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Beat the January blues by planning a mid-winter getaway! Perhaps an exciting ski weekend for those snow bunnies out there; or maybe a weekend away in a tropical climate for those looking to soak up some rays.
Regardless of the destination that you’re dreaming of, there is one thing many resorts have in common: their commitment to sustainability.
Philly Snow Storm. Photo by Kevin Burkett via Flickr CC
As you reflect on a brand new year with endless new opportunities and choices to make, consider thinking about the impact we make on the world we live in and the communities we interact with, not just on an average day but when we travel, too.
If you want to make a positive impact and care about reducing your carbon footprint on your travels, consider choosing one of the resorts below for your next winter getaway destination. With all of these resorts offering luxurious accommodations, fine dining (with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients) and spas offering organic products and services, there is something on this list for everyone!
This five-star resort is the perfect destination for the ski and snowboard enthusiast. This luxurious mountain hotel is the only hotel in the heart of Aspen that offers ski to door access.
Located in a winter paradise at the crossroads of a wild mountain and eclectic city, this boutique hotel is very conscious of its responsibility to protect and preserve the environment while taking care not to compromise quality.
In 2011 the Little Nell received the Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association’s Hospitality Green Award. The hotel features energy-efficient lighting and replaced its boilers to cut CO2 emissions by 300 tons a year. But that’s not all!
Room at the Little Nell Hotel. Photo via Little Nell
The Little Nell is committed to its Eco-Luxe Program, where linens and towels are washed every three days instead of daily. Recycling receptacles are provided in each guestroom and guests are offered complimentary reusable water bottles during their stay.
The resort is dedicated to sustainable dining which is seen daily at the Little Nell’s onsite dining establishments as well as through the $200,000 spent on local food each year. 75% of the produce served on site is sourced from Colorado and some ingredients are even sourced from the hotel’s organic garden.
Check availability of Little Nell and book your stay HERE.
Envoy Hotel in Boston, MA
Those looking for an urban escape this winter should visit the Envoy Hotel – Boston’s award-winning boutique hotel. Boston is a charming city with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities and attractions to keep you busy year round – even in winter when temperatures drop.
Boston from above. Photo via Flickr CC by Robbie Shade
The Envoy is located in the center of it all, just steps from Seaport landmarks and a short distance from major travel hubs including Logan International Airport and Amtrak’s South Station.
The 138-room property proves that a hotel can be sleek and sexy while catering to the needs of both the environment and the eco-conscious traveler. The hotel displays its strong ties to local businesses with partnerships including:
Organic Living Superfoods: This local company’s snacks and beverages are available for purchase in guest room minibars.
Fresh: This Boston-founded company provides natural bath products in all guestrooms.
Bully Boy Distillery: Local distillers’ spirits are served at the property’s bar and restaurant.
Photo via Envoy Hotel
The Envoy is committed to innovation and technology with amenities including EcoSmart TVs that feature dynamic power saving technology and also double as a digital concierge that are equipped with Enseo technology for instant access to the internet. The onsite restaurant and bar serve regionally inspired cuisine that is locally sourced and features a range of seasonal ingredients.
Inside the Envoy Hotel. Photo via Envoy Hotel
The Envoy is also proud of its Wellness Concierge Program that assists guests in maintaining their fitness regimen across four pillars including general fitness, special interest, massage and holistic wellness.
Check availability of Envoy Hotel and book your stay HERE.
Provident Hotels and Resorts, Florida
Escape to the Sunshine State this winter, where you can enjoy the warm weather and clear blue skies year round. Provident Hotels and Resorts offers spacious and luxurious guest accommodations at a variety of locations in Florida including Miami, Tampa, and Treasure Island. Hotels are located steps from some of the whitest and widest beaches in Florida. Sparkling water, luxurious accommodations complete with five-star amenities make Provident Hotels and Resorts the perfect option for the eco-conscious traveler looking for a warm winter getaway.
Miami Beach, Florida
Provident Hotels and Resorts are dedicated to an eco-friendly culture through green practices including environmentally preferable cleaning supplies, energy conservation through efficient lighting property-wide, water conservation through reduced flow systems, along with a linen and towel reuse program.
Check availability of Provident Hotels and Resorts and book your stay by visiting their website HERE.
The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, Scottsdale, AZ
The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch is the perfect oasis for the eco-friendly traveler looking to reduce their carbon footprint on their winter vacation. The Scottsdale Resort is an ideal getaway for those with an adventurous spirit. Explore the Sonoran Desert by foot via endless hiking trails, jeep or on horseback, where you’ll experience the richest and most biologically diverse desert in America.
Usery Pass Mountain, Sonoran Desert. Photo by Midnight Believer via Flickr CC
If experiencing the outdoors firsthand isn’t for you, enjoy a number of cultural opportunities in downtown Scottsdale. Visit the Scottsdale Center for the Arts, Phoenix Art Museum or Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West to name a few.
The Scottsdale Resort offers a number of onsite amenities including McCormick Ranch Golf Club, the luxurious Luna Spa, and three diverse dining options with an emphasis on locally inspired gourmet fare and farm-to-table freshness.
Dedicated to sustainability, The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch offers practices and programs that are green-friendly. The Standard Green Program limits guest room linens and towel exchanges to every three days unless on specific request. The resort holds green certifications through Phoenix Green Chamber of Commerce, Clean the World Campaign, TripAdvisor Green Leaders Program, and the Arizona Hotel and Lodging Association Certified Green Hotel Program.
Check availability of The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch and book your stay HERE.
L’Auberge Del Mar, California
Located just 20 miles from the heart of San Diego, L’Auberge Del Mar is the picture-perfect destination for those looking to escape the cold this winter.
Ocean Beach, San Diego, California. Photo by Chad McDonald via Flickr CC
A resort rich in history, L’Auberge Del Mar is housed on the historic property of the Stratford Inn, built in 1910. In 1926, the famous beach resort became the Hotel Del Mar, a destination frequented by celebrities and beach-goers alike but sadly fell into disrepair after World War II. The original hotel was torn down and rebuilt, and in 1989 the property opened its doors to the L’Auberge Del Mar we know today.
This Southern California luxury beach resort sets a new standard in coastal hospitality with a mantra of “relaxing by day, stylish by night.” L’Auberge Del Mar is committed to being green by establishing eco-friendly practices into its daily operations. The hotel’s recycling and linen reuse program is implemented in all of the guestrooms. Light bulbs in all of the rooms are energy efficient and room key cards are 100% biodegradable.
Relax and find your bliss at Spa L’Auberge where you’ll find the perfect combination of rest and renewal. Influenced by the Southern California seaside, this luxurious beach house spa focuses on the healing powers of the ocean. The spa menu features a variety of offerings including massages, facials, and body wraps to soothe the mind and body. All products used at Spa L’Auberge are 100% organic.
Dine at one of the resort’s three restaurants or in the comfort of your own guest room and enjoy L’Auberge Del Mar’s authentic approach to cooking. The resort’s signature award-winning restaurant Kitchen 1450 is guided by the principles of sustainability. The Executive Chef develops seasonally driven menus using local produce and sustainable seafood that is prepared daily. The kitchen is equipped with 100% recycled vinyl flooring, eco-friendly lighting and equipment that reduces the restaurant’s carbon footprint.
Check availability of L’Auberge Del Mar and book your stay HERE.
What are some other destinations at the top of your list for your eco-friendly winter getaway? Share in the comments below.
Diana Rosario is originally from Canada but has been living in NYC for the past 5 years. She is passionate about non-profit and event planning, animal rescue, travel and yoga. Diana has traveled to over 30 countries and completed her 200-Hr Yoga Teacher Training in Costa Rica. These days she spends most of her time exploring the US.
