Beyond Green expands sustainable destinations portfolio

Beyond Green, a global portfolio of planet Earth’s most sustainable hotels, recently added seven new member properties to its portfolio, marking a significant expansion for the brand.

Among these additions are the brand's inaugural properties in Colombia and Zimbabwe, as well as multiple new additions in Spain and India, which Beyond Green said solidified its position as a leader in eco-conscious travel. 

Beyond Green, which operates under the stewardship of Preferred Travel Group, now has a global portfolio spanning 20 countries.

Each new member property offers discerning travellers an opportunity to explore and book authentic, environmentally responsible experiences, with a mandate to adhere to over 50 sustainability indicators aligned with global standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

"I am thrilled to announce the expansion of our global portfolio with the addition of these seven new member properties,” said Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Beyond Green.

“As we continue to grow, we remain steadfast in our mission to promote travel as a force for good, guided by our pillars of sustainability – Nature, Community, and Culture. Together, we can create a brighter, more sustainable future for all.”

Beyond Green’s newest properties include: ·       

Artiem Asturias (Asturias, Spain)

Located in the picturesque landscapes of Asturias, Spain's rugged northwest coast, Artiem Asturias is a luxurious wellness retreat committed to balancing body and mind.

From its spacious guestrooms to The Green: restaurant lounge, the property operates with sustainability at its core, prioritising local and seasonal products, implementing an energy-saving "airplane mode" in guestrooms, utilising photovoltaic panels to reduce energy consumption, and employing a sophisticated supply and carbon footprint control system.       

Dromoland Castle Hotel (County Clare, Ireland)

Nestled in the heart of the Irish hills, Dromoland Castle Hotel, a 16th-century estate, seamlessly blends historic charm with modern amenities while upholding a strong commitment to sustainability.

The castle's lavish decor, stunning gardens, challenging golf course, and exceptional dining experiences are complemented by a dedication to waste reduction, with a notable decrease in food waste from 1.12kg per sleeper in 2022 to .76kg in 2023. This was achieved through site composting and staff training.

A specialised composter captures 40% of the year's food waste, creating a peat substitute used on the golf course, gardens, and woodlands. Dromoland Castle prioritises local partnerships, sourcing everything from cheese to herbs and milk from specialist local artisan suppliers.

Infrastructure improvements, including energy-efficient LED lighting, a combined heat and power plant, and rainwater usage for garden irrigation, further underscore the property’s commitment to sustainability, ensuring a royal experience with a minimal environmental footprint. ·       

The Leela Palace Bengaluru (Bengaluru, India)

In the heart of Bengaluru, India, The Leela Palace Bengaluru, is a rose-hued palace marrying regal splendour with sustainability.

Inspired by Art Deco and the grand Vijayanagara Empire architectural style, the palace showcases copper domes, arches, and ornate ceilings adorned with antiques from across India within its nine acres of lush gardens.

The palace integrates eco-friendly practices, including an EV charging station, solar plants, and a 100% commitment to renewable energy.

The hotel extends this dedication to promoting and protecting the area's cultural heritage through experiences such as puppet shows, pottery workshops, henna art, and safa tying, accompanied by soulful Ravanhatta music, ghoomar dancers, local singers, and more.

The hotel engages local artists in restoring and repairing the palace's original artwork, contributing to the preservation of local artisanship.  ·       

The Leela Palace Udaipur (Udaipur, India)

Travellers can indulge in the opulence of Rajasthani architecture and the cultural richness of Udaipur at The Leela Palace Udaipur, perched on the tranquil shores of Lake Pichola.

Setting a new standard for sustainable luxury, The Leela Palace Udaipur says it is the first hotel in India to introduce eco-friendly boats, reducing fuel consumption and emissions to create a cleaner and healthier atmosphere.

The hotel has planted thousands of trees and conducts regular lake cleaning drives, collecting more than 800 pounds of waste each time. Emphasising local sustainability, food supplies are sourced locally, with groceries also supporting Asha Dham Ashram, a rescue and rehabilitation centre.

Zambezi Sands by Batoka Africa (Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe)

Situated along the majestic Zambezi River, minutes from the renowned Victoria Falls, Zambezi Sands is the first black female-owned Safari Lodge in Africa, featuring 10 private Bedouin-style tents with breathtaking views of the mighty Zambezi River in Zimbabwe.

Offering riverside opulence and proximity to iconic wildlife, the camp provides an immersive experience with gourmet meals, evening game walks, and nature exploration against the backdrop of Safari-style accommodations.

Actively involved in anti-poaching efforts and fire prevention, the camp employs local community members, contributing to economic growth and empowering the African dream through ecotourism and hospitality.

Their flagship initiative, The Tesse Fund, is supported by 10% of guest revenue, and further enables employees to develop projects benefiting their communities.         

Hotel Las Islas (Cartagena de Indias, Colombia)

Set against the backdrop of the Colombian Caribbean on Baru Island, Hotel Las Islas is renowned for its pristine white beaches and turquoise waters. Just 45 minutes from Cartagena, the hotel features 65 bungalows, overlooking the sea and tropical forest, offering a luxurious retreat.

Beyond its lavish offerings, Hotel Las Islas has been a leader in sustainability since 2018, partnering with the Barú community and the National Natural Parks of Colombia to restore mangrove forests, resulting in the planting of over 2,000 trees.

The hotel is also actively engaged in coral restoration, having planted 70,000 new corals with support from certified coral gardeners in the local community. It has recognised with awards such as Best for Sustainability by Condé Nast Johansens and World Luxury Hotel Awards – Luxury Eco Green.·       

Mas Salagros EcoResort (Barcelona, Spain)

Located within a nature reserve with stunning views of Parc de la Serralada Litoral, the five-star Mas Salagros EcoResort is the first 100% eco-friendly resort on the Iberian Peninsula, just a short drive from central Barcelona.

The hotel features a wellness centre, featuring AIRE Ancient Baths. It offers Mediterranean cuisine crafted from 100% organic and local produce in the three restaurants, much of it sourced from the hotel's gardens.

Sustainability initiatives include Green Globe certification, a biomass boiler fuelled by sustainably managed Catalan forests, plant-based roofs for temperature regulation and biodiversity enhancement, and the use of fully restored, sustainable materials in decor.

These initiatives extend to organic textiles, handcrafted beds, and waste management practices, including composting and recycling.

Mas Salagros EcoResort also supports electric vehicles through the Tesla and Porsche Destination Charging programmes, aligning with a philosophy of slow enjoyment and eco-conscious travel. – TradeArabia News Service