| Sustainability is seen by many as a luxury good itself. The opportunity to live in an intact environment, breathe clean air, and enjoy unspoiled natural landscapes is seen as a privilege that cannot be taken for granted. Hotels, tour operators, and other tourism stakeholders who are committed to sustainability aim to offer their customers and guests precisely this luxury-in the form of the certainty that their products and services are produced, offered, and carried out with ecological and social aspects in mind. The term „luxury” is undergoing a renaissance, moving away from the traditional connotations of expensive, more expensive, and most expensive. |
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Green Luxury in Hospitality – Best Practice Examples from the Green Pearls® Network
What does the term „luxury” mean to Green Pearls® hotel partners and their guests? How do they address the challenge of creating sustainable offers for the region and tourism? |
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Luxury and Nature at OLM Nature Escape
The OLM Nature Escape Eco Aparthotel in South Tyrol is characterized by contemporary, refined architecture that harmonizes with the surrounding natural environment. The integration of geothermal energy and photovoltaics has made the hotel completely energy-self-sufficient. The fresh mountain air and lifestyle in harmony with nature offer a unique luxury experience in a destination that prioritizes mindfulness and tolerance. The use of natural, organic materials such as larch wood and the complimentary use of fresh spring water from the hotel’s well are examples of OLM Nature Escape’s commitment to sustainability. The hotel’s minimalist approach to design and reduction of unnecessary elements ensures that every detail reflects OLM’s commitment to luxury and eco-consciousness. In this way, OLM creates an environment where guests can relax and be pampered in the midst of nature without leaving a large carbon footprint. |
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Wellness in Harmony with Nature at the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio
The mottos of the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio are „Desire for life” and „Come up. Come down.” Located at an elevation of 1,044 meters, the hotel offers guests a refuge where they can find themselves and enjoy the beauty of nature. The 4,500-square-foot Mountain Spring Spa is a prime example of how quality wellness and environmental awareness can go hand in hand. A private mountain spring supplies the pool with 5,000 liters of fresh water daily, saving 1,800 cubic meters of potable water per year. Automatic shading systems, underfloor cooling, and heat exchangers in the ventilation and cooling systems ensure optimal energy efficiency. Electricity is 100% hydroelectric. Thanks to these forward-thinking measures, the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu offers a distinctive experience for a luxurious retreat. |
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SANDy Luxury by the Sea
The SAND lifestyle hotel on Timmendorfer Strand offers a stylish ambiance combined with a comprehensive awareness of the environment. Guests at the lifestyle hotel enjoy exquisite comfort while conserving resources and protecting the environment. Clear colors and stylish design create a retreat for body and soul, which also impresses with its proximity to the Baltic Sea beach. The SAND relies on a holistic approach to sustainability that combines ecology, social issues, and economic efficiency. The hotel minimizes its ecological footprint through the use of renewable energies, waste avoidance, and the promotion of local initiatives. At the same time, the building offers a place of inspiration with its hip atmosphere and mix of naturalness and lifestyle. SAND’s vision is to inspire people and companies to act sustainably without having to compromise on quality and enjoyment. |
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Hotel Das Rübezahl combines Natural Luxury and Well-Being
With high design standards and the use of environmentally friendly natural materials, Hotel Das Rübezahl offers a break in nature away from it all. Guests experience luxury at the highest level without harming the environment. Modern technology and innovative measures ensure a minimal ecological footprint. At the same time, visitors can relax with a specially designed concept that includes private yoga sessions, a personal hiking concierge, a spa area with many hidden oases of comfort, a bee tour to the hotel’s apiary, and a ride in an e-Porsche. Located in the heart of the Allgäu Alps, Rübezahl offers a luxurious vacation in harmony with nature, where relaxation and sustainability are top priorities. |
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Green Luxury in the Heart of Milan
The Hotel Milano Scala exemplifies the ideal balance between luxury and sustainability. As a boutique hotel in the heart of Milan, it offers a distinctive blend of historical charm and modern environmental awareness. In addition to the exquisite furnishings, luxury here includes a harpist who performs in the hotel lobby in the morning. The hotel employs environmentally friendly technologies to reduce energy use and CO2 emissions. Another notable feature is the hotel’s vegetable garden on the panoramic terrace, which supplies some of the ingredients for the restaurant. Furthermore, the hotel provides guests with access to electric vehicles and charging stations. This combination of luxury and environmental awareness makes the Hotel Milano Scala a pioneer in sustainable city tourism in Italy |
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CERVO Mountain Resort, a Place of Power at the Foot of the Matterhorn
CERVO Mountain Resort is situated in the heart of Zermatt, where nature is the hotel’s greatest asset. As a result, the protection of the surrounding mountainous area is a top priority for the hotel, which aims to offer sustainable luxury without compromise-a home away from home. The aesthetically pleasing rooms are decorated with natural materials, and the thermal energy comes from three specially constructed geothermal probes. A notable feature is the outdoor spa, inspired by the Japanese onsen, which efficiently returns thermal energy to the energy system. Electricity is also 100% hydroelectric, allowing guests at CERVO to enjoy luxurious moments in an intact natural environment without leaving a significant carbon footprint. |
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Putting Nature First
Situated in the heart of the Salzkammergut, Gut Guntrams offers a unique blend of comfort and sustainability. The hotel’s ecological concepts and materials are designed with the utmost respect for nature and the region. The spacious rooms at Gut Guntrams feature high-quality furnishings made from local materials such as wood and stone. Local companies and businesses were given preference in the design and construction of the hotel. The entire hotel is heated and cooled with solar power from the hotel’s photovoltaic system. Gut Guntram’s farm is operated with an electric tractor, ensuring the hotel’s kitchen has access to fresh, high-quality produce produced directly on-site. |
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In the Middle of Nature at Naturhotel Outside
For the team at Naturhotel Outside, true luxury is not defined by material abundance but rather by harmony with nature and an awareness of the essentials. Located in the heart of the Hohe Tauern mountains, the hotel offers guests an oasis of peace and relaxation. Regional products from East Tyrol are used in the award-winning gourmet cuisine to pamper guests with individual taste experiences. The wellness area features a natural swimming pond, saunas, and treatments with natural products. The hotel’s local staff provide warm hospitality and attentive service to ensure the well-being of guests. Every detail, from the quality furnishings to the breathtaking views, underscores the hotel’s philosophy of bringing the outdoors inside. |
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5 Stars meet Sustainability at Birkenhof Spa & Genussresort
Being in the here and now – a luxury that is the focus of the Birkenhof in the Upper Palatinate. The 5-star hotel impressively demonstrates that luxury and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. While guests relax and enjoy the moment, whether in the spa or the 2-star Eisvogel restaurant, care is taken in the background to ensure that their stay is carefree in every respect. In addition to comprehensive service and individual suites, this means, for example, that energy is generated from renewable sources, mostly from the hotel’s own combined heat and power plant, and that food, beverages, and other products are sourced from the region whenever possible. In an interview with Green Pearls®, co-owner Lukas Obendorfer tells us more about Birkenhof’s sustainable philosophy and green plans for the future. |
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