Top 10 luxury eco-friendly hotels in the world
Among the already implemented projects on sustainable development, nature conservation and ecotourism, we can highlight the hotels that will take leading positions in 2024 and in the years to come. These hotels not only offer a comfortable stay, but also actively contribute to environmental protection by implementing advanced methods and technologies to minimize their ecological footprint. With their innovative approaches and commitment to sustainable development, they set an example for others and attract more and more guests interested in environmentally responsible tourism.
Bambu Indah 5*, Bali, Indonesia
Bambu Indah, which means “beautiful bamboo” in Indonesian, combines luxury and sustainability. Each house is built from bamboo, a rapidly renewable material that can absorb carbon. Plantations clean natural pools, eliminating the need to use chemicals. Rainwater harvesting systems and permaculture gardens supply organic produce to the kitchen. Guests can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Ubud while making a positive contribution to the environment.
Forestis Dolomites 5*, Bressanone, Italy
When you stay at this eco-friendly complex, you will enjoy panoramic mountain views and luxurious amenities. The Forestis Hotel is built with zero carbon footprint and is fully powered by renewable energy sources, including wood pellets, a hydroelectric power plant and wind turbines. Building materials were sourced locally to emphasize harmony with the environment. Local wood was used, and two saplings were planted for every tree cut down. The hotel’s interiors are designed in a minimalist style and feature furniture made from recycled and secondary materials.
Maroma, a Belmond Hotel 5*, Riviera Maya, Mexico
The Maroma Hotel has been renovated to meet environmental requirements, with a sea turtle sanctuary, a nursery to save endemic plants, and a program to preserve endangered bird species. The hotel combines luxury with environmental care, offering a unique and responsible travel experience. The hotel uses locally sourced products and eliminates plastic. Guests can enjoy luxurious accommodations and eco-friendly activities including eco-golf on the ocean.
Soneva Secret 5*, Thaa Atoll, Maldives
Recently opened on the Maldives’ Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Soneva Secret features 14 overwater and island villas with retractable roofs for stargazing. All guests of the resort are charged a 2% environmental fee, which goes to the conservation projects of the Soneva Foundation. The Foundation supports marine biodiversity, works with non-governmental organizations to protect the marine environment and grows up to 150,000 coral fragments annually. Guests will enjoy luxurious accommodations and personalized service, while supporting environmentally friendly practices and making efforts to ensure sustainable development.
Opera35 Hotel 5*, Turin, Italy
Located in a neoclassical Belle Époque building, Opera35 combines historical value with modern sustainability. It has implemented measures for efficient energy use and waste reduction. It features modern Italian-designed furniture and fixtures, as well as frescoes and stucco moldings. The building’s respectful restoration emphasizes its monumental character while promoting sustainability.
Six Senses, Bhutan 5*, Thimphu, Bhutan
Each of Six Senses’ five Bhutanese lodges follows a holistic approach to sustainability. Guests can donate to monk training programs at Chorten Nyingpo Monastery in Punakha. At Thimphu Lodge, the Earth Lab offers crafts made from leftover materials. The Paro and Gangtey lodges have vegetable gardens, and the harvest is distributed to the lodges. In addition, Six Senses supports environmental conservation and public education through various initiatives.
Bulgari Resort Ranfushi 5*, Maldives
Bulgari Resort Ranfushi will open in 2025 and will be the latest addition to the Bulgari Hotels & Resorts collection. The luxury resort, designed by ACPV ARCHITECTS, is located on 20 hectares of untouched nature on the Maldives’ Raa Atoll and meets the highest environmental safety standards. Guests will be offered a choice of 54 rooms, including an exclusive Bulgari Villa on its own island, 33 beach villas with private pools and 20 overwater villas. In addition, the resort will offer four signature Bulgari culinary restaurants: Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, Chinese gourmet restaurant Bao Li Xuan, Japanese concept Hōseki and relaxing restaurant La Spiaggia. In addition, the hotel will feature The Bulgari Bar, The Bulgari Spa, Bulgari Boutique and La Galleria, providing a comprehensive luxury experience amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Maldives.
Six Senses La Sagesse 5*, Grenada
Six Senses La Sagesse on the southern coast of Grenada resembles a local village, blending harmoniously into the environment. Sidewalks made of cocoa skins and nutmeg shells, 56 suites with separate pools and 15 villas made of natural materials are just some of the eco-friendly methods used in the hotel’s design. Guests can undergo treatments using local ingredients at the Six Senses SPA center or participate in activities such as sailing, forest bathing or cooking classes.
Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll 5*, Iceland
This secluded place in the remote regions of Iceland is a real mecca for lovers of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking, as well as the latest achievements in sustainable tourism. The eco-friendly design by Basalt Architects includes aged wood and concrete in capsules and A-shaped huts with recessed living rooms and polaroid-like windows. Activities include geothermal baths, northern lights, and a dinner of Arctic partridge and Brennivin schnapps.
Dolce Vita Hotels 5*, South Tyrol, Italy
When creating 5 new family-friendly hotels for active recreation and wellness in South Tyrol, the focus was on sustainable development and eco-friendly construction, as well as the promotion of e-mobility and eco-certified products. More than 30,000 local plants have been planted on the hotel grounds, eco-friendly building structures are used, and local producers and farmers are supported. Guests are given the opportunity to enjoy luxurious accommodations and contribute to climate protection at the same time through a partnership with Plant-for-the-Planet, an organization dedicated to planting trees to combat climate change.
Source: Luxury Travel Mag