Green Retreats: 5 Hotels That Lead the Way in Sustainable Tourism

Title: Five hotels getting sustainability right

As the world's population continues to grow, so does the tourism industry. However, with the increase in travel comes concern for the sustainability of our planet. The travel industry is responsible for a significant amount of carbon emissions, and many hotels are working to reduce their impact on the environment. Here are five hotels that are doing an excellent job of getting sustainability right.

Title: 1. The Brando, Tetiaroa, French Polynesia

Located on a private island in French Polynesia, The Brando resort is eco-friendly from start to finish. The resort was built using sustainable materials and designed to maximize energy efficiency. The Brando also has an on-site seawater air conditioning system that reduces energy consumption by up to 70%. The resort uses solar panels to generate its own electricity, and it has a water bottling plant that uses biodegradable bottles made from plant materials.

Title: 2. The Green House, Bournemouth, UK

The Green House hotel in Bournemouth, UK, was one of the first hotels in the world to be awarded Green Tourism's Platinum award. It is a prime example of how luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand. The hotel's 32 rooms are furnished using recycled and locally sourced materials, and the restaurant uses ingredients that are either organic, biodynamic or sourced from local suppliers. The Green House also has an innovative green roof, which helps to mitigate the effects of climate change by absorbing rainwater.

Title: 3. Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia

Song Saa Private Island in Cambodia is a perfect example of a hotel that has embraced sustainability as part of its business model. The hotel's villas are built using reclaimed wood, and the gardens are designed to attract local wildlife. Song Saa also has a marine conservation program that works to protect the surrounding coral reefs. The hotel uses solar panels and diesel generators to generate its own electricity, and it has a rainwater harvesting system that provides water for the island's vegetable gardens.

Title: 4. Hotel Terra, Jackson Hole, USA

Hotel Terra in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, has taken a comprehensive approach to sustainability. The hotel uses geothermal energy to heat and cool the building, and it has a green roof that helps to reduce its carbon footprint. The hotel also has an aggressive recycling program that diverts 80% of its waste from landfills. Hotel Terra is a member of 1% for the Planet, which means it donates 1% of its revenue to environmental causes.

Title: 5. Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Seychelles

Six Senses Zil Pasyon in Seychelles is a resort that is committed to sustainability in all areas of its operation. The resort has an on-site organic garden that provides ingredients for its restaurants and a coral restoration program that helps to protect the surrounding marine environment. Six Senses Zil Pasyon also uses renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and a wind turbine, to generate its own electricity. The resort has also worked with local communities to develop sustainable tourism initiatives that benefit both the environment and the local economy.

In conclusion, these five hotels are excellent examples of how the travel industry can embrace sustainability while still providing a luxury experience for guests. By using innovative technology, local resources, and an unprecedented sense of commitment, they show us that eco-friendly hotels can be both effective and profitable. The steps taken by these hotels prove that sustainability is not just a trend but an important choice that can help to shift the tourism industry towards a more sustainable future.