With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, Booking.com reveals its list of inspiring destinations with higher proportions of Travel Sustainable stays to fuel travellers’ wanderlust this year.
Hanmer Springs, New Zealand
This beloved town in Canterbury with its dramatic landscapes and natural hot springs has long punched above its size as a hero of green tourism. Amidst towering forests, the thermal pools in Hanmer Springs have been awarded for their sustainable tourism practices from harnessing geothermal energy to supporting the environment with initiatives such as its water-efficient pools. Hot springs are known to have therapeutic benefits for health and wellness, from deep relaxation to improved sleep, and travellers can experience this first-hand with a Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa admission. Outside of the springs, activities to immerse in the wild natural beauty of Hanmer include forest hiking, mountain biking, horse trekking and bungee jumping for adrenaline seekers.
Where to stay: 8 on Oregon Boutique Lodge is great value for money, a short walk from the thermal pools, and has incredible views overlooking the town. Dedicated to providing guests with a more sustainable stay, this property offers eco-friendly products and has a ban on single-use plastics.
Merano, Italy
Tucked into a valley, among stunning hilly landscapes, is the alpine town of Merano – famed for therapeutic traditions, including thermal baths and spas using regional herbs in healing treatments. For outdoor adventurers, Merano offers recuperative hiking and biking opportunities, with the beautiful Vigiljoch mountain pass and Gruppo
Di Tessa Natural Park being easily accessible. Travellers can head to the neighbouring town of Bolzano for an advanced cycling tour through the Dolomites and challenge themselves to the UNESCO-listed Sella Massif climbs for views of this pretty region. The town uses many forms of renewable energy from biogas to geothermal energy. There is a great public transport system in place as well as charging stations for electric cars.
Where to stay: The Relais & Chateaux Hotel Castel Fragsburg, a castle perched above the valley, exceeds a traditional five-star spa with its focus
on sustainability. The restored building features solar panels and a wood pellet heating system fueled entirely by local resources. Guests can soak up the surrounding nature on green-blanketed verandas. Experience Michelin-star dining and local delicacies at Prezioso. This restaurant cultivates all its own organic herbs and vegetables, striving for zero waste.
Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil
Foz do Iguaçu is an ideal destination for wildlife-lovers seeking some of Mother Nature’s greatest treasures and is home to one of the world’s largest waterfalls, Iguaçu Falls. Known as one of the natural wonders of the world, surrounded by vast subtropical rainforest, this mesmerising site is something to behold. Travellers can book a full-day guided tour to Iguazú National Park, including a boat ride to experience the waterfalls up-close. Just across from the falls is Parque das Ares, a bird-watcher’s paradise. This ecological sanctuary educates visitors on conservation efforts to reverse habitat loss and will open your eyes to some magnificent, feathered creatures.
Where to stay: The Hotel das Cataratas, a Belmond Hotel, Iguassu Falls faces the Iguaçu National Park and is steeped in charming elegance with rooms decorated colourfully to welcome guests. Investing a percentage of revenue back into the community, the hotel plays an important active role in the protection of the surrounding natural beauty.
Tainan, Taiwan
From ancient temples and lantern-lit alleyways to rice paddy fields and lagoons, the oldest city of Taiwan celebrates a rich past. This coastal city is investing in the future with a commitment to building sustainable industries and implementing solar energy solutions. It can be found on the smart city map with its impressive solar farm that creates enough energy to power more than a million homes. Traditional culture also continues to thrive, with a deep-rooted local food and drink scene: travellers can immerse in old-world wooden tea houses or experience the celebrated night markets and Guohua Street where Taiwanese delicacies are found amongst local favourites. Visiting Taijiang National Park and the coast is made easy with a great bus network and an expanding public bicycle rental system – ideal for the 56 per cent of travellers who want to use more environmentally friendly modes of transport on holiday.
Where to stay: With 53 per cent of Kiwi travellers wanting to travel more sustainably on a budget*, the contemporary U.I.J Hotel & Hostel makes considerable investments towards sustainability. From locally sourced delights in its restaurant to tours by local guides, this hip hostel is situated on a secluded street just a stone’s throw away from Tainan’s transit station, making it easy for guests to explore in a more sustainable, cost-effective way.
Santa Marta, Colombia
Situated amongst the highest coastal mountain range in the world is Santa Marta, one of the oldest cities in Latin America. Home to Tayrona National Park, a protected area along the Caribbean coast where travellers can explore via the forest trails to encounter wildlife from howler monkeys to pumas and deer. The city houses the colourful Santa Marta Market with over 500 vendors selling quality goods from fresh fruit and lobsters to beautiful artisan clothes and textiles – ideal for the 69 per cent of Kiwi travellers who want the money they spend when travelling to go back to the local community*. The city has introduced a surveillance process for carbon pollution and established regulations to protect the region, such as beach clean-ups and banning plastic bags.
Where to stay: La Casita del Bosque is an idyllic country house immersed in nature just a short walk from the vibrant Playa de Mendihuaca beach. Nestled amidst lush forests, the stay features rustic, wooden interiors and an outdoor shower for guests to experience a tropical paradise.
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Set at the foot of the Stellenbosch Mountain, this town is famed for its rich soil that produces the finest farmed produce and wine. A perfect way to explore and enjoy the region’s first-class wine scene is by following the Stellenbosch Wine Routes, a network of more than 200 grape producers dedicated to producing biodynamic wines using eco-friendly methods. As a member of Porto Protocol – a global sustainable initiative to combat climate change – the producers are committed to fostering environmental practices that protect and conserve the land, including making their own compost. For the 64 per cent of travellers who want to leave the places they visit better than when they arrived*, the town has various initiatives to help local communities – including the Living Soils Community Learning Farm, a regenerative project that educates young farmers in food farming and travellers can lend a hand by volunteering.
Where to stay: Unwind in the heart of a vineyard at the family-run Deux Frères Luxury Villas. Beautifully decorated with bespoke antique furniture, punctuated with greenery, with a gorgeous pool amidst the endless vines. The villa refrains from using single-use plastics and features water efficient amenities.
Charlotte, United States
Charlotte’s southern hospitality and charm extends to its sustainability efforts with its ambition to balance economic growth with preserving its natural resources. With a focus on green urban planning, the booming ‘Queen City’ is home to many magnificent parks peppered with trees, rustic bridges and streams for those seeking leafy beauty amid futuristic skyscrapers. In Freedom Park, travellers can explore the Discovery Place Nature museum –a world-class education centre that invites visitors to connect with native plants and wildlife. Book a private Historical City Tour to experience the city’s oldest sights, and experience fine Carolina cuisine created with heirloom ingredients native to the area at Asbury Restaurant. From rich braised short ribs to a peppery warm kale salad, Asbury champions produce grown by small family farms. With 75 per cent of travellers wanting to have authentic experiences representative of the local culture, a farm-to-plate experience is a fantastic and sustainable way to do this.
Where to stay: The JW Marriott Charlotte in the laid-back Uptown neighbourhood is a luxe hotel featuring sleek and modern interiors. Rooms feature big, magnificent windows, supplying natural light and a great perspective on the city. Home to three restaurants that all serve delicious local dishes and make a concerted effort to reduce food waste, the hotel also houses a leafy rooftop garden for unrivalled sunset views.
Munich, Germany
Munich is known for its stunning medieval architecture, tasty beer and strong commitment to sustainability. The city has heavily invested in clean energy projects over the years and now generates approximately 43 per cent of its electricity from renewable energy sources. There is a breadth of urban green spaces to enjoy the beauty of
the outdoors from the English Garden to the Nymphenburg Palace Park, which features beautifully designed energy-efficient fountains run on hydraulic pump systems. The best way to take in the sights is either on foot or by bike. Travellers can book a walking tour of Munich’s Old Town to explore the historic centre or check out Hofbräuhaus, Munich’s famous 16th century tavern, a brewery that aims to reduce carbon emissions, residual waste and recycle materials.
Where to stay: Inspired by sleek Scandinavian design, DD Suites Serviced Apartments uses 100 per cent renewable electricity and offers bicycle parking. Guests have access to a balcony and rooftop garden, as well as excellent access to public transport for those who decide to purchase the Unlimited Public Transportation in Munich.
Nusa Penida, Indonesia
White sandy beaches are Nusa Penida’s most famous attribute. There’s plenty to relish in this off-the-beaten-track topical paradise, a short ferry ride from mainland Bali with sacred temples, waterfalls and natural infinity pools. The island offers a less-is-more approach to hosting visitors by carefully regulating tourism to protect its beaches and marine ecosystem. Declared a marine protected area in 2010, the island is committed to preserving the natural wonders that lay beneath its shores. Book a day tour snorkelling and kayaking for a fun, low-carbon way to explore the island and discover the abundance of rainbow-coloured sea life from manta rays to parrotfish.
Where to stay: Bask in the beauty of nature at Autentik Penida Glamping. Boasting ample green space, this adults-only accommodation offers a peaceful escape. The property features a balcony with panoramic views of the jungle and plush bean bags for the ultimate relaxation. An outdoor swimming pool, daily continental breakfast and information on the local ecosystems, heritage and culture of the island is also on offer. For those guests who want to explore beyond their tent, friendly staff are on hand with tours and activities provided by local guides or enjoy a sunset dinner at the nearby Amok Sunset restaurant.
Salzburg, Austria
Austria has made considerable efforts to become an environmentally friendly country, with ambitious goals to use more renewable energy and be carbon neutral by 2040. The city of Salzburg is a shining example of its efforts, as its renewable energy use makes up 70 per cent of the country’s total consumption, making it one the greenest cities in the country. Famed for its art, music and breath-taking medieval and baroque buildings, the historic centre of the city has also been awarded a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its rich art and architecture dating back to the Middle Ages. It has superb public transport as the city has invested in making its transport more environmentally friendly, with electric buses and trolleys and well-developed bike lanes. Travellers can also explore the city on foot and join a walking tour with a local guide.
Where to stay: With 56 per cent of Kiwi travellers stating they would feel better about staying in a particular accommodation if they knew it had a sustainable certification, the Salzburg Loft is a light and airy holiday home with fabulous views of the mountains. This loft has taken several steps to offer a more sustainable stay, such as the use of 100 per cent renewable electricity, and making recycling bins and bicycle parking available to guests.
Top Tip: Using the Travel Sustainable filter on the Booking.com app helps you find budget-friendly options when travelling, and with more than 500,000 properties globally with a Travel Sustainable badge, there are a lot to choose from.
*Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of 33,228 respondents across 35 countries and territories (504 from New Zealand).