Trying to travel more mindfully? From eco hotels to sustainable boutique lodges, these spots are designed for the conscious traveller…
The rise of sustainable travel is no longer just a trend, but a practice that is here to stay. In fact, the expectations for hotels and businesses to reduce their impact on our planet continues to grow, and it’s great to see hoteliers responding positively and rapidly to this shift in perspectives. Now, we have more sustainable lodging options than ever to choose from to do our part in preserving the planet.
From off-the-grid hotels generating more energy than they consume, to farm-to-table lodges celebrating local produce, here are eight eco-friendly hotels and lodges to add to your 2024 travel bucket list.
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Fogo Island Inn – Newfoundland, Canada
If you’re looking to really disconnect, look no further than Fogo Island Inn (because it really doesn’t get any further than that). Located at the edge of the North Atlantic, this 29-room hotel is built on the principle of sustainability. With strong initiatives in place to reduce its impact on our planet, Fogo Island Inn reinvents what it means to travel consciously. After all, if you commit to making the journey, you are bound to value its preservation.
From balancing out its greenhouse gas emissions and reinvesting its entire operating surpluses to its community, Fogo Island Inn is the most extraordinary place for travellers to experience what true social and environmental responsibility means.
Fogo Island Inn, 210 Main Road, Joe Batt’s Arm, Newfoundland A0G 2X0, Canada, [email protected], fogoislandinn.ca
Piaule Catskill– New York, USA
New York is not exactly a city that pops to mind when talking about sustainability. However, Piaule is here to change that. Set in the forest of Catskill, this hotel is as much a design-led as it is sustainability-led. Structured in a way that allows the property to tread lightly on the earth, only five out of the 50 acres of land are used to build 24 cabins, allowing guests to fully immerse in nature.
As cleverly stated on their website, “If you are looking for the Four Seasons, look elsewhere. If you want to experience the earth’s four seasons, this is the place.”
Piaule Catskill, 333 Mossy Hill Road, Catskill, New York 12414, United States, [email protected], www.piaule.com
Rockhouse Hotel & Spa – Negril, Jamaica
If what you’re after is a socially responsible tropical escape, this award-winning hotel in Jamaica offers just that. Perched over the cliffs of Negril amongst eight acres of tropical gardens, Rockhouse has established itself as one of the most-cherished destinations amongst travellers. We love that this Caribbean paradise prioritises its environmental undertaking as much as it does customer experience. And if you’re still not convinced, this used to be a frequent hang out spot for The Rolling Stones and Bob Marley!
Rockhouse Hotel & Spa, West End Road, Negril, Jamaica, [email protected], www.rockhouse.com
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The Pig at Combe – Devon, United Kingdom
Immerse yourself in a quintessentially English country house that is traditional in the way it looks but thinking ahead in its approach to supporting biodiversity. What sets The Pig at Combe apart from the rest is the food. While each Pig has its own kitchen garden (there are 11 Pigs in total!), The Pig at Combe goes to an even greater length to ensure the menu is seasonal and supports local suppliers. Everything you find on the menu is sourced within 25 miles of the property and is subject to change daily! All this effort is made to ensure that guests can have a fantastic time while supporting a great initiative.
The Pig at Combe, Gittisham, Honiton EX14 3AD, United Kingdom, [email protected], www.thepighotel.com/at-combe
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Whitepod Original – Monthey, Switzerland
Located 1,400 metres above sea level, Whitepod Original is an eco-luxury hotel that offers the luxury of a traditional hotel while committing to preserving the planet with energy-efficient designs and practices.
The Swiss hotel offers two types of accommodation: cosy pods for romantic getaways and spacious cabins for nature-loving families. Both fully equipped with eco-friendly amenities and an unobstructed view of nature, it is hard to pick a favourite! Guests can also ski on Whitepod’s self-operated ski slopes in the winter, and enjoy dog karting and paragliding tours in the warmer months.
Whitepod Original, Les Giettes, Des Cerniers, 1871 Monthey, Switzerland, [email protected], whitepod.com
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve – Gansbaai, South Africa
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is a sanctuary for those who want to go beyond the basics and truly experience the wilderness of Africa. Located just two hours away from Cape Town, at the southern tip of Africa, this award-winning family-run eco-paradise is where biodiversity and natural wonder meet.
With over 23 mammal species found on the reserve and 100 endangered plant species in the surrounding areas, Grootbos adopts a progressive approach to tourism, constantly innovating and coming up with new ways of preserving the world’s natural wonders. Guests can indulge in freshly picked produce and one-of-a-kind experiences including shark cage diving and marine safari to deepen their interactions with nature’s beasts whilst directly contributing to the hotel’s conservation efforts.
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, R43, Gansbaai, 7220, South Africa, [email protected], www.grootbos.com
Six Senses – Thimphu, Bhutan
With Bhutan being the world’s first and only carbon-negative country, it is no surprise that both hoteliers and visitors alike are strictly regulated by the local authorities to help preserve this climate-friendly nation. The wellness-led hotel brand, Six Senses, is no exception and delivers utmost luxury to guests while adhering to a zero waste philosophy. Guests can wake up to breathtaking views of Bhutan’s stunning landscapes from any of the 82 luxurious villas and suites, with the option to fully immerse themselves into the local culture through culinary experiences handpicked by the hotel.
Six Senses, Chunimeding, Babesa, Chang Gewog, Thimphu, Bhutan, [email protected], www.sixsenses.com
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Svart – Meløy, Norway
Being energy-positive in the travel and real estate industries is almost as hard as spotting the Northern Lights. However, Svart sets out to deliver both – although the latter is less within its control. This Norwegian hotel is the world’s first energy-positive hotel (which means it makes more energy than it uses), pushing the limits of sustainable travel while still ensuring that guests still enjoy the highest standard of luxury. Located within the Arctic circle, Svart establishes itself as a prime destination for aurora sightings. Its innovation and environmental consciousness will no doubt make the experience more unique and memorable.
Svart is set to open later this year.
Svart, Meløy, Norway, svart.no
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Main image courtesy of Piaule via Instagram, image 1 courtesy of Fogo Island Inn via Instagram, image 2 courtesy of Piaule via Instagram, image 3 courtesy of Rockhouse Hotel & Spa, image 4 courtesy of The Pig via Instagram, image 5 courtesy of Whitepod Original via Instagram, image 6 courtesy of Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, image 7 courtesy of Six Senses Bhutan via Instagram, image 8 courtesy of Svart.