Chynna SymoneThis article is brought to you by Fora Travel. As a travel advisor through this platform I can offer you free perks for all of the properties listed below.
The best part about a more mindful mode of travel is that it often elicits the most memorable experiences. A sustainable trip is a win for both the traveler and our world. As travelers, when we travel mindfully, we can have a positive impact on the destination we visit: we can do so by supporting eco-friendly hotels and experiences that prioritize sustainability initiatives.
When people think of sustainable travel, eco-friendly resorts and volunteer trips often come to mind. And although these modes of travel can be rewarding, they’re just a subset of sustainable tourism (a type of travel that can be applied much more broadly). In fact, you can incorporate a sustainable ethos into any destination, travel style or budget. At its core, sustainable travel is all about traveling in a way that protects our planet and supports local communities.
Below is a sampling of locations (some of which might surprise you) and experiences to inspire you to explore mindfully. For each destination, there are two properties: one that’s more boutique and one from a larger hotel chain. The selection is curated in a way to showcase that whether you love well-established brands or under-the-radar stays, there are sustainable hotel offerings for all travelers. Plus, you’ll find a few travel tips to keep in mind before, during and after your trip.
This list is intended to act as a springboard and inspiration for what’s possible. Connect with me, and I’ll create a curated, conscious itinerary specific to you and your preferences.
Eco-Friendly Hotels in New York
If you know where to go, even cities can be sustainable. In fact, more infrastructure and resources often allow for the implementation of more sustainable initiatives. In New York, eco-conscious living is top of mind for many.
Sustainable luxury is the name of the game at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, which boasts views of the Manhattan skyline. It’s worth noting that a stay in Brooklyn is inherently a more sustainable travel decision. This is because the majority of NYC tourists opt to stay in Manhattan, but venturing out to Brooklyn helps disperse tourism dollars more widely. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is impressively energy efficient (and LEED-certified, no less). Much of it was built using reclaimed materials. Single-use plastics are nowhere to be found, and the bedrooms are outfitted with organic mattresses and nontoxic linens. For an option on the other side of the East River, check out 1 Hotel Central Park. Additionally, 1 Hotels’ neighborhood guides highlight surrounding sustainable businesses and community green spaces, allowing travelers to live like mindful locals.
Firmdale’s Crosby Street Hotel, in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood, is another notable option. The hotel was LEED certified back in the early 2000s, recognized for its locally sourced building materials and mindful energy and water production systems. All Firmdale properties are big on natural light, too; their liberal use of floor-to-ceiling windows is perhaps one of the chicest way to conserve light energy. Even better, Kit often collaborates with local artists and designers — both household names and yet-to-be-discovered talents — to add further personality to her hotels.
Perks I can offer through Fora at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge:
- $100 food / beverage credit, $25 daily breakfast credit, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Perks I can offer through Fora at The Crosby Street Hotel:
- A welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Eco-Friendly Hotels in the Mountains of Vail
Vail is a paragon in the sustainability space. It’s the first mountain resort to be certified sustainable by Green Destinations, a GTSC-certified organization and sustainability authority. It’s also the first certified sustainable destination in the US.
The town has its own Environmental Sustainability Department dedicated to implementing environmentally conscious initiatives (on issues ranging from climate change to wildlife protection) and educating the public about such endeavors.
At Sonnenalp Hotel, a European-style stay in Vail Village, the staff actively participate in green activities like regular trail maintenance and river clean-up. The hotel also financially supports local conservation projects. Reusable containers are found in their spa, and paperless systems abound. Plus, Sonnenalp recycles all their corks and plans to start composting.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail is also committed to keeping Vail green. The hotel offers electric vehicles and charging stations for guests to use. Rooms are outfitted with energy-saving electricity controls and water-saving measures. (Four Seasons is also very conscious of how water is utilized in their landscaping.) They source their food locally, minimize food waste and offer a range of activities meant to immerse guests in the natural and cultural heritages of the surrounding area. Plus, they participate in numerous local, charitable initiatives throughout the year.
Perks I can offer through Fora at Sonnenalp Hotel:
- $100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Perks I can offer through Fora at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail
- When you book Four Seasons with me, you’ll enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities. I’ll be pleased to give you more details.
International Sustainable Travel to Mexico
Cabo San Lucas, a perennially popular resort town on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, may not exactly scream sustainability at first glance. But a couple notable places are bringing environmentally and socially conscious practices to the beach destination.
Auberge’s Esperanza, an intimate hideaway located between two coves and home to a coveted private beach, checks a lot of boxes when it comes to sustainability. The resort partners with local fishing collectives and farms to source produce and ingredients for their onsite restaurants, from the romantic seaside Cocina del Mar to the casual poolside La Terraza Americana. Additionally, Esperanza, in collaboration with its sister property Chileno Bay, has partnered with the Green Scholarship Program. Each year, the hotels sponsor the first year of university for two female students studying marine biology or tourism. The scholarship also covers English classes and transportation.
Another sustainably minded option is Viceroy Los Cabos, a sleek resort with over 180 rooms. The decor is contemporary and stylishly minimalist, courtesy of renowned Mexican architect Miguel Ángel Aragonés. The resort sources its water from the ocean, which it then runs through a desalination plant, reducing water waste. Its water fixtures are also low-flow, which further helps conserve the resource. Housekeeping uses nontoxic cleaning ingredients, and welcome beverage containers and straws are made from biodegradable corn and avocado products.
Perks I can offer through Fora at Esperanza:
- $100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily for two, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Perks I can offer at Viceroy Los Cabos:
- A welcome amenity, breakfast daily for two, an upgrade & late check-out whenever possible.
This may be information overload, but that’s where I come in. Above is just a taste of sustainable travel. Connect with me by clicking the image below for a tailored trip. I’ll work to understand your vibe and what you’re after, and design your dream sustainable getaway, complete with VIP perks and priority status at the world’s best hotels.
