A global survey of 31,000 people, as reported by The New York Times, found that 81% of respondents believe sustainable travel is important. Eco-conscious luxury travelers are increasingly drawn to hotels that incorporate sustainability into their design and operations—and many are willing to pay a premium for responsible travel.
As a result, the hospitality industry is witnessing a growing number of hotels using their platforms and resources to drive positive change for the environment and their communities. Below, we have compiled a list of properties that are leading the way in sustainability and setting a benchmark for how hospitality can make an impact beyond the guest experience.
Zemi Beach House – Anguilla (pictured)
Zemi Beach House announced the installation of their solar farm in late-2023 and has since established the property as the only 5-star hotel in Aguilla to run on 100% solar energy during the day. The solar panels which were installed by SwitchLogix Limited, will not only power the resort but also harness excess sunlight during the day to then be stored for a consistent power supply at night and in periods of low sunlight. The groundbreaking plant sits on 5 acres of Zemi-owned land and features over 2,700 solar modules. Zemi is no stranger to green practices and has a number of initiatives already in place, such as the LED low-consumption lighting that is installed throughout the property and Zemi’s unique roofs which are designed to collect rainwater and then reused to irrigate the landscape. The property also utilizes energy-efficient solar heat systems that work in harmony with A/C through heat exchanges to efficiently heat the water. In addition to green initiatives, Zemi participates in various conservation efforts to preserve the natural landscape, including allocating two percent of its profits towards Anguilla’s coral reef recovery as well as serving local fish and seafood in its restaurants.
Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club – Marathon, FL
Nestled in the heart of the Florida Keys, Faro Blanco Resort is dedicated to giving back to the local community while providing guests with an unforgettable and eco-conscious experience. Faro Blanco Resort introduced their Turtle Tales & Seashell Dreams Package aiming to give back to their local community and educate visitors about the importance of sustainability and eco-tourism. The package includes $2 off admission to turtle hospital (off season/summer only), Sea Turtle turndown service with eco-tourism educational book, chocolate chip cookies and a plush stuffed sea turtle from the Turtle Hospital, and a donation made to the Sea Turtle Hospital. This package aims to support local wildlife protection efforts, raise awareness about sea turtle conservation, and provide guests with a memorable and environmentally conscious experience during their stay.
Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort - Curaçao
Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort sits on six acres of oceanfront property and is a perfect destination for the active traveler who enjoys exploring in addition to relaxing and enjoying the island’s famous tropical weather. Beyond the vibrant location, Curaçao Marriot Beach Resort is committed to sustainability and community support. In 2024, the resort strengthened its commitment to sustainability through its involvement with Reef Renewal Foundation Curaçao and its partnership with Join the Pipe. The resort provides each guest with a reusable bottle, supporting the initiative that helps fund clean water projects around the world, while also reducing the use of single-use plastic bottles on property Looking ahead to 2025, the resort plans to further its efforts by increasing sponsorships for local initiatives, such as Museum Week and World Cleanup Day. The resort is also supporting Sea Turtle Conservation Curaçao, with proceeds from newly introduced coffee sales at the Papiamentu Marketplace to benefit the cause. The Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort is dedicated to preserving the island’s beauty for generations to come, making it a perfect destination for the conscious traveler.
Hotel Marcel – New Haven, CT Hotel Marcel is redefining sustainable hospitality and inspiring industry-wide change as the first all-electric, solar-powered, LEED Platinum-certified, and fossil fuel-free hotel in the United States. With an annual carbon reduction impact equivalent to creating 846 acres of mature forest, the hotel’s groundbreaking innovations are setting a new standard for environmental responsibility.
Sustainability is woven into every detail at Hotel Marcel, from the hotel’s locally sourced menu at BLDG restaurant, where dishes are prepared in a 100% electric kitchen, to a complimentary EV shuttle and zero-waste meeting spaces. Hotel Marcel has its very own solar-powered microgrid, ensuring zero-emissions operations and off-the-grid emergency power. When the hotel generates surplus energy, it sells this renewable resource back to the city of New Haven. And in fall 2023, Hotel Marcel became the first Passive House-certified hotel in the U.S.—an internationally recognized standard for energy efficiency and air tightness. This energy-efficient design makes guest rooms extraordinarily comfortable – with integrated touch panels allowing guests to customize the natural light and temperature in their rooms. Triple-paned windows also keep energy inside while ensuring guests can enjoy the quietest night’s sleep.
Before checkout, guests can further immerse themselves in the hotel's mission with a "Climate Wake-Up Call." This early-morning experience provides an engaging recap of Hotel Marcel’s environmental achievements alongside insights from renowned climate scientists on our collective responsibility to the planet. By pushing boundaries and inspiring action, Hotel Marcel is proving that luxurious hospitality and environmental stewardship can indeed go hand in hand.
Aqua-Aston Hospitality – Hawaiian Islands
Aqua-Aston Hospitality, a top Honolulu-based hotel management company with 25+ properties across the Hawaiian Islands, continues to be a leader in sustainable tourism and marine life protection by advocating for reef-safe sunscreen use, reducing single-use plastic, lobbying, and supporting more initiatives. The company created the #ForOurReef public awareness campaign and advocated for Hawaii’s 2021 sunscreen law, which banned the use of reef-damaging ingredients. Aqua-Aston continues to implement practices to reduce its environmental impact and supports numerous organizations including Hui o Ko`olaupoko, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting ocean health, and the Waikiki Aquarium.
Other company-wide sustainability initiatives include the transition of all properties to bulk bathroom amenities, and partnering with local, environmentally friendly brands to minimize plastic usage. In support of Hawaii’s strategic sustainable development and regenerative tourism goals for the destination, Aqua-Aston Hospitality recently completed enhancements at Aqua Palms Waikiki where energy consumption is slashed by 45% and contributes toward Hawaii’s 2045 carbon neutrality goal.
