Awareness of how we’re travelling, and the subsequent impact it has, is continuing to grow with the ‘pandemic effect’ further encouraging travellers to opt for more sustainable measures.
In fact, Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report 2021 has found that 43% of UK travellers say the pandemic has made them want to travel more sustainably in the future, whilst 64% say they want to stay in a sustainable accommodation in the upcoming year. The latter has actually seen a notable increase from previous years, from 44% in 2016, and 50% in 2020, prior to the pandemic
Interestingly, 36% have actually made more sustainable travel choices over the past 12 months*, through small changes such as: turning off their air conditioning/heating in their accommodation when they are not there, bringing reusable water bottles and doing activities to support local communities.
From Iceland to the UK and spanning Yurts, eco-hotels and Spa stays, Booking.com is sharing a round-up of its highly reviewed sustainable stays, to further help travellers make small steps to help our planet.
Larkhill Tipis and Yurts, Carmarthen, UK: Guest rating: 9.7
Price per night: £160 for a Mongolian Ger for four people
This eco-friendly glamping site is set within 20 acres of land with stunning views over Carmarthen and Cardigan Bay. The entire campsite is run by alternative energy – wind and solar, with electricity coming from solar, hydro and wind power and the tipis heated by a cast-iron wood burner. Guests can wander through the beautiful countryside or take a canoe out on the River Teifi before relaxing at the campfire to end the day.
Thyme, Lechlade, UK: Guest rating: 9.0
Price per night: £385 for a Double or Twin Room
This tranquil hotel features a spa, a farm, and even a cookery school where guests can indulge in seasonal food plucked from the grounds of the hotel. Also committed to its eco-friendly practices, this 150-acre farm extracts spring water from an underground river source and has been awarded the highest rating from The Sustainable Restaurant Association for both environmental and social work, supporting community and local business.
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, Grindavik, Iceland: Guest rating: 9.5
Price per night: £1,054 for a Lava View Junior Suite
This exclusive spa switches out tourist-trap for sustainable wellness excellence. These suites are heated from the geothermal lagoon, offering an extraordinary volcanic experience. The retreat has been awarded the Gold Class environmental rating from Vakinn, making it the ultimate Icelandic sustainable stay.
Inhabit, London, UK: Guest rating: 8.5
Price per night: £169 for a Deluxe Double Room
This boutique townhouse hotel is an ultimate eco-friendly option for those looking for a stay in the capital. Providing Peloton bikes, plant-based foods and mapped-out running routes to navigate the city’s green spaces, you can make your city stay as sustainable as possible here.
Battlesteads, Wark, UK: Guest rating: 9.2
Price per night: £115 for a Double Room for two people
One of the UK’s most proactive eco hotels, including bee-friendly hedgerows, a pesticide-free garden, a wildlife meadow and built-in bird and bat boxes. The property also boasts a dark sky observatory to allow guests to look out to the night sky.
To download Booking.com’s full 2021 Sustainable Travel Report, please visit the Booking.com
