With Earth Day just eight days away, I have been hearing from many PR agencies pitching locations/companies around the world for Green Lodging News stories. Here is a selection that were cited as having green initiatives worth writing about:
Ananda in the Himalayas–Garhwal Uttarakhand, India
Ananda in the Himalayas is celebrating its 25th anniversary by reinforcing its commitment to sustainable luxury through initiatives that support both local communities and the surrounding natural ecosystem. The retreat is deepening its focus on community-led sustainability in 2025 by relaunching the Ananda Institute in partnership with Ambuja Foundation. This partnership offers vocational training in hospitality and wellness to local youth, especially women from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. By offering holistic training rooted in Indian traditions and aligned with international standards, the program creates employment opportunities and empowers women to pursue independent, sustainable careers—many of whom go on to work in luxury spas, wellness retreats, and medical wellness centers around the world.
Ananda also supports rural artisans and entrepreneurs, sourcing earthen diyas from the Blind Relief Association in Rishikesh and developing cultural and training partnerships. Ongoing efforts include adopting nearby schools, collaborating with local farmers, and expanding vocational opportunities for women—part of Ananda’s broader commitment to mindful, place-based development.
Ananda has always embraced the philosophy that nature is not just a setting—it is central to the wellness journey. In keeping with this, birdwatching has been introduced as a new guest activity, inviting visitors to slow down and observe the rhythms of life in the Himalayan Forest. To support native and migratory species, bamboo feeders and hanging water pots have been installed throughout the estate, enhancing biodiversity while preserving the harmony of the landscape. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to low-impact, nature-aligned living. The retreat’s architecture blends seamlessly into the terrain, crafted with natural materials, open spaces, and views that honor the land. Guests move through yoga pavilions surrounded by water features, dine on locally sourced Ayurvedic cuisine, and explore wellness in ways that feel inherently connected to the ecosystem around them.
Ananda also continues to prioritize local sourcing of fresh produce for its daily menus, supporting nearby farms and indigenous grains. Additionally, Ananda’s honeybee project remains a noteworthy example of how wellness and environmental stewardship intersect. Created in alignment with Ananda’s ethos of coexistence, the initiative highlighted the critical role bees play in global food systems and ecosystem health—pollinating up to 70 percent of crops and contributing to the vitality of fruit and seed production. The retreat celebrated its first fresh honey harvest as a symbol of both nourishment and ecological balance. In the face of declining bee populations worldwide due to pesticides, urbanization, and climate change, even small-scale projects like this one reflect Ananda’s belief in living harmoniously with the land and giving back to it.
Hotel Belmar–Monteverde, Costa Rica
Hotel Belmar has received the Carbono Neutro Plus certification, a distinction that reflects a deeper level of environmental commitment and climate leadership. This status signifies that an organization has neutralized its greenhouse gas emissions and reduced its carbon footprint by implementing sustainability initiatives that support a long-term ecological transition. The certification is awarded by Costa Rica’s Ministry of Environment and Energy through the National Carbon Neutrality Program.
As a long-standing advocate for sustainable tourism in Monteverde, Hotel Belmar integrates regenerative farming, renewable energy, zero-waste practices, and mindful sourcing. The family-owned and operated property celebrates nine years without plastic bottled water and the hotel bar is virtually plastic free. An in-house seltzer machine produces plastic-free house made sodas flavored with amaranth and hibiscus. It uses an eco-farming approach called the Biointensive Agriculture Method to maximize crop variety on small-scale plots through water conservation, natural pest controls, and organic soil enrichment.
The hotel’s Finca Madre Tierra is the first agricultural project of its kind in Costa Rica to earn a carbon-neutral farm certification. Onsite vegetable gardens, Restaurante Celajes, the Juice Bar and the Belmar Brewery create the regenerative cycles that distinguish Hotel Belmar’s commitment to long-term sustainability.
Food scraps, coffee grinds, spent grain, and eggshells are returned to the land and livestock, their nutrients ready to launch another virtuous cycle of nourishment and flavor. “Table-to-farm” at its best. Their “garden to glass” mixology menu showcases the garden-fresh herbs, fruit, and grains that can be hand-picked and crafted as freshly squeezed juices, aromatic infusions, bitters, and garnishes for colorful cocktails and drinks.
Bettoja Hotels–Rome, Italy
The Bettoja family pays particular attention to the well-being of local communities and ecological sustainability. The group’s three hotels encourage guests with informative material in all the rooms to reuse towels to reduce water, electricity, and labor consumption. But Bettoja Hotels goes much further. To date, it has eliminated all plastic bottles from its restaurant, saving between 40,000 and 60,000 bottles per year.
It recycles all organic kitchen waste but also its furniture, systemically restoring wooden pieces with local artisans. In their properties, the hotels use thermal tests and double glazing to ensure minimal energy waste.
Moving forward, Bettoja Hotels is continuing its plastic reduction, using bamboo straws and eliminating single-portion plastic jam containers. The group also aims to reduce emissions by using local, seasonal, zero-kilometer products in its restaurants, effectively eliminating freight transport emissions. Guests will soon find only natural fibers for carpets and linens to reduce microplastics in the environment.
Naya Traveler—Peru, Ecuador & New Zealand
This Earth Day and year-long, Naya Traveler invites travelers on thoughtfully crafted trips that align with the rhythms of the Earth, offering not just travel, but transformation. Naya Traveler creates journeys with sustainability and local communities at the forefront by partnering with eco-conscious accommodations (meeting certifications like Green Key, EarthCheck, and Green Globe). The company supports community-led initiatives and ensures travelers make a positive impact—economically, culturally, and environmentally.
In Peru, Naya takes travelers on ancient paths through the Sacred Valley and across high-altitude lakes, sleeping in the Tinajani Canyon. They’ll drift through the Amazon guided by communities who have long honored the land through reciprocity and ritual. Ecuador is a sanctuary for biodiversity, from the cloud forests and winding Amazonian rivers to the Galápagos Islands. Travelers marvel at century-old tortoises, paddle past jungle canopies, and learn from Indigenous voices that have safeguarded their ecosystems.
New Zealand boasts an unwavering national commitment to sustainability. Journey through Fiordland’s untouched grandeur, kayak across crystal lakes, and stay in off-grid eco-lodges powered by the sun and sustained by the land. Through Māori principles of kaitiakitanga—guardianship of the Earth—travelers discover a deep reverence for the natural world.
Energy Conservation at The Gabriel South Beach
The Gabriel South Beach is a zero single-use plastic property—exceeding the City of Miami Beach’s compliance requirements. The hotel has also omitted all paper products within its rooms, introducing a digital property directory and bamboo “do-not-disturb” signs and key cards with the hotel’s unique Mr. Brainwash mural printed on them. Every room features a colorful reusable PATH water bottle for guests to carry throughout their trip, with conveniently located water refill stations across the property. The hotel has successfully transitioned to bulk amenity bottles in all guestrooms, significantly reducing single-use plastic waste. The property also incorporates energy-efficient windows and thermostats, making a conscious effort toward energy conservation and positive environmental impact. The hotel has partnered with Candledales to create a branded coconut-based candle scent/diffuser. For every product sold, Candledales plants a tree through its partnership with One Tree Planted, a nonprofit organization with the goal of helping reforestation across the globe.
Eco-Friendly Features at The Gates Hotel South Beach
The Gates Hotel South Beach, a serene oasis along the Collins Canal on Collins Avenue, merges the charm of South Beach with an impact-driven commitment to sustainability. As a Tier 2 member of Miami-Dade’s Plastic-Free 305 program, the hotel has eliminated all single-use plastics, ensuring it supports initiatives addressing plastic pollution in local communities, the ocean and other waterways. In partnership with Drop Water, The Gates Hotel has introduced the innovative Drop Mini dispenser on-site, providing guests with sustainable and refillable beverage options. This amenity offers ambient or chilled filtered water, customizable with flavors and functional additives, served in 100 percent compostable Drop Cartons or refillable containers.
Reef-Friendly Sunscreen Dispensers at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort
The Marker Key West Harbor Resort, the modern waterfront resort located on the Key West Historic Seaport, has partnered with local nonprofit Reef Relief and sustainable sun care brand Raw Elements to install two public sunscreen dispensers on property to encourage the use of mineral sunblock, becoming the first hotel to offer sustainable public sunscreen dispensers in Florida in 2023. This initiative not only benefits skin health but also works toward preserving coral reefs and supporting ocean conservation. The hotel’s environmental, social and governance webpage highlights its commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly practices. Another way the hotel is giving back to sustainable organizations is through its partnership with MANG Gear, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mangrove conservation and planting. The Marker is part of the brand’s Buy One, Plant One initiative where MANG Gear T-shirts are available for purchase in the hotel lobby, with proceeds donated to the organization to fund its mission to plant mangroves across Florida.
Sustainable Luxury at The Elser Hotel & Residences
The Elser Hotel & Residences is a 49-story luxury tower in Downtown Miami whose dedication to a greener future is reflected in every aspect of the property. In the guestrooms, guests enjoy bulk bathroom amenities that reduce plastic consumption and WaterSense-certified toilets to promote water conservation. Each of the 646 residential-style guestrooms includes fully equipped kitchens with energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, and energy-efficient washers and dryers. An innovative elevator system with the Petra Energy Saving & Conservation system also showcases the hotel’s sustainable approach to energy conservation. Sustainable practices at The Elser’s food and beverage venues are elevated with biodegradable packaging, composting of organic food waste, and eco-friendly packaging. Guests also experience eco-conscious luxury with refillable PATH water containers, bamboo toothbrushes and the elimination of single-use plastic bottles. Poolside, guests will find Supergoop, a reef-friendly sunscreen aligning with The Elser’s focus on environmentally conscious choices.
EarthView at Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club
A premier green hotel in Miami Beach, Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection takes many steps to preserve the beauty of its surroundings. The hotel encompasses a triple-bottom-line approach to sustainability through the implementation of EarthView, a proprietary sustainability program created by Hersha Hotels & Resorts that focuses on a holistic approach to hospitality, providing memorable amenities and unique offerings that enhance the guest experience. Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club was the first hotel to achieve LEED Certification in Miami Beach in 2014 when the property was renovated. Throughout the guestrooms, green initiatives include recycled-content key cards, energy-efficient light bulbs (LED) and smart thermostats. The hotel’s housekeeping department has also adopted the EcoLab Aquanomic laundry program, which delivers significant energy and water savings. Recently, the hotel was awarded Green Lodging Designation by the Florida Green Lodging Program. Cadillac Hotel achieved the highest possible rating: three palms; because of this designation, the hotel can now host government business at all properties.
In 2024, Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club was recognized for its sustainability leadership by Green Key Global, a green certification run by AHLA (American Hotel & Lodging Association) and HAC (Hotel Association of Canada). The hotel also participated in Clean the World, a social organization with the mission to save millions of lives around the world by distributing recycled soap and hygiene products donated by hotels and resorts. Other green initiatives include property-wide recycling, branded hotel bicycles, a turtle conservation program and PATH water bottles in every room.
PlasticFreeMB at The Betsy Hotel
The Betsy Hotel is a 130-room eco-friendly oceanfront boutique resort committed to protecting the environment through various programs and initiatives aimed at reducing waste and energy consumption while incorporating earth-friendly products. The Betsy is a founding member of Miami Beach’s #PlasticFreeMB campaign, a business certification program committed to sustainable practices that extend across multiple aspects of the hotel’s operations, including its dining outlets, where it uses locally sourced ingredients to minimize emissions associated with shipping. Eco-friendly in-room features include ceiling fans and energy-efficient windows and shutters to regulate room temperature and decrease reliance on air-conditioning.
Occupant sensing systems are used to manage and power down electricity use, while energy-efficient light bulbs, Smart Cube minibars, low-flow toilets, and high-efficiency bathroom fixtures are incorporated throughout all guestrooms. Additional sustainability efforts include the use of natural cleaning products, nontoxic pest control measures and a partnership with a certified green dry-cleaning service. Tankless water heaters and Energy Star high-efficiency air-conditioning systems further contribute to reduced energy consumption, and newspapers are provided only upon request. In communal restrooms, air dryers and reusable hand towels are used, eliminating the use of paper towels. Beyond its operational practices, The Betsy actively engages in community initiatives to protect the surrounding environment, including its internal Adopt a Beach program, where hotel staff members participate in regular beach cleanups as part of its Community Matters program.
Embracing Sustainability at Hotel Effie Sandestin
Awarded the prestigious Green Key certification in 2024 by Green Key Global, Hotel Effie Sandestin on Florida’s Emerald Coast is dedicated to being an eco-friendly destination through its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Nestled between the white-sand beaches of the Gulf and the living shorelines of Choctawhatchee Bay, the 250-room luxury hotel at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort weaves eco-conscious practices into every aspect of operations, including energy-efficient (LED) lighting, responsible waste management, the elimination of single-use plastic, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, linen and terry reuse programs, irrigation rainwater sensors, soap and toiletry donation, a responsible purchasing policy, water bottle refill stations, an electric vehicle charging station at off-site valet and more.
Sustainability at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago recently launched a new sustainability program for guests, giving them the option to take home small bags of compost to use in their gardens. This unique amenity for groups and travelers has been introduced to the luxury property as a way for meeting and event attendees to divert 100 percent of their food waste, repurposing food that is otherwise wasted into a high-value, sustainable natural resource through an environmentally friendly, fully circular process. The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago’s management, Sage Hospitality Group, partnered with BioGreen360, the leading innovator in distributing food waste management solutions, to roll out the first phase of the collaboration. BioGreen360’s innovative integrated technology solution includes a waterless distribution digester, proprietary biocatalysis, and a real-time data analytics package.
Private Access to Natural Scenery at The Pensacola Beach Resort
The Pensacola Beach Resort is a serene sanctuary on Florida’s Emerald Coast boasting over 800 feet of private beachfront property and an additional 800 feet overlooking Little Sabine Bay. It features 161 guestrooms with unobstructed water views, an on-site fitness center, a full-service restaurant, an elevated pool deck and a Tiki Bar—all accessible exclusively to guests staying at the resort. Guests can explore Pensacola’s rich local wildlife in their natural environment with guided paddleboarding excursions, sunset dolphin cruises and snorkeling.
Regenerative Travel as a Force for Cultural & Ecological Preservation in Tibet
Songtsam, a luxury boutique hotel group nestled in the remote and breathtaking landscapes of Tibet and Yunnan, is deeply committed to sustainability and cultural preservation. Their lodges are thoughtfully designed to blend into the natural surroundings, using recycled or repurposed wood from abandoned village homes or fallen trees to minimize ecological impact. Through their Zero Carbon Hotel Project, Songtsam is setting a new standard for carbon neutrality in hospitality via full lifecycle digital management. Over 92 percent of their staff are hired locally, supporting economic empowerment in remote communities, and several lodges contribute a portion of each booking to nearby villages. Notably, Songtsam has reintroduced endangered species like the Tibetan Eared Pheasant through in-house conservation efforts and is now partnering with Nailang Monastery—the world’s first high-altitude zero-carbon monastery—to offer guests immersive experiences tied to its pioneering snow leopard habitat reserve and ongoing ecological research.
An Aggressive Sustainability Strategy Inspired by Gen Z
a&o Hostels, Europe’s largest hostel chain, has a current CO2 footprint of 3.73 kilograms per night, which is up to 80 percent lower than industry competitors and 75.13 percent less than their emissions in 2015. With a very aggressive approach to sustainability, the company uses energy-efficient lighting, sources local products, and even considers the smallest details like the closest launderer in proximity to the hotel to reduce car emissions. With locations across popular European destinations, such as the newly opened, a&o Firenze Campo di Marte, along with accommodations in Copenhagen, Berlin, Budapest, Venice, Prague, and more, a&o offers eco-conscious accommodations in top European destinations without compromising quality. Inspired by their young consumer base and the founder who made sure sustainability was a focal point of the business, the brand’s strategy balances sustainability with high service standards, ensuring both environmental preservation and guest satisfaction.
Raising a Village and Creating a Safe Haven for India’s Youth
Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, a collection of award-winning 5-star properties across India, Indonesia, Mauritius, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, with SOS Children’s Villages provides for the upbringing and education of 210 parentless, homeless, or abandoned children across villages in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Jaipur, and Kolkata. Each village comprises 12 to 15 homes, each housing up to ten children under the care of an SOS “mother,” offering a nurturing environment with access to education, healthcare, nutrition, and family-based care. In addition to sponsoring 61 youths pursuing bachelor’s degrees at various professional institutes, the Oberoi Group supports vocational development through career counseling, social enrichment opportunities, and health and wellbeing initiatives, helping ensure a brighter, self-reliant future for each child. Read more about The Oberoi Group’s commitment to CSR here.
Transforming Greece’s Supply Chain Through Sustainability Education
Santo Collection, the collection of sustainably minded luxury properties in Oia, champions year-round eco-consciousness through a range of innovative initiatives. From growing and using seasonal produce and botanicals through the “Sustainable Hotel Farming” project to educating the supply chain on sustainable practices through their “Sustainable Supplies” program, sustainability is a main pillar of the brand. In addition to the many sustainable practices they’ve put into place, Santo Collection has created the framework for a sustainable ecosystem in the local area that addresses issues related to energy use reduction, onsite food production, and more. Read more about their commitment to sustainability here.
