Travelling in sustainable style: how Londoners can plan greener getaways this year

Eco-travel? It doesn’t have to be a contradiction. Here, sustainable expert Juliet Kinsman explains how to shrink your holiday footprint
Unwind in harmony with nature at a Lake Lodge from Blyth Rise Stays
Juliet Kinsman26 April 2023

‘How do I know a hotel is sustainable?’ I get this a lot. I stumble on the word ‘sustainable’ for starters — it’s become a little meaningless, don’t you think? The most appealing accommodation is that which contributes more to the environment and community than it takes away — a tall order.

And it’s getting harder for the average traveller to discern. Is that chain hotel outpost really impact-driven? Or low carbon? How do they measure and report on this? Let’s instead salute energy-lean businesses. My favourite hotels are independent and owner-run, with a clear mission to be better businesses. The Bull Organic Inn, Totnes, is a trailblazer in ethical eating and drinking, but because this Devon restaurant with rooms is listed, hard-liners might be frustrated that its upcycled-chic bedrooms don’t have efficient glazing. It highlights that there’s no hard and fast rule. Inhabit hotel in Paddington was just certified B Corp. I love that it recruits marginalised women and pays all the living wage — but that doesn’t speak to every aspect of sustainability.

If your metrics are actively boosting biodiversity or a climate-solutions priority, you’ll find this a challenge for city hotels. Kudos to the indigenous-species living wall coming to the corner of Berkeley Street and Piccadilly with 1 Hotel Mayfair. Since agriculture is one of the guiltiest sectors for generating greenhouse gases, let’s toast Saorsa 1875 in Perthshire for promoting plant-forward living as the UK’s first fully vegan hotel.

Hotels that innovate when it comes to green energy solutions are definitely climate friendlier — but not always easy to spot. There’s Bravo Gilpin Hotel & Lake House in Windermere with its clever new green battery. And props to light-touch buildings without heavy concrete foundations — yes, construction industry, with your whopping footprint, we’re looking at you. I’m all about back-to-basics-plus, something Fforest in Wales, Tom’s Eco Lodge on the Isle of Wight and Blyth Rise Stays in Suffolk achieve effortlessly.

I’m regularly grilled as to the greenest destinations. I always encourage roaming closer to home and Scotland, we love you for your tree-planting (take a bow, The Scottish Rewilding Alliance). Nordic countries are impressive across the board and all fly flags for renewable power. Costa Rica deserves acclaim as the first county to run entirely on hydro power, with 30 per cent of the nation marked for conservation. Nice.

My top three sustainable destinations for 2023?

1) You’re never too old for an Interrail pass so take the train across Europe — and make your journey part of the experience. Slovenia and Swiss ski resorts in the summer are my top tips. Get boutique specialist Byway to plan the whole escapade. Craving tropical? Instead of a long-hauler to Bali, try...

2) Madeira for its balmy microclimate and magnificent biodiversity. The Portuguese island is rated Silver by EarthCheck, too.

3) Don’t forget the glorious luxuries of our own capital. You can bag a bargain stay in London most Sundays, or splash out on Apricity’s zero-waste tasting menu, which just got a Michelin green star. Book charity-funding walking tours, such as Ethiopian Flavours in Shepherd’s Bush, with Coffee Ceremony through Intrepid adventures. Sustainably minded tourism on your doorstep — what’s better than that?

Juliet Kinsman shares her favourite eco hotels at boutecoloves.com

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