The world’s most sustainable hotels: stay in eco-friendly style

We’ve already talked about the world’s best hotel architecture and the best hotel TV shows, but where do you go if you’re an eco-conscious traveller? While the idea of sustainable hotels might initially be thought of as something of an oxymoron, in fact, most new-build properties are factoring this into their design. Looking to build with eco-friendly materials, planting gardens with fresh produce and constructing grey water recycling facilities, along with abandoning traditional in-room extras such as plastic water bottles, toothbrushes and shampoos are now top priorities for hoteliers across the globe. Thankfully, a number of forward-thinking resorts have this down already, so here we present a guide to the world’s most sustainable hotels.

The world’s most sustainable hotels for eco-friendly holidays

1. Bambu Indah, BALI

 

Curated by John and Cynthia Hardy – acclaimed designers and long-term Bali residents, Bambu Indah is a must-visit for any eco-conscious traveller heading to Bali. The property is the perfect blend of living-off-the-land and a luxe hotel. Expect to wake up to the sound of fresh spring waterfalls and unadulterated nature, before spending the day adventuring through tropical jungle, lazing in hammocks suspended over the river, grazing through the permaculture farm and even washing local buffalo. A true natural wonderland, you’ll want to stay here indefinitely.

Read our full story on the best eco-friendly hotels in Bali too.

Find out more about Bambu Indah

2. The Hideout, Koh Yao Noi, THAILAND

 

Just a 30-minute boat ride away from Phuket, The Hideout can be found within an old cashew nut plantation on Koh Yao Noi. Made up of just four open-air treehouse suites, each is crafted fro locally sourced and sustainable materials. Spend time in the saltwater infinity pool, enjoy meals created from local produce, and completely switch off at this electricity-free resort where the island breeze will cool your stay.

Read our full story on the best eco-friendly hotels in Thailand.

Find out more about The Hideout Koh Yai Noi

3. Adrère Amellal, EGYPT

 

Nestled away near the Salt Lakes of Siwa, Adrère Amellal offers you the chance to detach from the world and connect fully with nature. Lit by gas lamps, candles, and the moon, the property is free from electricity so you can dine beneath the stars. The architecture here is crafted from kershaf, a traditional blend of clay, sand, and salt and all the produce comes from the hotel’s own gardens. We love the natural spring swimming pool that is shaded by a palm grove.

Read the full story on the best eco-friendly hotels in Egypt.

Find out more about Adrère Amellal

4. The Kip, Sri Lanka

 

A former fisherman’s house, this four-room B&B is all about returning to a more conscious way of life. Surrounded by jungle and just steps away from the beach, enjoy surfing in the morning before refueling at the popular onsite cafe. Expect comfortable beds and cool design here as you drift off to sleep to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore – heaven!

Read our full story on the best eco-friendly hotels in Sri Lanka.

Find out more about The Kip

 

5. The Pig at Combe, UNITED KINGDOM

 

Sitting pretty near the south coast in Devon, The Pig at Combe does sustainability the right way. Showcasing upcycled furniture across the property, it also uses LED lighting to reduce energy consumption and a number of recycled  products.

Enjoy a menu of delights crafted from ingredients grown on site in one of the three kitchen gardens and relax in rustic spaces that ooze British charm.

Read our full story on the best eco-friendly hotels in the United Kingdom.

Learn more about The Pig at Combe

7. Pench Tree Lodge, INDIA

 

Wildlife enthusiasts will love this sustainable hotel that offers ethical glamping adventures. Located just 20 minutes from Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh, each of the 12 treehouses and cottage resorts are constructed from natural materials, including sal wood.

Enjoy being nestled amid 40 acres of forest as you take a dip in the pool and learn more about the surrounding flora and fauna.

Read our full story on the best eco-friendly hotels in India.

Discover more about Pench Tree Lodge

 

8. Song Saa Private Island, CAMBODIA

 

The epitome of sustainable design, Song Saa Private Island proves that luxury and eco-responsibility can exist simultaneously. Crafted from reclaimed timber and materials from Cambodia itself, the design for the tropical getaway was the brainchild of Melita Koulmandas Hunter.

Each villa is home to up-cycled decor and repurposed furniture, with driftwood being made into tables, salvaged wood from discarded fishing boats transforming into floor boards and even old oil drums being given new life as useful products like lamps.

A particularly impressive and unique part of the green resort is the purpose-built sewage and irrigation system that recycles 100% of the waste created. The custom-built wastewater treatment facility then cleans all of the water and the grey water is then used for irrigation while the organic waste becomes fertiliser.

Even the food programme at Song Saa Private Island considers the environment. The resort works with local fishermen who employ sustainable fishing methods, while the majority of the vegetables used are grown onsite. Green has never looked so good.

Find out more about Song Saa Private Island

 

9. Tierra Patagonia, CHILE

 

Chilean architects Cazú Zegers, Roberto Benavente, and Rodrigo Ferrer were behind the design for Tierra Patagonia, a hotel built from local natural materials and inspired by the shape of fossils. Blending seamlessly in with surrounds, during the build, landscape artists removed the on-site vegetation and tended it before replanting it around the site when it was complete.

Inside, LED lighting is in place to reduce energy waste with textiles and furnishings crafted from local natural materials. But it’s the layout of the structure that is perhaps most interesting, as it utilises the sun in a way that allows for no air-conditioning in summer and low-heating in winter. We also love that Tierra Patagonia supports reforestation by planting a tree for every visitor who stays with them.

Read more about Tierra Patagonia

 

10. Laucala Island, FIJI

 

We think being 86% self-sustained definitely warrants you a place on the list of world’s most sustainable hotels. On a private island in beautiful Fiji, Laucala Island is spread over 12 square kilometres, with 25 villas and 240 acres of farmland. Growing its own vegetables, herbs and fruit and raising its own cattle, pigs, goats and ducks, means that the majority of the food served at this hotel is homegrown.

Villas are set across the property with some amid the plantations and other ringed by rainforest or set above water. No matter the location, each has been crafted from natural materials and inside, locally-grown rain trees were used for countertops, doors and turned-wood handles.

The commitment to sustainability at this lux resort continues into the spa. Homegrown herbs, spice and flowers are used to create the hotel’s four signature scents, while local products such as volcanic soil are utilised for body scrubs.

Find out more about Laucala Island

 

11. Bawah Reserve, INDONESIA

 

To create a property with light impact on the earth in Indonesia, Singaporean architect Sim Boon Yang was charged with the design of Bawah Reserve. The design for the property took inspiration from the silhouettes of the surrounding islands, resulting in organic curves that add an elegance to the luxury resort.

As a rare ecosystem, home to many rare and endangered species of both flora and fauna, the construction of the reserve was done without any machinery. Natural materials such as bamboo and local stone were employed to create the hotel, and even the jetty was designed in conjunction with divers to ensure none of the coral reef below was impacted. And, as water is a precious resource for the reserve, rainwater is carefully collected and drinking water is made through the onsite desalination plant.

Learn more about Bawah Reserve

 

12. Azulik, MEXICO

 

This adults-only retreat in Tulum, Mexico is somewhere that needs to be seen to be believed. Designed to help reconnect people with nature, the hotel embraces an environmentally-friendly design ethos and responsible business practices.

Featuring villas, restaurants, fashion boutiques, an art gallery and a clothing-optional beach club, the architecture was created to mimic treehouses with high paths and hanging bridges allowing the surrounding jungle to grow freely.

Each of the 48 villas have been hand-built from local wood and have been designed in a way that means they don’t require air-conditioning, and the property has also ditched Wi-Fi, televisions and electric light.

Find out more about Azulik

13. Whitepod Eco-Luxury Resort, SWITZERLAND

 

If you’re looking for a sustainable snow experience, then you simply can’t beat Whitepod Eco-Luxury Resort in Switzerland. Launched in 2004, this unique hotel is made up of geodesic domes that require 30% less energy than a conventional building. The shape of these buildings also require less materials than traditional structures, as they are put together from self-supporting triangular framework.

At Whitepod, you’ll find limited transport, a wood-pellet heating system, water-saving devices on taps and timers on all water boilers. All food and beverages are sourced locally first and if necessary, seasonal and sustainable European goods are employed.