Karen Edwards | 01 April 2023
Green sleeps: 13 sustainable places to stay in Europe
We've rounded up some of the most eco-friendly accommodation options in Europe...
We've rounded up some of the most eco-friendly accommodation options in Europe...
(Belmond)
Winner of the 2022 Wanderlust sustainable accommodation award, Le Manoir demonstrates a dedication towards sustainability through its circular composting system, energy reduction through LED lighting and zero waste-to-landfill policy. Partnerships with British farmers and fisherfolk also keep local and seasonal ingredients at the heart of its revered Raymond Blanc-helmed restaurant.
Booking information: belmond.com
(Arctic Land Adventure)
Stays in log cabins and the Kilpisjärvi glass igloo invite guests to experience a traditional reindeer ranch in northwestern Finland and explore Sámi heritage. Meet reindeer herders, taste traditional Lappish delicacies and watch the aurora rippling wildly overhead.
Booking information: arcticlandadventure.com
(Casal del Fichi)
Owners Bob Garner and Ian Richards inspire guests to calculate their carbon footprint and offset emissions through Ecologi tree-planting projects. Among a string of initiatives – including solar-panel installation and an offset fee – this tranquil, LGBTQIA+-friendly estate draws travellers away from busy cities.
Booking information: casaldeifichi.com
Alladale’s four Highland eco-lodges work off a hydro-powered electricity system, and custodian Paul Lister has planted almost one million trees across the land. The team also works with the Royal Zoological Society to safeguard the critically endangered Scottish wildcat.
Booking information: alladale.com
(Shutterstock)
Situated on the outskirts of Sassen-Bünsow Land National Park, family-run Nordenskiold – the northernmost commercial cabin in the world – is accessed by a boat or via the three-day Basecamp Explorer snowmobile itinerary. With no running water or electricity, the lodge offers hiking and canoeing around a breathtaking blue glacier.
Booking information: basecampexplorer.com
A family-run lodge on a farm 90 minutes’ drive east of Reykjavík, the owners welcome planet-conscious guests to offset their carbon footprint by planting native birch trees. Vegetables grown on-site feature prominently on the restaurant menu, along with other local produce.
Booking information: smaratun.is
(Chateau Mcely)
Under an hour’s drive from Prague, this abandoned chateau-turned-hotel was opened in 2006 by Inéz Cusumano and her husband James. The property generates energy from a photovoltaic installation; the surrounding farm produces organic cheeses and meat for the in-house restaurant.
Booking information: chateaumcely.cz
Every treehouse and hut at this charming site in Sjögetorp is individually designed. Expect solar-heated showers, an outdoor kitchen and compost toilets. The surrounding farm also grows berries, vegetables and rears sheep. It’s wonderfully peaceful: the yoga room even looks over Lake Vättern.
Booking information: urnatur.se
(Sani Resort)
A luxurious resort in northern Greece that was certified carbon neutral in 2020. Sani operates on 100% renewable electricity and intends to be waste-free by 2024.
Booking information: sani-resort.com
(NH Collection Copenhagen)
Standing proudly in the Freetown Christiania district, this pet-friendly stay has a built-in green sedum roof and a façade made from recycled concrete. Inside, an ingenious seawater cooling system helps to reduce energy consumption.
Booking information: nh-hotels.com
(Pyrgos Ikaria)
Built to mirror traditional Ikarian architecture, and with panoramic views over the eastern Aegean sea, guests can enjoy solar-powered guest suites, villas and apartments surrounded by olive trees, herb gardens and vineyards.
More information: pyrgos-ikaria.com
(Room2 Chiswick)
Influenced by London’s local arts and crafts scene, this stylish city ‘hometel’ has committed to ‘whole life net-zero emissions’, meaning all construction, operation and lifetime emissions are balanced at zero. Unavoidable emissions are offset through EcoPlanet Bamboo Nicaragua.
More information: room2.com
With 30 years of experience in hospitality, Delphina have invested in planting native trees around its property, and 100% of its energy comes from renewable sources. Even its spa products are eco-sensitive and paraben-free.
More information: delphinahotels.co.uk
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