Travellers seeking eco-friendly accommodations look no further; HotelsCombined has released a list of the top sustainable hotels from around the world.

The list features properties from across the globe, each doing their bit for the environment and the sustainable tourism industry.  

 “There is a growing interest in environmental conservation and understanding the impact of tourism on a destination. With the help of hoteliers, it is possible for tourists to experience and appreciate natural spaces and cultures, while conserving and minimizing their effect on the environment,” said Alycia Simons, global public relations and content manager at HotelsCombined.com.

Travellers are increasingly recognizing the importance of environmental conservation, with hotels acknowledging this through developing award-winning environmental, economic and socio-cultural programs that preserve both the culture and support the local economy.

"The planet is fragile, and it is important that both tourists and suppliers work together to lessen the impact of tourism and protect some of the world's most beautiful destinations” said Simons

The world’s top eco –friendly hotels

1.       Six Senses Con Dao, Con Dao, Vietnam

A five-star resort in the archipelago islands, set close to the beach and surrounded by greenery and jungle.

Six Senses Con Dao was built using sustainable building materials, with the structure designed to maximize air flow to reduce the need for air conditioning.

The resort and staff are committed to both social responsibility – via education- and reducing the carbon footprint.

2.       Alila Villas Soori, Bali, Indonesia

Located on the southwest coast of Bali between rice fields and coastline, guests enjoy a haven far from the hustle and bustle of the cities.

Designed in accordance with the EarthCheck international environmental standards, the resort is completely water efficient with rainwater optimized to meet all water needs. Locally sourced materials such as sand stone and natural stones were used in building the resort, which also incorporates a combination of indigenous volcanic rock and abundant plants to organically cool the villas.

More than half of all ingredients, goods and services are purchased from the local area.

3.       Spice Island Beach Resort, St. George’s, Grenada

Owned and run by Sir Royston Hopkin and his family, this luxurious destination is a short walk from the famous Grand Anse Beach.

The resort aims to blend into and co-exist with the island’s native environment and uses solar heating, desalination plants and all forms of energy conservation.

There is a focus on maximizing the preservation of the island via community clean-ups , replanting and non-chlorinated pools.

Smoking of any kind is forbidden in all areas of the resort which places an emphasis on body and soul renewal.

4.       The Park Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India

Situated within a 10-minute car ride from the centre of Hyderabad, the Park Hyderabad’s stunning exterior maximizes natural light, reducing the need for electricity.

Green transportation, bikes and electric cars are encouraged.

The hotel fuses local culture with exceptional design and has achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold certification.

5.       Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, Maldives

Integrating environment and modern design, the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa has been the recipient of a silver EarthCheck certificate and is the only resort in the Maldives to be awarded by EarthCheck for both design and construction.

Various parts of the hotel have been built over the water in the Indian Ocean in order to minimize interference with the natural environment.

6.       Thala Beach Lodge, Port Douglas, Australia

Located on a private headland of 145 acres between Cairns and Port Douglas, this art-deco resort has been awarded with one of the highest eco-tourism accreditations, Eco certified – Advanced Tourism.

The resort is actively involved in assisting the environmental rehabilitation process and also invites elders of the Kuku Talanji community to take guests through a journey of their culture, from healing plants to foraging for bush food.

7.       Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda, Gargnano, Italy

In the heart of the Riviera dei Limoni, the various structures of this five-star resort are integrated into the village’s hill slops to reduce energy and heat dispersion.

The hotel focusses on overall wellness, which is seen through the food, outlay and peace of the hotel.

The interior design makes use of local materials, while the design of the hotel was fashioned in respect to the surrounding landscape and environment. Rainwater is collected and the hotel has a sustainable approach to waste management.

8.       Garonga Safari Camp, Phalaborwa, Africa

An exclusive 12 bed camp, the resort supports the local community through economic empowerment.

Locals are offered employment opportunities, with potential for career development, while food and goods are sources locally where possible.

Guests are invited to offset their carbon footprint by assisting with planting and growing Spesbok Trees in the Eastern Cape.

9.       Hix Island House, Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico

This island escape has a focus on nature, running on batteries charged by solar power recycling rainwater and was even designed to catch cooling winds and return grey water back into the environment.

10.   Hi Hotel, Nice, France

A boutique hotel offering a private beach and rooftop pool, this accommodation has received green globe certification for using recycled paper, organic paint, eco-friendly cleaning products and organic food.