From quaint coastal towns to bikeable cities, there’s a destination for every type of traveller. And it seems like eco-conscious adventures are top-of-mind for folk, with Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report 2024* revealing that more than half of Kiwis agree that seeing sustainable practices first-hand while travelling inspires them to be more sustainable in their everyday lives. Let’s take a look at sustainable stays around the globe.
Pātaua, New Zealand
Perfect for travellers who are seeking an authentic New Zealand experience, this North Island destination provides the best of Kiwi beaches, clear-water shorelines, native wildlife watching and so much more. Venture the region by foot starting at the moderate Pātaua Island Trail, a beach hike that offers panoramic views of the surrounding archipelagic coastline. Pātaua is split eco-conscious adventures into two parts: Pātaua Island, an established protected nature reserve to the south; and North Pātaua, which is home to the Pātaua Tahi nature reserve, an 800-acre living eco-lab.
Where to stay: Perched just 300 metres from the unfrequented Pātaua beach and sitting in the hub of the 800-acre Tahi ecological sanctuary, Hiwi at Tahi (pictured above) is surrounded by wetlands, fauna and wildlife that have remained untouched for over two decades. The property is also third-party certified by The Long Run, a members-only organisation that implements sustainable infrastructure in business, from conservation efforts to community support. Aside from its sustainability efforts, the self-catered and secluded Hiwi at Tahi is accompanied by uninterrupted visuals of the surrounding seascape, making this the perfect getaway for Kiwis looking for some downtime.
Gothenburg, Sweden
Gothenburg, the second largest city in Sweden after its capital, Stockholm has been ranked as the world’s most sustainable destination seven times in a row, according to the Global Destination Sustainability Index. With an estimated 95 percent of the city running on renewable energy, travellers that prefer to travel more sustainably will appreciate the chance to discover the city in an environmentally friendly way, thanks to this Gothenburg Bike Tour that includes top attractions, like Gothenburg Museum of Art and the coast of the North Sea. Also known for world-class seafood, this destination is perfect for foodies seeking stellar cuisine at Michelin-starred restaurants.
Where to stay: The Hotel Royal, with a FEE’s Green Key, is also the city’s oldest hotel dating back to 1852. Its history is preserved in the rooms through décor, allowing them to be transported back in time. Alongside a remarkable conservation of history is the property’s fantastic location, just a short walk from Gothenburg Central Station, making it an accessible stay without the need to use a car.
Utrecht, the Netherlands
Utrecht is often dubbed as a cosier alternative to Amsterdam, and is best explored by canoe, where travellers can soak up the stunning city views as they paddle through one of the many canals. And, with the Netherlands notoriously flat, you can also easily get around the city by cycle hire, making this the perfect city for Kiwis intending to use more sustainable modes of transport. If you’re keen to tour on-foot, the City Walking Tour with Smartphone Game gives you the opportunity to check out some of the most popular sites of the city – from the Dom Tower to the first department store in the Netherlands, Winkel van Sinkel – while solving fun riddles along the way.
Where to stay: Grand Hotel Karel V offers a relaxing atmosphere amidst peaceful gardens and terraces in the heart of Utrecht. The property has earned an FEE’s Green Key certification for making optimal choices in equipment and energy management, such as using environmentally-friendly products within their cleaning services, to carrying out waste separation by employing temporary storage without causing any disruption to the surrounding environment. Spoilt for choice, there is a stunning Michelin-star restaurant, Restaurant Karel 5, housed within the hotel grounds with every ingredient sourced from local and regional suppliers.
Akumal, Mexico
Named from the Mayan meaning “place of turtles”, Akumal in the state of Quintana Roo is a must-see for marine wildlife lovers and perfect for over a third of Kiwi travellers who are familiar with the preservation of biodiversity and natural habitats related to sustainability in travel*. Part of a marine protected area on the Yucatán Peninsula, this coastal town boasts crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and coral and marine life galore. While in the past tourism numbers and overdevelopment in the town have had a detrimental impact on its namesake turtles, the endangered green sea turtles are now supported by the local community through conservation efforts such as restrictions on local guides and tours as well as rules for snorkelers to help protect the species. Those interested in the conservation and preservation of marine life may also visit the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sian Ka – an Biosphere Reserve to explore different coastal and marine ecosystems inhabited by dolphins, manatees, bird species, and more.
Where to stay: The Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya offers a piece of beach-side paradise on the Riviera Maya. Visitors can stroll along the property’s winding walkways to its private stretch of white sand. This resort has made huge commitments to sustainability, with a mission to be active stewards for the environment, marine life and local community, and received a Preferred by Nature Certificate for its efforts.
Vancouver, Canada
Renowned for its unspoiled charm and cultural diversity, Vancouver lives and breathes the outdoors, including parks aplenty, such as the famous Stanley Park with its iconic seawall and beaches with snow-capped mountain views. Thanks to easy access to mountains, forests, and waterways, travellers can enjoy activities like hiking, skiing, kayaking, and even whale watching. Vancouver takes sustainability seriously with initiatives such as the Greenest City Action Plan and the Renewable City Strategy, which aims to use 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. If travellers fancy reaching epic new heights during their stay, this Sea to Sky Gondola Ride in Squamish is a great excursion, venturing into a gondola at 2,900 feet above sea level to admire the stunning views of Howe Sound, Shannon Falls, and the Squamish Chief climbing area.
Where to stay: Located in the heart of Vancouver, Fairmont Pacific Rim makes the ideal retreat. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain and harbour views, the hotel’s interior reflects Vancouver’s vibrant social scene, while honouring a deep connection to its natural surroundings. This booking.com property has a Green Key Global Eco-Rating certificate, and a Botanist Restaurant inspired by the principles of botany, which centres its menu around organic farming ingredients.
Check out Booking.com’ AI Trip Planner
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*Research commissioned by booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of 31,550 respondents across 34 countries
