On 22 April 2025, the world will come together to celebrate Earth Day’s 55th anniversary. Marked in 192 countries and supported by more than a billion people, the day serves as a global reminder of the urgent need to protect our planet. Travel is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and these standout destinations are proving that tourism and sustainability can go hand-in-hand. It’s about going beyond skipping plastic straws or reusing towels—it’s about long-term change, innovation, and impact.
This year’s Earth Day theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” calls on global citizens to push for renewable energy and environmental responsibility. The following destinations are rising to the challenge, embracing sustainable practices and showcasing how hospitality can align with the health of the planet.
Ananda in the Himalayas – Garhwal Uttarakhand, INDIA
Celebrating 25 years of mindful luxury, Ananda in the Himalayas is doubling down on sustainability. In 2025, it’s relaunching the Ananda Institute in partnership with the Ambuja Foundation, a major step in offering vocational training in wellness and hospitality to young locals—especially women from underprivileged rural areas. These holistic courses, rooted in traditional Indian wellness practices, are designed to meet global standards and help graduates secure meaningful roles in spas and wellness centres worldwide.
Ananda also supports regional artisans and communities. It sources traditional earthen lamps from the Blind Relief Association in Rishikesh and partners with local schools, farmers, and craftspeople. The retreat’s overarching vision is one of interconnected, place-based development—where sustainability and community uplift go hand in hand.
With nature as the core of its philosophy, Ananda invites guests to reconnect with their surroundings. New initiatives like birdwatching, bamboo feeders, and water pots placed across the estate promote biodiversity and encourage guests to slow down and observe. The architecture itself honours the land—built with natural materials, open spaces, and layouts that foster a sense of harmony with the Himalayan landscape.
Dining is equally mindful. Menus rely on fresh, local produce, including indigenous grains and fruits. One of the retreat’s standout efforts is its honeybee project, which highlights the ecological role of pollinators in food systems. The first harvest was a celebration of sustainability and balance—a reminder of how wellness extends beyond people to the planet itself.
At Ananda, sustainability is not a footnote; it’s woven into every experience—quietly powerful, beautifully intentional.
Hotel Belmar – Monteverde, COSTA RICA
In Costa Rica’s lush Monteverde region, Hotel Belmar continues to set the standard for environmentally conscious hospitality. Recognised with the Carbono Neutro Plus certification, the hotel has achieved full carbon neutrality while leading by example through energy efficiency, regenerative agriculture, and waste-free practices.
For nearly a decade, the family-run property has operated without plastic bottled water and has nearly eliminated single-use plastics from its bar, replacing them with inventive solutions like a house seltzer machine. Their agriculture arm, Finca Madre Tierra, is the first carbon-neutral farm of its kind in the country, using the Biointensive method to nurture crops through composting, natural fertilisers, and minimal water use.
What sets Belmar apart is its seamless blend of sustainability and guest experience. Food scraps and brewing leftovers go back to the soil, powering the farm and feeding animals. Meanwhile, a “garden to glass” cocktail menu celebrates the land’s bounty—offering drinks infused with herbs, fruits, and edible flowers freshly picked just metres away.
Bettoja Hotels – Rome, ITALY
In the heart of Rome, the Bettoja Hotel Group is championing sustainable practices in the city’s historic hospitality scene. With three properties under its umbrella, the family-owned group is reducing its environmental footprint in meaningful ways—from banning plastic bottles (saving over 40,000 annually) to restoring old wooden furniture through local artisans.
Energy efficiency is a key focus. The hotels employ double-glazing, thermal assessments, and high-voltage electricity systems to reduce waste and lower consumption. Organic kitchen waste is composted, while single-use plastic jams and straws are being phased out in favour of bamboo and bulk alternatives.
Looking ahead, Bettoja aims to further cut emissions by sourcing seasonal, zero-kilometre ingredients from local suppliers and transitioning to carpets and linens made from natural fibres to reduce microplastics.
Naya Traveler – PERU, ECUADOR & NEW ZEALAND
For those who believe travel should transform both people and places, Naya Traveler offers handcrafted journeys that honour the Earth and its communities. Working with eco-certified lodges and local initiatives, Naya designs itineraries that leave a positive impact—economically, environmentally, and culturally.
In Peru, travellers venture through the Sacred Valley, sleep beneath canyon skies, and explore the Amazon with Indigenous guides. In Ecuador, they traverse cloud forests and the Galápagos, learning from communities that have preserved these fragile ecosystems for generations.
In New Zealand, guests immerse themselves in the natural grandeur of Fiordland, staying in solar-powered eco-lodges and embracing Māori teachings of kaitiakitanga—earth guardianship that fosters deep respect for nature.
For Naya Traveler, Earth Day is every day—and each journey is an opportunity to give back more than you take.
