The post Kind Traveler Launches ‘Every Adventure Gives Back’ Program on Catalina Island appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

Just two hours from Juan Santamaria Airport or Limon, El Lugar is an enchanting retreat—a sublime sanctuary designed for both the spontaneous traveler and the lifelong seeker of discovery. Rare birdwatching unveils over 130 species aloft and amid the lush canopy, while exhilarating horseback adventures meander through a vibrant rainforest. Guests can then immerse themselves in the quiet luxury of a handcrafted casita or unwind by an infinity pool, where gentle natural breezes invite serene reflection.

Where Sustainability Meets Luxury

Think of El Lugar as a place where the past and present intertwine in a timeless space, where time seems to stand still yet hum with energy and possibilities. Every element has been carefully considered:

•  No trees were cut down
•  No terrain was leveled
•  Lightweight steel structures and helical piles preserve the natural water drainage
•  Thermodynamic water heating systems and gravity-fed water distribution, ensure the resort is as gentle on the earth as it is indulgent for its guests.

The vision was to deliver luxury without compromising the raw beauty of this untouched place. El Lugar was designed to feel as if it had been here for a century, built to last for many more.

The casitas were crafted by hand, down to the one-of-a-kind doors, screened windows, and exposed beam ceilings. The carefully chosen antiques whisper of a journey around the world.  When you step through your casita’s door, the ambiance and bright, airy energy beckons you inside to reflect, rejuvenate and experience wherever the rainforest breeze takes you.

A World-Class Equestrian Experience at El Encanto

A crown jewel of El Lugar is its extraordinary equestrian offering at El Encanto. Home to over 100 beautiful horses and set on 740 acres of protected rainforest, El Encanto invites guests to explore the rainforest on horseback.

Experience the grace of the Costarricense de Paso—Costa Rica’s elegant walking horse, whose noble lineage traces back to Carthage and the Royal Courts of Spain. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider, group rides and one-on-one training sessions promise an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most biodiverse landscapes.

A Living Connection to Costa Rican Culture

Beyond its sustainable architecture and equestrian adventures, El Lugar is a vibrant community hub. The resort proudly employs over 100 local artisans and staff, preserving traditional craftsmanship while fostering cultural exchange and empowerment in the local community.

Guests will find themselves transported to a simpler time—where:

• Oxen and buggy transport your luggage
• Herds of horses roam freely
• Antique furnishings tell stories of the past
• Nature’s sights and sounds envelop you

Yet, modern comforts remain seamlessly integrated—ensuring an indulgent, yet authentic Costa Rican experience.

Future Vision: Stage 2 Expansion

With Stage 2 already in the pipeline, El Lugar is set to become a trailblazer in eco-luxury. The next phase will introduce:

•  Costa Rica’s largest conference center
• A grand restaurant with volcano views
•  Additional handcrafted casitas

This expansion will solidify El Lugar as a place where heritage, innovation, and nature converge for generations to come.

Discover your sanctuary at El Lugar and follow our journey on Facebook and Instagram.

The post El Lugar Unveils Stage 1: A Sanctuary of Sustainable Luxury appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

Edgewood Tahoe Resort

SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge

The Parkside Hotel & Spa

Three Camel Lodge

Discover the world’s most sustainable hotels at staybeyondgreen.com/hotels.

The post From Canada to Mongolia: Travel That Gives Back appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

According to Ian Pullan, SVP of Asset Management, by planting trees, KSL and Evertreen are joining forces to contribute to environmental sustainability, while supporting the local economy. “As part of our On Purpose sustainability program, for Earth Day this year we pledged to plant one tree for each reservation made that day at our portfolio of hotels and resorts,” Pullan said. “With the support of Evertreen, which sponsors tree planting throughout the world, we were able to plant 1,331 trees in the mangroves of Kenya – a coastal area severely impacted by deforestation. Planting trees helps mitigate the impact of global climate change while supporting biodiversity and providing a tremendous source of cleaner air. Although these trees are planted in Kenya, their impact is global. In this case, the trees planted can absorb up to 380 kgs of carbon dioxide per tree.”

KSL Resorts initially embarked on a partnership with Evertreen in 2023 and to date has planted 5,000 trees – absorbing 750 tons of carbon dioxide and generating 625 working hours in Kenya.

Through an enduring and ongoing partnership with Evertreen, Pullan says, “We ultimately hope to foster more sustainable, prosperous and equitable futures for our communities, our planet, our hotels and resorts.”

Aimed at acting with intent and commitment, KSL’s On Purpose program provides a detailed, strategic and scientific approach to reducing the company’s collective environmental impact – reinforcing and enhancing existing companywide sustainability initiatives.

“Our partnership with Evertreen marks an important milestone in our quest to help create a sustainable future and do what’s right for future generations and the environment,” Pullan says.

More information on Evertreen is available at www.evertreen.com.

The post KSL Resorts Teams with Evertreen to Promote Environmental Sustainability appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

Space & Sustainability

by: Katha Nauriyal

The post Tipai by Wildlife Luxuries – A Pocket of Wilderness appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

Offering travelers a more intuitive way to find and book inspiring, impactful hotel experiences, each property within the Beyond Green portfolio undergoes rigorous vetting based on over 50 sustainability indicators that align with global tourism standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Across the world, the brand’s member properties are dedicated to three core pillars essential to sustainable tourism – Nature, Culture, and Community – ensuring they play their part in preserving our planet for future generations while delivering exceptional guest experiences.

As detailed in the brand’s 2023 Global Impact Report, Beyond Green shares EarthDay.org‘s goals of rapidly phasing out all single use plastics by 2030 and investing in innovative technologies and materials to advance the Planet vs. Plastics initiative. Eliminating single use plastic is a key focus, given that the production of a single plastic water bottle requires six times its volume in water. As a result, all Beyond Green member properties have successfully eradicated single-use water bottles from their hotel operations, a prerequisite for any hotel joining the portfolio. In addition to this core initiative, Beyond Green properties implement various other measures to reduce and eliminate single-use plastics. For instance, they provide locally made toiletries in reusable containers, as exemplified by The Leela Palaces in Bengaluru and Udaipur, which use a signature scent inspired by Kumud, India’s national flower. Other efforts include organizing beach cleanups at Miami Beach’s The Palms Hotel & Spa, collecting and repurposing bottle caps to be repurposed into wheelchair accessibility runways on the beaches surrounding Arenas Del Mar in Costa Rica, and utilizing 100 percent biodegradable and compostable garbage bags, as seen at Bentwood Inn in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Starhotels E.c.ho. in Milan, Italy also contributes by participating annually in the “Urban Plogging” initiative, collecting plastic waste during neighborhood walks.

Sustainable tourism can help protect our planet’s natural environment, safeguard cultural heritage, and bring social and economic benefits to local communities. Beyond Green members continue to make a positive impact around the world via a variety of ambitious initiatives including:

On-Site Water Bottling at and Beyond Bateleur Camp (Masai Mara, Kenya): 

Set beside the Great Rift Valley, andBeyond Bateleur Camp offers guests an unforgettable opportunity to witness Africa’s majestic wildlife up close throughout the year. This luxurious safari camp is dedicated to preserving the pristine environment of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Through its on-site water-bottling plant, the camp eliminates the equivalent of over 20,000 single-use plastic water bottles annually. This not only preserves the natural beauty of the surroundings but also conserves an impressive 60,000 liters of water, as it typically requires three liters of water to produce a single liter of plastic bottled water. By eliminating plastic, a fossil fuel-derived product, the camp significantly reduces carbon emissions.

Turning Glass into Sand at The Ranch at Laguna Beach (Laguna Beach, California):

At The Ranch at Laguna Beach, a quintessential Southern California resort nestled amidst the breathtaking convergence of canyon and sea, an on-site glass-bottle crusher converts glass into sand for use across the property’s GEO-certified golf course. This unique process has a deep impact, reducing the glass waste stream by 90 percent. Biodegradable bamboo keys replace plastic keys to reduce landfill waste, and excess toiletries are rounded up and recycled for people in need through The Ranch’s partnership with Clean the World. 

Championing Sustainability Across the Villages Surrounding Aristi Mountain Resort (Zagori Region, Greece):

Situated within the lush hillside of the recently designated UNESCO Cultural Heritage site in the Zagori region of northern Greece, Aristi Mountain Resort embodies authenticity, encircled by ancient villages and Byzantine monasteries linked by historic stone bridges dating back to the Byzantine Empire. Aristi helped found the Zagori Excellence Network to promote sustainable tourism practices, including the resort’s ban on single-use plastics, throughout Zagori’s 46 villages. Comprising local hotels, restaurants, and tour companies, the alliance also prioritizes the support of community businesses and preserving local churches and monasteries.

Showcasing Recycled Materials in Construction at The Brando (Tetiaroa, French Polynesia):

Driven by the visionary ethos of actor Marlon Brando and resort owner Richard Bailey, The Brando is designed to minimize its environmental impact on Motu Onetahi and the Tetiaroa atoll. As the world’s first resort to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum Certification, it prioritizes the use of local, renewable, and recycled building materials. This commitment ensures that guests’ experiences resonate while leaving no trace on the atoll, showcasing a deep respect for the environment and Polynesian culture. Within the Tetiaroa community, diverse stakeholders including partners, environmental advocates, researchers, and academic bodies collaborate to advance sustainability.

Fostering Accountability Through Transparency at Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti (Pinzolo, Italy):

Located in the Dolomite mountains, Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti offers panoramic views of northern Italy’s towering Alps, dense woodlands, and verdant valleys. Guests enjoy exquisitely appointed rooms adorned with oak and chestnut wood accents, enhanced by elegant stone details. As a ClimaHotel-certified destination, the resort employs cutting-edge technologies and strategic management practices to integrate sustainability into its operations while also educating guests about environmental responsibility. The Lefay properties proudly share their sustainability achievements and objectives in an annual report distributed to stakeholders in Italy and around the world.

To celebrate Earth Day, I Prefer Hotel Rewards, Preferred Travel Group’s loyalty program, is rewarding members for booking sustainable stays by launching a limited-time Bonus Points Promotion. This promotion gifts I Prefer members with 20,000 Bonus Points when they book a minimum two-night stay at a participating Beyond Green property, including Aristi Mountain Resort, Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti, The Brando, The Ranch at Laguna Beach, The Palms Hotel & Spa and Starhotels E.c.ho. Points can be redeemed for Reward Certificates, which never expire and can be used like cash towards free room nights at any participating Beyond Green I Prefer property and other on-property expenditures. To take advantage of the offer, bookings must contain a valid I Prefer member number and be made via StayBeyondGreen.com / IPrefer.com or by contacting Beyond Green’s Global Reservations team. Travelers must book between April 22-23, 2024 for a minimum two-night stay through June 30, 2024. 

The post Beyond Green Properties Champion Planet vs. Plastics Mission appeared first on The Hotel Guide.