These eco-friendly hotels and resorts can help brides and grooms enjoy their special day while at the same time minimize their carbon footprint.
BY LUCY MAZZUCCO
Green is the new white, at least when it comes to destination weddings. With sustainability being top of mind for many, more couples planning destination weddings are prioritizing hotels and resorts whose sustainability practices align with their environmental values and social responsibility. Tiffany Bell, senior destination wedding planner, Luxe Destination Weddings, says that sustainable weddings are a growing trend for many reasons like environmental awareness, a desire for authenticity, social media influence and even cost savings. “Sustainable weddings are gaining in popularity as couples increasingly prioritize environmental and social responsibility on their special day. These weddings aim to minimize the negative impact on the planet while still celebrating love and commitment in a meaningful way,” says Bell.
According to Bell, choosing eco-friendly hotels enables couples to not only contribute to the preservation of the environment but also set an example for their guests by demonstrating that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand. “It’s a powerful way to create lasting memories while making a positive impact on the planet,” she says, adding that many hotels are now embracing low or zero-waste initiatives and programs that give back as part of their commitment to environmental stewardship. “Couples seeking a sustainable approach to their wedding should consider hotels that share their values, not only for the wedding itself but also for the entirety of their guests’ stay.”
From large weddings in a tropical paradise to intimate ceremonies in a more private oasis, these eco-friendly hotels and resorts across the world have found ways to help brides and grooms make a positive impact on the planet while celebrating their special day.
La Valise Tulum, Mexico
As part of its commitment to Tulum’s preservation, the hotel also invites guests to sign the Tulum Pledge, a promise to leave Tulum “better than they found it,” which can be great for brides and grooms looking to give back and make a difference during their stay. For a more exclusive experience, the hotel also offers brides and grooms the option to reserve the entire property for their wedding so that they can fully immerse themselves in the moment and enjoy the occasion with their loved ones.
Green Fig Resort & Spa – St. Lucia
In order to reduce its environmental footprint, Green Fig Resort & Spa in St. Lucia uses solar panels to reduce purchased energy by 33 percent so far, as well as high-efficiency inverter-type air conditioners. The resort contains a rainwater collection for landscape watering and pools, and its hot water heaters are solar-driven. The bathrooms are water efficient, while soap, shampoo and conditioner dispensers reduce plastic waste. The resort also prioritizes plastic bottle recycling and donates food waste to a local farm. And to reduce carbon emissions and keep the air clean, it doesn’t burn any trash or landscaping waste from the property. Outdoor lighting on light sensors also ensures lights are on only when needed, which can help create a warm ambience for outdoor weddings. Many rooms also feature double-pane windows for energy efficiency and noise reduction, which can be great for post-wedding relaxation.
Caerula Mar Club – The Bahamas
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort – Aruba
While Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort only hosts micro-weddings with up to four people, including the bride and groom, it offers a service that streams the ceremony to family members and friends, ensuring that loved ones at home don’t miss out. Rather than being a destination for large weddings and big groups, this eco-friendly hotel aims to be an intimate retreat for couples who wish to elope or celebrate with only each other before having a larger reception back home. With the resort’s cornerstones being romance, wellness and sustainability, its passion for love and the planet go hand in hand. Couples can rest assured knowing that they’re contributing to a greener future during their stay, thanks to a long list of sustainable measures that include renewable energy, solar-heated hot water, electricity-generating fitness equipment that converts burned calories to kilowatts for the resort’s power grid, an interactive sea turtle testing and hatchlings calendar, and monthly guest and staff beach cleanups.
Six Senses Yao Noi – Thailand
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly wedding option in Southeast Asia, look no further than Six Senses Yao Noi. From the use of natural materials in the architecture of all villas to its Clean Water Project and drinking water treatment, the resort puts sustainability at the heart of all its offerings.
Plus, its partnership with the Thailand Hornbill Project aims to protect the Oriental Pied Hornbill, the most iconic wildlife on the island whose population has dwindled throughout the years. Couples and animal lovers will delight in seeing these gorgeous, canopy-dwelling birds around the resort.
While weddings at Six Senses Yao Noi are typically small and intimate, the resort’s elevated pool villas feature views ranging from tropical settings to panoramic ocean vistas, providing a relaxing experience for couples interested in eloping or celebrating with a small group of loved ones.
Hyatt Regency – Cape Town
Located in the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town, South Africa, in the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, this hotel comes with the added bonus of having Table Mountain as a natural backdrop for one-of-a-kind destination weddings.
To protect the local environment and set a positive example for guests and the community, the eco-friendly hotel has implemented various sustainable practices such as waste management and water preservation. It also uses solar PV panels and heat pumps for hot water, efficient shower heads, taps and a flush system, and prioritizes recycling and food separation to minimize waste. LED bulbs and tubes are used throughout the property, along with dimming systems and motion sensors in certain areas.
Between the cuisine, elegant rooms and terrace pool with views of Cape Town city centre and Signal Hill, the hotel’s contemporary interiors can accommodate small, intimate ceremonies as well as larger, more lavish celebrations.
To further reduce environmental impact at the hotel, Tiffany Bell, senior destination wedding planner, Luxe Destination Weddings, suggests eliminating unnecessary waste with centrepieces, opting for non-floral options or beeswax candles, and ensuring any décor on the beach or grass is biodegradable. For wedding favours, Bell also suggests sustainable options such as reusable tumblers, cups, straws and more to enjoy throughout the week. “For destination wedding couples, gifts are not always feasible, so why not opt to have your guests make a donation to an eco conscious initiative you love?” she adds. “One of our favourite ways to celebrate is to treat your guests to an excursion that highlights eco-friendly options in destination, either pre- or post-wedding.”
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