6 Sustainable Hotels to Put on Your Radar for Fall

by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 12:00 PM ET, Mon September 2, 2024

Fall is gearing up to be a especially busy travel season, with various industry analysts reporting increased bookings for the months ahead, including a steady uptick in hotel reservations.

With all of the travel activity in the works, there’s no better time to highlight the continued importance of making sustainable travel decisions.

Annual research released by Booking.com in April shows that while travelers have a continued sense of “desire and awareness” surrounding sustainable travel (83 percent say sustainable travel is important to them), it seems there’s also a “weariness” emerging globally that may be fueled by challenges or obstacles travelers experience when seeking to make more sustainable travel choices.

Underscoring that point, data shows that almost half of travelers surveyed (45 percent) feel traveling more sustainably is important, but not a primary consideration when planning or booking a trip. Moreover, 28 percent report they are tired of hearing about climate change all the time.

The reality however, is that collective action to protect the planet is more important than ever. This year is on track to become the Earth’s warmest on record. And Earth experienced its two warmest days ever in July 2024.

The good news is that a reassuring 75 percent of global travelers say that they want to travel more sustainably over the next 12 months.

If treading lightly is part of your goal while exploring the world, the hotels we’ve rounded up on this list can help you accomplish that.

Each of these unique properties are taking great strides when it comes to integrating sustainability into their daily operations. Some are downright trailblazers working to lead the way. And while they may pay closer attention to their impact on the planet, these properties still offer the indulgent, memorable getaways that vacationers are seeking.

Need a little sustainable fall travel inspiration? Here are Earth-friendly hotels to put on your to-do list.

Zannier Hotels Bai San Ho, Vietnam

Located along the coast in Central Vietnam’s Phu Yen region, Zannier Hotels Bai San Ho was created to offer an immersive experience that emphasizes natural beauty and cultural richness. To that end, the entire 98-hectare property has been turned into a green sanctuary for travelers.

Architectural features meanwhile include interiors dotted with Vietnamese artifacts, paintings and local silk prints.

As for the all-important sustainability offerings, this Green Globe-certified property includes:

97 percent of the land being covered by vegetation
90 percent of the landscape remaining untouched during construction
500 meters of protected coral bay
655 solar panels generating one-third of the property’s energy consumption
All guest rooms free from plastic

“Since the creation of our brand, we have prioritized conservation, heritage preservation, and cultural respect, which we believe are the cornerstones of genuine hospitality,” says CEO Arnaud Zannier.

“More than 97% of our resort is covered by vegetation, preserved during construction,” adds Zannier. “We pioneered Vietnam's first temporary plant nursery, growing and replanting 30,000 shrubs, 600 trees, and 500 palm trees. Additionally, we installed 655 solar panels to reduce our environmental footprint. We believe this commitment to nature and authenticity meets the growing demand for more private, boutique-style hotels and offer an authentic, eco-friendly travel experience.”

Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos

Located in a luxe Baja California Sur haven, Solaz is a resort designed to bring the outdoors inside. That’s accomplished via open dining spaces and ample beachfront access.

Some of the property’s notable sustainability features include:

15,000 square meters of Green Roofs that save up to 30 percent of energy within room
An endemic vegetation system
On-site water desalination plant
Menu ingredients that are locally-sourced from area farms

  “Solaz is committed to sustainability,” says Giuliana Torres, general manager of Solaz.

“We prioritize local and responsible sourcing for our restaurants, and have introduced a range of eco-friendly practices, including an endemic vegetation system and a water desalination plant that produces 60,000 liters of fresh water daily," continues Torres. "There's also a water treatment plant to reuse water in the resort – like [in] the Thalasso Pool at the spa – to provide our guests with a luxurious travel experience that aligns with environmental responsibility.”

Zemi Beach House, a luxury boutique hotel, Shoal Bay East in Anguilla

Zemi Beach House, Anguilla

A luxury boutique hotel, Zemi Beach House is located on Anguilla's tranquil Shoal Bay. The six-acre oceanfront spa hotel features rooms and penthouses that include private balconies, terraces, and plunge pools.

The Zemi Thai House Spa meanwhile, emphasizes holistic healing to rejuvenate mind, body, and soul.

Sustainability features include:

Zemi Beach House is the only five-star hotel on the island that runs on 100 percent solar energy during the day thanks to the construction of a solar farm. The solar farm also harnesses excess sunlight during the day that's stored to provide a consistent power supply at night and in periods of low sunlight   
LED low-consumption lighting throughout the property
Roof designed to collect rainwater that’s reused to irrigate landscape
Energy-efficient solar heat system

“Zemi is dedicated to embedding eco-friendly practices into the foundation of our hotel and is constantly advancing with innovative technologies,” says Paulo Paias, general manager of Zemi Beach House. “We take great pride in crafting a stunning environment for our guests while ensuring that Anguilla’s natural beauty is preserved for future generations.”

Westin Reserva Conchal, Costa Rica

An all-inclusive golf resort and spa, the Westin Reserva is located between the exotic forests and pristine beaches of Costa Rica’s North Pacific Riviera.

Set on 2400 acres, the 406-room resort includes a lagoon-style pool, fitness studio, tennis courts, and a championship golf course. There’s also a Westin Kids Club and a Heavenly Spa by Westin.

Sustainability highlights include:

On-site recyclable waste recovery center
Wastewater treatment plant
Desalination plant that's a first in the country
1,382 solar panels that generate about 7 percent of hotel’s energy
Fleet of electric vehicles

Farmhouse Inn, Russian River Valley, California

Once a modest farmhouse (dating back to 1876), the charming Farmhouse Inn offers guests sustainable luxury in California’s Russian River Valley.

The 25-room retreat is set on 10 wooded acres amid rolling hills and majestic vistas. The property also features a highly regarded farm-to-table restaurant and serene spa.

On the sustainability front, notable efforts include:

Vegetables and herbs grown onsite in the property’s gardens
Low-flow fixtures throughout property
Energy-efficient lighting
Eco-friendly cleaning supplies
Green roofing
Recycling
Biodegradable to-go containers
Food waste repurposed on local farms
Composting
Locally-sourced coffee, tea, wine, and beer

"At Farmhouse Inn, sustainability is more than just a priority—it's a commitment to preserving the beauty and vitality of our environment for future generations,” says Matthew de Quillien, general manager of Farmhouse Inn.

“Nestled in the heart of Sonoma County, we're inspired by the natural bounty that surrounds us, from the rolling vineyards to the ancient redwoods. This unique setting reminds us daily of the responsibility we have to protect and nurture the land,” adds de Quillien.

Sustainability, says de Quillien, is more important than ever and that includes in the hotel industry.

"Our planet is facing unprecedented environmental challenges,” says de Quillien. “Climate change, resource depletion, and loss of biodiversity are urgent issues that require immediate action. By prioritizing sustainable practices, we’re not only minimizing our environmental impact but also contributing to a global movement towards a more sustainable future.”

Hyatt Centric Key West Resort and Spa in Key West, Florida

Hyatt Centric Key West Resort and Spa, Florida

A waterfront resort and spa, the Hyatt Centric Key West was ranked #3 on Conde Nast Traveler’s Top 10 Resorts in the Florida Keys: Readers’ Choice Awards 2022.

Property highlights include a waterfront sea-to-table restaurant and guest rooms featuring island-inspired decor and rainfall showers. The spa, meanwhile, offers next-level relaxation including massages and skin treatments rooted in the traditional use of healing waters and local ingredients.

As for sustainability, the Hyatt Centric is tackling the issue of single use plastics head-on by focusing on becoming a truly single-use plastic-free resort. That effort to-date has included serving only Proud Source Water, which is packaged in infinitely recyclable aluminum.

The hotel has also installed electric charging stations for vehicles and uses bulk amenities to cut down on waste.

These are just some of the reasons why the Hyatt Centric Key West Resort has been recognized by Green Key Global for its accomplishments in environmental management and corporate social responsibility.

"Caring for the planet is a natural extension of Hyatt's purpose - to care for the people so they can be their best,” says Hector Ortiz, the property’s general manager.

”Our colleagues have shown a keen interest in sustainability, prompting us to eagerly establish a program here. This commitment is especially significant given our location, where we share a mission to keep plastic away from our shores and protect marine life.”

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