Where Luxury Meets Earth-Savvy: The World’s 5 Most Impressive Eco-Friendly Hotels

By Kristen Callihan | May 1, 2016

The World’s 5 Most Impressive Eco-Friendly Hotels

Recent years have seen exceptional growth and development in the ecotourism industry, creating innovative avenues of conservation, sustainability and a refreshing consideration for the local communities impacted. Although hundreds of such new features are being created and implemented in numerous hotels and resorts, some stand out as particularly impressive. A few of these venues are especially worthy of a mention here, with countless more definitely worth exploring. From solar-powered electricity to naturally and locally-made and recycled construction materials and toiletries, energy-efficient lighting, water use reduction, and all-organic menus and local conservation efforts, leading hoteliers are upping the game with these extraordinary eco-friendly hotels.

Earthship

With a website that claims no element of sustainability has been overlooked in the venues, this eco-conscious endeavor is a true pioneer. There are various sizes, styles and levels of luxury in units available within several locations worldwide, each created with recycled materials, utilizing solar power and providing receptacles for collecting rain and melted snow for filtration into drinking water. Go off the grid entirely, or keep a Wi-Fi connection and some other luxuries at one of these cutting edge sites—also available for purchase with classes offered in design and construction!

White Pod

Advertised as an eco-luxury Swiss Alps experience, this destination offers sphere-shaped “pod” enclosures solely comprised of triangles which results in a self-supporting framework requiring minimal construction material. Wood stoves provide heat, night lighting and on-site transport is restricted, water use is controlled and waste is recycled—not to mention the views are utterly breathtaking!

Morgan’s Rock Hacienda And Econolodge

Situated atop the trees within four thousand acres of protected Nicaraguan rain forest, Morgan’s Rock provides assorted nature-related tours and activities. Enjoy its very own working organic farm and solar-powered amenities. The venue’s original construction included only natural and sustainable components and these bungalows offer optimal seclusion and tranquility—you won’t find TV or Wi-Fi connections here!

Allison Inn

The locale’s “living roof” of lush greenery was inspired by a goal of energy conservation as it provides significant insulation. In-room provisions like filtered water bottles are refilled rather than tossed and replaced, linens and towels are changed only upon request and plastic around the premises is minimal to non-existent. It’s no wonder this venue earned a LEED gold certificate!

Lenox Hotel

A top level green rating from TripAdvisor puts this locale in the spotlight, with car chargers provided for electric vehicles, a rooftop beehive for use in the bar’s cocktail recipes, 88% of its waste recycled and regular donations of hotel amenities to charity. Stop on the eleventh floor for “Heaven On Eleven,” an allergen-free environment with enhanced air filtration systems and hypoallergenic linens.

As we plan future travels, it’s clear that luxury can accompany, and even complement, sustainable hotel features in ways unimagined until now. Find out what your favorite hotels are doing to promote sustainability and encourage it by booking your next stay with one of these eco-friendly hotels today—you deserve a vacation as much as the earth deserves a break!