THESE ECO-FRIENDLY HOTELS ARE MAKING A SUSTAINABLE DIFFERENCE

FIND OUT HOW THESE HOTELS ARE REDUCING CARBON FOOTPRINTS WHILE STILL ENSURING A CHIC STAY.

PHOTOS VIA GOOGLE & TEXT LOGAN VERLAQUE

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“Global tourism accounts for 8% of all carbon emissions worldwide.”

— Nature Climate Change

Traveling, unfortunately, can come with more unintended environmental damages than the number of your carry-on bags: from plane emissions to non-sustainable practices and materials on the part of large resort hotels to plastic Piña Colada glasses. Now, with a growing awareness of the need to go green(er) and protect the places we call home, there are more and more hotels offering luxury experiences but without the environmental price-tags.

VIEW OF THE NORTHERN LIGHTS FROM THE SVART HOTEL, NORWAY

Svart Hotel, NorwaY: FOR the adventurers
This one isn’t set to open until 2021, but its cool factor and energy generating plans are dog-earing it at the top of the list. Bridging design and environmentalism, The Svart Hotel’s sleek circular structure is set to give guests a panoramic view of the fjords (and the Northern Lights upon sundown). In an effort to “respect the rare plant species, the clean waters and the blue ice of the Svartisen glacier,” the hotel will generate more energy than it uses and use 85% less than an average hotel (Kjetil Trædal Thorsen, Founding Partner at Snøhetta).
1 Hotel, Brooklyn Bridge, New YorK: for the city lovers
While the views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge itself may be an overwhelming reason to choose to check-in to 1 Hotel, it is the home-away-from-home’s eco-conscious amenities that truly set it apart. The structure of the waterfront retreat was designed using reclaimed materials, guests sleep on organic cotton mattresses and sheets, shower timers are set to encourage water conservation, and there are several resources avaliable for those interested in enjoying a more sustainable stay.
Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam: for the tranquil traveler
Set on an island archipelago off the coast of Vietnam, Six Senses is as dedicated to preserving its surroundings as it is to giving guests a relaxingly memorable vacation. The structure itself was built using reusable materials and designed to maximize airflow and minimize the need for air conditioning in the tropical heat. Additionally, Six Senses houses a turtle sanctuary (guests can watch new sea turtles hatch!), is partnered with local national parks to conserve the surrounding areas, and has an Earth Lab to educate guests on sustainability practices. Did we mention it is breathtakingly beautiful?
LimaLimo, Ethiopia: for the Off-grid lovers (HINT: No wifi available)
Nestled in the Simien mountains, this minimalist 14 room lodge prides itself on its love of its local flora and fauna and brining guests together to experience their beauty. Limalimo was built by locals and employs mostly members of its nearby community, and builds in a $10 conservation fee (which goes to support local conservation efforts) into room rates. This is truly a dream for those looking to disconnect and experience nature in its purest form.
The Brando, Tahiti: for the sea-side sunbathers
35 beach front villas on the island Marlon Brando once fell in love with spell out laps of luxury. With each villa hosting its own plunge pool, you would think this hotel is out of place on this list. Yet, The Brando is a sustainable powerhouse: carbon neutral, devoted users of renewable energy, recyclers of rainwater for laundry and plumbing, protectors of surrounding marine life. Here you can relax on your own slice of paradise without any eco-guilt (new word, copyright).
BLAKES, LONDON: For the urban bee lover
Blakes Hotel is a JRR favorite. It is located in the heart of Kensington, and is as couture as a hotel can get. Even more impressive than its chic interiors and excellent service, Blake’s is dedicated to being green. The hotel recently introduced a bee colony on their roof this year and planted an extensive amount of lavender, and hope to have their own honey soon. Additionally, all guest amenities are currently being transitioned to glass containers, all straws are paper-based, and the food selection is heavily vegan influenced. An urban gem with sustainable motives?, book us a room.
BYRON BEACH ABODES, AUSTRALIA: FOR THE LOW KEY MINIMALIST

Founded by a husband-wife team, Byron Beach Abodes offer luxury private cabins set a short walk from both the beach and the town. The spaces are quaint and earthy feeling, inspired by the nature of Byron and the Aussie love of surf and sand, with several raw materials from various woods to hemp to linen. With bike rentals and organic foods on site, this is a must stay for the active, nature lover.