With summer officially here, many of us are starting to think about pampering treats in sunny climes. Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, has found some of the world’s most indulgent properties that also lead the way in redefining luxury alongside social and environmental consideration. From city retreats to beachside resorts, they all have one thing in common—striving to work in harmony with their surroundings to give guests a five-star holiday with added eco credentials.
For an ocean view: Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia
Contemporary architecture, beautifully landscaped (Credit/booking.com)
Luxury: How does a 50-metre outdoor pool with views of the Indian Ocean sound? There’s also a yoga and pilates studio, the option to have a personalised butler service and an onsite restaurant serving Indonesian specialties.
Sustainability: The entire resort has been designed in harmony with its surroundings, using sustainable materials wherever possible. This property also supports various non-profit organisations that help the local community.
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, Gemanafushi, Maldives
Rooms with a view, exceptional 5-star service
Luxury: This property takes a healing approach and offers holistic classes to help you feel good inside out. There’s also an outdoor pool, an onsite spa and open-concept bath areas so you can soak in the view.
Sustainability: This feel-good mentality extends to the property surroundings. The resort ensures any construction plans or activities don’t infringe on local customs and cultural practices. Park Hyatt also collaborates with EarthCheck to make sure it stays as environmentally sound as possible.
Six Senses Samui, Koh Samui, Thailand
Only a 10-minute drive from Samui International Airport (Credit/booking.com)
Luxury: This property ticks all of the boxes when it comes to luxury. Guests can lounge in the infinity pool, admire panoramic views across the gulf of Siam and relax in the Six Senses spa that offers massages and yoga classes.
Sustainability: The Six Senses Samui focuses on keeping the island of Samui a dream travel destination, filtering and recycling rainwater and working with a local team to remove rubbish and litter from the beaches.
For city chic: Crosby Street Hotel, New York City, USA
Boutique hotel with floor to ceiling windows and city views (Credit/booking.com)
Luxury: Full-length windows mean guests can enjoy stunning city views while the restaurant serves up a gourmet brunch and afternoon tea. This property even has a private theatre for movie nights and a 24-hour gym.
Sustainability: This property might be in the heart of the city, but it still considers the environment wherever possible. The 12th floor has a kitchen garden complete with a chicken coop to supply fresh eggs to the hotel restaurant, while the smart construction maximises daylight to reduce energy usage.
The Savoy, London, United Kingdom
Gorgeous hotel, five-star restaurants in perfect location (Credit/booking.com)
Luxury: Luxury doesn’t come much more historic than this. First opened in 1889, Savoy’s rooms have a marble bathroom, views of the Thames and an optional butler service.
Sustainability: The Savoy might be better known for its elegant décor and wonderful views, but it’s also committed to reducing its carbon footprint. Smart initiatives such as movement controlled lighting, natural ventilation, and sustainable menu options in its restaurants all demonstrate the properties eco credentials.
Mandarin Oriental at CityCenter Las Vegas, Las Vegas, USA
Luxury hotel and spa right on Las Vegas Strip (Credit/booking.com)
Luxury: Guests can enjoy a retreat from the strip in the luxurious spa. They can also chill out on the roof top pool – where the hourly sunglasses cleaning service means you can always admire the view.
Sustainability: This famous Las Vegas hotel was created using sustainable materials with smart architectural concepts to create a naturally cool temperature. Floor-to-ceiling windows encourage natural light to save energy, with water conservation technology and non-toxic paint used throughout the hotel.
For nature retreat: Freycinet Lodge, Freycinet National Park, Coles Bay, Australia
Offering panoramic views over Great Oyster Bay (Credit/booking.com)
Luxury: Surrounded by untouched woodland, Freycinet Lodge is a superb base for enjoying guided walks, four-wheel-drive wildlife tours and sea kayaking. The restaurant offers a menu made up of fresh produce and local wines
Sustainability: Surrounded by unspoilt wilderness, the Freycinet Lodge is highly-conscious of tis responsibility in relation to this distinctive environment. They encourage their guests to follow a ‘leave no trace’ philosophy so you can be assured that your visit will have minimal impact on this beautiful National Park.
Bardessono Hotel and Spa, Yountville, USA
Serene and spacious (Credit/booking.com)
Luxury: Private balconies, spacious suites and a local winery within walking distance certainly qualify as luxurious. There’s also a rooftop pool, full-service spa and morning yoga classes available.
Sustainability: The hotel’s onsite restaurant keeps things local with a menu of organic and locally grown ingredients. The smart underground geothermal system heats and cools the rooms and the domestic hot water supply so that almost no offsite energy is used.
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, Newnes, Australia
Voted Australia’s Top Hotel in TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, 2016 (Credit/booking.com)
Luxury: Hidden deep in the Blue Mountains, guests can spend their time horse riding, mountain biking or soaking in the spa. Each suite has its own plunge pool and an open fireplace, while the two onsite restaurants ensure a delicious meal is never far away.
Sustainability: Along with rainwater collection and recycling, the resort also makes a huge effort to protect the surrounding area. The construction of the property was completed without removing any trees and solar panels provide hot water to the site, showing their commitment to use renewable energy.
Written By: Carol Beber