Eco-Friendly Hotels for a Sustainable Stay

The travel and tourism industry significantly impacts the environment, with increasing cruise ship capacity, car traffic, hotel construction, jet fuel usage, food waste, and fast fashion contributing to this toll. In fact, in 2021, it was reported that the travel sector was responsible for 8% to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council, with some estimates rising to around 12%.

Recognizing the positive societal impacts of travel, and as avid travelers ourselves here at TPG, we’re not suggesting you skip your much-deserved vacations. Instead, we encourage you to travel more intelligently by opting for sustainable accommodations. Nowadays, a wide range of options, from off-grid glamping sites to luxurious resorts complete with spas, pickleball courts, and infinity pools, make it easier to enjoy eco-friendly getaways.

Explore these 14 hotels that offer more than just in-room recycling. Features include on-site composting, solar energy utilization, turtle conservation, apiaries, regular beach clean-ups, zero-waste dining, invasive species removal, biophilic design, coral nurseries, and shower timers.

Coulibri Ridge: Soufriere, Dominica

A prime example of harmonizing luxury with environmental responsibility, the 285-acre Coulibri Ridge, envisioned by the late Daniel Langlois and Dominique Marchand, showcases sustainable elements throughout. From the locally sourced stone, painstakingly hand-chiseled by local craftsmen, to the recycled wood and aluminum, every aspect of the property is thoughtfully designed. The buildings are strategically positioned on a verdant hillside to maximize sunlight exposure for solar panels and enhance rainwater collection, powering the Beyond Green member's 14 suites, two restaurants, spa, conference facilities, office, and heated pools. Notably, the pools use minimal chlorine, opting for copper ionization for water purification.

Two wind turbines, designed to minimize harm to birds and bats, further contribute to the energy needs of this off-grid paradise. The pathways, terraces, and steps capture rainwater for irrigation, while Coulibri's farm supplies 20% of the produce used on-site, enhancing guest experiences with fresh-squeezed juices, in-room fruit baskets, and local specialties like guava cheese. An additional 60% of ingredients is sourced locally. The dining venues abstain from serving red meat and non-locally caught fish, ensuring all waste is composted. Guests can participate in sustainability efforts with countertop collection bins in their kitchens and reusable Keurig K-cups.

Rates at Coulibri Ridge begin at $700, inclusive of breakfast. Members of I Prefer Hotel Rewards benefit from discounted rates and perks like free Wi-Fi and complimentary room upgrades.

1 Hotel San Francisco: San Francisco

City hotels are stepping up their eco-friendly initiatives, and this 200-room gem on the Embarcadero waterfront is a prime example. Featuring driftwood sculptures, handwoven rugs, a lobby floor crafted from 7,000 square feet of reclaimed barn wood, and elevator landings made from salvaged Bay Bridge redwood, the hotel combines visual appeal with environmental consciousness. Unique touches like "do not disturb" stones and a ceiling adorned with preserved plants enhance the sustainable aesthetic.

The guest rooms boast a variety of eco-friendly features, including wooden keycards and drinkware made from recycled wine bottles, as well as five-minute shower timers to promote water conservation during California's frequent droughts. Low-flow plumbing and infrared HVAC systems that deactivate when rooms are unoccupied may not be visible, but they play a crucial role in the hotel's sustainability efforts. The 1 Less Thing initiative encourages guests to donate gently used clothing to local charities.

This commitment to sustainability extends to the farm-to-table restaurant, Terrene, where the chef focuses on organic, seasonal ingredients sourced from within 100 miles of Highway 1. He even cultivates his own greens in a rooftop garden featuring beehives. The beverage director also prioritizes local ingredients, sourcing them from within 50 miles and utilizing citrus scraps and spent coffee grounds to create unique infusions for cocktails.

The starting room rate at 1 Hotel San Francisco is $325 per night.

Fairmont Mayakoba: Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Indulge in the classic Riviera Maya experience with margaritas, mariachis, authentic Mexican cuisine, soothing massages, ancient Mayan ruins, and enchanting cenotes. You can relish all these beloved features while contributing positively to the environment by choosing the expansive Fairmont Mayakoba, a 594-acre, 401-room oasis nestled in a lush mangrove jungle along the serene shores of the Caribbean.

At the corporate level, both Fairmont and its parent company Accor have been pioneers in sustainable architecture and operations, committing to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Their successful sustainability efforts, like air conditioning that automatically shuts off when doors are left ajar and the provision of reusable water bottles filled with filtered water, have earned them accolades from organizations such as Preferred by Nature, Mexico's PROFEPA (Environmental Protection Agency), and Spain's Green Building Council.

What’s even more noteworthy are the initiatives taking place locally. The resort boasts multiple swimming pools, creative cocktails at a rooftop bar, outdoor yoga sessions, and scenic boat tours through its wildlife-rich waterways. Since 2015, Fairmont Mayakoba has partnered with Oceanus on coral reef restoration, offering snorkeling trips to explore three nurseries. Their annual Reef Week enhances educational efforts with daily presentations from biologists focused on reef revitalization. Embracing the principles of the Slow Food and KM 0 movements, their restaurants prioritize sourcing from ecological producers within a 100-mile radius.

Beekeeping is a core standard for the Fairmont brand, and Mayakoba proudly manages three hives, including one located at the newly renovated spa. These are no ordinary bees; they are Melipona bees, tiny, stingless, and endangered pollinators revered by the Mayans. Guests can visit these special bees while enjoying vegan snacks, a copal cleansing ritual, and a session in the temazcal steam bath.

Room rates at Fairmont Mayakoba, part of the ALL — Accor Live Limitless loyalty program, begin at $499 per night.

Vermejo: Colfax County, New Mexico

Vermejo spans an impressive 550,000 acres of piñon pine forests, snow-capped mountains, serene streams, and charming meadows, home to 1,200 of the world's most genetically pure bison and 19 fishable lakes. As one of three Ted Turner Reserves located in the enchanting Land of Enchantment, its mission is to "save everything," as echoed by the branded merchandise in the gift shop. Under Ted Turner's stewardship and his charitable foundations for nearly three decades, this rugged retreat—45 minutes from the nearest town—has initiated numerous pro-environment programs focused on ecological preservation, habitat restoration, native species reintroduction, and wildlife protection. Efforts include transforming the former cattle ranch back to its natural beauty through sustainable practices, such as creating water-efficient roadways, removing fences to facilitate animal migration, preventing riverbank erosion, constructing riparian enclosures to support vegetation recovery, and managing the populations of large ungulates and grazers to match the land's carrying capacity.

To inspire its primary objective—encouraging guests to develop a deep appreciation for nature—Vermejo provides a range of activities such as wildlife safaris, horseback riding, biking, UTV adventures, fishing, and hunting. Guests can take a scenic conservation-themed tour that delves into scientific studies and restoration efforts, even allowing them to construct the mentioned enclosures. Back at the hospitality center, children can engage in craft-making using found objects or make ice cream using only hand power. Culinary enthusiasts can tour the greenhouse to discover innovative growing techniques, including using old beer and potatoes as pest deterrents, and get a glimpse of what might feature on that evening's menu, which could include freshly caught Rio Grande cutthroat trout or bison fillet. For a more immersive experience, guests can stay at the remote, LEED Silver certified Costilla Fishing Lodge or the new hike-in Bernal Lake cabin equipped with a gas fireplace and outdoor cedar soaking tub.

Room rates at Vermejo start at $1,650 per night with a minimum stay of two nights, including accommodations, meals, and all activities.

Hotel Marcel: New Haven, Connecticut

The former headquarters of the Armstrong Rubber Company, a 1970s architectural gem designed by Bauhaus architect Marcel Breuer, has been transformed into a climate-conscious member of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton. By creatively repurposing an existing office building, the hotel reduces the need for new materials and minimizes construction's environmental impact. This 165-room concrete structure has garnered numerous accolades in its first two years, including being the nation's first Passive House-approved hotel (which assesses air tightness and energy efficiency) and one of only 10 hotels in the U.S. to achieve LEED Platinum certification. The entirely electric, fossil fuel-free establishment is also on track for net zero recognition.

Hotel Marcel's solar panel system and microgrid efficiently power the hotel's electric systems—including heating, air conditioning, water heating, and laundry—as well as 24 electric vehicle charging stations and the all-electric induction kitchen for its all-day eatery, BLDG, and event catering. There are no single-use plastics utilized in the food-and-beverage services or in the caramel-and-sky-blue midcentury modern rooms. The chef crafts Latin, Italian, and steakhouse dishes using ingredients sourced within 250 miles, updating the menu seasonally and composting any leftovers. When it's time to depart, an electric shuttle will whisk you back to the airport.

Hotel Marcel offers rates starting at $135 per night. Hilton Honors members can book for 44,000 points each night.

Vida Cayman: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Recently opened in March, this property in West Bay has already demonstrated that enjoying relaxation in paradise can be both environmentally friendly and exceptional. Eco-consciousness was integral to the design of the 12-suite beachside boutique, which only sourced materials from ethical suppliers and made design choices to minimize pollution and reduce energy consumption. Sustainable methods regulate indoor temperatures through shaded balconies, breezy walkways, and sun-reflecting insulation. To promote biodiversity and protect local wildlife habitats, the landscaping team preserved existing native plants and implemented turtle-friendly lighting.

The commitment to local products and sustainable choices extends to room details, bathroom amenities, and the reusable water bottles provided at check-in. At the on-site restaurant, Nourish, many dishes—ranging from vegetarian to vegan and dairy-free—are seasoned with herbs from the living wall and feature produce grown right on the island. Food waste, including what’s collected from room trash, is sent back to local farmers for composting.

Amid activities like sunrise kiteboarding, relaxing in the hot tub, taking cooking classes, and enjoying sound bowl meditations, guests can participate in turtle releases at the Cayman Turtle Centre or explore the mangroves. To mitigate its carbon footprint, Vida contributes to a national fund dedicated to protecting this vital ecosystem.

Room rates at Vida Cayman start at $550 per night and include breakfast.

Saffire Freycinet: Coles Bay, Australia

At first glance, this serene stretch of the east coast peninsula on Tasmania's Great Oyster Bay seems tranquil, but it faced significant challenges not long ago. Previously home to a caravan park and backpackers' accommodation, the site suffered from erosion and environmental damage. Today, it has transformed into a 20-suite seaside haven featuring a relaxing spa, beachfront yoga, courtyard hammocks, and locally sourced cuisine.

Prior to constructing this wave-like retreat that seamlessly integrates nature with its use of stone, timber, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the stunning pink granite Hazards mountains, the developers rehabilitated the area with 30,000 native plants. They then implemented a sustainable design that includes double glazing, energy-efficient lighting, proper insulation, and a water collection system.

As a member of the Luxury Lodges of Australia, the hotel boasts an on-site apiary, collaborates with the Raptor Refuge for bird rescue, and features a 2.5-acre free-range enclosure for Tasmanian devils, complete with a breeding program aimed at preventing the extinction of this largest carnivorous marsupial. Stuffed devils produced by a local knitting mill, which provides employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disorders, are sold to support Wildcare Tasmania's Nature and World Heritage fund.

All-inclusive stays for two at Saffire Freycinet, covering accommodations, meals, select beverages, daily experiences, and a complimentary minibar, begin at $1,735 per night with a two-night minimum requirement.

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua: Maui, Hawaii

If you've spent any time in Hawaii, you're likely familiar with the word "aloha." If you've been attentive, you may have also picked up "mahalo." The Ritz-Carlton on Maui's northwest coast encourages you to add another significant Indigenous term to your vocabulary — "malama," meaning "to care for" — to pay tribute to the Native Hawaiians' rich tradition of land and sea stewardship.

Actions speak louder than words, and the luxurious 468-room resort has implemented numerous sustainable practices, such as a solar canopy that produces 60% of the resort's energy requirements and providing complimentary reef-safe sunscreen at the pool and beach. The seven dining venues source ingredients from the organic garden. (Be sure to try the Sissy, Sassy, and Richie salsa trio at the club lounge.) Additionally, water-filling stations are available for guests using sleek aluminum Path bottles while enjoying the two golf courses, strolling through the clifftop labyrinth, participating in the luau, playing tennis, or relaxing with a mai tai at the lobby bar while listening to the incredibly talented employee band.

For hands-on learners, the resort offers a wealth of edutainment opportunities. It is one of only six Ritz-Carlton properties to host a chapter of Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment program. Knowledgeable guides lead snorkeling excursions, bicycle tours, and coastal trail hikes, discussing topics like invasive species and the uses of various plants and animals by ancient Hawaiians. Weekly volunteer activities (such as beach cleanups, invasive plant removal, and native seed planting) are also organized. During the annual Celebration of the Arts, guests can participate in reforesting the Puu Kukui Watershed, which suffered significant damage during Dole's management.

The starting rate at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is $900 per night. Marriott Bonvoy members can book from 65,000 points per night.

Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel: Rome

Situated in a lush park overlooking the Eternal City, the Rome Cavalieri boasts 345 rooms and 25 suites, showcasing its commitment to sustainability, as evidenced by its five prestigious Green Key certifications.

Alongside common eco-friendly practices such as eliminating single-use items, planting 74,000 trees, recycling leftover soap, and installing water-saving systems, this refined hotel is dedicated to tackling food waste, which accounts for 8% of global carbon emissions. With multiple dining options, including Rome's exclusive three-Michelin-star restaurant, La Pergola, and the farm-to-table Uliveto, this initiative is substantial. In collaboration with Equoevento, leftovers from weddings and banquets have been transformed into over 18,000 hot meals for those in need. Excess bread is donated to Birrificio Vale la Pena, a brewery that repurposes it for beer production. Additionally, cooking classes begin with foraging excursions in the Umbrian countryside.

Re(F)use is another initiative that gives a new purpose to discarded items. Guests can take an electric Fiat Spiaggina to visit Carmina Campus, a design workshop that crafts unique pieces from materials destined for landfills, including the souvenir pouch each guest receives.

The starting rate at Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel is $373 or 80,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Six Senses Crans-Montana: Valais, Switzerland

Since its inception in the mid-1990s, sustainability has been a hallmark of the Six Senses brand. This premium wellness-oriented hospitality provider implements various eco-friendly measures across all 23 of its locations in 18 countries, including organic bedding on handmade mattresses, bottling water in glass, using biodegradable cleaning products, composting for garden fertilizers, and utilizing passive cooling techniques. However, each individual property, like this high-altitude retreat, also adds its unique approach to environmental preservation.

The eco-friendly design of Crans-Montana incorporates mindful architecture and efficient engineering as its first line of defense. The heating system utilizes recovered carbon-neutral wood pellets, while features such as double-glazed windows, waste heat recovery, and LED lighting enhance the guest experience—often unnoticed—whether you're enjoying a swim in the indoor and outdoor UV-filtered pools, rejuvenating at the spa, or grooving to the après-ski DJ set.

The Earth Lab offers zero-waste workshops where participants can acquire practical skills to implement at home, such as transforming used kitchen oil into candles or crafting flying seed bombs. The hotel collaborates with a horticulturist to establish a fruit tree seed bank that catalogs and preserves heritage varieties from the rich Alpine valley it resides in. Additionally, through OPPAL (Organization Pour la Protection des Alpages), the hotel supports training volunteers who care for sheep flocks shepherded on the mountainside at night to deter wolf attacks.

The Six Senses Crans-Montana has a starting double rate of $745, including breakfast; IHG One Rewards members can book stays for 180,000 to 361,000 points per night.

Tides Inn: Irvington, Virginia

This 70-room getaway could easily adopt the motto, "Sustainability with a preppy twist," thanks to its charming decor of nautical blues, brass accents, and wooden buoys, alongside a commitment to shoreline restoration with an investment of $3.6 million. Guests can sail the Chesapeake Bay, dock at the 27-slip marina, and participate in tree planting or wetland grass restoration projects with Friends of the Rappahannock to combat erosion and enhance local wildlife habitats.

Guests have the opportunity to participate in on-site activities, such as planting oysters on the inn's reef, where they can learn about these essential species and their ability to filter water from the resident ecologist. He also leads excursions focused on local birdlife and the renowned blue crabs. The staff horticulturalist, responsible for the pollinator gardens, vegetable garden, and bee meadow, offers tours of these areas and guides guests on foraging adventures along the mushroom trails. Meanwhile, the beekeeper shares insights into the fascinating life of bees at the apiary, complete with quirky costumes and tastings.

The starting rate at The Tides Inn is $289 per night.

Phaea Blue Palace: Crete, Greece

Quiet luxury blends with mindful hospitality at this female-led, family-owned boutique hotel on the rugged coastline of sunny Crete. Boasting a Mediterranean climate, a private beach with Blue Flag certification, outdoor dining, and tranquil azure waters, the resort features 47 spacious bungalows and villas—newly refreshed and arranged across three levels like a Cubist artwork—creating a romantic atmosphere perfect for honeymooners.

As a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this hotel sources 91% of its energy from renewable solar and geothermal resources. It utilizes eco-friendly cleaning products made from sugar beets and bran, practices worm and micro-composting, and features four-season glass, LED lighting, sustainable flooring, and even a mini lodge for cats, for which they cover neutering costs.

The hotel takes great pride in its agricultural initiatives and dining practices. Phaea supports a forward-thinking program that provides resources and training to staff, encouraging them to remain on the island during the offseason as eco-friendly farmers. The hotel then purchases their harvest, including honey from Blue Palace hives and house-made olive oil. These ingredients, combined with produce from the property's edible landscaping and organic gardens, create a largely vegetarian menu, with seafood sourced from the nearby fishing village to minimize tourist impact. Guests can join in the harvesting of vegetables with the farmers, cook with the chef, enjoy communal alfresco dining, and sip organic Greek wines.

The starting rate at Phaea Blue Palace is $309 per night.

Hotel Three Sixty: Ojochal, Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, off-grid and eco-friendly resorts are a standard choice. Among the newer adults-only options is this 12-villa haven located on a 58-acre rainforest reserve, which prioritizes sustainability almost as much as guest comfort. The property showcases biophilic design with features like living walls, open-air structures that allow for views of the lush canopy, and a striking lobby water feature that relies on rainwater and is crafted from local stones.

The living spaces occupy less than 8% of the land, encouraging guests to explore jungle trails and connect with nature. Visitors can witness various tree species planted in collaboration with One Tree Planted. If you're fortunate, you might catch sight of some wildlife that benefits from reforestation efforts, such as white-faced Capuchin monkeys, yellow-throated toucans, glass frogs, and giant anteaters. For each night of your stay, the hotel commits to planting a tree in Costa Rica's highlands, lowlands, or mangroves.

Sustainability practices here include grey water reuse, irrigation from collected rainwater, eco-friendly cleaning supplies, biodegradable toiletries from the local company Raw Botanicals, a strict no-pesticide policy, and a food-and-beverage program that focuses on local, organic, and sustainable sourcing.

The starting rate at Hotel Three Sixty is $436 per night.

The Broadmoor: Colorado Springs, Colorado

It turns out that even an historic lodge can adapt to modern needs. Opened in 1918, this 5,000-acre, 784-room gem of the Rockies predates any serious concerns about carbon footprints, deforestation, or melting ice caps—issues that hardly crossed anyone's mind back then.

To its credit, The Broadmoor has established a comprehensive sustainability strategy to guide it into its second century, all while preserving its iconic stained-glass ceilings and grand stone fireplaces. Upgrades include modernizing its 30,000 light fixtures, incorporating natural gas boilers, installing low-flow toilets, utilizing energy-efficient minifridges, and introducing bulk bathroom amenities in place of single-use products—all while offering shopping bags and boxes made from recycled materials in its retail outlets.

Dining is a major focus at The Broadmoor, which boasts 20 restaurants, cafes, and lounges. Sustainable practices include growing vegetables in on-site gardens and greenhouses, harvesting honey from its own beehives, and sourcing wagyu beef from the owner's ranch. The resort also spearheads the Food Rescue initiative, donating untouched food from events to Springs Rescue Mission.

A popular feature is the tennis and pickleball center, which creatively extends the life of used tennis balls by donating them to senior living facilities for use with walkers and chairs, as well as to local humane societies and dog parks for pet play. Additionally, both golf courses are certified Audubon sanctuaries, showcasing the resort's commitment to sustainability.

The starting price for The Broadmoor is $336 per night, or 75,000 I Prefer Hotel Rewards points.