Sustainable Stays Redefining Luxury Travel

CASCADA Thermal Springs + Hotel | Portland, Oregon

Images courtesy CASCADA Thermal Springs + Hotel

Nestled in Portland's vibrant Alberta Arts District, this innovative hotel features groundbreaking design that restores not only the mind and body but also the planet Designed by LEVER Architecture, CASCADA is a 100-room hybrid mass timber development, seamlessly blending into its surroundings with bold, sustainable architecture. As the first hotel to use a plateand-panel hybrid mass timber system sourced from regional forests, CASCADA sets a new standard for eco-conscious hospitality.

The modular design integrates prefabrication efficiency with bespoke craftsmanship, offering a scalable model for the future of hotel and housing construction. Inside, minimalist interiors adorned with neutral tones reflect the building’s commitment to sustainability, featuring in-room kitchens and amenities tailored for extended stays. Guests can indulge in a holistic wellness experience with CASCADA’s underground thermal springs, immersive hydrotherapy circuit, and eco-conscious culinary offerings. The resort’s signature restaurant, Terra Mae, takes a holistic approach to food, focusing on farmto-table dining with locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices, ensuring that wellness extends beyond the spa to every aspect of the guest experience. With its thoughtful integration of sustainable design and wellness, CASCADA is set to redefine luxury in the Pacific Northwest.

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Las Torres, Patagonia | Torres Del Paine, Chile

Images courtesy Hotel Las Torres.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Torres del Paine National Park, Las Torres Patagonia is deeply committed to preserving the beauty and ecological balance of its surroundings. Through initiatives like the 10 Volunteers for 10 Days campaign, the familyrun hotel brings eco-conscious travelers to Patagonia on an all-expenses-paid trip to restore crucial trails, protect the park’s delicate ecosystem, and share their experiences with millions online.

Beyond conservation, the hotel also embraces holistic land management, ensuring the pastures surrounding the property are sustainably grazed by its 190 horses. Under the care of expert baqueanos (Patagonian cowboys), the horses roam freely across carefully selected areas to prevent overuse of the land. Their work is thoughtfully divided, some horses assist with guest experiences, while others transport supplies, ensuring both the well-being of the animals and the preservation of native flora and fauna. Whether through voluntourism or responsible horse care, Las Torres Patagonia exemplifies a deep-rooted dedication to sustainability, inviting travelers to experience and protect one of the world’s most awe-inspiring landscapes

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O2 Beach Club & Spa | Barbados

Imagery (top) courtesy of O2 Beach Club & Spa

A recipient of the prestigious Blue 2-Star Seal from Oceanic Global, O2 Beach Club & Spa is dedicated to preserving Barbados’ natural beauty. The resort has eliminated single-use plastics, implemented sustainable waste management, and actively supports the Barbados Sea Turtle Project, helping protect the island’s endangered sea turtle populations.

Octant Furnas | Azores, Portugal

Imagery courtesy of Octant Furnas

Set in São Miguel Island’s geothermal Furnas Valley, Octant Furnas harnesses the region’s natural volcanic energy to power its pools and domestic hot water minimizing environmental impact while enhancing the guest experience. Certified by Green Key and Marca Açores, the hotel operates with zero single-use plastics, treats its own wastewater, and actively engages in community clean-up projects, including “Plogging” initiatives that combine fitness with environmental action. Guests can also experience sustainable dining with locally sourced ingredients, including the famous Cozido das Furnas, a traditional stew slow-cooked underground using the island’s thermal heat.

Sea Island, Georgia Images courtesy of Sea Island.

From mid-May to early October, Sea Island, the private island resort off the southeastern coast of Georgia, is the nesting and hatching site for threatened loggerhead sea turtles In its 15th year, the Adopt-a-Nest program invites guests, members, and turtle enthusiasts to support a safe and prosperous hatching season. All proceeds from the Adopt-a-Nest program fund sea turtle conservation on Georgia’s coast. Tailored for dedicated conservationists, this initiative offers donors monthly updates on their adopted nests, ensuring they stay informed about the progress of hatchlings.

Guests of Sea Island can also engage in the resort's educational sea turtle activities, including the renowned Sea Turtle Dawn Patrol led by Sea Island's Lead Naturalist, Haley Watkins. Operating from June to August, this program allows guests to accompany marine biologists on morning research patrols, observing nesting females, hatchlings, and newly laid nests A cherished experience for vacationers, participants depart inspired by the program's meaningful contribution to wildlife conservation. Scotland

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Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest Beach and Golf Resort

Images courtesy of Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest Beach and Golf Resort

Nestled on approximately 600 acres along a two-miles-long section of golden beach adjacent to the EL Yunque National Rainforest and the Mameyes River, Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest Beach & Golf Resort is deepening its commitment to sustainability with new and ongoing initiatives

Wyndham Grand Rio Mar’s latest sustainability initiative - The Rio Mar Turtle Trackers program, protects endangered leatherback sea turtles through expert-led nest monitoring, guest education, and volunteer patrols, including morning nest tracking and beach cleanups for both hotel guests and volunteers to partake

The resort also partners with El Yunque National Forest and expands its Xplorer’s Club with eco-conscious activities including Treasure Hunters of the Sea, a guided exploration of coastal ecosystems; Petal Picasso: Blooming Art Adventures, an interactive workshop using natural elements for artistic expression; All About the Birds, a birdwatching experience to learn about Puerto Rico’s species using the eBird app; and Guided Biking Tours, which traverse the resort’s scenic nature trails under the guidance of naturalist experts.

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Park Hyatt St. Kitts

Images courtesy of Park Hyatt St. Kitts

Elevating the standard for sustainable luxury, Park Hyatt St. Kitts in 2024 marked the first establishment in St. Kitts and Nevis to receive a Green Key Certification, a leading standard of excellence in environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry.

Park Hyatt St. Kitts operates under initiatives that prioritize efficient energy consumption, responsible water management, and ecofriendly practices, all contributing to the broader goal of sustainable development.

Among its noteworthy features include a desalination plant, ensuring a sustainable water supply for all hotel operations, and a reverse osmosis treatment system that recycles all water to safe drinking quality by U.S. EPA standards. The property’s commitment extends to housekeeping and food & beverage services, where eco-friendly products take center stage, underscoring the hotel's dedication to minimizing its ecological footprint. Guests are invited to participate in the green movement through sustainable practices that enhance their stay and contribute to making a positive difference toward environmental protection. Offering choices such as reduced linen changes and selective use of single-use amenities showcase the hotel's holistic approach to encouraging a greener and more ecologically responsible lifestyle. In keeping the destination’s natural environment front and center, the resort offers a guided Garden Tour to its guests to explore and learn more about the flora and tropical fruit trees that make up the lush landscape of St Kitts

One Aldwych | London, UK

One Aldwych, London’s cultured independent hotel in Covent Garden, has become B Corp™ certified It is the first and only five-star hotel in London to achieve this recognition and marks One Aldwych's continued commitment to reducing its social and environmental impact. From beehives on the roof to the chlorine-free swimming pool in the basement to long-term relationships with local suppliers, One Aldwych continually strengthens sustainability inside the hotel and community ties.

Over the past year the hotel has overhauled its supply chain with a focus on long-term relationships with likeminded, and where possible, local suppliers and producers This approach spans everything from bathroom amenities with products from the fifthgeneration floricultural estate in Kent, Mitchell and Peach, to hand woven blankets on the beds by Skye Weavers from the Hebridean Isle of Skye, and chocolate by Chocolarder, one of the most ethical and sustainable craft chocolate makers out there.

Each year One Aldwych aims to reduce its energy usage by 5% through more responsible use of gas, water and electricity – this ranges from LED lighting to meticulous tracking and timers – with carbon emissions currently measuring at 26kg per room per night, well below the UK average of 33-36kg. Each day the hotel uses 7 times less water thanks to a specialist vacuum drainage system. What’s more, in-house filtration and bottling eliminates single-use water bottles and reduces carbon emissions in the transport of bottled water.

The hotel’s commitment to charity is a quiet, yet active story, with donations and projects spread across a variety of sectors including supporting seriously ill children through Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity and London’s homeless through The Connection at St. Martin’s.

Scotland

At present only 1% of the ancient Caledonian forests remain, so several organizations across Scotland have developed programming for visitors to experience Scotland’s wild spaces and efforts to preserve and restore them.

· Dundreggan Rewilding Centre debuted in 2023 as the world’s first rewilding center and aims to provide visitors with a direct forest experience through events, voluntourism, and activities on accessible habitat. The Centre is a unique gateway for people to immerse themselves in nature in ways that are best suited to them. Filled with natural and cultural heritage, the Rewilding Centre offers multi-day experiences to connect with and give back to Scotland’s wild landscape

· Kinloch Lodge is located on the Isle of Skye and is filled to the brim with history. Their ethos is to combine luxurious accommodation with a sustainable wilderness experience through guided tours and activities

· SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, a nature restoration charity based in The Cairngorms National Park, offers small group Rewilding Journeys which carefully blend learning, inspiration and fun, in the company of expert guides, like-minded fellow travellers and inspirational people pushing for a wilder Scotland.

· Alladale WIlderness Reserve runs rewilding retreats on its wilderness reserve in the Highlands. With 100 square kilometres of rugged mountains, forests, rivers and lochs, as well as an abundance of wildlife, located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands Alladale is a fantastic place to learn about the current rewilding efforts which are underway. Visitors can expect to explore the spectacular reserve and wildlife and enjoy locally sourced food. You can find out more about Alladale’s commitment to rewilding here: https://alladale.com/rewilding/

Chatham Bars Inn | Chatham, Massachusetts

As a pillar of the local community for over 100 years and a long-time pioneer in marine conservation, Chatham Bars Inn is one of the reasons why the Cape’s beaches and shores have remained as pristine and beautiful as they are The Inn has existed in tandem with the sea for many years and is most proud of their programming that perpetuates marine environmental stewardship among both their guests and the community they call home. The Inn and Farm also take measures to ensure that daily operations have less of an environmental impact and that culinary programming sources local ingredients.

Chatham Bars Inn Farm

The Inn owns and manages an 8-acre regenerative, sustainably-run farm producing well over 100,000 pounds and 125 varieties of vegetables each year and featuring innovative farming techniques such as hydroponics and Slovenian beekeeping. The farm provides much of the farm-to-table vegetables and herbs for the Inn’s dining outlets including 48 different varieties of tomatoes. The farm also produces honey from its beehives, some of which is used at our Spa. Excess produce from the farm is sourced out to local restaurants, donated to food banks and sold at the Farm Stand which is open to the public.

· The Farm uses environmentally farming practices including minimal pesticide use, protecting pollinators, close-looped composting, drip irrigation and responsible fertilization.

· The farm focuses on cutting edge agricultural technology such as vertical growing and hydroponics, while still remaining strongly committed to sustainable and regenerative agriculture.

· The farm team has developed strong partnerships with local non-profits such as Sustainable Cape to help increase access to healthy affordable food throughout Cape Cod.

The Farm provides coaching, counseling and advice to fellow Cape Cod farmers to support their efforts and teach them best practices.