As more people take note of the threat wasteful consumerism poses to our planet, the definition of luxury is changing—especially in the travel industry.
The old way of thinking (fee equals “class”) is dying. Sustainability is replacing luxury spending as hotel guests view clean air and water and pristine surroundings as luxuries.
Green Pearls certified hotels are well aware of this change.
One of them is the OLM Nature Escape in South Tyrol, which is completely energy self-sufficient. Guests can enjoy maximum comfort (such as the indoor/outdoor naturally heated swimming pool, or the wine cellar stocked with 60 natural, organic and biodynamic wines) while minimizing the carbon footprint.
Hubertus Mountain Refugio’s private spring supplies the pool with 5,000 liters (1,320 gallons) of fresh water per day, saving 1,800 cubic meters (63,600 cubic feet) of drinking water annually.
Hotel Das Rubezahl is a luxury resort in the Bavarian Alps built entirely from environmentally friendly materials, with Neuschwanstein Castle always visible.
Alex Darlington
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