Earth Day has become increasingly popular globally, and is much more than just attending a rally, or celebrating a single day. This movement is stronger than ever, as it enters it’s 46th year of inspiring, challenging ideas, igniting passion and motivating people to take action. It began as a voice of emerging consciousness that channeled human energy towards environmental issues; and now 46 years later, this organization (and the efforts of numerous brands, organizations and individuals) continues to lead with groundbreaking ideas that inspire accountability.
We see many hotels making conscious efforts on a regular basis to be more energy efficient and make decisions that are more environmentally friendly. To celebrate Earth Day this year on April 22, 2016, and to further ignite the conversation, LuxeGetaways has discovered five hotels that not only provide excellent examples of how to lead the way of practicing more “green” practices every day, but also have some unique opportunities this year as they celebrate Earth Day!
1 Hotel & Homes South Beach | Miami Beach, Florida
1 Hotel & Homes South Beach includes a trendy hotel and elegant Penthouse Residences, which were designed with the same inspiration but separate objectives. The Penthouse Residences bring in the calm and timelessness of the beach, while the rooms and lobby of the hotel focus more on its energy. These directions were designed to come together in concert. In nature, texture and complexity blend into an environment. This is the understated genius work of Meyer Davis, which integrated the nature of South Beach into every corner, whether creating a natural entry point to the hotel to sourcing local craftsmen to create elements for the rooms.
At 1 Hotels, they believe in celebrating Earth Day every day, but have several exciting opportunities this year. When you book 1 Hotel South Beach’s Spring Equinox Package, guests enjoy daily breakfast for two at Beachcraft and 2 fresh pressed juices by Nativ Made. Meet at the Private Beach on Earth Day, and take a moment to center yourself while connecting with the universe, during a special meditation and yoga practice curated by Wellthily and yoga led by Cat Van Haayen. Finally, you can also enjoy music, special surprises, and complimentary signature cocktails by Tom on Collins and bites by Beachcraft that evening. Honoring Earth every day is a passion and a responsibility shared by everyone at Beachcraft, including their chefs sourcing produce from conscientious farmers who grow crops according to the Earth’s seasons, and without harmful pesticides, and their meats and fish are always antibiotic free. Learn more about these activities, and 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach’s approach to the environment here.
The Allison Inn & Spa | Newberg, Oregon
Located in the heart of Oregon’s wine country, and less than one hour drive from downtown Portland, The Allison Inn & Spa is the only luxury destination resort in the Willamette Valley and one of the few hotels in the world with LEED Gold Certification. The Allison offers 15,000 square feet dedicated to health and wellness, featuring a swimming pool, fitness studio and spa, which features organic and local products in its treatments. In addition to its Spa, key ‘green’ features at the hotel include solar hot water, photo voltaic cells (generating 7% electricity), no usage of plastic bottles on-site, and the installation of sedum ‘green eco-roofing’ on the west wing. The resort also installed a greenhouse and expanded the on-site garden to 1.5 acres to broaden the innovative cuisine at on-site award-winning JORY restaurant.
Spa guests on April 22 will receive an organic, biodegradable earth-pot with choice of garden herbs from the on-site 1.5 acre garden. The earth-pot will be wrapped in an organic bag for an easy take-home gift. The celebration continues with a visit from Naturopathica‘s Founder Barbara Close, who will give a lecture to local guests on the afternoon of April 24. $20 Admission includes the lecture, 20-minute mini facials performed by the Allison Spa’s professional estheticians, one-on-one consultations with Barbara, inclusive of complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres There will also be a special gift-with-purchase, treatment package specials and product giveaways available. Learn more of their impressive on-going green efforts here.
L’Auberge Del Mar | Del Mar, California
The stylish L’Auberge Del Mar is a Destination Hotel, and overlooks the Pacific Ocean from the heart of Southern California’s picturesque coastal village of Del Mar. The hotel offers 121 guest rooms and suites, each featuring plush bedding, elegant sitting areas, marble bathrooms, and private balconies or patios with garden, village or coastal views. Reminiscent of a private San Diego estate, this Destination Luxury hotel offers an intimate environment – all just 20 minutes north of San Diego International Airport and 90 minutes south of LA.
The hotel is paying homage to nature’s bounty by L’Auberge Del Mar’s Executive Chef Nathan Lingle and his team presenting a special farm-to-table five-course dinner, which is paired with wines to be served on KITCHEN 1540’s patio on Earth Day, Friday, April 22. Further emphasizing everyone can take part in helping Planet Earth, the hotel will be “turning down the power” in the evening, and hopes that guests will do the same. During the month of April, Spa L’Auberge is featuring earth/ocean-friendly spa specials. And guests, locals and employees are invited to join the fun at the resort’s 4th Annual Earth Day Paddle Out. Learn more of their impressive on-going green efforts here.
Lotte New York Palace | New York City
Blending the best of an illustrious past with a modern-day masterpiece, the Lotte New York Palace is simply a legendary hotel, and a New York City icon. After a complete renovation, this premier hotel features 909 spacious rooms and suites, including 176 newly renovated exclusive gems in Midtown within the Towers. Unique dining venues, famed meeting and event spaces and an unmistakable feeling of Manhattan’s grandeur, all combine to make this a landmark property.
Lotte New York Palace celebrates earth every day by embracing sustainable practices, and ready to welcome Earth Day with special events on-property and in the surrounding city. After pledging their support of the NYC Carbon Challenge and adopting a number of eco-friendly operational procedures, this green hotel in New York is ready to ring in Earth Day with a special Palace Hour event. Palace Hour is their way of showcasing the diverse dining and culture of New York City with treats and drinks served daily in a casual, guests-only setting in the main lobby. The Earth Day edition of Palace Hour is extra special: guests have the option of switching their room’s power supply off completely to save energy while they head down to the lobby for a fresh eco- and health-friendly treats, including mixed nuts, dried fruit and organic smoothie shooters. Learn more of their impressive on-going green efforts here.
Terranea Resort | Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Poised above the Pacific on 102 pristine acres, Terranea Resort offers an unparalleled setting with 270-degree ocean views and a luxury vacation and adventure experience within Los Angeles. Accommodations range from villas, casitas, bungalows, suites and guest rooms while offering a casual elegance that blends effortlessly with the natural setting. Located in Rancho Palos Verdes, this Destination Luxury resort is conveniently positioned between Los Angeles International and Long Beach Airports, and offers easy highway access to Hollywood and Disneyland.
This year, Terranea Resort invites guests and locals to celebrate the beauty and the bounty of the Earth with an assortment of eco-focused workshops, guided excursions and feasts. Along with the bi-monthly Chef’s Table Dinner Series and monthly Full Moon Yoga, guests and locals can help mark the first anniversary of Terranea’s Sea Salt Conservatory with a signature Sunset Ritual and ONEHOPE Wine tasting. The resort honors its unparalleled coastal landscape and natural environment with a Full Moon Yoga Gathering Benefiting Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy, Chef’s Table Dinner Series, Guided Nature Walk, LA. Waterkeeper Kelp Restoration Workshop, Falconry Workshop, Marine Mammal Care Center Workshop, Painting & Planting with Art To Grow On, Sea Salt Conservatory Celebration with Sunset Ritual and ONEHOPE Wine Tasting. Learn more of their impressive on-going green efforts here.
Photos Courtesy 1 South Beach, The Allison Inn & Spa, L’Auberge Del Mar, Lotte New York Palace & Terranea Resort