It's a remarkable collection of first-class hotels that comprises the Leading Hotels of the World collection. In total, more than 400 independent luxury hotels in 80 countries are gathered under the LHW umbrella. Since the end of last year, members who are particularly committed to sustainability have been highlighted as Sustainability Leaders. In just six months, their number has risen by 50 percent.

Terre Blanche, © LHW

"Hotels in this collection have undergone a rigorous assessment to achieve sustainability certification based on the industry criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Councils (GSTC) and demonstrate their commitment to the following: effective sustainability planning, maximizing social and economic contribution to the local community, enhancing cultural heritage and reducing negative impacts on the environment," explains Lauren Alba, Vice President, Global Marketing & Communications, The Leading Hotels of the World. Here are five newcomers among the Sustainability Leaders in Europe:

Hotel Okura, Amsterdam/Netherlands

Category: Community Champions

© LHW

At this Amsterdam institution the east meets the west. Guests live surrounded by an exciting mix of Japanese and Dutch culture and can also look forward to the finest culinary delights. Four restaurants and a total of three Michelin stars are the living proof. When it comes to sustainability, the Okura scores with a Green Globe certification. The staff also organize regular fundraising campaigns and devote time to supporting and training those in need.

Hotel Okura
Ferdinand Bolstraat 333, 1072 LH Amsterdam, Netherlands
Tel.: 00800 10 10 11 11
Web: okura.nl
Price: Doubles from € 300

Grand Park Hotel, Rovinj/Croatia

Category: Environmental Protectors

© LHW

Located directly by the sea, the Grand Park Hotel Rovinj awaits guests in unique surroundings. The old town is just a short walk away. The promenade starts right outside the hotel door and a fragrant pine forest surrounds the property. Built in 2019, great importance was attached to using little to no energy for lighting. A heat pump system uses the natural warmth of the sea to heat and cool this sustainability leader all year round.

Grand Park Hotel Rovinj
Smareglijeva ulica 1A, 55210 Rovinj, Croatia
Tel: +385 52 808 000
Web: maistra.com
Price: Doubles from € 380

Vila Vita Parc, Porches/Portugal

Category: Environmental Protectors

© LHW

Here, modern flair and the Moorish heritage of the region come together. The hotel is located on the beautiful Algarve coast on a secluded beach. Sea views and landscaped gardens enchant guests anew every day. Ten restaurants, six bars and a café promise culinary variety. Kids can have fun in the Kids Club in summer. The water supply is particularly sustainable. Thanks to a desalination system, the sea can be used as a sustainable source of water for the pools and gardens. The Armação Beach Club is also set to become the first eco-beach in Portugal.

Vila Vita Parc
Rua Anneliese Pohl, Alporchinhos, Portugal
Tel: +351 282 310 100
Web: vilavitaparc.com
Price: Doubles from € 400

Hôtel Ritz, Paris/France

Category: Cultural Guardians

© LHW

The elegant hotel is also probably the most legendary hotel in the entire city. After all, Coco Chanel once lived here for several years. Marcel Proust and F. Scott Fitzgerald also considered the magnificent building from the 19th century to be their second home. It became a member of the Sustainability Leaders through its commitment to preserving the iconic Vendôme Column. This is one of the most treasured monuments in the city. The hotel regularly organizes history lessons on the heritage of this legendary "Place" to better familiarize employees with the city's cultural heritage.

Hôtel Ritz
15 Place Vendôme 75001 Paris, France
Tel: +33 1 43 16 30 30
Web: ritzparis.com
Price: Doubles from € 2,000

Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort, Tourrettes/France

Category: Cultural Guardians

© LHW

A jewel of a resort just 45 minutes from Nice, guests at Terre Blanche can look forward to an exclusive suite and villa hideaway. Far away from the stress of everyday life, in the heart of dreamlike landscapes, the soul comes to rest here. Built in the style of a Provençal village, the resort enchants with a range of varied activities. These include two tournament golf courses. The resort also excels when it comes to culture. In this case, this means that guests can learn more about the cultivation of perfume plants. This tradition is even part of the UNESCO cultural heritage now.

Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort
3100 Rte de Bagnols-en-Forét, Tourrettes 83440 France
Phone: +33 4 94 39 90 00
Web: terre-blanche.com
Price: Doubles from € 570