friendly luxury resort for its guests. The sustainability tour was fascinating and one I suggest whenever it’s available. 

Sustainability Program Features

The front of the house tours and educational programs at the Six Senses Laamu are worthwhile too. For instance, Six Senses Laamu employs marine biologists who partner with NGOs to increase marine conservation. In addition, there are ongoing initiatives to reduce waste by encouraging suppliers to avoid using single-use plastic, recycling organic waster for mulching, and implementing a water filtration system to eliminate the use of plastic bottles. 

As a leader in eco-friendly luxury travel, the Six Senses brand has created an inspiring and responsible green program that guests can appreciate. The team at Six Senses prides itself on sustainable eco-luxury travel at its finest. 

Song SAA Private Island

Created with sustainable tourism in mind, Song SAA provides a luxurious place to find serenity with unmatched natural beauty. The exclusive private island off the coast of Cambodia offers an intimate escape where you can disconnect and enjoy simple luxuries. 

Sustainability Program Features

Eco-friendly policies on land

Song SAA takes pride in preserving the environment on land and at sea. The materials were locally sourced from the mainland to build each private villa, and recycled material was used in the decor. People are essential to Song SAA too. Part of the foundation’s initiative is to provide educational, medical, and organic farming support.

Sustainability at Sea

Protecting the sea is of paramount importance to Song SAA. The Song SAA Foundation is committed to the wellbeing of the inhabitants of the Koh Rong Archipelago and preserving ocean inhabitants. Thanks to Song SAA, Cambodia has its first private sanctuary recognized by the government to protect marine life. 

All of these good deeds can enhance a traveler’s experience too. For example, guests can take advantage of the marine sanctionary while snorkeling or scuba diving or participate in ecological and cultural programs. These amenities are provided in an intimate setting with only twenty-four pool villas. Song SAA’s approach limits the impact on the environment and provides an intimate guest experience.

Grootbos

Named by National Geographic as one of the Unique Lodges of the World, Grootbos is a world leader in sustainable luxury tourism. Grootbos continue to pioneer new paths for environmental conservation in concert with unparalleled luxury.

Sustainability Program Features

Responsible eco-tourism is at its best when you combine the luxurious accommodations at Grootbos with the pristine natural setting and the opportunity for adventure. Guests can go shark cage diving, whale watching, partake in a marine safari, or enjoy horseback riding. For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, Grootbos offers bird watching and beekeeping excursions and the opportunity to interact with the local communities. In addition to these unique green features, what makes Grootbos special, is its ongoing commitment to researching and innovating new ways to enhance the lives of the local community members while actively preserving the environment. 

The Grootbos Foundation is focused on building a brighter future for the local community and the environment. By developing carefully crafted eco-friendly sustainability and educational programs like adult education and training in horticulture, hospitality, and guiding, the Grootbos Foundation is positively impacting planet earth and its local community. 

Turtle Inn and Blancaneaux Lodge, Francis Ford Coppola Resorts

Nestled on a white-sandy beach in Belize, Turtle Inn pairs luxury with unspoiled beauty. The twenty-five-room oceanfront resort is steps from the clear Caribbean Sea and an underwater paradise.

Not to be outdone is the luxurious twenty-room Blancaneaux Lodge tucked away in the remote mountains of Belize.

These two properties have iconic stewards of the environment at their helm: Francis and Eleanor Coppola. As conservators, they work to preserve the pristine natural environment and continually explore new ways to benefit the environment.

Sustainability Program Features

The design and construction of these properties were done to blend the buildings to match the natural environment. All of the wood used at Turtle Inn is from a local supplier, thereby cutting its carbon footprint. The local supplier also replants trees for the next generation. 

At the Blancaneaux Lodge, the hydro system draws water from the Privassion Creek and provides 85% of the water used on the property. Guests can take a hydro system tour to learn more about the water source and conservation efforts. On-site, an aerobic system is also used to separate solids from greywater. Solids eventually can be used for composting and greywater is used for irrigation. 

Guests can partake in sustainability programs

Guests are encouraged to “Pack with a Purpose” to join the sustainability efforts. By bringing school supplies, electronic tablets, and laptops, guests can support the education of the local community. Turtle Inn and Blancaneaux Lodge also contribute to the local health clinic, food donation programs, and provide scholarships to local children to further their education. 

FAQ about sustainability programs and eco-friendly hotels

What is an eco-friendly or sustainable hotel?

An eco-friendly or environmentally friendly hotel is designed to have a minimal impact on and benefit the environment.

What does sustainability mean?

Sustainable, as defined by the Marriam-Webster dictionary, means “…a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged.” 

Hotels know that their success often depends on guests taking advantage of nearby natural and cultural resources. These resources are also assets. It is in their best interest to protect these assets and prevent their depletion or permanent damage. Plus, guests want the hotels they are staying at to be good stewards of the environment.   For these reasons, so many hotels worldwide have created sustainability programs.

What are common features of hospitality sustainability programs?

Hotels work at varying degrees to create eco-friendly or green programs to benefit the environment. Many hotels use water conservation practices, energy-saving lighting, eliminating single-use plastic, recycling, and reducing their carbon footprint by sourcing local materials and food products. 

How do I find other hotels that exemplify sustainability and eco-friendly programs?

Several hotels networks focus on sustainability. For instance, Beyond Green, part of the I Prefer Hotel collection, includes over twenty-five luxury hotels dedicated to protecting nature and benefiting their local communities.

Sustainable Hospitality Alliance includes sixteen leading hotel companies worldwide, such as Accor, Four Seasons, Marriott International, Hyatt, and IHG Hotels & Resorts. The combined reach of these hotel companies is over 30,000 properties and 4.5 million rooms. The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance has four main sustainability pillars:

• human rights awareness and risks in the labor and supply chain
• climate action to reduce emissions on a broader scale
• youth employment to give young people the opportunity to build a better future.
• water stewardship, such as addressing water scarcity and improving efficiency. 

How can I research a luxury hotel’s sustainability program?

A quick internet search of the hotel’s name and the words sustainability program should direct you to a particular hotel’s statement about its commitment to the environment and its green initiatives.

Hotels generally proudly display their sustainability program and eco-friendly policies on their website.

Lessons Learned

As you can see, eco-friendly luxury travel has become a booming industry benefiting not just the environment but travelers too. Thankfully, thoughtful sustainability programs and eco-friendly policies have become the norm in luxury travel.

You can use your power as a traveler to encourage hotels to do more to save the environment by choosing to stay at hotels with robust sustainability programs and participate in activities where you can give back to the local community.

What hotel or resort have you stayed at recently with an impressive sustainability program?

You might also enjoy my blog post on how to make luxury travel affordable and romantic luxury getaways in Northern California.

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