5 Eco-Friendly Hotels and Resorts

There are plenty of words we hear and read that trigger this idea of preservation: going green, eco-friendly, sustainable, recyclable and the list goes on and on. What does it all mean anyway? To be eco-friendly literally means being friendly to the environment, or non-harmful. Some of the ways hotels can be eco-friendly are to practice the conservation of resources like water and energy, practice green living through things like planting herb gardens and composting, and using building materials that are responsibly curated or even recycled and created from something else.

I’m highlighting some fabulous eco-friendly, sustainable hotels and resorts in the US and Canada that are making an impact and helping preserve their beautiful surrounds and beyond. The best part about these hotels is that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort and luxury for the sake of the planet; you get both wrapped up in one beautiful green package.

The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana

Nestled in a valley and in the shadows of a majestic Montana mountain lies The Ranch at Rock Creek. This five-star guest ranch provides the perfect blend of adventure, Wild West adventure, luxury and relaxation. Have you ever wanted to learn how to rope a steer or gallop on horseback through the fields in the shadow of a mountain? Then the Ranch at Rock Creek should be your next destination.

Throughout the day there are staff-led activities for guests to appreciate and learn about the natural surroundings through nature walks, fly fishing experiences, hiking, and even yoga classes in nature. This is the perfect spot for families and groups with varying interests because the Ranch has a little bit of everything.

Heathman Hotel, Portland, Oregon

Featured in Conde Nast Traveller 2019 Reader’s Choice Award, The Heathman Hotel is one of Portland’s iconic landmark buildings. They took a stunning building from 1927 and renovated it into a one-of-a-kind hotel. It was a beautiful way to restore and reuse something that was once overlooked and forgotten and turn it into a gem.

Located in downtown Portland, you’ll be across the street from the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, within walking distance to the Portland Art Museum and South Park Blocks which hosts the Portland Farmer’s Market, and the Willamette River Waterfront. This is the perfect getaway for those looking for an urban oasis, especially if you’re interested in art, culture, and lots of great bars and restaurants in walking distance, including Heathman’s own Headwaters fine dining restaurant.​

Sonora Resort, British Columbia

The Sonora Resort is a luxury wilderness and eco-friendly hotel that is surrounded by the natural beauty of British Columbia. This is unparalleled beauty at its finest. If you want luxury and accessibility to nature, this is it. The resort offers a wide variety of experiences, activities and amenities from spa treatments, canoeing trips, hiking, yoga classes, salmon fishing and even grizzly bear tours.

The resort itself is only accessible by helicopter, seaplane or water taxi, starting off your vacation in quite a memorable way. Whether you go by sky or sea, you’ll see some incredible views you would otherwise not be able to witness in your journey. The resort is truly remote but you’ll never feel like you’ve given up the luxuries you enjoy while on this nature holiday.

Calistoga Ranch, Napa, California

Calistoga Ranch is a private canyon retreat that offers complete renewal in nature. Everything is sustained right in the area from fresh garden produce to honey harvested on property. Your accommodation is also sustainable, created from green alternatives for building material, but also hidden perfectly among the groves and trees providing shelter and peace.

The resort, located in Napa, also has a plethora of culinary delights with an exquisite team of chefs creating locally sourced, organic, fresh meals for you every day. You’ll be able to enjoy the meals in rustic elegance alongside an open fireplace and an indoor-outdoor concept living space that unified nature and living in one.

Stein Eriksen Lodge, Park City, Utah

Styled after a Norwegian-style ski chalet, this outstanding ski-in, ski-out lodge is a perfect spot to land to breathe in the fresh mountain air. Located in Park City, Utah winter activities include skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding and other family activities. In the summer, enjoy hiking, biking, and rafting. The resort offers a free shuttle to town, or hop on a bike and go. Also popular at the Stein Eriksen is their award-winning spa and sustainable luxury restaurants. Once you check-in, you might never want to leave.

Whether you’re going for a romantic getaway, girls’ or guys’ weekend, multi-generational trip or even a business retreat, one of these eco-friendly hotels will be sure to fit your needs. Do one of these seem just right for you? Let me know!

​Because of our affiliations with Select Hotels & Resorts, when you book with Vacations Inspired, you will receive exclusive VIP amenities and upgrades that may include, but not limited to, room upgrade, food & beverage credit, early check-in/late checkout, spa treatment credits and other special experiences.

While these hotels and resorts may currently be closed because of Covid-19, we can still dream. #dreamnowtravellater There will be many things that we’ll get back to in our lives and the ability to move around freely and begin traveling again is certainly one of them. When the time is right, reach out for your free travel consultation.

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