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Six sustainable stays for eco-conscious travellers
Sleep easy at these eco-friendly properties
Travelling is undoubtedly one of life's greatest joys, but it also has an environmental impact. We want to preserve our beautiful planet and explore it, too. Thankfully, the travel industry has made significant strides in sustainability, offering eco-friendly accommodations, supporting local businesses, reducing waste, and offsetting carbon emissions. With many hotels boasting excellent green credentials, it's now easier than ever to travel guilt-free.
1 Hotel Mayfair, London, UK
Set in the iconic Mayfair District, just steps from Green Park, the 1 Hotel Mayfair features the magnificent Dovetale Restaurant, led by Michelin-starred Chef Tom Sellers. And let's not forget the Bamford Wellness Spa - the natural treatments and organic skincare products are nothing short of sublime. The 1 Hotel group is known for blending luxury with sustainability, and this stunning hotel lives up to that reputation with an 'excellent' BREEAM rating. Sustainably sourced and recycled materials have been used throughout, including reclaimed metal floor tiles, one of the most significant carbon contributors to any new build.
Green tip: sustainable transportation
If visiting 1 Hotel Mayfair from London, why not opt for public transport? Buses and trains have a lower carbon footprint and are a great way to really immerse yourself in the city.
Six Senses Douro Valley, Portugal
Located in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley, this 19th-century manor is deeply committed to protecting the 3,500 plant species in the surrounding area. The dining options celebrate the region, with many ingredients coming from the lush valley and the on-site organic garden. Uncover the secret to growing vegetables in a sustainable way with a garden tour or visit the Earth Lab, where you can get involved with some of the sustainability initiatives at Six Senses Douro Valley.
Green tip: support local and sustainable dining options
Dine at local restaurants. They will generally source their ingredients locally and support local producers.
Bawah Reserve, Indonesia
Tucked away in Indonesia's Anambas Archipelago, Bawah Reserve offers an eco-friendly escape like no other. The 35 rustic-designed suites and overwater villas evoke that home-away-from-home feeling while being worlds away. Surrounded by a rare ecosystem, home to many endangered species of both flora and fauna, the reserve was constructed without machinery. Natural materials such as bamboo and local stone were used to create the hotel, and even the jetty was designed with input from divers to protect the coral reef below. Rainwater is collected, and drinking water is produced on-site at the desalination plant.
Green tip: respect natural and cultural sites
Leave no trace. Follow the principle of leaving places as you found them by not littering and avoiding damage to natural habitats.
Rosewood Sao Paulo, Brazil
Mirroring Brazil's energy and heritage, Rosewood Sao Paulo is a metropolitan oasis located at Cidade Matarazzo. The hotel occupies one of the area's few remaining historical landmark buildings and a striking new vertical garden tower designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel. The interiors, designed by Philippe Starck, are equally impressive. But what's most remarkable is that 100% of the hotel's energy supply is fully sustainable (as of January 2023), thanks to its dedicated solar farm and partnerships with local government agencies.
Green tip: stay in eco-friendly accommodation
Select green hotels. Choose hotels that have earned certifications for sustainability practices, such as LEED, BREEAM or Green Key.
Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador
Mashpi Lodge is the ideal springboard for exploring the biologically diverse world of its 2,500-hectare cloud forest reserve within the Metropolitan District of Quito. The striking hotel offers an exclusive location on a scenic plateau and views of the surrounding forested mountains and their unique ecosystems. Guests can encounter up to 400 species of birds, otherworldly flora, and other extraordinary creatures against a backdrop of crashing waterfalls and mesmerising views.
Green tip: engage responsibly
Participate in cultural experiences that respect and preserve the environment and local traditions. Ensure that your activities do not harm wildlife or natural landscapes.
Heckfield Place, Hampshire, UK
Possibly Hampshire's finest hideaway, just an hour outside London, Heckfield Place boasts 400 acres of glorious grounds, elegant interiors, and some seriously impressive eco-credentials. Natural materials are prominently featured within the décor, a biomass boiler aids a more sustainable heating system, and there's an on-site farm with a range of crops harvested through biodynamic farming before making their way to guests' plates.
Green tip: reduce, reuse, recycle
Minimise waste. Carry a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and cosmetic containers to avoid single-use plastics.