Sustainable Luxury Travel and Exclusive Local Experiences
The Rise of Sustainable Luxury Travel and Exclusive Local Experiences | responsibleadventures.com
Luxury travel was once associated with excesses like dancing and drinking in nightclubs until dawn, sleeping until noon with the air conditioning on full blast, and eating expensive dinners with imported food from around the world.
Doubtlessly, some people will still partake in such activities, but more travellers have started to consider what effect their holidays will have on the environment. Just as many consumers have changed their habits with clothing, energy usage, and their own homes to reduce their carbon footprint, they crave travel in the same manner.
Enter the world of sustainable luxury holidays.
What is Sustainable Luxury?
Sustainable luxury goes beyond reusing fluffy towels and turning off the air and lights when you leave your holiday residence. Of course, it involves travelling to your destination in the most environmentally friendly way, but once there, an eco-resort, eco-hotel, and eco-adventure experience should consider the local environment, economy, and culture when staffing and choosing furnishings.
It’s also about local food made famous by the late Anthony Bourdain’s travel shows and newer offerings like One World Kitchen (streaming on fuboTV). Local products, food, and culture work together to produce a sustainable luxury experience.
What to Look for When Finding Sustainable Luxury Options
A sustainable hotel starts with a sustainable building. The materials and architecture used should reflect energy conservation, while any renovations should also incorporate eco-friendly materials. Look for the property’s commitment to sustainability on its website.
However, sustainability also means delivering the luxury experience with the least damaging environmental effects. Look for the following characteristics:
- Room amenities like water carafes, bedding from local artisans, organic toiletries, and designer recycled writing pads
- Local culture on display through wall art, sculptures, etc., plus craft and cooking classes
- Hiring staff locally
- Organized trips to local food markets and native artisans
- Locally sourced sustainable foods in facility restaurants