ATLANTA—Throughout the current pandemic, Atlanta’s historic Stonehurst Place has continued to provide a safe place to stay for travelers in search of boutique luxury—all with a dose of eco-friendliness thrown in. The eight-suite property, owned by Barb Shadomy and first constructed in 1896, has features including a solar thermal system for water heating, a greywater recycling system, and rainwater purification system. “My partner and I purchased Stonehurst in 2007 and after 14 months of intense renovation, I returned the grand old lady back to her youthful self—with a few modern and green improvements,” Shadomy says. “We have not closed during the current...

LAAMU, MALDIVES—Starting early last month, budding conservationists began getting ready for a new type of home school program where turtles are teachers and reef fish can be made out of egg cartons and bottle tops. Sad to not be greeting their usual students on the beautiful shores of Six Senses Laamu, the resort’s team of marine biologists are hosting short videos and demonstrate activities that anyone can try at home. The course is open to everyone and there is content available and suitable for all ages. The team is expecting some very special events on the island, including turtle hatching this...

COLORADO SPRING, COLO.—The rise of conscious traveling and resorts and destinations protecting, sustaining, and improving our planet is not only growing in popularity, but becoming the new norm for the travel and hospitality industry—something to celebrate as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day (April 22). The good news is that one of America’s most historic hotels is already implementing eco-sustainable and responsible practices, the longest running, consecutive Forbes Five Star, AAA Five Diamond, The Broadmoor. Located in Colorado Springs, the 5,000 acre Broadmoor is one of the most unique resorts in the world offering luxury accommodations, award-winning dining, championship...

MEXICO CITY—Grupo Vidanta, the leading resort and tourism developer in Mexico and Latin America, continues to set new benchmarks for sustainable, eco-tourism at its beachfront destinations, leading up to the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Since its founding in 1974, Grupo Vidanta has made protecting the environment and natural beauty of Mexico a top priority. “It’s our belief that our practices should serve the greater good and promote a brighter future for generations to come. All of our projects have been designed, built and operated using solutions and socially conscious programs that are ecologically responsible and efficient in reducing impact...

BHUTAN—Less than six months after the opening of the “Traditional Birdwatching Bridge” in Gangtey, Six Senses Bhutan has opened its fifth and final lodge, Six Senses Bumthang. This opening marks the completion of a circuit that will take guests on a journey across the western and central valleys of the Kingdom. As the gateway to the east and the site of some of the country’s earliest settlements, Bumthang is considered as Bhutan’s spiritual heartland and is home to some of its most ancient monasteries and sacred monuments. This region is known for its four valleys, covered in pristine forests and meandering rivers,...

HOUSTON—The Westin Houston Medical Center is the first and only hotel in the United States to utilize LightStrike Germ-Zapping Robots to sanitize and disinfect its guestrooms and common areas to help combat the threat of coronavirus. The room disinfection technology, provided by San Antonio-based Xenex Disinfection Services, was developed by two epidemiologists in Houston, with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center as their first customer. The Westin Houston Medical Center purchased two of the decontaminating robots, which are already at work sanitizing rooms inside the building. LightStrike robots have been proven to quickly destroy viruses, bacteria, and fungi using...

SANTA ANA PUEBLO, N.M.—The Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located at the Stables at Tamaya on the Santa Ana Pueblo in New Mexico, announces the third annual Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Week fundraiser. Between April 1 and April 4, 2020, the program will host a series of activities to bring awareness to the plight of unwanted horses in New Mexico and raise funds for its ongoing efforts to rescue and rehabilitate animals in need. Each year, thousands of horses are abandoned throughout New Mexico. Several factors can lead to unwanted, abandoned, or surrendered horses including a horse’s decline...

NEW YORK—1 Hotels announced its newest property in California’s Bay Area, 1 Hotel San Francisco. Currently operating as Hotel Vitale, the property will undergo an extensive reinvention, inspired by the mission-driven, sustainable, luxury ethos 1 Hotels have cultivated, and embracing the beauty of the northern California landscape. The newest West Coast property will be operated by SH Hotels & Resorts, a subsidiary of Starwood Capital Group, a global private investment firm. “1 Hotel San Francisco will be an exciting addition to the city’s luxury hotel experience, as it is rooted in our mission of inspiring conscious consumption,” said 1 Hotels...

DEPOE BAY, ORE.—Soul Community Planet (SCP), a Holistic Hospitality company providing fair-priced lodging centered on the values of personal wellness, social good and the environment, announced the newly renovated SCP Depoe Bay has opened. Located near many of Oregon’s top surf breaks, most picturesque shorelines and best fishing, the new lodge features bohemian-style guestrooms, a communal coworking space, fitness and yoga studio, and Provisions market. “Each SCP venue uniquely embodies the values of Soul, Community and Planet,” said Soul Community Planet Co-Founder and CEO Ken Cruse. “SCP Depoe Bay has been renovated into an intimate surf lodge—ideal for coastal adventure-seekers...

PARSIPPANY, N.J.—Wyndham Garden, part of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with more than 9,200 hotels in over 80 countries, showcased Arbor: a cost-effective, new-construction prototype with a fresh perspective on guest experience and a smart layout designed to maximize efficiencies and challenge rising construction costs. As part of Wyndham’s efforts to maximize value for owners, Arbor aims to reduce construction costs while enriching the guest experience. The four-story, 110-room prototype is inspired by the harmony of nature, bringing the outside in with elements of dappled light, textured wood, natural fabrics and flexible outdoor space. The...