In celebration of Earth Month this April, it’s inspired me to discover more about the world of green travel. As a result, today’s vacation roundup shares a few fabulous hotels that are making “going green” super chic.
From award-winning hotels that support sustainability to prestigious luxury resorts that immerse guests in the local culture, here are 5 eco-friendly hotels that will inspire you to go green travel. Whether you’re seeking a tropical escape or a coastal California retreat, these eco-friendly hotels will excite you about exploring (and preserving) planet Earth.
The Jade Mountain Resort in St. Lucia was designed to fully immerse guests in nature and the island’s rich, tropical environment. The property features 3-walled, open-air guest rooms that offer uninterrupted views of the famed twin Piton mountains, surrounded by the striking blue waters of Soufriere Bay. Innovators in the eco-conscious travel space, they’ve been paving the way for sustainability efforts in the Caribbean. From water and energy management to placing a strong emphasis on the three famous R’s (reduce, reuse and recycle), the resort makes eco-friendly initiatives a priority, even getting guests involved. Not to mention, Jade Mountain was the first LEED certified hotel in the Caribbean in 2016.
Nestled away in a beautiful, tropical forest, the ocean-front Fairmont Mayakoba in Riviera Maya is an AAA-5 Diamond and Rainforest Certified hotel that has amazing luxurious amenities and great sustainability initiatives, so you can vacation with a purpose. They have a team of sustainability enthusiasts who continually develop sustainability programs at the hotel. A few examples of their eco-friendly initiatives include:
- Supporting surrounding Mayan communities by sourcing locally for sustainable lobster, handcrafts, honey, and some organic vegetables.
- Investing in biodiversity through their flora rescue project, which has located more than 1,500 trees and 10,000 native plants.
- A sea turtle program that allows staff to care for turtle nests and ensure that newly-hatched turtles make their way back to the ocean safely.
Located on the pristine Northwest shore of Maui, the AAA Five-Diamond Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua in Maui is dedicated to giving back to the native Hawaiian land and community. The luxurious ocean-front resort has been recognized as a Certified Green Business by the Hawaiian government and public, for its dedication to preserving the environment, conserving resources, and demonstrating appreciation for Hawaii. In addition to its eco-friendly approach, they’ve also partnered with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society, to create the “Ambassadors of the Environment” program. This exclusive program introduces you to the natural wonders and cultural traditions of Hawaii, through a range of environmental activities and guided excursions. When you discover the culture and community of a new destination, it heightens the experience for you, by awakening a yearning to learn more.
Ideally located on the southwest coast of Mexico, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita is often described as the place where you arrive as a guest, leave as a friend, and return as family. Their “mi casa, su casa” philosophy invites you to experience the true spirit of Mexican hospitality. As an eco-friendly ocean-front property, the resort is uniquely located within a 400-acre nature reserve on a private peninsula overlooking Banderas Bay. As a result, it operates under a set of initiatives promoting green hospitality, such as:
- a residual water treatment plant that generates clean water.
- investing in equipment to reduce energy usage.
- using only LED lamps and energy saving solar lamps.
- accommodating guests traveling in electric cars, with three chargers.
Featuring a recent multi-million dollar renovation, the Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey, California is more than just an eco-friendly hotel, it’s also a fabulous place to stay and play on the Central Coast. The hotel has been LEED® Certified by the U.S. Green Council and participates in several environmental programs, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch® Program, TripAdvisor GreenLeaders Gold Level Program, and more. The updated guest rooms offer environmentally conscious amenities and features. Plus, it’s centrally located as it’s within walking distance to the beach and Fisherman’s Wharf, making it a fun, eco-friendly getaway in California.
For more inspiring vacation ideas, check out the Travel section on Inspirations & Celebrations.
[Header image via Pixabay; article images c/o featured properties.]
