Five Eco-Luxury Hotels to Book for Spring Break
The eight-suites (6 junior, 2 master) boutique hotel sits on top of a peninsula on the South Pacific coast in Uvita, Costa Rica. Far away from the city center, Kurà has a panoramic view of the ocean and is perched almost directly in line with the country's famed Whale’s Tail. Aside from breath-taking views (as seen from the infinity pool), the resort operates on a minimal carbon footprint, by conserving energy and managing land and water waste. Founders Martin Wells and his biologist wife Alejandra Umana also dedicate their eco-conscious principles to the local communities in Uvita. They partnered with a non-profit organization to improve the education system and infrastructure of the area. Does this sound almost too good to be true? Pack your bags and check it out for yourself this spring.
Voted the number one hotel in the world by Travel + Leisure, Nihi is an all-inclusive resort hidden on the small island of Sumba (it’s basically the only well-developed resort in the area). As the island’s largest employer, the resort works with the Sumba Foundation to improve water conditions, education, and malaria prevention for the local community. It also doesn’t hurt that Bali island is just a boat ride away.
Oh, the Maldives. A favorite destination of honeymooners worldwide. Or in this case, a private spring break trip to the island of Soneva Fushi. The resort boasts the usual Maldives treatment — villas over the ocean, dinner on the beach, and sea excursions. But what most guests don’t know is behind all the glam, the resort runs its operations sustainably. Well it has to. Soneva Fushi sits on top of Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. So being eco-friendly is second language for the people who work there, from recylcing waste to operating a glass factory.
Just two hours away via road trip from Milan, Lefay Resort & Spa is more like a wellness retreat than a hotel. It’s surrounded by lemon groves (how cute!), a small historic town on Lake Grada, and 11 hectares of natural park. The electricity and cooling system use renewable sources like biomass and solar panels aiming to reduce CO2 emission. The resort also harvests rain water to save water. Allora, what are you waiting for?
As far as luxury goes, The Brando probably tops them all. The French Polynesian eco-luxury resort has attracted A-list clienteles, including Leonardo Di Caprio, Johnny Depp, and was the honeymoon nest for Pippa Middleton and her new husband. But the resort’s main focus is not filling up the 35 private villas with celebrities, but to minimize carbon footprint and protect the biodiversity on the French Polynesian island. The resort was built on local, renewable or recycled materials that didn't obstruct the beach when it was built. Electricity is powered by solar panels and a coconut oil power station (the magic of coconut oil continues), while the cooling system comes from the ocean. No wonder Barack Obama was all smiles on the island, despite Trump’s inauguration last year.
