Muddy Stilettos


<p>Choosing sustainable doesn’t have to feel like a sacrifice &#8211; there’s never been a wider variety of cool hotels committing to earth-friendly practices and conservation. From Nambia to Norway ecotourism is a buzz word but it’s far from a fad, this is the way we want to holiday, now and in the future.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-story-seychelles"><a href="https://story-seychelles.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">STORY</a> Seychelles</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="625" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/StorySeychelles-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-64342" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/StorySeychelles-1.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/StorySeychelles-1-600x375.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/StorySeychelles-1-840x525.jpeg 840w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Greener than Kermit, this tropical Indian Ocean hideaway was crowned the World Travel Awards’ ‘Seychelles’ Leading Green Resort 2022’ &#8211; a title it has won for five years in a row, congrats! Situated on &#8216;it can&#8217;t really be that perfect?&#8217; Beau Vallon Beach on main island Mahé, STORY encourages sustainability across the board, including recycling, protecting wildlife, reducing water consumption, energy conservation and supporting local. We&#8217;d be lying if said we weren&#8217;t also in love with the super luxe villas and suites with private pools and seven restaurants.&nbsp;<em>From £363pn. </em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coulibri-ridge-dominica"><a href="https://www.coulibriridge.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coulibri Ridge</a>, Dominica&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/47e64d_2f8e7bbb08024c0f95b4a7e7d0d340ddmv2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64266" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/47e64d_2f8e7bbb08024c0f95b4a7e7d0d340ddmv2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/47e64d_2f8e7bbb08024c0f95b4a7e7d0d340ddmv2-600x401.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/47e64d_2f8e7bbb08024c0f95b4a7e7d0d340ddmv2-786x525.jpg 786w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Hillside happiness guaranteed at the Caribbean’s latest sustainable resort which opened in October. Off-grid and powered by solar and wind, the 14-suite boutique retreat is surrounded by 200 acres of tropical grounds including two infinity pools, yoga pavilion, spa and orchard.&nbsp;<em>From £553pn. </em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chay-lap-farmstay-vietnam"><a href="http://www.chaylapfarmstay.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chay Lap Farmstay</a>, Vietnam</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/ChayLap-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-64343" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/ChayLap-1.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/ChayLap-1-600x400.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/ChayLap-1-787x525.jpeg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Set beneath the majestic limestone cliffs of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Chay Lap blends perfectly into the surrounding landscape and is a dab hand at sustainability, for example the panels in the domed wooden farm rooms are all made from pallets of recycled pine wood. Want to get involved? Try your hand at sustainable farming during your stay, along with kayaking, hiking, cycling, fishing and swimming. <em>From £63 per room, per night.&nbsp;</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-talaia-plaza-ecoresort-spain"><a href="https://www.talaiaplazaecoresort.com/en/wellness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Talaia Plaza EcoResort</a>, Spain </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/ngNOgWKrR8GhZZB44LXI_large.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64273" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/ngNOgWKrR8GhZZB44LXI_large.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/ngNOgWKrR8GhZZB44LXI_large-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/ngNOgWKrR8GhZZB44LXI_large-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Get cosy under canvas on the Catalonian coast (try saying that after too many sangrias). Talaia opened in July and is such a special spot, surrounded by pine forest and a stroll from the crystal-clear waters of Sa Riera Cove. It scores plenty of green points for things like luxurious tents, investing in renewable energy and growing its own veg on site, but we’re also awarding it relaxation points for the beautiful spa with yoga and meditation terrace.&nbsp;<em>From £48pn. </em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sani-resort-greece"><a href="https://sani-resort.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sani Resort</a>, Greece</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="736" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Screenshot-2022-12-02-at-10.12.31.png" alt="" class="wp-image-64274" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Screenshot-2022-12-02-at-10.12.31.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Screenshot-2022-12-02-at-10.12.31-600x442.png 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Screenshot-2022-12-02-at-10.12.31-713x525.png 713w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Sani is the green dream resort-wise, cleaning up at this year’s World Travel Awards with three gongs including the World’s Leading Luxury Green Resort. Set in a 1000-acre eco reserve on the Kassandra Peninsula, it runs on 100 per cent renewable energy, with promises of zero waste and zero plastic by 2024. We love its bee camp, to protect bees and pollinators important to the local ecosystem, but we also heart its sexy hotels, like Sani Dunes, amazing restaurants and Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre.&nbsp;<em>Sani Dunes from £175 per night. </em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kolarbyn-ecolodge-sweden"><a href="https://www.responsibletravel.com/holiday/12917/sweden-wildlife-holiday-ecolodge-short-break" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kolarbyn EcoLodge</a>, Sweden</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/kolarbyn_ecolodge_canoe_floating_saunaInez-Davidson.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64276" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/kolarbyn_ecolodge_canoe_floating_saunaInez-Davidson.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/kolarbyn_ecolodge_canoe_floating_saunaInez-Davidson-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/kolarbyn_ecolodge_canoe_floating_saunaInez-Davidson-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Image: Inez Davidson</figcaption></figure>



<p>If your idea of immersing yourself in nature is lying in a hammock beneath a palm tree with a cocktail in your hand, then Kolarbyn probably isn&#8217;t for you. This back-to-basics retreat in the forests of central Sweden is very &#8216;real&#8217;, comprising of traditional moss-covered wooden charcoal huts, each with their own fire and beds with sheepskin rugs. And that&#8217;s about it. Once you&#8217;ve got over the shock of not being surrounded by &#8216;stuff&#8217;, you&#8217;ll start to relax, put your phone away and spend days picking blueberries off your roof, relaxing in the floating sauna, joining woodland walks to spot beavers and moose, or canoeing on the lake.<em> From £141pn. </em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-castara-retreats-tobago"><a href="https://www.responsibletravel.com/accommodation/242/tobago-beach-accommodation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Castara Retreats</a>, Tobago</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="600" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Castara.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-64277" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Castara.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Castara-600x360.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Castara-875x525.jpeg 875w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Who wouldn&#8217;t want to be sitting on that balcony right now? We&#8217;ve long had a crush on this gorgeous Caribbean escape with treehouse-style villas tucked into a forested hillside overlooking Castara Beach. Responsible Travel told us, &#8220;It&#8217;s a shining star in community-focused tourism with great eco-credentials too&#8221;. Sold. <em>From £111 per night. </em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kon-tiki-tahiti"><a href="https://kontikitahiti.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kon Tiki,</a> Tahiti</h2>



<p>No green-washing at this just-opened hideaway, just honest, nature-loving ideas and a super relaxed vibe. There&#8217;s a sense of place, from the rooftop lounge with views across to Moorea Island to the Polynesian-inspired cabins and restaurant serving delicious local dishes, like poisson cru in a coconut shell. And its eco credentials? Decor incorporating <em>a lot</em> of Miconia, an invasive plant stopping native foliage thriving, toiletries containing Polynesian Monoi oil, food sourced from local producers, a plastic waste reduction programme and eco-friendly LED lighting throughout.&nbsp;<em>From £107pn</em>.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-to-book">WHERE TO BOOK&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="664" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Screenshot-2022-12-01-at-22.08.52.png" alt="" class="wp-image-64278" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Screenshot-2022-12-01-at-22.08.52.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Screenshot-2022-12-01-at-22.08.52-600x398.png 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Screenshot-2022-12-01-at-22.08.52-791x525.png 791w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Sossusvlei Desert Lodge</figcaption></figure>



<p>Our current eco porn is <a href="https://staybeyondgreen.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beyond Green</a>, a portfolio of the coolest (yet also green and sustainable) hotels on the planet. Scrolling through the 50-plus properties around the world (like Sossusvlei Lodge in Namibia, above), which align with the United Nations Sustainable Development goals, is our favourite new hobby.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Muddy’s long been a fan of <a href="https://www.responsibletravel.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Responsible Travel</a> which offers holidays that support local communities, protect nature and minimise impact. We also salute <a href="https://www.sustainability.booking.com/booking-travel-sustainable" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">booking.com</a> for introducing a Travel Sustainable Programme, with things like search filters for electric cars, carbon emissions data for accommodation bookings and three levels showing how much effort individual properties are putting in to operate more sustainably.&nbsp;</p>



<p>And for inspiration browse <a href="https://www.bouteco.co/#sustainable-luxury-hotels" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bouteco</a> for a selection of hotels with a heart, combining luxury with sustainability in the most wonderful way.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-to-fly-or-not-to-fly">TO FLY OR NOT TO FLY?&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="545" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Unknown-4.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-64279" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Unknown-4.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Unknown-4-600x327.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Unknown-4-900x491.jpeg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Ditch the plane and take the train, stopping off in Paris at the Hidden Hotel. </figcaption></figure>



<p>Let’s address the elephant in the room &#8211; it’s all very well booking a green hotel but if you’re flying half way around the world to reach it, it’s hardly environmentally friendly. So what to do?&nbsp;</p>



<p>You could carbon off-set by contributing to tree-planting campaigns such as <a href="https://www.forestswithoutfrontiers.org/support-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forests Without Frontiers</a> or <a href="https://treesisters.org/give" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TreeSisters</a>. Other sites like <a href="https://www.carbonfootprint.com">carbon footprint</a> quickly and easily work out the emissions from your journey then suggest projects for off-setting, such as renewable wind power.&nbsp;This solution isn&#8217;t exactly waving a magic wand over the flight conundrum, but it&#8217;s better than doing nothing, right? </p>



<p>Another option is to make the journey part of your holiday. For example, rather than hopping on a plane to Catalonia in Spain, take the train instead, perhaps stopping off for a night at <a href="https://hidden-hotel.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hidden Hotel</a> in Paris along the way &#8211; fun, eco-friendly and no airport security queues or turbulence, result. Check out routes around the continent at <a href="https://www.raileurope.com/en-gb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rail Europe</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>And if you’re going to go far-flung, the best advice seems to be: make it count. Fly less, holiday for longer.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Still sweating it? Henrik Kniberg, at <a href="http://goclimate.com">goclimate</a>, says, “Fortunately, aviation accounts for only about 2% of global carbon emissions (<a href="https://www.iea.org/reports/co2-emissions-from-fuel-combustion-2019">source</a>). Cars and energy production (coal &amp; oil power plants) account for almost half of global carbon emissions, so that’s where the big change needs to happen.”</p>


Going green! The hottest eco escapes to visit in 2023

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