Eco hotels around the world show just how much a good conscience and unique luxury can now go hand in hand. We present top establishments that offer great experiences with a small footprint and also protect human and animal rights.
Exceptional luxury meets particularly environmentally friendly design here. In the Gulf of Thailand, the tropical resort Soneva Kiri is located on the unspoiled island of Ko Kut, like a paradise in the rainforest. 34 luxury villas with up to six bedrooms - each unique yet of the same stroke - blend seamlessly into the natural beauty of the surroundings. The Soneva founders, Sonu Shivdasani, and his wife, Eva, have made it their goal to create vacations full of rare experiences without disturbing the course of nature. The resort's own organic gardens, where vegetables, fruits and herbs are grown, innovative waste recycling technology and the use of only sustainable materials play just as much a role as the "no news, no shoes" philosophy: as a guest, you are invited to put down not only your constant accessibility, but also your shoes.
… alle, die nachhaltige Erholung mit einer Extraportion Luxus erleben möchten. Übrigens auch auf den Malediven möglich.
Soneva Kiri
110 Moo 4, 23000 Ko Kut, Thailand
Web: soneva.com
Tel.: +66 82 208 8888
Price: Villa für 4 Personen ab € 690,– pro Nacht
A life in a quiet pace, surrounded by lush nature - this is what guests experience at the Cretan Malia Park on the Greek island of Crete. Against the backdrop of the country's typical wild flora, among palm trees and cacti, Indian figs and native banana trees, the botanical gardens form the backdrop of the hotel's extraordinary design. The flora, dutifully tended by the hotel's own team of gardeners, is a unique point of reference and source of inspiration for the architecture, which is also reflected in the rooms, bungalows and suites. Retro yet refreshingly designed and furnished to follow the sustainable, nature-inspired approach to holistic relaxation and effortless elegance, Cretan luxury is painted in a new light. Cooked and dined as the region and season dictate, with vegetables and herbs grown on-site.
… alle, die im mediterranen Rhythmus urlauben und sich erholen möchten – beim Schnorcheln oder Yoga, zu zweit oder mit der ganzen Familie.
Cretan Malia Park*****
Malia, 70007 Crete, Greece
Web: cretanmaliapark.gr
Tel.: +30 28970 31461
Price: DZ ab € 234,– pro Nacht
On the edge of Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda, one of Africa's most exciting safari destinations opens up. The six exclusive two-person villas blend unobtrusively yet luxuriously into the landscape. Built in the tradition of Rwandan kings, they are made of local materials such as reeds, stone and wood and are equipped in an environmentally friendly way - solar panels provide electricity and hot water. Through the large panorama windows or from the private terrace, a breathtaking view of the two extinct volcanoes Bisoke and Karisimbi opens up. It was here that primatologist Dian Fossey was intent on protecting mountain gorillas from extinction. On the site itself, there are nature trails to discover, which always reveal extraordinary things. Just recently, a silverback gorilla was spotted here for the first time.
… ist das Gorilla-Watching: Eine kostbare Stunde lang macht man hier im Kreise einer Affenfamilie die wohl erstaunlichste Erfahrung seines Lebens.
Bisate Lodge
Volcanoes National Park, Ruhengeri, Rwanda
Web: wilderness-safaris.com
Tel.: +250 788 315 269
Price: Villa für 2 Personen ab € 1600,– pro Nacht
The finca in the mountains of Artà in the north Mallorca invites you on an extraordinary journey of consciousness. Friends Jaume Danús and Antoni Esteva have fulfilled a dream on the 200-hectare estate, which aims to show the true face of the island long before tourism changed it. The rooms of the old farmhouse, as well as the 34 rooms in the new outbuildings, feature clean, simple lines with a minimalist character. In keeping with the landscape, materials such as earth, stone, reeds, wood and lots of lime were used. Not a single tree on the site was felled for this purpose. Even the infinity pool with a view of the Sant Salvador mountain and the spacious wellness area were completely adapted to the conditions.
… Ruhesuchende, die der Hektik des Alltags bewusst entfliehen möchten; mit viel Raum für Meditation und Kontemplation, einem umfassenden Angebot an Watsu- und Wata-Therapien und dem speziellen Angebot, auf sieben verschiedenen Pfaden einen neuen Weg zu sich selbst zu finden.
Es Racó d'Artà*****
Cami dels Racó, Ctra. de Cala Mitjana Km. 1,5, 07570 Artà, Mallorca
Web: esracodarta.com.
Tel.: +34 971 83 66 73
Price: Double room from € 400,- per night
A fusion of the highest class luxury and the maximum respect for nature can be found high above the Indian Ocean on the South Coast of Bali. Built on limestone cliffs, the resort sets its own standards in terms of sustainability. Wood from railroad ties and telephone poles was used for the room design, while stone and rattan dominate the picture. In the 84 luxuriously embellished villas with private pools and plenty of space, the use of air conditioning is basically unnecessary: Lava-tree roofs and bamboo ceilings cool naturally. The lovingly selected works of local artists decorate the rooms with stylish charm. The resort also leaves nothing to be desired when it comes to service. An exclusive butler service pampers around the clock, and the 50-meter outdoor pool opens up views of the expanse of the deep blue sea.
… einen Luxusurlaub der Extraklasse in einem Hotel, das seinen hohen Anspruch an Design, Ambiente und Komfort konsequent mit dem Nachhaltigkeitsgedanken verknüpft.
Alila Villas Uluwatu
Jl Belimbing Sari Banjar Tambiyak, Desa Pecatu, Uluwatu 80364, Indonesia
Web: alilahotels.com
Tel.: +62 361 8482166
Price: Villa für bis zu drei Personen ab € 830,– pro Nacht
Directly in the Salar de Uyuni salt desert at the foot of the Tunupa volcano, the Kachi Lodge opens its domes into another world. Futuristic in design, but anything but remote, the six "domes" are solar-powered and built on wooden platforms connected by a semicircular walkway. Inside, custom interiors made from regional materials, such as handcrafted lamps made from reclaimed cactus wood and bedding from naturally dyed llama or alpaca wool, welcome guests. A pellet stove provides comfortable temperatures in the detailed ambience. The food comes from the award-winning restaurant Gustu in La Paz, which is known for its social responsibility and cuisine focused on sustainability.
Due to the special construction, the fragile salt soil under the "domes" is optimally protected. Thus, the lodge can be visited even during the rainy season, when the desert acquires a mirror-like surface and the Bolivian sky is magically reflected in it.
Kachi Lodge
Uyuni Salt Jirira Community, Jirira, Bolivia
Web: kachilodge.com
Tel.: +591 70698300
Price: DZ ab € 3960,– für 2 Nächte
Amidst endless expanses in the heart of the Red Centre Australia and in the immediate vicinity of the Uluru-Kata-Tjuta National Park, the outback shows its magical side. Here you lodge in one of the 16 canvas-covered luxury tents, which gently blend into the surroundings. Featuring turn-of-the-century-style dark wood furniture, king-size beds, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows, they offer a glamping experience of the highest order with a minimal environmental footprint. The tents were designed to virtually float above the sandy desert floor, allowing for a particularly intimate encounter with the pristine landscape. The founders of the elegant camp also actively seek to collaborate with the surrounding communities. Food is sourced from the region, and local artists are involved in the design of the accommodations.
… ist der atemberaubende Panoramablick auf den Uluru, der von jedem Eck der Lodge genossen werden kann – besonders auch zu Sonnenauf und -untergang.
Longitude 131 °
Yulara Drive, 0872 Yulara, Northern Territory, Australia
Web: longitude131.com.au
Tel.: +61 2 9918 4355
Price: Zelt für 2 Personen ab € 2300,– pro Nacht
Just a stone's throw from the medieval cities of Florence and Siena and the vineyards of Chianti, the Borgo Pignano hotel is located in the middle of a 300-hectare organic estate in the heart of Tuscany. The lovingly restored property, with an 18th-century villa and houses dating back to Etruscan times, now welcomes guests with 14 elegant rooms and suites. Built with local stone and recycled slate, as well as organic plaster and eco-paints, the sustainable infrastructure is the backbone for all activities. Rainwater treatment; modern heating and energy systems are as much a part of the philosophy as the aspiration of self-sufficiency. Animals are kept on the hotel's own organic farm and olives and cereals are grown; the garden supplies most of the ingredients for the kitchen, but also the care products.
… elegante Partys, Hochzeiten und Konzerte, denen man im historischen Ambiente und mit gutem Gewissen die Krone aufsetzen möchte.
Borgo Pignano
Località Pignano 6, 56048 Volterra, Italy
Web: borgopignano.com.
Tel.: +39 0588 35032
Price: Doubles from €300 per night
Breathe a sigh of relief at this hotel in the center one of the largest metropolises in the world. Located directly on Pier 1 on the East River, the surroundings are green, yet many of the city's highlights are within walking distance. Designed by local artists with native plants and recyclable materials, the many green retreats in the house also contribute to the special feel-good atmosphere. In addition to the individually designed rooms full of plants, you can relax either in the luxurious spa area, on the roof terrace with a pool or in the rooftop bar with a view of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Speaking of freedom, the operators rely entirely on wind energy, which is used sparingly. In addition, attentive guests will find little details everywhere that recall Brooklyn's past as a working-class neighbourhood - for example, the wooden floors, industrial lamps and benches were made from old railroad ties.
… alle, die New York City von der besten Seite erleben und dennoch nicht auf Luxus und Nachhaltigkeit verzichten wollen.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
60 Furman St, Brooklyn, 11201 New York, United States
Web: 1hotels.com
Tel.: +1 347 696 2500
Price: DZ ab € 446,– pro Nacht
In southern Styria, the dream of an elegant, sustainable getaway has come true. Barbara and Andreas Reinisch have transformed an old farmstead into a romantic luxury hideaway in the most climate-neutral, sustainable and resource-conserving way possible. For the six luxury chalets and the unique Panoramaloft, much old substance could be preserved, in addition, it was built mainly with wood and brick and a photovoltaic system was installed, which generates more than half of the electricity needs itself. One of the highlights is the 200-square-meter energy-autonomous premium chalet "Steppenfuchs": It brings nature inside and has a private spa outside complete with a year-round heated XL infinity pool and a container that was converted into a sauna cube.
… eine mediterran-natürliche Auszeit. Dazu ein idyllischer Naturbadeteich, individuelle Private-Dining- und Massage-Optionen sowie Ballonfahrten.
Golden Hill Country Chalets & Suites,
Steinfuchsweg 2, Waldschach, 8505 St. Nikolai im Sausal, Austria
Web: golden-hill.at
Tel.: +43 650 3505936
Price: Chalet für 2 Personen ab € 290,– pro Nacht inkl. Frühstück
Local woods, materials from the surrounding Alps and state-of-the-art technology that helps keep the ecological footprint as small as possible: In this house in the Tegernsee Valley, which was thoroughly redesigned just last summer, nature is the top priority. The heating and cooling system is particularly sophisticated, using heat recovery and energy-efficient wall and ceiling heating, among other things. The water required for this comes from the building's own well and is constantly recycled. Nevertheless, the building does not forego contemporary design: The interior and exterior, for example, always flow into one another - for a harmonious, nature-oriented overall concept.
… man zeitlosen und leisen Luxus sowie echten Genuss liebt: Neben den leger-eleganten 108 Zimmern und Suiten ist das Gourmetrestaurant „Dichter“ unter der Leitung von Sternekoch Thomas Kellermann das kulinarische Herzstück. Teil des lukullischen Erlebnisses ist auch die beeindruckende Bergkulisse, die dank der durchgängigen Fensterfronten ganz nah an den Tisch rückt.
Parkhotel Egerner Höfe*****S
Aribostraße 19-26, 83700 Rottach-Egern, Germany
Web: egerner-hoefe.de
Tel.: +49 8022 6660
Price: DZ ab € 300,– pro Nacht inkl. Frühstück
Mountain farm cheese and organic yoghurt from the Moserhof, herbs from their own garden, food from local suppliers, juices from the Braunstein fruit farm and beverages from the Schladming-Dachstein region: everything served at the Hotel Schwaigerhof is from the region. Furthermore, the naturally kept rooms and suites with lots of spruce and Swiss stone pine use what the region has to offer. Energy and water are used as efficiently as possible, the heat comes from pellets. And the surroundings? Is naturally beautiful.
… nachhaltige Erholung – vor allem der Wellnessbereich ist großzügig ausgestattet und verwöhnt unter anderem mit beheizten Pools, einem Naturteich, Kräuter-, Salz- und finnischer Sauna sowie der Beautywelt mit Zirben-Private-Spa. Dazu lockt die Sporthalle Fuß-, Basketball- und Volleyballfans, an der Boulderwand geht es hoch hinaus – und Kinder werden aus der Indoor-Erlebniswelt mit ganz viel Holz kaum mehr wegwollen.
Hotel Schwaigerhof****S
Schwaigerweg 19, 8971 Schladming, Austria
Web: schwaigerhof.at
Tel.: +43 3687 61422
Price: DZ ab € 332,– pro Nacht mit Ganztagskulinarik
Preserving the environment and resources was already particularly important to Kathrin and Christian Sersch when they built the Seezeitlodge at Bostalsee in Saarland. After all, it is quiet and peaceful in the middle of the Saar-Hunsrück Nature Park and is a geomantic place of power. A sustainable heating solution is hidden around the 98 feel-good rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and bright interiors. Electricity and heat come from a gas-fired combined heat and power plant, and for the LUMI restaurant, chef Daniel Schöfisch relies not only on regional products but also on the hotel's own bread factory, where additives and raising agents are taboo.
… ist die Verbindung aus viel Natur, innovativen Designideen und ancient culture in a modern guise: the Celts once settled all around, and their rhythms of life, natural rituals and medicinal herbs can be found throughout the hotel. Brass lines, for example, symbolize the summer and winter solstice axes, and in the spa there is, among other things, an outdoor sauna village including a ritual incense and fireplace.
Seezeitlodge Hotel & Spa****S
Am Bostalsee 1, 66625 Gonnesweiler, Germany
Web: seezeitlodge-bostalsee.com
Tel.: +49 6852 80980
Price: DZ ab € 390,– pro Nacht mit Ganztagskulinarik
Looking for a noble house on the lake? Here it is! Because between lush reeds, lush meadows and the magic of Lake Neusiedl hide in the VILA VITA Pannonia among other luxury residences, which are built of natural materials and with a private terrace, private jetty on the in-house swimming lake and intimate Finnish sauna directly on the water. In such a place, of course, the theme of sustainabilityalso fits. The vacation village is partly supplied with electricity and hot water by photovoltaic systems and solar panels, the wood chip plant transforms wood from its own forest into heat. To get around the spacious area comfortably, there are free bicycles. More than 1,000 fruit trees can be found in their own orchards. In addition, it is interesting to walk in a natural eco-park with a bee pasture and butterfly meadow. An extensive wellness and leisure offer may not be missing here of course.
… Die luxuriösen Häuser am Wasser natürlich! Hier kann man ganz ungestört und naturnah entspannen, mit großen Panoramafenstern und toller Ausstattung auf zwei Etagen.
VILA VITA Pannonia****
Storchengasse 1, 7152 Pamhagen
Web: vilavitapannonia.at
Tel.: +43 2175 21800
Price: Residenz am See ab € 580,– pro Nacht inkl. Frühstück
Even the exterior between mountains, forests, meadows and the nearby Lake Constance is all nature: The facade of the Fritsch am Berg was completely covered with honey-colored wooden shingles. But the inner values of the house are also right: For example, the house is heated with solar energy and wood chips from its own forest, and the cooking is regional, seasonal and with organic products, most of which come from its own farm. And then there is another form of sustainability: The "MentalSpa" resort focuses not only on the body but also on the mind and emotions.
… der Aufenthalt in dieser Adults-only-Unterkunft, wenn einem der Alltag mal wieder zu viel wird – hier lernt man mithilfe von Biofeedback, Mentalcoachings sowie regenerierenden und aktivierenden Anwendungen, wie leicht das Leben sein kann. Dieses Erlebnis wirkt sich so positiv aus, dass man zu Hause oft noch lange von der hier gesammelten Erholung zehrt. Auch die vielfältigen Spa-Highlights (von der Aroma-Kräuter-Dampfgrotte über die Panorama-Biosauna bis hin zum Seifenschaumtraum) wird man nicht so schnell vergessen.
Fritsch am Berg
Buchenberg 10, 6911 Lochau, Austria
Web: fritschamberg.at
Tel.: +43 5574 43029
Price: DZ ab € 248,– pro Nacht mit Ganztagskulinarik
With the Wöscherhof in the Zillertal, Andreas Daigl and his family not only run a fabulous alpine hotel with gigantic views of alpine pastures and mountain peaks. He and his father also take care of their own farm located outside the village, which includes more than a hundred animals! Guests come especially to enjoy the fresh milk and good meat - a sustainable, regional treat. The new "Wellness Suites Deluxe" with fine wooden floors, private sauna, free-standing bathtub and direct access to the idyllic bathing pond are also relaxing close to nature.
… ist unter anderem der Wellnessbereich! Zum Badeteich kommen ein zwölf Meter langer beheizter Außenpool sowie ein Hallenbad in Stadloptik, im Panorama-Spa (Adults only) in der dritten Etage und im Alm-Saunadörfl gibt es zudem verschiedene Saunen und eine Plauderlounge mit Effektfeuer. Wer sich Privatheit wünscht, kann die „Romantik Alm“ mit Zirbensauna und Luxusdoppelwanne samt Klangwellenmassage und kuscheligem Wohlfühlbett reservieren.
Hotel Wöscherhof****S
Kirchweg 26, 6271 Uderns im Zillertal, Austria
Web: woescherhof.com
Tel.: +43 5288 63054
Price: Panorama-Junior-Suite ab € 366,– pro Nacht
Crystal clear: Nature plays a supporting role in these generous window fronts, which offer a view of the peaks of the Steinernes Meer from the pool and the restaurant area. That is host family Hörl also important in the crucial details! For example, heating is provided by district heating from the organic heating plant, and a photovoltaic system will soon be added. Chef and junior chef Thomas Hörl also attaches particular importance to the sustainable use of food. Eggs and beef come from their own organic farm "Ebengut", and the other products are also largely from the region.
… man sich nach frischer Bergluft, ganz viel Zeit und erholsamer Ruhe sehnt: Das Haus strahlt mit Goldtönen, Holz, Stein, Filz und naturgeölten Eichenholzböden eine warme und zeitlose Wohlfühlatmosphäre aus. Entsprechend großzügig und edel ist das „Nature Spa“ auf zwei Ebenen – mit Adults-only-Saunabereich, Family-Spa, 17-Meter-Infinity-Becken und Whirlpool auf dem Dach.
THE HOCHKÖNIGIN Mountain Resort****S
Hochkönigstraße 27, 5761 Maria Alm, Austria
Web: hochkoenigin.com
Tel.: +43 6584 7447
Price: DZ ab € 290,– pro Nacht mit Genusspension Plus
A fairy-tale power garden full of extraordinary plants, with koi and a natural swimming pond, sustainably designed and ecologically maintained. A huge, natural orchard with apple trees and old fruit varieties, is also naturally managed. Authentic, seasonal gourmet cuisine, whose ingredients are largely organically grown in the region. Comfortable temperatures due to local heat from biomass, plus an environmentally friendly cleaning system. This and much more makes the
Garden Hotel Ochensberger into a real natural oasis in eastern Styria.
the modern RestoBar Die Gärtnerei. It is housed in a kind of gigantic greenhouse and serves the best Austrian Mediterranean cuisine under lush green accents. The Vitalreich Steierness is also not to be missed: The 360-degree view of the greenery is magnificent, and the furnishings made of local natural materials such as fir, applewood and grapevine are cleverly combined with Far Eastern accents.
Garden Hotel Ochensberger****
Untere Hauptstraße 181, 8181 St.Ruprecht/Raab, Austria
Web: ochensberger.at
Tel.: +43 3178 51320
Price: DZ ab € 184,– pro Nacht inkl. Frühstück
Text: Katharina Florian and Susanne Pahler
