By Alycia Simons, HotelsCombined.com
Travelers are recognizing the importance of environmental conservation and are increasingly seeking accommodation that supports environmentally friendly and sustainable tourism. Acknowledging this, hotels around the world are developing award-winning environmental, economic and socio-cultural programs that preserve both the culture and support the local economy.
Here at HotelsCombined we know that responsible tourism practices are beneficial to both hoteliers and guests.
There is a growing interest in environmental conservation and understanding the impact of tourism on a destination. With the help of hoteliers, it is possible for tourists to experience and appreciate natural spaces and cultures, while conserving and minimizing their effect on the environment.
Keeping this in mind, we recently examined our database of 800,000 properties to bring you 10 exceptional "green" hotels from across the world offering guests an eco-friendly and world-class holiday experience:
A boutique hotel offering a private beach and rooftop pool, the Hi Hotel Eco Spa and Beach has received Green Globe certification for using recycled paper, organic paint, eco-friendly cleaning products and organic food. Located in Nice, France, the hotel departs from conventional luxury, focusing on contemporary living and changing up ordinary spatial structures.
A tropical Caribbean oasis, the Hix Island house offers guests an elegant, rustic island escape. With a focus on nature, the Hix Island House runs on batteries charged by solar power. It also recycles rainwater, was designed to catch cooling winds and returns grey water to the environment.
The design of the hotel is in harmony with the countryside and upholds the concept that less is more. Built to withstand the natural elements, the hotel is hurricane, earthquake and fire proof.
An exclusive 12 bed camp in South Africa, the resort supports the local community through economic empowerment. Locals are offered employment opportunities, with potential for career development, while food and goods are sourced locally where possible. Additionally, guests are invited to offset their carbon footprint by assisting with the planting and growing of Spesbok Trees in the Eastern Cape.
The safari is run in partnership with the Steenberg Hotel in Cape Town, and the camp is designed to blend in with the earthy surrounding. Guests will enjoy a unique experience with spectacular views.
In the heart of the Riviera dei Limoni, the various structures of this five-star resort are integrated into the village's hill slopes to reduce energy and heat dispersion.
The hotel focuses on overall wellness, a theme which remains constant through the food, outlay and peace of the hotel. The interior design makes use of local materials, while the design of the hotel was fashioned in respect to the surrounding landscape and environment. Rainwater is collected, and the hotel has a sustainable approach to Waste Management.
6. Thala Beach Lodge, Port Douglas, Australia, Port Douglas, Australia
This beautiful art-deco resort has been awarded with one of the highest eco-tourism accreditations, Eco certified -- Advanced Tourism. Located on a private headland between Cairns and Port Douglas, the resort is actively involved in assisting the environmental rehabilitation process.
Situated on 145 acres of property, Thala invites elders of the Kuku Talanji community to take guests through a journey of their culture; from healing plants to foraging for bush food.
The Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa integrates environment and modern design to offer guests the ultimate luxurious experience. Various parts of the hotel are built over the water in the Indian Ocean in order to minimize interference with the natural environment.
The Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa has been the recipient of a silver EarthCheck certificate and is the only resort in the Maldives to be awarded by Earthcheck for both design and construction.
Situated within a 10-minute car ride from the centre of Hyderabad the Park Hyderabad's stunning exterior maximizes natural light, reducing the need for electricity. Green transportation, bikes and electric cars, is encouraged. The hotel fuses local culture with exceptional design and has achieved Leed Gold certification.
Owned and run by Sir Royston Hopkin and his family, the Spice Island Beach Resort is a luxurious destination for guests hoping to bask in the natural beauty of the Isle of Spice. A short walk from the famous Grand Anse Beach, the resort aims to blend into and co-exist with the island's native environment.
The resort uses solar heating, desalination plants and all forms of energy conservation. There is a focus on maximizing the preservation of the island via community clean-ups, replanting and non-chlorinated pools. Smoking of any kind (even e-cigarettes) is forbidden in all areas of the resort which places an emphasis on body and soul renewal.
Located on the southwest coast of Bali, guests of this resort will enjoy a relaxing haven, far away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. Set between the rice fields and coastline the hotel was designed in accordance with the EarthCheck international environmental standards.
The resort is completely water efficient with rainwater optimized to meet all of their water needs. More than half of all ingredients, goods and services are purchased from the local area. Locally sourced materials such as sand stone and natural stones were used in building the resort, which incorporates a combination of indigenous volcanic rock and abundant plants to organically cool the villas.
1. Six Senses Con Dao, Con Dao, Vietnam
A five-star resort in the archipelago islands, Six Senses Con Dao has been recognised as one of the world's top eco lodges by National Geographic Traveler. Built using sustainable building materials, the structure of the resort is designed to maximize airflow to reduce the need for air conditioning.
The resort and staff are passionately committed to both social responsibility -- via education -- and reducing the carbon footprint. Close to the beach and surrounded by greenery and jungle, guests will enjoy a relaxing stay in the stunning and very private location.
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