Green sleeps: 11 sustainable places to stay in North America and the Caribbean
Here’s our pick of eco-friendly hotels to stay at in North America and the Caribbean. Which will you choose?
(Spirit Bear Lodge/Cael Cook)
Spirit Bear Lodge, British Columbia, Canada
In the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, this Indigenous-owned lodge employs nearly 10% of the community of Klemtu, restoring the Kitasoo/Xai’xais people’s rightful role as guardians of the region.
Booking information: spiritbear.com
Iberostar Grand Bávaro
Iberostar Grand Bávaro, Dominican Republic
The Iberostar brand’s ‘Wave of Change’ initiative has already seen the elimination of single-use plastic in its hotels. Now they are aiming to be a zero waste-to-landfill operator by 2025 and carbon neutral by 2030.
Booking information: iberostar.com
(Shutterstock)
Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California, USA
A true natural wonder. Set among ancient oak and redwood trees, guests can enjoy guided nature walks, forest meditation, seasonal whale watching and a chef’s garden tour. This trendsetting stay has also run on solar power since 2009.
Booking information: postranchinn.com
The Allison Inn & Spa, Oregon, USA
Set in the wine country of the Willamette Valley, south of Portland, you’ll find an in-house menu bolstered by fresh fruit and vegetables grown in The Allison’s garden and greenhouse, with remaining goods coming from local producers.
Booking information: theallison.com
(Castara Retreats)
Castara Retreats, Tobago
Castara’s self-catering treehouse lodges are a delight, but unlike typical Caribbean all-inclusive stays, the hotel encourages guests to venture out, meet local fisherfolk, eat fresh produce and join guided hikes to spread revenue across the island.
Booking information: castararetreats.com
Ritz-Carlton Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Eco-highlights at this hotel in Charlotte include a vast sedum roof, a herb garden and beehives making organic honey. Even staff uniforms are made from upcycled plastic bottles.
Booking information:ritzcarlton.com
(Fernie Fox Hotel)
Fernie Fox Hotel, British Columbia, Canada
This family-run hotel on the banks of the Elk River boasts solar-panel installation and a long-time ban on single-use plastics. Admirably, it also donates $25,000 annually to local youth and sports clubs.
Booking information: ferniefoxhotel.com
(Inn by the Sea)
Inn by the Sea, Maine, USA
Located not far from Portland, the Inn By The Sea subsidises wish-list books for local schools, while the in-house Sea Glass Restaurant serves fresh seafood responsibly caught by fisherfolk along the Gulf.
Booking information: innbythesea.com
(Jade Mountain)
Jade Mountain, St Lucia
St Lucian built, and staffed by 99% locals, this resort is one of the biggest island employers. Co-founder Karolin Troubetzkoy also tirelessly champions green tourism in the Caribbean.
More information:jademountain.com
(John Woodcock)
Adero Scottsdale Resort by Marriott Bonvoy, USA
The natural awning of the McDowell mountains makes Adero Scottsdale one of Arizona’s stargazing hotspots, while the Adero Canyon Trailhead leads hikers through the Sonoran Desert.
Booking information: aderoscottsdale.com
Nature Inn at Bald Eagle, Pennsylvania, USA
Voted the number one eco-lodge in the United States by USA Today readers, Nature Inn’s geothermal heating and cooling mechanism, 2,800-gallon rainwater system and solar-thermal hot-water installation make it a worthy winner.
Booking information: natureinnatbaldeagle.com
