Do you like to holiday in chic surroundings? Are you conscientious of your ecological footprint when you travel? Renting an eco-friendly villa is the ideal way for sustainable luxury travellers to be pampered with a purpose. Here's our guide to help you choose the perfect eco-friendly villa for a great holiday that does good for the planet.
Features of eco-friendly villas
Green holiday rentals have a wealth of features to protect the environment. They are often built with sustainable materials. Solar panels transform sunshine into energy - and lots of it when you holiday in a sunny climate. Some villas use gray water to water the plants or salt, instead of harmful chemicals, to keep the pool clean. Inside, energy-efficient appliances, heating, and air-conditioning also decrease the villas' environmental impact.
Popular destinations for eco-friendly villas
The places that lure holidaymakers - idyllic islands and nature reserves - are those that need to be the most protected, hence why they have the most eco-friendly villas. Popular destinations for sustainable luxury travel include Bali and its exotic mangroves and coral reefs; Costa Rica and its rich flora and fauna, the stunning cliffs and beaches of Spain's Balearic Islands; and the natural beauty of Provence set between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea. Find the most beautiful eco-friendly villas in these locations and more with Villanovo villa rentals.
Benefits of an eco-friendly villa rental
When you rent an eco-friendly villa, you forge a more meaningful connection to a place that goes beyond being just a visitor. Your stay will have less environmental impact to help preserve the area's natural resources. This results in long-term benefits for the local community - as well as an increased feeling of well-being for you and your loved ones. An eco-friendly villa rental is an easy way to align your travel with your sustainability values,
Tips for choosing an eco-friendly villa
To help you choose an environmentally-friendly villa that lives up to its name, check if they have been certified by the country's eco-tourism organization. For instance, Bali has the Eco Climate Badge (ECB) while Costa Rica gives the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) to villas that adhere to strict criteria. An eco-friendly villa will also highlight its green practices, like using energy-efficient heating and cooling materials, landscaping with native plants, and recycling water.
Activities that blend luxury and eco-conscientiousness
Pair your eco-friendly villa with activities that are also mindful of reducing your ecological footprint. Go snorkeling with an organization that is committed to coral reef protection. Book a sustainable boat cruise or hot air balloon ride over protected lands. Choose spas that use organic, biodegradable products and restaurants that have a green certification, like France's Ecotable designation. Preserving the environment also has a cultural component. Buy souvenirs made by indigenous artisans rather than mass-produced trinkets to support the local economy. Future trends in sustainable luxury travel also include off-season holidays, volunteering, and engaging with locals like eating at someone's home.
