With rapid real-estate development occurring across the globe, many new hotels are mindful of the damaging effects hospitality can have not only on their ecosystems but also on the societies that surround them. All too often hotel projects lead to deforestation (especially where golf courses are involved) and the importation of foreign materials and finishes, which expands a project’s carbon footprint. What’s more, entire communities are often displaced and never invited back to work for—or even visit—the walled-off fortresses created in their hometowns. From a completely self-sufficient lodge with a nearly nonexistent carbon footprint to a full-fledged resort that helps support local economies and builds schools and health-care facilities, these five eco-friendly hotels stand at the forefront of environmental responsibility both in their design and in their operation.
Pikaia Lodge, the Galápagos, Ecuador
Pikaia Lodge, the Galápagos, Ecuador - One decade in the making, this carefully considered eco-lodge on the island of Santa Cruz was created by Ecuadorian father-and-daughter team Herbert Frei and MarÃa Elena Frei de Grunauer and specially trained Galapagueño workers. The property’s rooms and common areas were constructed using insulating materials such as polyurethane sandwich panels, and their design includes natural ventilation and shade provided by overhanging roofs to maximize cooling. Power comes from photovoltaic panels, wind generators, and biodiesel, and a complex system of cisterns collects rain from the property’s pitched roofs to feed a state-of-the-art water-treatment plant that provides irrigation and plumbing.
Pikaia Lodge, the Galápagos, Ecuador - One decade in the making, this carefully considered eco-lodge on the island of Santa Cruz was created by Ecuadorian father-and-daughter team Herbert Frei and MarÃa Elena Frei de Grunauer and specially trained Galapagueño workers. The property’s rooms and common areas were constructed using insulating materials such as polyurethane sandwich panels, and their design includes natural ventilation and shade provided by overhanging roofs to maximize cooling. Power comes from photovoltaic panels, wind generators, and biodiesel, and a complex system of cisterns collects rain from the property’s pitched roofs to feed a state-of-the-art water-treatment plant that provides irrigation and plumbing.
Bushmans Kloof, Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat, Western Cape, South Africa
Bushmans Kloof, Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat, Western Cape, South Africa - Located on a UNESCO-protected ecological site known as the Cape Floral Kingdom, this wilderness reserve and wellness retreat overlooking the majestic Cederberg mountains was built on 100-year-old farmland. It is the pet project of Toni Tollman, scion of one of South Africa’s most-loved hospitality families. Across its staggering 18,532 acres, the property offers sanctuary to endangered flora and fauna such as the Cape Mountain Zebra, Cape Leopard, and the Clanwilliam Cederberg tree. The reserve, whose staff is largely local, is also heavily involved in supporting schools, farmers, and medical institutions in surrounding towns Wupperthal and Clanwilliam. But what truly sets Bushmans Kloof apart is its commitment to archaeology—the property has carefully protected 130 ancient Bushman rock paintings (some of which are 10,000 years old) and even has a resident archaeologist.
Bushmans Kloof, Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat, Western Cape, South Africa - Located on a UNESCO-protected ecological site known as the Cape Floral Kingdom, this wilderness reserve and wellness retreat overlooking the majestic Cederberg mountains was built on 100-year-old farmland. It is the pet project of Toni Tollman, scion of one of South Africa’s most-loved hospitality families. Across its staggering 18,532 acres, the property offers sanctuary to endangered flora and fauna such as the Cape Mountain Zebra, Cape Leopard, and the Clanwilliam Cederberg tree. The reserve, whose staff is largely local, is also heavily involved in supporting schools, farmers, and medical institutions in surrounding towns Wupperthal and Clanwilliam. But what truly sets Bushmans Kloof apart is its commitment to archaeology—the property has carefully protected 130 ancient Bushman rock paintings (some of which are 10,000 years old) and even has a resident archaeologist.
Mukul Beach, Golf & Spa, Guacalito de la Isla, Nicaragua
Mukul Beach, Golf & Spa, Guacalito de la Isla, Nicaragua - Although large in scale, this project, conceived by prominent Nicaraguan businessman Carlos Pellas (who, after surviving a fatal plane crash, vowed to help improve his beloved country), has sustainability at its core. Constructed of recycled materials and sustainably sourced timber, the resort was designed to have minimal impact on its tropical forest. In fact, over 1,500 trees from the site were replanted instead of being cut down for timber. Mukul’s involvement with the local community of Tola reaches farther than the employment of residents at the resort—it also funds schools and a hospital named after Pellas’s wife and fellow plane crash survivor, Vivian.
Mukul Beach, Golf & Spa, Guacalito de la Isla, Nicaragua - Although large in scale, this project, conceived by prominent Nicaraguan businessman Carlos Pellas (who, after surviving a fatal plane crash, vowed to help improve his beloved country), has sustainability at its core. Constructed of recycled materials and sustainably sourced timber, the resort was designed to have minimal impact on its tropical forest. In fact, over 1,500 trees from the site were replanted instead of being cut down for timber. Mukul’s involvement with the local community of Tola reaches farther than the employment of residents at the resort—it also funds schools and a hospital named after Pellas’s wife and fellow plane crash survivor, Vivian.
Kittitian Hill, Belle Mont Farm, St. Kitts, West Indies
Kittitian Hill, Belle Mont Farm, St. Kitts, West Indies - Set on 400 acres of organic farmland, this Caribbean resort envisioned by developer Val Kempadoo features an “edible golf course” dotted with whimsical PICK ME signs to direct guests to the ripest fruits and vegetables. The boutique hotel was designed by renowned landscape architect Bill Bensley to be blend in with its lush landscape of mango and avocado trees. Each traditional chattel house was constructed entirely by Kittitian contractors, and wherever possible, locally sourced materials such as traditional wood shingles were used. Future developments include the Village, which will promote the arts and culture of St. Kitts with eateries, shops, art galleries, a film school, artisan workshops, and an open-air cinema.
Kittitian Hill, Belle Mont Farm, St. Kitts, West Indies - Set on 400 acres of organic farmland, this Caribbean resort envisioned by developer Val Kempadoo features an “edible golf course” dotted with whimsical PICK ME signs to direct guests to the ripest fruits and vegetables. The boutique hotel was designed by renowned landscape architect Bill Bensley to be blend in with its lush landscape of mango and avocado trees. Each traditional chattel house was constructed entirely by Kittitian contractors, and wherever possible, locally sourced materials such as traditional wood shingles were used. Future developments include the Village, which will promote the arts and culture of St. Kitts with eateries, shops, art galleries, a film school, artisan workshops, and an open-air cinema.
Song Saa, Koh Rong Archipelago, Cambodia
Song Saa, Koh Rong Archipelago, Cambodia - Located on its own island, this resort was a true labor of love for the Australian husband-and-wife team Rory and Melita Hunter. When they arrived in 2008, they found an overfished marine environment, heavily deforested land, and an impoverished local community with no education or health services. After years of development, Song Saa now features ecologically constructed hotel villas (made from locally sourced materials and recycled wood from old fishing boats); Cambodia’s first private marine reserve; and employment, educational, and health-care support for the 2,500 inhabitants of the island. Locals also learn about solid-waste management, sustainable fishing, and organic farming, and hotel guests are invited to get involved with the community and conservation projects.
Song Saa, Koh Rong Archipelago, Cambodia - Located on its own island, this resort was a true labor of love for the Australian husband-and-wife team Rory and Melita Hunter. When they arrived in 2008, they found an overfished marine environment, heavily deforested land, and an impoverished local community with no education or health services. After years of development, Song Saa now features ecologically constructed hotel villas (made from locally sourced materials and recycled wood from old fishing boats); Cambodia’s first private marine reserve; and employment, educational, and health-care support for the 2,500 inhabitants of the island. Locals also learn about solid-waste management, sustainable fishing, and organic farming, and hotel guests are invited to get involved with the community and conservation projects.
