Humans are visual beings. Our eyes are said to be our most important sensory organs. And we automatically attach importance to appearance, whether we like it or not. J. Peter Schweitzer and Claus Sendlinger were aware of this as well when they decided to found Design Hotels™ in California in 1993. Today, more than 300 independent hotels are part of the collection. They all meet the highest architectural and aesthetic standards.

From the Swiss Alps to the beaches of the Maldives: Sustainability is at the center of the conversation. © Design Hotels™

For modern travelers, however, that's not enough. Sustainability is increasingly moving into focus. Design Hotels™ therefore introduced the 10 Conscious Hotel Principles that measure how socially and environmentally responsible the respective member hotel is. For example, they assess whether the construction took the heritage of nature and culture into account and whether sustainable building materials were used. Further factors are the handling of resources such as food, energy and water as well as waste management. Falstaff TRAVEL reveals which hotels achieve the highest scores and are therefore considered particularly sustainable Design Hotels™.

1. Zuri Zanzibar, Tanzania/Africa

A sustainable design hotel in the middle of the jungle? The Zuri Zanzibar is proof that it's possible. Surrounded by a beautiful garden, hammocks and small villas dot the landscape, creating the impression of vacationing in a traditional African village. Three restaurants, four bars, outdoor fitness, a pool, a hot tub, yoga, and massages round out the offerings.

The local community benefits from the resort's success. © Design Hotels™

Sustainable highlights: "We try to get our guests in touch with nature and, in turn, with themselves," says Václav Dejčmar, owner of the hotel. What is not used is donated to hospitals, veterinarians and locals; the decor is made from recycled materials, LED lighting saves energy.

Zuri Zanzibar
Kendwa Zanzibar TZ, 73107, Tanzania
Web: zurizanzibar.com
Tel.: +255 24 550 0111
Price: doubles from €630

 

2. Stamba Hotel, Tbilisi/Georgia

Located in a former Soviet-era publishing house, "Stamba" is the epitome of industrial chic. High ceilings, huge windows and steel balconies await guests. The in-house chocolaterie and roastery offers specialty coffees, plus a gym, a beauty salon and treatment rooms. 

The Brutalist building is full of reverence to the Roaring 20s and glam of the 1930s. © Design Hotels™

Sustainable highlights: "Space Farm," the first urban vertical farming project in Georgia. Mini-vegetables, edible flowers, berries and co. grow indoors on an area of 200 square meters and on seven levels. The arrangement saves 75 % of water compared to traditional farming.

Stamba Hotel
14, 0108 Merab Kostava St, Tbilisi, Georgia
Web: stambahotel.com
Tel.: +995 32 202 11 99
Price: doubles from €236

 

3. Rastrello, Umbria/Italy

What was once a palazzo from the 14th century is now a hideaway with just eight rooms, courtesy of the Wassmanns and design studio Pelizzari. Antique materials meet contemporary elements amid inspiring surroundings: the Rastrello is situated on a small hill overlooking the valley.

More than 900 olive trees supply the restaurant with their fruit. © Design Hotels™

Sustainable highlights: The farm-to-table restaurant is a delight for your taste buds and your consciences; plus, the Rastrello produces award-winning olive oil on site. 

Rastrello
Via Antonio Grossi, 10, 06064 Panicale PG, Italy
Web: rastrello.com
Tel.: +39 075 837246
Price: doubles from €340

 

4. patina maldives, fari islands/maldives

Iconic white sandy beaches, plus crystal clear waters and bright blue skies: the Maldives are a dream destination in their own right. With the Patina Maldives, travelers now have a sustainable Design Hotel™ at their disposal. It boasts seven restaurants, three food trucks, a spa, a gym, a Watsu pool and plenty of nature.

The water comes from the island's own water treatment station. Even the cocktails leave a particularly small Co2 footprint thanks to the latest packaging technology. © Design Hotels™

Sustainable highlights: Absolutely no single-use plastic, a zero-waste kitchen, "biophilic" design, 12 % water reduction during construction through sustainable practices; the Kid's Club, Recreation Center and Dive Center are 100 % solar powered; there is a permaculture garden.

Patina Maldives
Address: Fari Islands, North Malé Atoll
Web: patinahotels.com
Tel.: +960 400-0555
Price: villa for 2 people from approx. €1,309

 

5. Cervo Mountain Resort, Zermatt/Switzerland

Mountain Ashram, ski slopes, three restaurants, après ski and lots of design. These are the cornerstones that guests of the 54 rooms and suites can look forward to. After an eight-month renovation phase, the entire hotel has been completely revamped. Now the house shines thanks to the work of the multi-award-winning studio Dreimeta in a modern interpretation of the alpine lifestyle. Top: The wellness offer in the Ashram Spa.

Sustainable development manager Madeleine Dias de Rezende keeps the hotel on track for sustainability. © Design Hotels ™

Sustainable highlights: 95 % of energy supply comes from geothermal energy; local ingredients in restaurants, herb garden, vegetarian restaurant Bazaar, Co2 offset through small fees on beer and meat dishes.

Cervo Mountain Resort
Riedweg 156, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland
Web: cervo.swiss
Tel.: + 41 27 968 12 12
Price: doubles from approx. €300

 

6. Twelve Senses Retreat, California/USA

The philosophy of the retreat, which only has four rooms, is based on the four elements. Each room comes with its own color scheme. The accommodations are minimalist, yet luxurious. And serve as a showcase for renowned designers such as Philippe Starck, Ethnicraft and Lagos del Mundo. 

Staying at Twelve Senses Retreat has a transformative effect on guests. © Design Hotels™

Sustainable highlights: The entire hotel is powered by solar energy. Bread, coffee and groceries are locally sourced. Amenities, bathrobes, towels and linens are produced in California. 

Twelve Senses Retreat
1004 Nardo Rd, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States.
Web: twelvesensesretreat.com
Tel.: +1 760-815-9982
Price: doubles from approx. €460

 

7. Carlota, Quito/Ecuador

Renato Solines and Veronica Reed have fulfilled a dream with the hotel Carlota. Once the home of Renato Solines' grandmother – after whom the hotel is named – they've created a beautiful refuge through meticulous renovation. The color scheme of the 12 rooms and public areas is based on the colors of birds native to Quito. Guests enjoy spectacular views from the rooftop lounge. And many a fine drop in the wine cellar.

The individual rooms reflect the personality of Soline's grandmother, Carlota. © Design Hotels™

Sustainable highlights: Furniture made from recycled wood; 10 % of electricity comes from solar power; kitchen ingredients, amenities and textiles from local producers. Locals come for live music sessions, movie nights and TEDx Talks.

Carlota
Sebastián de Benalcázar N6-26, Quito 170401, Ecuador
Web: carlota.ec
Tel: +593 2-380-1410
Price: doubles from approx. €210