As the world becomes more conscious of the environmental and social impacts of travel, sustainable tourism is on the rise. Travellers are seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint, support local communities, and make a positive difference while exploring the globe. One way to achieve this is by choosing to stay in sustainable hotels. Sustainable hotels, also known as eco-friendly or green hotels, have been gaining popularity in recent years. These establishments are dedicated to minimizing their environmental impact, promoting responsible tourism, and supporting the well-being of local communities. This selection of incredible hotels are an excellent choice for those who want to feel good and do good whilst travelling!

UTSAV Camp Sariska

“When I was conceptualizing the space for Utsav, one of the most important points was to not disturb the trees. I tried to build around the trees and that’s why sometimes you’ll find one seemingly growing out of nowhere!” - Luv Shekhawat, Founder

A serene and tranquil sanctuary nestled by the Sariska National Park, UTSAV Camp Sariska was created so guests could find peace within nature. Embracing a philosophy of mindful consumption to support to natural habitat, and enabling a thriving local ecosystem, this retreat is completely dedicated to sustainability. Utsav invests in the local community, where 85% of the team members are from the nearby villages, reducing their carbon footprint. They follow a Zero Mile approach for sourcing fresh ingredients for their seasonal menus; with a pesticide and chemical-free garden that grow fresh vegetables and herbs for the kitchen. Avoiding the use of plastic, each room, or shall we say Stone Cabins and Swiss Tents, also provides reverse osmosis filtered water in glass bottles. Here at Utsav, the hundreds of indigenous trees and plants help maintain the ground water at healthy levels, and they have installed 34KW solar panels which have reduced over 200 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. Their trained naturalists and rangers also regularly document the local wildlife with the aid of camera traps and photography. Designed to encourage guests to develop their own personal relationships with the natural world, here you will be able to relax and recharge your batteries whilst reconnecting with Mother Nature.

• 
• 
• 

Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa

“All in all, the eco-responsibility is very much part of our DNA and a big part of the experience!”

The perfect mixture of sustainability and luxury, this private sanctuary located on the eastern coast of Zanzibar, aims to preserve and enhance the island’s environment. Spread over four hectares of lush gardens, Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa are powered by wind and solar energies, and this year have inaugurated four new luxury villas that are 100% solar powered and carbon-emission free – a first in Zanzibar, as well as East Africa. They have eliminated single-use plastics, and even produce their own filtered drinking water with a desalination plant, that they bottle into glass containers. The resort also work with their own suppliers; from carpentry workshops for the furniture, to vegetable gardens for the kitchen. All of the cosmetics on offer here are also manufactured by women of the village, where guests have the opportunity to meet and visit the production of these seaweed-based products. Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa was designed with sustainability in mind, and deliver the best of service while reflecting the natural beauty of the coast of Zanzibar – truly inspirational to say the least.

• 
• 
• 

Viceroy Los Cabos

A striking hotel connected majestically by elevated walkways, Viceroy Los Cabos evokes an otherworldly feeling. With a design to contrast against Mexico’s desert landscape, the hotel has been engaged in a process of implementing environmental and sustainability initiatives for years now. They have written an environmental and sustainability policy, and an enacting water and energy savings plan. From its dedicated water conservation practices to an abundance of eco-friendly products used, Viceroy also reduce their emissions with Tesla & E-vehicle stations, a comprehensive recycling program, a complimentary bus shuttle service for all employees, and more. The resort are also proud to support a Plastic Neutral Los Cabos through partnerships and employee participation in regularly scheduled beach cleanup activities. Every product used at Viceroy Los Cabos, from the cleaning products to the bathroom soaps, are eco-friendly, and their spa treatment line is free from silicone, parabens, artificial colours, animal derivatives and is manufactured using renewable electricity. So, rest assured that the sustainability initiatives here are completely endless!

• 
• 
• 

The Kumaon

"We regularly conduct training sessions and try involve the staff in the planning process, this builds their interest in contributing to the sustainability process, a great way for exchange of ideas." - Abhinav Trivedi, General Manager

The Kumaon is a uniquely crafted, secluded private sanctuary hidden away in the Kasar Devi region. It’s surrounded by spectacular undulating hills and rich biodiversity, with unparalleled views of the mighty Himalayan range. With a strong focus on sustainability, their prime objectives towards the environment are everything from efficient usage of energy and water, and optimal waste reduction, to organic farming and engaging with the local community. Having taken two years to transform into the sanctuary it is today, the owners believed in supporting the local communities and empowering them with sustainable livelihoods. Not to mention they regularly participate in clean up drives, held in the nearby village as part of local community initiatives.

Fundamentally, The Kumaon is designed on the principle of abstract modernism that responds to the natural landscape and environment. The spaces have a constant reference to the outdoors, while a minimalist palette is retained to emphasize the picturesque backdrop. The sustainable architecture highlights the locally sourced materials like bamboo, copper and stones, that have been utilised extensively across different structures and spaces through varied local techniques and skills from the region. The materials have also been allowed to retain their natural quality across different spaces at the retreat and have become an integral part of the design language.

• 
• 
• 

Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas

“So much of the ‘pura vida’ experience anywhere in Costa Rica is because of the environment. It’s important to us that we proactively work to preserve it.” - Brent Reynolds, CEO & Managing Partner

Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas is something you’d only imagine in fairytales. Perfectly nestled along the pristine Guanacaste peninsula, this adults-only hotel preserves the beauty of the secluded paradise that surrounds it. With an aim to uplift their environment, Casa Chameleon have implemented a long list of sustainable practices, focussing on bettering their environmental and social impact; from adopting water conservation practices and providing monthly beach clean-up projects, to a Plant-a-Tree and recycle program. Here you can expect on-toxic cleaning products, efficient water-saving fixtures, a sustainable food supply chain, glass water bottles, and more. This hotel is also in partnership with Kind Traveler’s Every Stay Gives Back certification, where $3 will be added to each guest’s stay and will be donated to the education and community development programs in the rural and underserved areas in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Casa Chameleon seeks to marry the sustainable habits of an eco hotel with the amenities savvy vacationers expect from boutique tropical resorts.

• 
• 
• 

Bask & Stow

Boasting an abundance of nature, Byron Bay is a place of healing and connection. This coastal town’s way of life is the envy of many with its idyllic landscape, strong community ties, creative locals, and progressive culinary experiences; from foraging to restaurants sourcing only from local growers. A small, family run guesthouse, being mindful of the environment and community is at the heart of what they do. Bask & Stow partners with like-minded local businesses and source goods that are both environmentally and socially responsible – from bed linen and Cape Byron platters, to Leif amenities and Byron Bay Hanging Chairs. This enchanting guesthouse encourage guests to live like a local - skip the car, walk or bike to the farmer’s market for the best regional produce, while being aware of their impact on the beautiful surroundings.

With their ever-improving sustainability practices, Bask & Stow aims to lead by example. They are now able to power guests’ entire stay with a powerful solar system, with over 50 solar panels, generating 25kw power and 27kw solar batteries. Hot water is also generated by electric heat pumps powered by their solar panels. Not to mention the property's lush gardens are irrigated with harvested rain water. Combining effortless luxury, minimalist aesthetics, and respect for the environment, Bask & Stow is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of Byron Bay for their guests to enjoy.

• 
• 
• 

Hotel Corte di Gabriela

“A green future, in the present.”

Something you may not expect in the bustling city of Venice, Hotel Corte di Gabriela is an eco-friendly boutique hotel that centres all of their decisions around sustainability. Ecological sensitivity and energy recovery are the two core parameters onto which they based the design of this hotel. Each room in the palazzo has been implemented with home automation, allowing them to reduce energetic and thermal dispersion to the very minimum – whilst, of course, providing luxurious comfort. Their attention to detail is also very inspiring. With the use of glass bottles and zero-kilometer products, they also harvest seasonal produce and recycle containers to limit paper waste. Their autonomous heating system allows guests to independently manage the room temperature, without increasing heat loss or energy waste. Furthermore, we are proud to announme that Hotel Corte di Gabriela are one of the pioneers of the eco-friendly approach in venice, and have been honoured with the European Certificate of Eco-Sustainable Hotel!

• 
• 
• 

Dairy Flat Lodge & Farm

Setting the benchmark for laidback sustainable luxury, the Dairy Flat was designed and maintained by the creative thinkers behind the equally exuberant flagship hotel, Lake House. Offering six suites, in a unique country lodge, for guests keen to embrace the wonders of life on a productive farm, the sense of this place is undeniable. This 38-acre regenerative farm lies on red volcanic soil, and allows you to immerse yourself in eco-luxury. With interiors carefully curated by Larissa Wolf-Tasker, each room is adorned with specially commissioned pieces from local artists and artisans, bringing seamless elegance to this charming country lodge. They also supply most of the produce to the Lake House restaurant, where you can be a witness to the inner workings of this sustainable growing facility and watch the gardeners work the harvest. Marvel at the surrounding vegetable gardens, wander through the five-acre vineyard, and be amazed by their 300-tree orchard and 250-tree olive grove. A stay at Dairy Flat Lodge and Farm is an experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.

• 
• 
• 

Hotel Savoy Grado

Situated in the northeast of Italy within the wine region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Hotel Savoy Grado takes sustainability very seriously. Featuring solar panels that heat the water in the hotel and the swimming pool, a photovoltaic system to produce the energy they consume, a ban on any single use plastic, and so much more, they are also are in collaboration with Treedom, where they plant trees to help combat climate change. They also collect rainwater to irrigate the garden, use FSC® paper for our printed materials and provide guests with bicycles to help them get around the area without harming the environment. Not to mention, their default search engine is Ecosia, which finances tree planting around the world! Hotel Savoy Grado is all about making green choices, and working with ethical businesses that give back to their communities. Inspiring and sustainable, this is a place where doing good makes a difference.

• 
• 
• 

Aloita Resort

Nestled amidst the azure waters of the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia, lies a hidden gem that beckons to travellers seeking an unforgettable tropical escape. Aloita Resort promises a tranquil getaway surrounded by nature’s wonders, and takes its environmental responsibilities very seriouesly. Employing sustainable practices such as solar power, eco-friendly building materials, and efficient waste management systems, it actively engages in marine conservation initiatives and supports local communities, demonstrating a dedication to preserving the pristine beauty of the Mentawai Islands. The resort's commitment to sustainability ensures that these ecosystems remain unspoiled for generations to come.

• 
• 
•