Room Service
If you’re heading to the Green Mountain State, it only makes sense to check into a green hotel. Vermont Green Hotels (VGH)— a coalition of 100 hotels that have pledged to reduce their impact on the environment—makes it easy. The group estimates that participating hotels’ eco-initiatives saved nearly 27,000 pounds of water and 1,470,918 kilowatts of energy in 2008. The Equinox, a Luxury Collection Resort (luxurycollection.com/ equinox) in Manchester Village (PICTURED ABOVE) is a VGH member and just underwent a $20 million face-lift. All the bulbs throughout the 195-room inn are now energysaving compact fluorescents, lowflow showerheads cut down on water usage and the hotel’s restaurants turn food waste into fertilizer for landscaping. In addition to giving guests the option of not having their towels and sheets changed daily (saves on both energy and water), laundry is cleaned with a system that uses 70 percent less hot water, reducing fuel-oil and propane consumption. Visit vtgreenhotels.org
Mountain High
With the designation of being the only skiin/ ski-out property in Aspen—and fresh off an $18 million room redesignby Holly Hunt—The Little Nell is one of the most sought-after hotels in the country. And as if its pristine location and unparalleled service weren’t enough, it’s also environmentally solid. Along with energy-saving initiatives and a rigorous recycling program, The Nell is the only five-star hotel in the US
to win the ISO 14001 certifi cation, which recognizes its sustainable efforts. Green supplements (a 150-kilowatt solar array, three LEED-certifi ed green buildings) and pointed efforts to preserve the surrounding area (the hotel has donated $1.2 million since 1998 to help protect the local environment) round out its commitment. Other eco-conscious amenities include the Eco-Luxe package, which features a complimentary bike and reusable water bottles, an organic treat from chef Ryan Hardy’s Rendezvous Farm and a nightly $2 donation to Aspen Valley Land Trust. 675 E. Durant Ave., Aspen, 970-920-4600; thelittlenell.com
Total Balance
With its outdoor treatment rooms, private pool with ocean views and idyllic garden for yoga just steps from the sea, the spa at Peter Island Resort & Spa in the British Virgin Islands is one of the best pampering spots in the Caribbean. But beyond the beautiful backdrop and array of facials and massages, the spa is also garnering raves for its ayurvedic treatments. Under the direction of Dr. Sabari Sabereesan and Dr. Raja Mannar—experts in the field of yogic science and naturopathic medicine—the spa now offers 10 ayurvedicmedicine treatments. Based on the 5,000-year-old Indian alternativehealth practice that focuses on detoxification and restorative and preventive medicine, the treatments are customized to individual body and personality type. An ayurvedic consultant checks pulse, tongue, skin and nails to gain health insight, after which clients receive personalized lifestyle, nutrition, exercise and purification tips. Don’t miss the Shirodhara—a deeprelaxation treatment during which customized oils are streamed over your “third eye” to stabilize and relax the mind. Visit peterisland.com
Southern Comfort
Situated on a 4,000-acre ranch along the Atlantic coast of Uruguay, the Estancia Vik José Ignacio is an eco-conscious haven for art lovers and adventurers alike. The new, beautifully appointed retreat boasts expansive ocean views, horses for riding to the beach and spots for bird-watching, hiking and fi shing. The owners have also implemented a series of impressive green technologies: Rotating solar tubes provide hot water that’s pumped underneath floors for radiant heating throughout (they also provide the hot water that warms the pool). Geothermal energy provides cooling during sultry weather. Rainwater is collected and reused in the bathrooms and for watering the surrounding landscape. The ultimate goal? For the retreat to be entirely off the grid, which it will be when it finishes installing on-site windmills to generate enough energy to power the whole place. Balnerario José Ignacio, Punta del Este, Uruguay, 877-355-2227; vikhotels.com
