This year, as part of our Earth Hour efforts, our experts have been hard at work to come up with a list of the most innovative and sustainable hotels in the world. We have ranked the best sustainable hotels based on an overall score that takes into account a variety of factors including energy consumption, economic impact, and more.
The result is a wonderful list of hotels that are making a positive impact on our planet and offering innovative ways to produce more energy while staying true to their sustainable principles. Let’s take a quick look at how they achieved such great results, as well as the factors that went into their scoring.
Location
This is undoubtedly the most important factor to consider when evaluating the sustainability of a hotel. You want to ensure that the hotel is located in a peaceful area and is away from all forms of environmental contamination. There are many great locations all around the world where you can find a hotel that fits these criteria. For example, consider the Grand Hyatt Kauai, which is located in the beautiful and picturesque Waimea Valley on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. The property’s design promotes energy efficiency while offering spectacular sunsets and fabulous food. Even further south, in the country of Colombia, the Inkognito Lago Gatore EcoResort & Spa is set in a private reserve on a lake with water lily ponds and is surrounded by tropical forests and abundant fauna. The hotel recycles much of its waste and has implemented an energy-efficient building design using natural materials such as bamboo and stone to produce exquisite, green concrete blended with local plant species for extra texture. The hotel has five restaurants and bars including an eco-friendly fish restaurant, Marrakech Garden, which uses only locally sourced produce.
Style
The style of a hotel can have a significant impact on its energy consumption. You want to make sure that you are checking out a hotel that is up to date with current design trends and that is also respectful of traditional styles. Consider the Mont Blanc, which is a hotel in the Alps that was originally built in 1895 and has been refurbished using modern twists on classic design features. The owners have taken great care in ensuring that the hotel still maintains its original character. For example, the bar is still housed in a real working water pump, and the hotel’s original crystal chandelier is still hung from the great hall ceilings. When it comes to energy-efficient design, you often hear the words ‘elevation’ and ‘zen’ being used in the same sentence. That’s because the elevated positions of a mountain can allow for unrivalled views and provide guests with an extra boost of oxygen, which in turn promotes a state of relaxation and wellness. The style of a hotel can influence everything from the pool deck furniture to the lighting, and even the way the rooms are arranged. So take time to browse through a variety of styles and find one that suits your needs. Consider also the Alpe d’Huez, which is located in the French Alps and is part of a prestigious five-star chain. This hotel’s design is contemporary yet classic, with an emphasis on luxurious materials and refined details.
Service
Another important factor to consider when evaluating the sustainability of a hotel is its service. You want to ensure that you are checking out a hotel that values hospitality and is committed to providing exceptional services to its guests. When it comes to sustainability, you often hear the phrase ‘green hospitality’ being thrown around. You will find this is especially relevant in places where green practices have become commonplace, such as Denmark and Sweden, where guests are greeted with flowers and fruit at the check-in desk, and where hotel staff are encouraged to walk to work because of their green ethos.
Size
The size of a hotel also has a lot to do with its energy consumption. You want to make sure that you are checking out a hotel that is suitable for your needs. Sometimes a hotel can be so small that it doesn’t offer a lot of amenities, which in turn can put a strain on resources. Consider the Marrakech La Mintelle, which is a 5-star resort in the country of Morocco. This intimate little hotel has just 12 rooms and only one restaurant. Its size means that most guests have to arrive by car and there is no bus service available, which in turn affects the environment. It is one of the world’s most sustainable hotels because of its small size and commitment to green design. Its owners have invested heavily in energy efficient LED lighting, and many of the resort’s common areas and fixtures are made from recycled plastic.
Aesthetics
The aesthetics of a hotel can be one of the major factors influencing its overall sustainability. You want to make sure that you are checking out a hotel that is up to date with the current design trends and that also compliments your trip. For example, if you are going to Denmark, it would be great to check out a hotel that has a Nordic design sensibility. The look and feel of a hotel can influence the atmosphere and the way guests and staff interact, as well as the way food is served. So take time to browse through a variety of styles and find one that suits your needs. One way of thinking about aesthetics and sustainability is via the question: ‘Does the hotel look natural and unforced?’. That’s because we often associate nature and eco-friendly design with each other.
There are many wonderful hotels that deserve recognition for their innovative approach to sustainability. As we stated earlier, this was no easy task, but our experts’ hard work has paid off and these hotels will soon be on your radar.