The Rise of Sustainable Luxury Hotels
Image by: Keegan Checks - Unsplash
You can enjoy the luxury of high-end accommodation and reduce your carbon footprint – if you know how to pick the right sustainable hotel.
It may seem contradictory that a luxury hotel could be a key part of sustainable travel. Yet there’s a growing trend of high-end accommodations looking for ways to help travelers reduce their footprint while journeying abroad.
The hospitality industry is seeing a resurgence in interest from travelers who are opting for brands that seek to balance exceptional comfort with environmental responsibility. These “sustainable luxury hotels” redefine what it means to enjoy opulence while maintaining a commitment to low-impact operations.
Is a sustainable luxury hotel right for your next trip? How do you find one that is genuine in its mission and operations? Let’s take a look.
What Is A Sustainable Luxury Hotel?
A luxury sustainable hotel integrates responsible practices throughout its operations without compromising on the guest experience. This could include emphasizing energy-efficient design and renewable power systems or switching to organic linens and locally sourced dining ingredients.
Choosing a sustainable accommodation often results in healthier stays through natural food options and wellness programs that other chain options may not offer.
Many of these sustainable properties partner with their community to preserve local environments and create authentic travel experiences that benefit the culture in which they are located.
How Do You Know If Your Hotel Is Sustainable?
While many accommodations will try to slip “sustainability” into their mission statement, not all properties meet the expectations of being a sustainable luxury hotel. As you are browsing your options, ask yourself these questions:
Does the property utilize renewable energy systems and water conservation measures?
Are they taking part in waste reduction programs and recycling efforts?
Do they use natural, locally-sourced building materials?
Are they taking part in ethical employment practices and community engagement?
Do the dining options feature locally-sourced produce? Do they back it up with names of local farms and artisans?
Are they actively involved in promoting sustainable tourism and educating guests about it?
One of the best ways to determine if the hotel you are considering is adhering to true sustainability practices is to work with an experienced sustainable travel agent.
A travel agent can help you determine which properties in your destination meet the requirements to be sustainable luxury and can even extend your sustainability beyond your stay to travel and cultural experiences.
Who Is Doing Luxury Sustainability Well?
There is an increasing number of destination stays that are working to take on the call to become sustainable.
Soneva Fushi in the Maldives currently uses solar power and recycling in their luxury properties.
1 Hotel Central Park is incorporating reclaimed materials and organic bedding into their rooms.
Italy’s Lefay Resort uses a novel combination of innovative heating and rainwater harvesting to provide premium and healthy amenities.
Can You Enjoy Luxury and Sustainability? You Can – with the Right Partner
Choosing sustainable luxury doesn’t mean sacrificing indulgence. The right sustainable luxury hotels and resorts have the potential to enhance your stay more than you might expect!
As your sustainable travel advisor, I specialize in helping you identify responsible luxury properties that deliver exceptional experiences while minimizing your environmental impact. Together, we can add a deeper sense of appreciation to your next trip by adding sustainable accommodation to the itinerary.
By making conscious travel choices about where you stay, you can turn your next trip into part of the solution – proving that responsible and thoughtful travel can be luxurious beyond your dreams!
Want to learn more about sustainable travel – and how to find the right sustainable hotel or resort accommodations? Contact me today, and let’s work together to plan your next trip!