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Not all oceanfront hotels are created equal. While the location might be ideal, some developers ignore the impact that their sprawling showpieces plopped on the shore or perched on a cliff have on the environment. The pretty picture can in fact create massive waste runoff, landslides, pollution, introducing foreign materials that can throw off nature's harmony, disturbing (and even unknowingly killing) the fragile flora, fauna, and land and sea life.
Thankfully, some conscious hotels are choosing to coexist in harmony with nature, making sure that the environment's health is preserved and making as little a mark as possible. Contrary to common belief, environmental savvy and luxury can actually go hand in hand, so you don't have to disrupt your big beach vacation plans or the land. So how do you know if your favorite beach-situated escape is eco-astute?
We asked Luxury Eco-Resort trailblazer Post Ranch Inn for insight, and here are the questions they suggest you ask before booking a room:
- What efforts does your hotel make to preserve, support and sustain the environment and local community?
- Have you ever been recognized by others for your green activities?
- What eco-tourism opportunities do you offer your guests?
- Do you offer suggestions on how guests can support the hotel's eco-efforts during their stay?
Wonder if your fave oceanfront resort is eco-aware? Here are a few that we've tried:
1. Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, CA
In addition to recently installing the largest hotel solar project in California and one of the largest in the U.S, generating annually over 400,000 kW of electricity, bottling their own water in reusable glass containers, and incorporating natural architecture in order to create living roofs used for the restaurant herb gardens, Post Ranch takes great pride in their dedication to the conservation of the natural habitat that the resort resides on.
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| Kodiak Greenwood |
Natural Habitat—Flora, Fauna, Land, Sea and Critters are Preserved
A number of indigenous species— some rare, endangered or threatened like the Smith's blue butterfly, California red-legged frog, California condor, wood stork and western pond turtle, live in Post Ranch's diverse natural habitats. To ensure these species survive and thrive, Post Ranch focuses on conservation, site management, habitat protection and enhancement, employee and contractor training, and guest education.
Invasive Non-Natives are Not Welcome
An ongoing habitat conservation plan discourages invasive non-native flora and fauna. Plants like Genesta and Pampas grass are eradicated manually with organic products, while native species are replanted. In conjunction with industry experts, the ALC and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Post Ranch is active in identifying Sudden Oak Death in Big Sur, removing diseased trees and replacing each with a new oak tree.
2. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, CA
You might not think that "The Ritz" is an eco brand. But the resort has been stepping up environmental efforts countrywide, quickly evolving into a friend to the environment. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Nigel in Southern California is a prime example of their eco-innovations, with conservation initiatives enhancing the guest experience while protecting the coast's natural beauty and resources.
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| The Ritz-Carlton |
A Recycling Program Keeps Plastic Out of the Ocean
The resort maintains an extensive recycling program. Plastic water bottles, cardboard, white paper, newspaper, glass, batteries, ballasts, fluorescent light bulbs, and scrap metals are all recycled. Guests are also asked to chip in. In the guestrooms, biodegradable bags are offered for guests to recycle paper, plastic and glass items.
Water Waste is Reduced
California has been in a severe drought for years. In order to make as small a dent as possible on the already limited water supply, the resort offers a linen/towel reuse option and has a laundry water recycling system that filters and reuses water from the washing machine. Bathrooms are equipped with low flow toilets to help guests keep their usage down too.
3. Terranea Resort, Palos Verdes, CA
The brand new Terranea in Palos Verdes, is practically the embodiment of an eco-luxury resort. Environmental awareness was ingrained in the project from its inception; a consciousness carried throughout the construction process and continuing today. Todd Majcher, VP of Development (Site and Landscaping) for Lowe Enterprises explained that as a development company, it is essential to strive to lesson our ecological footprint, not only when the hotel is open but during the construction process— which is often when a project can have the worst impact. "The challenge of developing on the ocean front is that you are facing far more environmental issues and you have to take the land and sea interface into consideration when making any decisions." Terranea's list of environmentally based decisions is extensive, but here are a few:
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| Terranea Resort |
Baseline Water Quality Test
Before construction began, a baseline ocean water quality test was done documenting the health of the aquatic ecosystem in order to monitor changes and ensure that the construction didn't damage the fragile underwater environment. Biologists then sampled the water annually, testing the eco system, and making sure that that sea life continued to flourish. The amazing result: Ocean water quality was actually improved by the end of the construction process.
Storm Water Protection Plan
One of the gestures made in terms of ensuring the integrity of the aquatic environment, land and community, even before construction began, was SWPP: Storm Water Protection Plan. A permanent storm water treatment mitigation system was installed with the ability to treat the first 3/4 inch of rainfall as well as treating 75% of storm water runoff that came through the site from city. So they were treating offsite water as well. After every rainfall greater than 3/4 inches, the water on the job site and in the ocean was tested in order to ensure that nothing detrimental dripped into the aquatic environment.
4. Overleaf Lodge, Yachats, Oregon
Overleaf Lodge is a hidden ocean front gem with a major concern for the environment, particularly the perpetuation of what they consider to be the cosat's most valuable asset: the Pacific Ocean.
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| Overleaf Lodge |
Maintaining Gravel Trail System
To minimize bluff erosion, Overleaf assists the Oregon State Parks Department by maintaining the gravel trail state park that follows the bluff along the ocean front. Annual noxious weed eradication events are held to rid the area of aggressive vegetation known to choke out the native bluff species.
5. Inn by the Sea, Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Inn by the Sea has been blazing a green path for a decade with a lot of "firsts" that have not only had an effect on the environment, but also make a statement to other resorts on the importance of environmental responsibility.
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| Inn by the Sea |
Trees are a Priority
As the first hotel in Maine to heat with biofuel and solar panels, Inn by the Sea takes energy seriously. But more than making their own power, the resort focused on replenishing and helping to re-oxygenate the environment by becoming carbon neutral by offsetting through domestic tree planting. On their own property, the hotel became a certified wildlife habitat by replacing exotic plants with indigenous species to create a natural habitat that requires less water, chemicals and care.
Get the Kids Involved
A registered butterfly waystation, complete with butterfly houses, nectar gardens and lots of on-site milkweed, the hotel naturally attracts the interest of children. Classes are given to guests and their children on how to preserve the environment, like Bug's Life classes to teach kids about eco systems from a bug's vantage point after they have created their own bug costumes.
6. Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort, Los Cabos, Mexico
Las Ventanas is known for its luxury. But with its sea side location, it has a serious responsibility. Especially when it comes to the wildlife that calls the sandy beachfront home.
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| Las Ventanas al Paraiso |
A Safe Nesting Place for Sea Turtles
Come summertime, Las Ventanas switches gears and focuses attention to the local turtles. Every summer sea turtles waddle up to the sand to lay their eggs. The first mother turtle of the year arrived late June and laid 131 eggs! The babies, generally born 6-8 weeks later, are starting to arrive so trained beach attendants are going into action, keeping the marauding seagulls from gulping them up before they can reach the safety of the sea of Cortez.
7. Lodge Kura Hulanda & Beach Club, Curacao
Lodge Kura Hulanda is certainly a luxury ocean front property, but it's also located on the island's secluded and undeveloped West End where maintaining the integrity of the natural underwater environment is a responsibility that the resort and its owner have taken on as a personal mission.
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| Lodge Kura Hulanda & Beach Club |
Put a Stop to Run-Off
In order to preserve the reef that is located right off the resort's beach and to stop run-off rainwater from polluting the coral with algae, long walls and flood dams were built along the ocean. Then moorings were planted to stop boats from anchoring and causing damage to the living coral.
A view from EARTH
In conjunction with the University of Hawaii, Scripps Oceanography, Carmabi and the University of Amsterdam, the resort has started a coral cleaning project, putting specially bred, algae eating, local Paradise Fish to work in a netted environment to clean off the coral. This experiment will be monitored by scientists from 5 countries under the supervision of Dr. Mark Vermeij. On a more visible scale, Google EARTH will monitor the reef periodically for new growth of seedlings, seen from submarine cameras, allowing the world to follow progress online.
More on Green Beach Vacations:
Is it Safe to Go Back into the Water? How to Know if Your Beach is Clean
3 Things You Might Not Know About Saving the Ocean
5 Beaches to Visit Before They Disappear
