The 7 most sustainable hotels for eco-conscious travellers
If you’re looking to travel consciously you’ll want to stay in an eco-friendly haunt that will keep your carbon footprint as low as possible. From solar panels that heat swimming pools to recycled water and organic gardens, here’s our pick of some of the most sustainable hotels in the world.
The Brando, French Polynesia
This desert-island fantasy, made up of a cluster of secluded Tahitian islands, was Marlon Brando’s private retreat for over three decades before it was turned into one of the world’s most exclusive eco-hideaways after his death. The Obamas, Margot Robbie and Leonardo Di’Caprio come here for a Robinson Crusoe getaway in the most luxurious surroundings and the fact that it is leading the way for its sustainability efforts. The resort has an LEED Platinum certification for its carbon neutrality, produces 100 per cent of its energy using solar panels and coconut-oil generators, and has a groundbreaking air-con system made from sea water.
Borgo Pignano, Tuscany
This stunning converted 18th century villa and farmhouse has just opened in Tuscany is run with sustainability at its core. Local craftsman used organic plasters and eco-paints during the restoration, while the heating is fuelled by solar panels and chip-fired boilers. There are also 750-acres of organic land surrounding it which helps grow ingredients for the restaurant and the beautiful private spa.
QO Amsterdam, Amsterdam
This city hotel only opened in 2018 and is already one of the most talked-about sustainable hotels in Amsterdam. Firstly, there’s a greenhouse on the roof which supplies herbs, veg and fruit to the restaurant and bar. The hotel’s floor-to-ceiling windows and atrium mean that 80 per cent of the building’s illumination is provided by natural daylight. Plus the shower water is recycled for the loos and there’s geo-thermal energy for heating. Did we mention rooms are insanely chic and stylish.
Fogo Island, Canada
Standing boldly on the edge of the Atlantic on stilts, Fogo looks like a futuristic modern-day Bond hideaway. The stylish Scandi-style inn on Canada’s jagged Newfoundland coastline isn’t easy to reach but worth the trip because you’ll be surrounded by a wildlife haven. Here, all the building materials were locally-sourced and sustainable, with recycling, composting, renewable solar and wood-burning energy sources in place. And amazingly, 100 per cent of profits are ploughed back into the community.
The Whitepod Eco Resort, Switzerland
A one-of-a-kind glamorous camping experience an hour-and-a-half drive from Geneva. Rooms are transparent PVC private domes which blend in with the snowy landscapes in the winter, while in summer they lose their white coats for green camouflage to reduce their visual impact. The use of energy and water is controlled here, waste is recycled and ingredients are purchased locally. They even keep the carbon footprints low here by making sure staff live locally and guests walk everywhere as far as possible.
The Scarlet Cornwall, UK
One of the UK’s first eco-conscious hotels, Cornwall’s glorious Scarlet hotel perched right on Mawgan Porth Beach has its sustainability values down to a T. Firstly, it was cleverly built so that the sun heats it during the day, therefore requiring less energy. There are also solar panels that heat the swimming pool, sustainable sea thrift roofing that supports insects, heating created from waste wood chips and even the slippers in the gorgeous bedrooms are made from recycled plastic bottles.
Soneva Fushi, Maldives
The dreamiest barefoot paradise (quite literally, guests are asked to wear no shoes as soon as they step off the plane). This high-class Maldives resort was one of the first in the country to go carbon-neutral, grow their own organic garden and try and be as sustainable as they can without sacrificing any elements of luxury. Cinema nights, villas with slides and stargazing sessions in the observatory are major highlights here.
