What better way to celebrate Earth Day than by exploring more of this gorgeous planet. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to make eco-conscious decisions while you travel the world. Choose environmentally friendly modes of transportation, participate in green ecotourism activities, and book a stay at one of these sustainable hotels. I have some of my suggestions below for six eco-friendly hotels perfect for an Earth Day getaway.
Brooklyn Bridge – New York
Welcome to your Brooklyn Bridge waterfront retreat, with expansive views of the East River and Manhattan skyline. Designed by local artists using native greenery and reclaimed materials, nature is home in Brooklyn.
In addition to enjoying all the amenities of this hip Brooklyn hotel, guests can choose from several eco-friendly activities designed by the hotel. For instance, you can choose to participate in the “Do-Gooder” experience. Local non-profit partners offer volunteer experiences for guests – from planting a tree to cleaning up the park.
Notable eco-friendly features:
- LEED Certified
- Guest access to a Tesla electric vehicle for complimentary rides within a 3 mile radius of the hotel
- 100% organic cotton Keetsa mattresses
- Rainwater reclamation system
- Reclaimed woods, bricks, marble, stone and locally-sourced glass used throughout the interior
Crystal Mountain – Michigan
Photo courtesy of Crystal Mountain
Located in the heart of Benzie County, Crystal Mountain is the Midwest’s premier four-season family resort featuring some of the finest accommodations northern Michigan has to offer – 36 holes of championship golf, 58 downhill slopes, 25km of cross-country trails, the award-winning Crystal Spa, Michigan Legacy Art Park, and so much more.
For those looking to spend Earth Day nestled in the woods, Crystal Mountain resort provides guests with a luxury experience in a rustic setting. Go hiking, play a round of golf, or spend the day relaxing at the spa.
Notable eco-friendly features:
- LEED Silver
- The first LEED certified spa in the Midwest
- The high-speed chairlift is powered by use of wind power credits
- Certified Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program golf course
- Wildlife habitat management and education through the Wings of Wonder program
Proximity Hotel – North Carolina
Photo courtesy of Proximity
Stay in sustainable style at Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, North Carolina. Discover custom-designed furnishings, commissioned art and innovative design in every corner of our AAA Four Diamond luxury hotel. Savor fresh European flavors at Print Works Bistro with creekside dining and an energetic bar with craft cocktails. Unwind in modern loft-like guestrooms and many gathering spaces. Find extraordinary events, bespoke weddings and even complimentary airport transportation. Proximity Hotel hosts chef-driven culinary events and music at Print Works Bistro throughout the year.
Proximity Hotel was the first hotel in America to receive LEED Platinum status. Enjoy all that the city of Greensburo has to offer from the comfort of this gorgeous, Four Diamond hotel.
Notable eco-friendly features:
- LEED Platinum
- Hotel’s hot water heated by 100 solar panels covering the 4,000 square feet of rooftop
- Geothermal energy is used for the restaurant’s refrigeration equipment, instead of a standard water-cooled system
- North America’s first Regenerative Drive model of the Otis Gen2 elevator
- Bicycles are available for guests to ride on the over 75 miles of trails throughout the Greensboro area.
H2Hotel – California
A GLIMPSE OF THE UNDULATING “GREEN ROOF” OF H2HOTEL AND YOU KNOW YOU’VE ARRIVED. To the charming historic town of Healdsburg, where h2hotel is rooted. To the heart of Northern Sonoma Wine Country, which unfolds just outside its doors. To one of our 36 eco-chic rooms – all with private balconies or patios; a simple, organic aesthetic; and creative amenities – that’s just waiting for you.
In the midst of a long California drought, the sight of h2h’s green roof is a welcome one. This Northern California hotel allows you access to the best of wine country, while staying in an environmentally conscious hotel.
Notable eco-friendly features:
- LEED Gold
- Built on the former site of a gas station, h2h removed all contaminated soil and remediated the land during construction
- h2h filters all rain water through its green roof
- h2h’s living roof, cool-roof system, and light-color paving reduce its ‘”heat island effect,” minimizing the impact on the local microclimate
- All natural, refillable bath amenities
- The custom furnishings, exterior wood decking, main stair, and meeting room floor are made from salvaged lumber
Tri Lanka – Sri Lanka
Photo courtesy of Tri Lanka
Guided by nature, evolved by aesthetic passion, and fortified by an all-encompassing sustainable philosophy, Tri is a masterpiece of forward-thinking flair, where mathematical marries artistic and intelligence embraces emotion.
- Living roof with native creepers and sedums like water grass, beach purslane and dwarf bamboo
- Water gardens, swales and rainwater channeling have been incorporated into the meticulous design to help minimize erosion
- Harvested rainwater and natural fertilisers nourish the grounds and edible gardens
- Windows, doors, flooring and cladding have been crafted from entirely recycled local jak wood
The Brando – French Polynesia
Photo courtesy of The Brando
The Brando is a unique luxury resort on French Polynesia’s breathtakingly beautiful private island of Tetiaroa – an atoll composed of a dozen small islands surrounding a sparkling lagoon 30 miles northeast of Tahiti. The Brando offers carefree luxury in the midst of pristine nature. With access to the island by private plane, the resort features 35 villas on white-sand beaches frequented by sea turtles, manta rays and exotic birds. The resort was designed to reflect Polynesian lifestyles and culture.
Named after the actor Marlon Brando who adored this French Polynesian island, the Brando has seen a recent resurgence in interest after a lengthy stay by President Obama. The former president and Michelle reportedly stayed at this eco-friendly luxury resort while President Obama worked on his book.
Notable eco-friendly features:
- LEED Platinum
- Sea Water Air Conditioning harnesses the cold of the ocean depths to provide low-energy, highly efficient cooling for all the buildings
- Solar energy produced from photo-voltaic solar panels along the airstrip provide over half of the resort’s remaining energy needs
- Bicycles are available for guests to get around the island
- The Brand developed “The Ecostation” – a hub where scientists from around the world can lead research into sustainable interdependence, implement these lessons on Tetiaroa, and teach them globally to improve our relationship with nature
Which of these green destinations would you be most excited to visit? If you are going to be sticking around California instead, why not spend Earth Day at one of my favorite city parks!
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