World’s Most Eco-friendly Hotels
We all feel good on holiday, that goes without saying. But don’t you think that feeling would be enhanced if we knew we were simultaneously doing our bit for the planet? As news becomes more widespread of global warming and a deeper understanding grows of the effect this has on the planet’s natural resources, more hotels are trying to do their bit. So, with respect to them we’ve chosen five of the best eco-friendly hotels around the world.
Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort
Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort - Photo Courtesy of Hotel
A 17-acre former coconut plantation is the tropical home of the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. As well as boasting beautiful lagoons and 25 charming bures (bungalows) – which are made from thatch and timber – the stunning resort is one of the most environmentally-friendly in the world. Activities include medicinal plant walks with a full-time biologist; meals are made with fresh ingredients that are grown in the garden; and a waste water system uses coconuts and recycled bottles to produce clean water.
Eco Beach, Australia
Eco Beach Resort, Australia - Photo Courtesy of Hotel
Eco Tents and Eco Villas are what can be discovered at Eco Beach in Western Australia. Located in Broome the self-sustaining accommodation is raised purposefully on elevated boardwalks made from recycled materials so as to not directly impact upon the earth. There’s minimal electricity use thanks to the onsite solar power system and the water recycling plant is a source of irrigation for the landscape.
Shergarh Tented Camp at Kanha Tiger Reserve, India
Shergarh Tented Camp at Kanha Tiger Reserve, India - Photo Courtesy of Hotel
The Shergarh Tented Camp in central India is also home to more than 50 adult tigers. The accommodation is a back-to-basics sort with six comfortable tents nestled in a private wooded grove. Classic Indian dishes are made lovingly with the locally grown ingredients. The staff are always on-hand to help as they stay at a nearby hamlet. The locals were so proud to have this misused piece of land restored that stone masons and mud-plasterers willingly chipped in.
Tenuta di Spannocchia
Tenuta di Spannocchia - Photo Courtesy of Hotel
In the Tuscan countryside of Siena is an organic farm called Spannocchia. The rustic accommodation is made up of farmhouses, which are popular for week-long stays, and cosy bed-and-breakfasts for shorter stays. As well as providing adventurous hiking trips and Chianti wine tasting sessions the staff pride themselves on educating their guests, with particular focus on nature conservation and preserving cultural traditions. The delicious meals are made from the fresh ingredients that were grown on the land.
Hotel Sezz St. Tropez, France
Hotel Sezz St. Tropez, France - Photo Courtesy of Hotel
Yes that’s right, St. Tropez! Even the jet-setting glamorous rich folk are jumping on the eco-friendly bandwagon. Hotel Sezz was designed to integrate into its natural surroundings, which means not a single tree was knocked down for its build. Instead, the natural beauty was embraced and the hotel was built around it. Rainwater is recycled, LED technology is found throughout the building, and extra thick walls along with integrated window filters absorb ultraviolet rays in order to add to the hotel’s energy-saving.
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