From food to fashion, sustainability is a hot topic in many industries these day, and for good reason. We want to be able to indulge ourselves without a guilty conscience towards our environment. That said, admittedly there might still be some doubt as to whether sustainable can afford the full breadth of luxury. Well then here are some hotels and resorts that prove that you don’t need to compromise on style or comfort for sustainbility:
(Relevant: Moore Than Meets The Eye: Julianne Moore On Sustainability With Chopard)
The Island Hideout, Phang Nga
As its name suggests, The Island Hideout is a hidden island retreat that overlooks Phang Nga Bay, offering both that ideal seclusion and premium natural views one hopes for in a luxurious getaway. But the best thing about The Island Hideout is that sustainability is high on the agenda here: renewable energy powers each of the lodges, the property has surpassed an 80 per cent diversion rate on all waste produced and the food is all locally sourced. theislandhideout.com
137 Pillars House, Chiang Mai
Known for its iconic garden wall bordering a 25-meter lap pool, 137 Pillars House in Chiang Mai teams up with WarmHeart Environment to create charcoal from its organic waste and implements chemical-free ways of eliminating toxins from its rooms and gardens. This even extends to a non-toxic mosquito control program that encompasses ‘mosquito detectives’ who continuously monitor every square inch of the property for potential mosquito breeding grounds. 137pillarschiangmai.com
Islanda Hideaway Resort, Krabi
This beautiful resort on the fishing and farming island of Koh Klang is a strong supporter of its local inhabitants, sourcing food from local suppliers wherever possible. The hotel also has its own organic garden, so you can be sure of fresh, local produce that’s really giving back to the community. Surrounded by mangroves, it’s also a great spot for observing the local wildlife as well as fisherman at work. islandahideaway.com
Sivatel, Bangkok
Sivatel aims to be Bangkok’s go-to boutique hotel for sustainability with its concept of eco-friendly hospitality. Products used throughout the hotel are eco-friendly, cruelty-free and locally sourced; toiletry packaging is paper free; and laundry bags are recyclable. The hotel is also mindful of minimizing water, energy consumption as well as waste production. sivatelbangkok.com
Six Senses, Koh Samui
Six Senses Samui has been recognised by Green Globe 21, a global benchmarking and certification program that promotes sustainable travel and tourism. The Six Senses brand is continually developing initiatives to minimise its impact on the environment, which includes creating its own bio-diesel, filtering and recycling waste water and partnering with organisations such as UNICEF and Restaurants against Hunger. sixsenses.com/resorts/samui
Aleenta Resort and Spa, Phang Nga
Named Thailand’s Best Small Green Resort in 2014, Aleenta Resort encompasses a wide range of green initiatives such as water waste management, energy conservation, nature conservation and recycling. Aleenta also partners on green projects with local schools and eco-organisations such as the Baan Khao Pilai Elementary School, Marine Turtle Foundation and Pure Blue Foundation. aleenta.com
Akyra Tas Sukhumvit, Bangkok
The first hotel to launch in Thailand without single-use plastic in its rooms or dining outlets, at the Akyra Tas Sukhumvit guests are encouraged to use the hotel’s reusable water bottles and self-service drinking water stations. Bathroom amenities are also served in locally produced ceramics, and all bin bags used throughout the hotel property are biodegradable. Going even one step further, reusable shopping bags are available to encourage guests to ‘say no’ to plastic bags while hitting up the Bangkok shopping malls. theakyra.com/bangkok/sukhumvit
(Read more: Checklist: Steps To Leading A Greener Life)
