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Top 5 sustainable hotels around the world

Travel sees a plethora of trends which come and go, but one that’s firmly here to stay is sustainable tourism. More than ever before, travellers are seeking hotels that are fully conscious of their impact on their surroundings. From guest experiences that protect local wildlife and celebrate indigenous culture, to ‘green’ operations or fostering ties with the local community, this is feel-good travel beyond that blissful bed, majestic infinity pool and Instagrammable breakfast.

Sal Salis, Australia

Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef is glamping like you’ve never experienced before. The sixteen tents are dotted along Western Australia’s Coral Coast, where welcome cooling breezes and mesmeric sea views are sure to entrance. Electricity is generated by solar power, walkways protect the indigenous fauna and flora, food is locally sourced and water is treated as a precious commodity. Guests can explore the reef with guided snorkelling and kayak trips, or even organise bespoke private swimming excursions with migrating whale sharks or humpback whales. Sal Salis is also a member of Bee + Hive, a not-for-profit association that champions sustainable experiences around the globe, helping hotels and travellers alike to make the world a better place through tourism.

Sustainable Hotels, Sal Salis, Australia, part of Bee+Hive

Song Saa, Cambodia

Off the coast of Cambodia lies a beautiful surprise. Song Saa private island resort couples barefoot luxury with a deep commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. On a protected marine reserve, resort guests can explore the colourful depths of the aquamarine waters that surround this tropical paradise, or take a tour with the Conservation Team and see native rainforest flora and fauna. Get involved in the community activities for a truly fulfilling experience, as the Song Saa Foundation runs medical and educational missions in the nearby local village.

Sustainable Hotels, Chaa Creek, Belize

Chaa Creek, Belize

“Founded by a love of nature and guided by the principles of responsible travel”, so begins Cha Creek’s mission statement. In the lush Belizean jungle, this luxury hotel has led the way for sustainable tourism in the region. Sensitive construction, sustainable operations and initiatives allows nature to flourish and welcomes the local wildlife. With a range of accommodation available – from sleek villas boasting outdoor hot tubs, plunge pools and private butlers, to budget-friendly camping – Cha Creek is triumphantly blurring the line between the worlds of high-end and budget eco-tourism.

Sustainable Hotels, Chaa Creek, Belize

Bardessono, U.S.A

Lauded as one of only three LEED Platinum-certified hotels in the U.S., Bardessono’s charm goes beyond its luxurious offerings interiors and chic design. The hotel victoriously illustrates that environmental initiatives can be deployed in a way that is practical, economic, and aesthetically pleasing. Much of the hotel’s green credentials are easily overlooked by guests – clever heating and cooling systems, rooftop solar panels, linens made of organic fibres – meaning attention can be fully turned to enjoying a peaceful retreat. As befits a high-end hotel, guests can avail of in-room spa services, rooftop pool and an on-site restaurant which truly embraces the field-to-fork dining ethos.

Sustainable Hotels, Bardessono, USA

Ion Adventure Hotel, Iceland

Jutting out of the dramatic Icelandic landscape, Ion Adventure Hotel utilizes its enviable position as the basis of its sustainability advocacy. The region’s geothermal parkland is harnessed in an ambitious green energy project, and local materials such as lava, reused wood and wool dot the interiors, tying the building to the local environment and Iceland’s cultural heritage. Guests can sink into the mineral-rich waters of natural hot springs, sample fresh, local cuisine in the hotel’s restaurant or simply sit back with a drink and marvel at nature’s best light – the hotel’s aptly named Northern Lights Bar has double-height floor-to-ceiling windows for prime viewing.

Sustainable Hotels, Ion Adventure Hotel, Iceland

Tom Marchant is Co-founder of Black Tomato.

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Tom Marchant

Tom Marchant is a co-founder of the award-winning tour operator Black Tomato, a luxury tailor-made travel company organising bespoke experiences round the world. Part of the Black Tomato Group, Black Tomato is an award-winning luxury travel company that delivers imaginative and cutting-edge travel experiences around the world. We create inspiring itineraries in up and coming and remote destinations, providing clients with the inside track. Whilst our group and prize incentive agency, The Black Tomato Agency , produce creative, award-winning incentives, prizes and events, Studio Black Tomato, was born as the in-house marketing and content creation agency. From initial clients including tourist boards and hotel groups, we now produce internationally acclaimed content and media campaigns for some of the biggest brands in the world.

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2 Comments

  1. Ion Adventure Hotel would be astounding. Sitting in a bar in an ecologically friendly hotel, watching the Northern lights as I sipped a traditional Icelandish drink would be a wonderful way to spend an evening. I have always wanted to visit Iceland anyway, such a beautiful landscape (I love snow and ice).

  2. Yes! Another environmentally friendly post!! Sustainable tourism is not spoken about a lot and I feel it hasn’t reached mainstream yet. I see so many people still visiting such damaging places, and places that enslave animals for entertainment – it’s awful, but there’s not much I can do about it as people don’t want to listen! I’d love to visit the Adventure Hotel in Iceland

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