Bite the bullet and book something different – visit a unique and holistic green hotel.
Eco-hotels are on the rise, and with good reason. Here is a look at the best green hotels scattered across the continent.
Whitepod
Switzerland
This collection of funky looking ‘pods’ in the Swiss Alps promises to provide guests with an eco-luxury alpine experience.
Scattered amidst an idyllic winter wonderland, these 15 pods are ‘low impact’, using minimal electricity and water. In fact, whenever possible the pods depend on renewable resources.
There is also a chalet hosting the restaurant, and a larger pod house which is home to a breakfast room, a bar and a sauna and massage area.
Guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in the breathtakingly beautiful surroundings by partaking in daily exertions led by expert guides.
Whitepod is an exceptional resort, allowing visitors to experience a sustainable lifestyle in the most stunning landscape.
Lefay
Lake Garda, Italy
Overlooking the tranquil waters of Lake Garda, this Italian green hotel offers an indulgent yet holistic approach to vacationing.
Lefay is the first company in the Italian tourism sector to work with the government on projects aimed at reducing CO2 emissions.
Publishing annual Sustainability Reports on their environmental efficiency, the resort have been awarded multiple certifications for the achievement of various ‘green’ criteria.
Fusing Chinese medicine with Western scientific research, the Lefay Spa aims to provide personalised health programmes for each guest and their specific needs.
After relaxing in the infinity pool overlooking Lake Garda, visitors enjoy the exquisite restaurants inspired by the health properties of food.
Lefay combines luxury with sustainability, ensuring an unforgettable experience for guests while recognising environmental responsibility.
Urnatur
Sweden
Cottages and treehouses with no electricity or internet are scattered amongst dense woodland at this Swedish eco-resort. Guests at this green hotel spend evenings illuminated by lanterns and candles, and heated by a humble stove.
With each shelter built from scratch by Urnatur founder, Hakan Strotz, and no vehicle access, the experience is truly wild and authentic.
The resort features a little organic farm on which ‘palsfar’ sheep are bred. The fluffy creatures spend their days grazing within three kilometres of traditional fencing, also constructed by Hakan.
Guests can visit Lake Visjo, not far from the accommodation, where quiet observers glimpse diverse species and activity at the owl nesting boxes.
Urnatur emphasises ‘the luxury of simplicity’ – it seems as the developed world races by, the chance to stand still in serenity has become a rare and valuable commodity.
Scarlet
Cornwall, UK
This self-described ‘luxury eco-hotel’ perched on the North coast of Cornwall prioritises sustainability and aspires to connect visitors to the outdoors.
The Scarlet promises to redefine luxury as, ‘a richness of experience without over-consumption’. With annual targets to reduce their waste and carbon footprint, this resort takes environmental responsibility seriously.
The hotel restaurant overlooks Mawgan Porth beach and serves nothing but the best, locally sourced food. The menu changes with the season, proudly reflecting organic and sustainable growers, fishermen and farmers of the region.
From meadow gardens to cliff top hot tubs, guests at this green hotel are encouraged to indulge and appreciate the stunning natural landscape of the South West.