There are many aspects that people take into consideration when searching for the perfect holiday destination. While needs and preferences differ from one person to another, factors like location, cleanliness, facilities, safety and value for money seem to play an important role in the decision-making process for everyone. But that’s not all that matters for travellers nowadays.
With issues such as global pollution, climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss and other environmental concerns running rampant in today’s society, consumers are more eco-conscious than ever. Their increased awareness and interest in reducing their carbon footprint and protecting the planet are influencing all aspects of their life, including their travel habits. As a result, sustainability has become an important criterion when looking for accommodation.
The hospitality industry was quick to adapt to these changes in consumer behaviour and offer guests exactly what they are looking for, namely accommodations that provide all the modern facilities one could wish for while also being mindful of the environment. The number of sustainable hotels has increased considerably in recent years. While building eco-friendly hotels and resorts requires a bigger upfront investment, the financial effort pays off in the long run as these lodgings report lower operating costs and high occupancy rates, leading to high returns.
From a tourist’s perspective, choosing a sustainable accommodation makes for a more responsible and rewarding travel experience. So, if you want to enjoy your trips to the fullest but also remain true to your eco-friendly commitments while you’re vacationing, these destinations provide the best of both worlds.
Bali
Bambu Indah is charming boutique hotel in Ubud, Bali, and according to tourists what exotic dreams are made of. Imagine being surrounded by the lush greenery of the tropical jungle and hearing the sound of a waterfall in the background while enjoying panoramic views of traditional Balinese rice paddies. With a notable eco-friendly approach, Bambu Indah blends perfectly into the local scenery but also provides luxury amenities and personalised service that guarantee a memorable experience for all guests. What’s more, the hotel is optimally positioned to ensure easy access to a number of tourist attractions, including the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary located just 2.3 km from the hotel.
South Africa
If you crave a deeper connection with nature but you don’t want to give up safety and comfort, Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve is the place to be. Nestled within the Cederberg Mountains, Kagga Kamma promises a unique experience in the middle of the wilderness, where guests can enjoy spectacular scenery and absolute tranquillity. There are various accommodation options available to visitors, including hut suites, camping and self-catering, but the cave rooms and open-air suites are definitely the true show-stoppers. Spending the evening near a crackling fire and falling asleep under the stars in a comfortable bed in a remote destination is not something one gets to do every day. And the best part about it is that the lodge relies entirely on green energy sources.
Israel
If you’re planning a trip to the Holy Land and you want to mix spirituality with sustainability, David Citadel Hotel is the ideal choice. Touted as Jerusalem’s leading luxury hotel, David Citadel offers visitors comfortable and spacious rooms, modern amenities, exquisite culinary experiences and lavish surprises. The hotel’s central location, at the intersection of the Old City with the new city, makes it easy for guests to reach important landmarks and explore Jerusalem’s most famous attractions.
Beyond the comforts and luxuries it provides, David Citadel is also a sustainability leader as it strives to provide more sustainable and eco-friendly accommodation.
Kenya
Campi Ya Kanzi proves that safari and sustainability can go hand in hand. Located in a 400-square mile area of Maasai-owned reserve in the Chyulu Hills, Southern Kenya, this luxury boutique eco-lodge is surrounded by varied natural scenery and is considered the pioneer of authentic ecotourism in Africa. While staying here guests have the opportunity to enjoy all the natural wonders of the savannah, discover the amazing wildlife populating the landscape and immerse themselves in the unique Maasai culture. Campi Ya Kanzi is also committed to protecting the surrounding environment and contributing to the development of the local community, using all local materials for its construction and employing solar technology to provide electricity to its six cottages. Staying here will inspire you to change your lifestyle as it has many other tourists. When getting home, many decided to upgrade their homes to resemble more to the safari accommodation and contacted companies like kitchenwarehouseltd.com to cater furniture items to their new preferences.
Ecuador
Mashpi Lodge is a strikingly modern structure situated in the heart of the Ecuadorian cloud forest, amid 3,200 acres of ancient jungle, so if you’re looking for eco-friendly accommodation in the middle of nowhere, it doesn’t get much better than this. The lodge has won multiple awards since it opened to the public, being recognized as one of the greenest hotels in the world. Its minimalist design blending clean lines and earth tones and its floor-to-ceiling glass windows ensure guests are able to enjoy the magnificent scenery in all its glory.
In order to reduce its impact on the environment as much as possible, Mashpi Lodge was built using the latest techniques in sustainable construction and there are plans to switch to hydroelectric power in the future. The lodge also supports local communities in their effort to preserve the natural environment and encourages guests to embrace a similar approach.
What do you think about the above list of recommendations?
Staying in an eco-friendly hotel might seem out of reach for many travellers as some of these lodgings have quite high rates. However, as sustainable practices become mainstream in the hospitality industry and the number of eco-friendly hotels continues to increase, green lodging is bound to become more accessible to travellers in the future. And where do you count that each of these locations is absolutely breath-taking?
Image: Photo by Geio Tischler on Unsplash