Can you have a luxurious holiday without it costing the earth?
It looks as if staycations are the way to go this year! However, trying to secure a reservation is easier said than done, it's really quite impossible it seems at the moment. 🤔
Hotels that are investing in sustainability are starting to see it pay off. Some are even going further to achieve B Corp Certification. (See what this means at the end of the article)👇
We have investigated and shared with you our pick of the best.
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So, what is an eco-resort in the UK look like and how does it operate?
Most eco-resorts make a commitment to reduce their impact on the local environment. They adopt Reduce, Reuse, Recycle energy-saving policies across all areas of their business, use materials that are sustainably and locally sourced from food to bedlinen, furniture, paints, soaps for the bathrooms, to name but a few.
REDUCE. REUSE. RECYCLE.
Here are our top picks.
THE SCARLET. Cornwall.
Opened in September 2009 and is owned by sisters, Debbie Wakefield, Emma Stratton and Rebecca Whittington.
Branded a 'luxury eco-hotel just for grown-ups' boasts stunning sea views and luxurious bedrooms with private courtyard terraces. The tranquil spa, locally farm-sourced restaurant and cliff-top hot tub marry luxury and sustainability.
The electricity is produced entirely from renewable sources. Solar panels heat the indoor pool. All towels and robes are organic and sustainably sourced. They even offer a discount to those guests that have traveled to the hotel, by foot, rail or bike, therefore, reducing CO2 and keeping cars off the roads.
They take their commitment to delivering sustainable luxury very seriously.
DAYLESFORD FARM. The Cotswolds.
Created by Lady Bamford, this 2,500 acre Gloucestershire farm is known for its passion and pride in producing the best and highly sustainable organic produce.
However, you can also stay at the idyllic countryside farm with gorgeous rustic interiors to match.
Amongst the many amenities they offer, the standouts for us are the wellness spa, a sustainable, culinary cooking class, and a home-grown floristry class.
In their own words:
"By shopping and eating organically you are choosing to invest in the long-term health of the planet and the wellbeing of yourself and your family, now and for the future"
THE GREENHOUSE HOTEL. Bournemouth.
I love what they say about themselves.
"We set out to prove that luxury and sustainability are friends, not enemies. And that you can have fun, relax in style and eat like royalty without spoiling the environment or breaking the bank."
This is my philosophy with interiors design; you can achieve luxury and sustainability, you just need to be committed to finding and adopting it.
The Green House Hotel is located in a leafy pocket of Bournemouths city centre, sandwiched between some of the best blue flag beaches on the Jurassic Coast and the beautiful rolling expanse of the New Forest.
Recognised as one of the leading eco-hotels in the world, sustainability is at the core of this 32-room Grade II Victorian villa, and every single aspect – from the towels and toilet paper to the restaurant’s menus and general decor – has been carefully considered and made as sustainable as possible.
We have had our eye on this to visit for some time now. Their impressive list of, well, sustainable everything and commitment to protecting our planet's resources is just magnificent. We certainly think so and will support The Green House accordingly.
REDUCE. REUSE. RECYCLE.
WHAT IS B CORP CERTIFICATION?
B Corp Certification is the only certification that measures a company’s entire social and environmental performance. The B Impact Assessment evaluates how your company’s operations and business model impact your workers, community, environment, and customers. This is certainly the way to go for all businesses and I have seen more and more fashion and some interior companies taking this route and it's not easy one to take.