Posted on: Sunday, June 29, 2008
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SAVVY TRAVELER
Pampering and sustainability mix as hotels embrace green
By
Irene Croft Jr.
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Eco-consciousness is no longer a snicker-inducing concept accompanied by flashbacks of Al Gore. In fact, global warming, carbon offsets and organic and sustainable are part of the ordinary American's vernacular. Going green has been incubating within the hospitality industry, where baby as well as giant steps are being taken towards raising the eco flag.
In the U.S., a number of new hotels successfully mesh environmental friendliness and guest pampering at a luxury level. Green efforts can be as basic as water conservation measures — like encouraging the re-use of guest linens — employment of environmentally safe cleaning products, and provision of biodegradable spa and bath amenities. Grander initiatives include purpose-built, all-green construction that weaves the use of ecologically sound construction materials and air-conditioning systems into the design and operation of the hotel.
Boutique properties are at the forefront of this trend. They incorporate such Earth-sensitive features as recycled building materials, wool upholstery, nontoxic varnishes, solar panels, low-flush and low-flow water systems, and locally sourced menu ingredients. The best of these — about 30 — have earned a LEED certification, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, that designates the gold standard of eco-consciousness established by the U.S. Green Building Council. This nonprofit trade organization has developed a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.
Included among the premier hotels nationwide combining sustainability and sumptuousness are:
Hotel Terra, Jackson Hole, Wyo. The first in a collection of green hotels launched by the Terra Resort Group, Hotel Terra is on course to receive LEED certification. Furnishings include natural latex mattresses encased in unbleached cotton, and the beds have recycled steel springs. All room amenities including the desktops, wastebaskets and hangers are made with renewable bamboo, and there are organic bathroom products in refillable, recycled-glass containers. Expect eco-luxury at its finest. 800-631-6281, www.hotelterrajacksonhole.com.
Gaia Napa Valley Hotel & Spa, Calif. LEED-certified, this handsome property bills itself as Napa Valley's "first fully environmentally-sustainable hotel." Named "Mother Earth" in Greek, the hotel provides waterless urinals, low-flush toilets and low-flow showerheads. The emphasis on nature can also be found on the grounds, which consist of native and climate-adaptive plants, as well as a swan and koi pond that uses only recycled water. There is solar lighting throughout, and the property uses only recycled paper and building materials. 888-798-3777, www.gaianapavalleyhotel.com.
The Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino, Las Vegas. Connected by covered walkways to the glitzy Venetian, The Palazzo has been honored as Las Vegas's first eco-friendly property and the largest LEED-certified building in the world. Among the $1.8 billion resort's green practices are artificial turf, a drip irrigation system and solar-heated swimming pools as well as water-efficient showerheads and low-flush toilets in the 3,000 luxurious suites. Great marriage of sybaritic luxury and eco-friendliness. 877-883-6423, www.palazzolasvegas.com.
El Monte Sagrado, Taos, N.M. This resort prides itself on using alternative energy and is committed to sustainability without sacrificing luxury. Surrounded by mountains and high desert country, some 60 percent of this eco-resort is geothermally heated and cooled. Fresh rain-water is collected, filtered and recirculated for use in the spa. This tranquil hideaway, complete with waterfalls and meditation garden areas, is an ideal sustainable retreat. 800-828-8267, www.elmontesagrado.com.
Hotel Green, Nantucket, Mass. Celebrated shoe designer and hotelier Vanessa Noel's Hotel Green is Nantucket Island's first environmentally conscious organic luxury hotel. It boasts nine individually decorated rooms and one two-bedroom suite incorporating high-end ecologically friendly and sustainable products. Recycled cardboard chairs and coffee tables designed by Frank Gehry sit on Gaiam hemp area rugs, which are complemented by natural bamboo window shades. Look for hemp bathrobes and towels in your room as well as a selection of organic beverages and snacks. 508-228-5300, www.vanessanoelhotelgreen.com.
The Orchard Garden Hotel in San Francisco. Just three blocks from San Francisco's Union Square and all the major department stores, this LEED-certified boutique hotel stands green and proud. Inviting earth-toned rooms — all of which are deluxe — feature all-natural fabrics, ergonomically correct mattresses, feather pillows and 100 percent combed-cotton bedding. Rooms have been constructed with low-emission paint and carpet, and the hotel utilizes chemical-free cleaning solutions and organic bath products. 888-717-2881, www.theorchardgardenhotel.com.
70 Park Avenue Hotel, Manhattan. Part of the innovative Kimpton Hotels, this city-chic property is committed to sustainable practices. It even provides in-room spa services and has a Yoga TV channel and complimentary yoga accessories. The hotel uses nonintrusive, high-quality, Earth-conscious products and services that include in-room recycling bins and nontoxic cleaners. This is a sleek green haven for discerning guests visiting the Big Apple. 877-707-2752, www.70parkave.com.
Irene Croft Jr. of Kailua, Kona, is a travel writer and 40-year veteran globetrotter. Her column is published in this section every other week.
