Down to Earth: 4 Eco-Hotels for the Sustainable Traveller

Down to earth: 4 Eco-hotels for the sustainable traveller

Es Raco D’Arta, Arta

While country-house hotels are a common sight in Marlloca, Es Raco D’Arta stands out like an oasis in the desert. Armed with high ideals of simplicity and sustainability, visionary Toni Esteva reimagined a hotel that fits and disappears into the landscape.

The Es Raco D’Arta features eight rooms with a sweeping view of the spellbinding valleys, as well as two standalone casas and twenty-one casitas for guests who prefer a little more privacy. Beamed ceilings, white linens, and carpets woven from raw wool, each room is adorned with warm neutral tones for that raw spartan aesthetic. When it comes to sustainability, the hotel uses geothermal and solar energy to heat the building while the salt-water pool is cleaned by ionisation. In addition, all leftovers are composted on site to improve the soil.

Situated in the protected Parc Natural de la Península de Llevant, the hotel is replete with nature-friendly activities suited for guests looking to disconnect from the bustle of life. Guests looking for that sunkissed skin will be glad to know that the most pristine unspoilt beaches, Cala Torta, is just a few minutes’ drive away.

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Keemala, Phuket

Set in a lush rainforest in the northern part of Phuket, Keemala is a tropical sanctuary featuring 38 villas and cottages, designed to blend seamlessly into the landscape like a final puzzle piece. Each room is fitted with large glass panels that allow sunlight to flood in and illuminate the entire space. As for fabrics and textiles, only products produced by ethnic minority groups under the Doi Tung Development Project are used.

With sustainability in mind, the hotel was built with much of the environment untouched. Using only natural or sustainable synthetic material, the impact of the existing ecosystem was kept to a minimum. While the main draw of staying at Keemala is being at Keemala, guests looking to make the most of their trip can partake in the fitness and culture activities throughout the day. For guests looking to relax, attempting a warrior pose during a morning beach yoga session sounds like a great way to start the day.

While many hotels limit their sustainability efforts to the ways by which the hotels are built and maintained, Keemala goes the extra mile. Through Keemala’s “Anti-Animal Exploitation Policy”, guests are encouraged to only participate and experience ethical animal and cultural tourism activities in Phuket.

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1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn

Nestled in the Brooklyn Bridge Park, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is a luxurious urban sanctuary boasting a sweeping view of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. Set in a 10-storey building, the hotel features 194 guest rooms and suites, a 24-hour fitness centre, a 50-pax screening room, and dining options serving up dishes using only fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Each room features two single or one king-size bed, a cosy sitting area and a floor-to-ceiling window that opens to a small terrace. Furnishing includes a table made from composite wood, a leather chair, pendant lampshades. Separated from the room by an iron partition, the open-plan bathroom features a sink, shower, and toilet. Putting its commitment to sustainability on display, each upcycled materials and artwork in the hotel tells of the borough’s storied past while its design speaks of a greener future.

Conveniently located in Brooklyn, the hotel is close to the bustle of New York and far enough for guests to relax after a long day. Guests wishing for a good time without travelling out of the area will be glad to know that the hotel is located right next to Dumbo, one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhood teeming with quaint cafes, swanky bars, and upscale restaurants. Not forgetting an outdoor hipster market where all sorts of sustainable, naturally-sourced products can be found.

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Ozen Reserve Bolifushi Luxury, South Male Atoll

Tucked away on the resort island surrounded by gorgeous beaches and crystal waters, Ozen Reserve Bolifushi is a 5-star hotel featuring accommodation options from mansions with private pools to stunning overwater villas with slides. For guests looking for a more exclusive experience, the RESERVE Plan comes with a range of special perks, which include, complimentary Return Airport transfer, fine dining experiences, premium alcoholic beverages, use of snorkelling equipment and non-motorized water sports.

For activities, guests can select from a wide variety of activities and facilities available on the island: an eco-friendly ice rink, an overwater gymnasium, spa with 100% organic treatments, sight-seeing with semi-submarine, non-motorized water sports, and complimentary bicycles. For young children, the educational Treasure Hunt hosted by the Kid’s Club is sure to keep them entertained.

When it comes to sustainability, Ozen Reserve Bolifushi Luxury is arguably the most environmentally-conscious hotel on this list. By building a water boiling facility on the island, the resort significantly reduced the usage of plastic bottles in day-to-day operations. Energy-saving technology is utilized throughout the resort and the switch from electricity to solar energy has also resulted in lower carbon emissions. In addition, green initiatives such as coral planting and reef cleaning drives are regularly promoted to educate the public about the importance of sustainability.

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