The Leading Hotels of the World has launched the Sustainability Leaders collection, shining a light on establishments that are at the forefront of environmental and cultural preservation.
The Sustainability Leaders collection features an array of Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) properties, from state-of-the-art urban skyscrapers to secluded tented sanctuaries, all unified by a shared commitment to protecting both nature and the rich cultural tapestry of their respective locales.
More than 50 LHW properties have earned the title of Sustainability Leaders. To gain this recognition, each hotel must achieve a certification that aligns with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Industry Criteria. LHW has been an active member of GSTC, a leading authority in setting global standards for sustainable tourism, since 2010.
To help its member hotels elevate their sustainability practices, LHW has entered collaborations with several entities. These include Vireo Srl, a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body, along with Green Globe, Green Key Global, and Travelife — all of which employ a GSTC-recognized standard. Through these partnerships, LHW aims to equip its hotels with vital resources and tools that can refine their green initiatives.
The Sustainability Leaders bear the mantle of championing three primary pillars:
- Environment: These leaders prioritize judicious resource consumption, champion renewable energy investments, and are vigilant in preserving natural habitats. From fostering native flora and fauna to tapping into geothermal, solar, and wind energy sources, these hotels are both guardians of their environment and proactive proponents of biodiversity.
- Community: LHW’s Sustainability Leaders foster strong community relationships and promote local economic growth. They provide equal job opportunities for locals, support local artisans and farmers, and have embarked on community-focused programs concentrating on health, education, and climate change.
- Culture: Celebrating local history and traditions is paramount for these leaders. They offer guests genuine experiences that highlight local culinary, artistic, and spiritual practices and are staunch advocates for conserving sites of cultural and historical importance.
Some notable mentions in the Sustainability Leaders collection span across the globe. In the Americas, establishments such as Le Mount Stephen in Canada and The Knickerbocker in the United States stand out. Europe boasts prominent names like Hôtel Barrière Les Neiges in France and Carlton Hotel St. Moritz in Switzerland. The Asian and African regions are equally represented with gems like The Okura Tokyo in Japan and Constance Lemuria in Seychelles.
The full collection of LHW’s Sustainability Leaders includes:
The Americas + Canada
- Canada – Le Mount Stephen
- Chile – Nayara Alto Atacama
- Colombia – Hotel Casa San Agustin
- Mexico – Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, Paradisus Los Cabos
- United States – The Knickerbocker
Europe
- Croatia – Grand Park Hotel Rovinj, Hotel Monte Mulini, Sun Gardens Dubrovnik, Villa Dubrovnik
- France – Hôtel Barrière Les Neiges, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes
- Germany – Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg, Althoff Seehotel Ueberfahrt, Excelsior Hotel Ernst, Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa
- Greece – Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas, Grand Resort Lagonissi
- Italy – Fonteverde, Grand Hotel Majestic “già Baglioni,” Mazzarò Sea Palace, Villa del Parco & Spa
- Malta – The Phoenicia Malta
- Monaco – Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo
- Montenegro – The Chedi Lustica Bay
- Netherlands – Hotel De L’Europe Amsterdam, Hotel Okura Amsterdam, The Dylan Amsterdam
- Portugal – Pestana Palácio do Freixo, Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa
- Spain – Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine, Bahia del Duque, Hotel Botanico & The Oriental Spa Garden, Hotel Casa Fuster, Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort, Majestic Hotel & Spa, Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia
- Switzerland – Carlton Hotel St. Moritz; Hotel Eden Roc, Ascona; The Dolder Grand; Tschuggen Grand Hotel, Arosa
Africa, Middle East, & Asia
- Cyprus – Amathus Beach Hotel Limassol
- Indonesia – Capella Ubud, Bali; Soori Bali
- Japan – The Okura Tokyo
- Malaysia – The Datai Langkawi
- Maldives – Baglioni Resort Maldives, Constance Halaveli Maldives
- Mauritius – Constance Prince Maurice, Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury
- Seychelles – Constance Lemuria, Seychelles
- Tunisia – La Badira
- Turkey – Maxx Royal Kemer Resort, The Montgomerie Golf Club by Maxx Royal Resorts
- United Arab Emirates – One&Only The Palm Dubai
The LHW’s initiative aligns perfectly with the increasing global emphasis on sustainable tourism and offers travelers an opportunity to make environmentally conscious choices.
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