Are you planning your next vacation? Go eco-friendly this time

Numerous properties are taking proactive steps to minimize their carbon footprint by tackling food waste, supporting local economies and educating their guests. Surprisingly, they manage to achieve all of these sustainability goals while still delivering exceptional experiences to their visitors. Interestingly, travelers are increasingly aware of their impact and are actively thinking about sustainability when planning their vacation. According to Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report, no fewer than 97% of travelers say they want to travel more sustainably this year. In addition, nearly 73% of them express an intention to leave the places they visit in a better condition than when they arrived, while 82% are looking for authentic experiences that truly reflect the local culture. These findings clearly demonstrate travelers’ commitment to supporting destinations and communities they visit, highlighting their growing interest in sustainable tourism.

To make it easier for travelers to plan their green vacation, Booking.com has put together a list of some eco-friendly accommodations. From eco-friendly camps to luxurious sustainable luxury hotels, these accommodations are not only places to enjoy a great stay, but also places that have actively taken measures to minimize their impact on the environment, use renewable energy sources and make an effort to benefit local communities.

Cedar Inn, Darjeeling

The Cedar Inn exemplifies a strong commitment to sustainability. The hotel is taking important steps to promote environmentally conscious practices, including serving organic food to guests, offering information about local ecosystems, heritage, culture and eliminating the use of single-use plastics. Nestled in the enchanting town of Darjeeling, the Cedar Inn offers a serene setting with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in an eco-friendly experience.

Chokling ArtHouse – The Treasure of the Himalayas, Bir

An idyllic getaway, this destination not only offers a perfect escape, but is also distinguished by remarkable sustainable practices. Chokling ArtHouse – The Treasure of Himalayas is the eco-friendly place to stay in Bir if you want to make your trip sustainable. The property follows eco-friendly measures, such as dedicated efforts to minimize food waste, promote the use of reusable towels, and allow guests to opt out of regular room cleaning. Staying in such eco-conscious accommodations encourages guests to embrace sustainability beyond their travels, making a positive impact even after they return home.

Six Sense Vana, Dehradun

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Six Senses Vana is a wellness retreat designed to help visitors rejuvenate with a sense of purity. Staying here includes daily retreat activities such as yoga, meditation, workshops and wellness consultations that help you connect with yourself and nature. In addition to providing a space that helps you relax and unwind, following sustainable practices is a way of life. The property uses several eco-friendly practices, from rainwater harvesting, solar heating to using organic linens, LED lights, in-house bottling plant, using biodegradable bags, growing local and seasonal ingredients in-house, Vana creates a blissfully inviting, eco-friendly space for travellers.

Nature Hunting Eco Camp, Assam

For a sustainable and eco-friendly experience that preserves the natural charm of Assam, Nature Hunt Eco Camp is the ideal choice. This property embraces eco-friendly practices to ensure that the charm of Assam is preserved. They use energy-efficient LED lights, serve local cuisine and offer water-saving options for travelers, all of which help improve the environment while supporting the local economy. In addition, the camp’s proximity to Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers guests the opportunity to explore this remarkable wildlife sanctuary during their visit.

Residence, Mumbai

Located in Colaba, Mumbai, Abode is a luxury boutique hotel that offers travelers an authentic, personalized and engaging experience. Housed in an elegant colonial building, the hotel features vintage furnishings and original artwork. The design and style of this property are dedicated to the environment and social responsibility with a focus on sustainability. The furniture here is made by local artisans and energy-saving solutions have been implemented where possible. The airport pick-up service is run by an organization dedicated to empowering Mumbai’s women, the spa employs a blind masseuse, and the shop in the lobby sells products from local NGOs.

De Tamara, Coorg

Alongside Coorg’s reputation as the “Scotland of India”, Tamara stands out as an outstanding property that exemplifies a strong commitment to sustainability. The hotel has implemented several eco-friendly measures to minimize environmental impact while ensuring an exceptional guest experience. These measures include installing electric car charging stations, using local guides for tours and activities, and using key cards or motion-activated electricity to cut costs and reduce the carbon footprint. Incorporating these practices shows The Tamara’s commitment to preserving the beauty of Coorg while providing guests with an unforgettable experience.

Vythiri Resort, Wayanad

Vythiri Resort is a beautiful, eco-friendly jungle hideaway set in lush tropical rainforest, ideal for those looking to recharge and rejuvenate in nature. Built largely with natural materials such as mud, thatch and bamboo, with minimal use of concrete, it is available in configurations ranging from tall treehouses, rustic cottages and a range of suites. The property has taken significant steps in sustainability and follows a number of good practices such as the biogas plant, solar heated water and labor practices aimed at training on sustainable tourism practices in daily work. Bird watching, trekking, cycling, jungle walk are some of the activities that one can enjoy here.