Katya - The Travel Guide, December 7, 2024
My top 5 eco-friendly accommodations
How do travelers position themselves on sustainable travel?
83% of guests surveyed for Booking’s latest report confirm that traveling more sustainably is important to them, and 75% of travelers worldwide say they want to travel more sustainably in the next 12 months ( Booking.com’s annual sustainable travel survey 2024).
What is an eco-responsible hotel?
An eco-responsible hotel is an establishment that adopts practices aimed at reducing its environmental impact . This involves renovating its infrastructure with sustainable and local materials , reducing the carbon footprint and energy consumption. It implements environmentally friendly practices, such as optimized water, energy and waste management , with the use of systems such as rainwater recovery, solar panels and selective sorting.
These hotels also raise awareness among their customers, staff and suppliers about environmental issues through training and awareness messages. They can obtain environmental labels , such as the Green Key certification or the European Ecolabel, guaranteeing compliance with strict sustainability criteria.
Finally, eco-hotels are designed in a sustainable and flexible manner, with multipurpose spaces adapted to the needs of customers (work, leisure, relaxation), which allows for a better customer experience and limits frequent transformations of the premises.
Eco-responsible hotels, agents of change
Eco-friendly hotels are not only positioning themselves as more sustainable alternatives, but also as agents of change, positively influencing the tourism industry and creating sustainable models that could be adopted on a larger scale . They show that integrating sustainability allows setting new standards for the future of tourism.
→ Here are my top 5 eco-responsible hotels:
1. Bonito Paraiso, Brazil
This hotel, accessible only by boat, has a unique natural setting on Abraãozinho Beach in Ilha Grande. The property is committed to environmentally friendly water management, composting of organic waste and selective sorting. A vegetable garden has been set up on site to promote organic and local food.
2. Adrére Amellal, Egypt
This remote lodge operates without electricity, using candles and beeswax lamps. It offers an authentic experience with local materials and meals from its own farm production. Perfect for a total immersion in nature!
3. Hotel Escondido, Mexico
Located on a secluded beach on the Pacific coast, this hotel offers modern bungalows inspired by traditional Oaxacan huts. It uses local materials, offers activities like surfing and kayaking, and fosters a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by nature.
4. Autentik Penida, Indonesia
A unique glamping experience (contraction of "glamour" and "camping", refers to a form of luxury camping that combines the traditional elements of camping with high-end facilities and services). Autentik offers treehouses and equipped tents to allow you to have a comfortable stay. In the heart of nature, this place combines luxury and respect for the environment, offering a warm and picturesque getaway.
5. Naturhotel Leithof, Italy
Nestled in the Dolomites, this award-winning hotel uses local and sustainable resources, such as a wood-fired power plant to heat the spaces. The hotel uses natural, eco-friendly and local materials for its facilities and décor. It also supports local agriculture and favours organic and seasonal products in its cuisine.