Though it may sound contradictory, luxury and sustainability don't have be mutually exclusive. Whether it's harvesting grey water, collecting rain water, using renewable energy sources or tree planting, these hotel properties show that forward-thinking, innovative solutions can still produce five-star, luxury experiences for the world's well-heeled
A resort in Australia that helped bring a species of tree back from the brink of extinction, a lodge in Guatemala that’s completely off the grid, and a Japanese oasis that offers guests luxury eco-tours are being called some of the top, green-yet-lavish hotel stays in the world.
It may sound like a contradiction in terms: opulent hotels that provide five-star service and amenities while respecting the environment, but the two concepts don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
Just an hour outside Tokyo, for instance, guests can find a secluded, mountainside spa resort, Hoshinoya Karuizawa, that harnesses the power of the area’s geothermal energy to provide a luxury hot spring experience which is said to have skin-healing properties. Styled after a traditional Japanese inn or ryokan, the resort is powered by hydroelectricity generated by the area’s fast-moving streams and rivers, while foods are sourced from local farmers.
As for entertainment, Hoshinoya Karuizawa offers a range of award-winning eco-tours on foot and bike that explore bird sanctuaries in the day and flying squirrels at night, and even operates a black bear conservation programme.
Here are a few other picks for the greenest luxury hotels in the world.
Laguna Lodge, Guatemala
Set in the lush, tropical jungles of Guatemala, this five-star boutique hotel offers sweeping views of Lake Atitlan and a trio of volcanic peaks in the distance. Suites are carved out of the area’s volcanic stone, adobe and palm and decorated in indigenous Mayan antiques. The lodge is also powered entirely from renewable solar energy and is off-grid, reuses grey water, collects rainwater and grows organic vegetables. Meals are meat-free.
www.thelagunalodge.com