Costa Rica - Created By Nature, Untouched by Mother Nature

Adventure awaits at Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica. Enjoy beachside accommodations, palate-pleasing restaurants and full-service spa. Guests of Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo actively take part in the commitment to maintain, sustain and replenish the beauty of the enclave protecting the jungle and shoreline. The property has enhancements showing the resort's efforts in doing the right things for the environment so future generations can enjoy the 45 acre piece of paradise. This includes, purified water stations, the "Green Linen Program" (linens changed every three days), recycling on property, LED lights, and in-room air conditioning that shuts off automatically when terrace doors are open. The culinary team at Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica is enthusiasts of locally-sourced sustainably grown foods. The team sources more than 80 percent of their fruits and vegetables from local farms. Resort guests can taste the freshest, most incredible ingredients and flavors, all crafted by the talented hands of the chefs.

Luxury Riviera Maya retreat with spa, beach club

Melipona bees are a genus of stingless bees, several of which are kept for honey production and pollinators of the Mayan Jungle. Keeping Melipona bees has been a tradition for Maya communities for centuries, who believe the bees are imbued with a mystical power as messengers between the living world and the underworld; however these small bees have been in decline and are now threatened with extinction. Banyan Tree Mayakoba recently completed the second phase of its Melipona Bees: Mayan Legacy Project. Commencing in 2009, Phase One consisted of setting up a meliponary for the endangered community of bees located in Vida y Esperanza, 20km from the resort. Phase Two involved setting up a workshop to create handcrafted soaps using Melipona honey. The soaps are used as turn down gifts at the resort and for guests to purchase in the resort's gallery. Banyan Tree Mayakoba on the Riviera Maya, is 40 minutes from Cancun International Airport and within easy distance of three archaeological wonders - the Chichen Itza complex, Tulum seaside ruins, and Coba jungle temples. Featuring 107 pool villas, the resort preserves four eco-systems ^aEUR" the mangroves, dunes, low forests and coral reefs in which it is located in, and pays homage to 'Mayakoba' which means 'Village of Water' with villas built along the waterways and ocean front.

Eco-Initiatives on Tetiaroa

The Brando, an exquisite luxury resort on French Polynesia's breathtakingly beautiful private atoll of Tetiaroa, composed of a dozen idyllic islets surrounding a sparkling lagoon 30 miles north of Tahiti, continues to establish a new world standard utilizing pioneering technology and operating exclusively with renewable and non-fossil energy sources in its efforts to be self-sustainable. The resort has nearly achieved these goals with innovative solutions including: Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC) which harnesses the cold of the ocean depths reducing energy demands by almost 70 percent; solar energy; a coconut oil (biofuel) power station; low-energy water independence; an innovative wastewater management system for irrigation; and robust recycling and composting program. The Brando has built and gifted an Ecostation to Tetiaroa Society, the nonprofit organization established to lead the scientific and cultural mission to protect the atoll and inspire sustainable interdependence on Tetiaroa and globally. Biologist of the day excursions with naturalist guides are available for guests.

Upscale resort on Mokapu Beach

Andaz Maui at Wailea's 297 thoughtfully appointed guestrooms and suites, including seven luxurious villas, were designed to connect guests to the beach, the ocean and rich culture of Hawaii. A series of architectural interventions open to Maui's extraordinary landscape while natural materials reflect the warmth of Hawaiian hospitality. Built with the environment in mind, the resort has made a commitment to the latest standards in green technology and design to be Hawaii's first LEED(R) certified resort. Global in scale while local in perspective, Andaz delivers an innovative, uncomplicated experience designed to accommodate guests' personal style. It focuses on the island's rich resources to convey this unique experience. Top talent delivers farm-fresh, sophisticated food in Ka'ana Kitchen. Morimoto Maui, by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, focuses on integration of Japanese, Western and Hawaiian traditions. Two poolside lounges offer hand-crafted cocktails with fresh local juices. A 24-hour market features local products. At Awili Spa and Salon, an Apothecary Consultant incorporates indigenous herbs and organic items into customized lotions and oils for treatments.

Luxury and an easy pace in a spectacular natural setting

InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa is nestled between mountains and a lagoon on a stunning French Polynesian island. Awarded the prestigious Silver Green Globe Certification in 2009, the resort continuously strives to raise environmental awareness and employs safe environmental practices. The resort proudly features the Moorea Dolphin Center with a percentage of proceeds from the center donated to marine wildlife research and research grants. The resort is also home to the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center, serving as a hospital to ill and injured turtles from the surrounding islands. Along with the resort's three sister InterContinental properties in French Polynesia, InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa is a member of the international 'Reef Check' program, a voluntary-based research organization which observes local marine growth and educates the public for a better understanding of coral biology. The resort also has a 'Green Team' a group of hotel staff members who continuously brainstorm and implement ideas to conserve and protect the environment.

All-suite Riviera Maya resort with gourmet dining

Surrounded by 86 acres of jungle, mangroves, and fresh water cenotes, Grand Velas Riviera Maya has been meticulously designed to exist harmoniously with its environment. The resort's owners have made it their goal to set the example for sustainable tourism in the Riviera Maya. Upon arrival one can appreciate the need to respect the pristine setting- each suite features views of the Quintana Roo's riches. Behind the scenes hundreds of measures are taken to ensure the resort uses minimal resources; from biodegradable cleaning products to Reverse Osmosis Desalinating plants which eliminate the need to draw upon the region's precious fresh water reserves. State-of-the-art air conditioning systems minimize energy use and the resort has reforested the area with over 18,000 trees. Reduction of shoreline erosion and participation in the Federal Sea Turtle Conservation Program are part of daily operations. A visit to Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers a luxury vacation with minimal carbon footprint.

Serene luxury lodge surrounded by pristine forest

The award-winning Treetops Lodge & Estate, located in the heart of New Zealand, is an elite lodge offering a uniquely New Zealand experience. This eco-friendly lodge (even its brochure is printed on 100% recycled paper), has an elegant, ecology-inspired architectural style derived from the country's pioneering past, with timber and stone finishes echoing the natural beauty and simplicity of the great outdoors. Particular attention was given to the design - high levels of insulation, heat recovery and recycling systems, double-glazing with low heat transmission glass, orientating the building to maximize sun collection. The lodge is totally self-sufficient and exports its surplus energy (approximately 50%) back to the grid due to the building of their own Micro Hydro system in the lodges' lakes. Fine cuisine that is prepared for guests uses locally-grown produce including sourcing and utilizing native herbs and ingredients found on the property that were traditionally used by Maori.

Romantic all-inclusive hotel set on golf course

Resembling a private estate, Casa Velas offers Conde Nast and AAA award-winning service in a casually elegant and intimate boutique atmosphere in Puerto Vallarta. This boutique hotel enjoys a garden setting surrounded by the Marina Vallarta Golf Course. Recently chosen as one of the Top-10 hotels in Mexico and the Caribbean in three different categories by TripAdvisor®, Casa Velas is an enchanting destination where simple pleasures rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Once inside the gates of this exclusive estate, it's hard to believe you're just minutes from the beach, Puerto Vallarta's International Airport, the city's charming Centro, and El Malecon. Take a stroll through to the sophisticated Marina, or take their private transportation service to the Ocean Club to enjoy breathtaking oceanfront views along with exotic cocktails and delicious Asian cuisine specialties. Their concierge can help plan the perfect outing to enjoy downtown, the mystical jungle, or a water excursion to view their incredible coastline.

Lavish resort with renowned spa, pools, and suites

It's all in the details! Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, is strongly committed to serving both people and the environment. Numerous awards have been gifted to Grand Wailea, as it has significantly reduced the consumption of electricity over the years. From organic fruits to beef without hormones, the staff works hard to provide eco-friendly options to all guests. It's shocking what a big difference florescent light bulbs, towel and linen changing options, and set room temperatures have made here. Next time you're in Maui, visit this luxuriously eco-conscious resort.

Family-friendly resort with beach, pools, and spa

Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa is Hawaii's newest resort property, having opened its doors on August 29, 2011. In creating a true Hawaiian cultural experience for the entire family, Aulani incorporated green initiatives both in its construction as well as it operations and guest experiences. From cool roof technology to green roofs over the 'AMA'AMA Restaurant and Laniwai Spa to energy efficient air conditioning and elevators and low-flow faucets and fixtures, Aulani has incorporated numerous green initiative practices. Recycling included both construction material as well as operational items like cardboard, aluminum, paper, plastic, batteries and light bulbs. For Aulani guests, control of lights, room temperature, and automatic air conditioning shut offs provide ways to conserve while visiting Aulani. And 34 electric car-charging stations within Aulani's parking structure along with an onsite car rental offering electric cars, helps reduce our oil dependency and prepares us for the future. Aulani is currently in the LEEDs certification process. As to Disney photos, logos, properties: (c)Disney

Stylish family-friendly resort at Ka'anapali Beach

With unparalleled vistas, beautifully appointed accommodations, and impressive initiatives to save the environment, Honua Kai Resort and Spa is an easy choice for your next vacation. Long before the luxury condominium opened, all sorts of innovative, environmentally friendly design elements and operational strategies were incorporated, including hiring a Director of Sustainability for the resort. Honua Kai is the only resort on Maui to make use of potable recycled water to irrigate its landscaping, which translates to about 180,000 gallons of drinkable water saved each day. The resort is also home to a state-of-the-art, centralized air-conditioning system that monitors every unit in the resort in order to limit overuse, and the heat generated by that system is then reused to heat the water in the property's pools. Honua Kai's energy conservation efforts have been so effective that it received the Maui Electric Company's largest-ever rebate for energy savings.

Renowned all-suites resort on Polo Beach

The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui is proud to be one of Hawaii's environmental leaders. The resort's dedicated Green Team has implemented over 50 sustainability initiatives throughout the hotel that include: guest and employee recycling, food scraps donated to a local pig farmer, laundry water recycling system, eco-MODE thermostats in every guest room, more than 200 gallons of cooking oil per week recycled into bio fuel, biodegradable disposable containers, over 90% locally sourced produce, and employee volunteer projects such as coastal/reef clean-ups, highway clean-ups and service projects to protect Hawaii's native forests. The all-suite luxury hotel was named one of Hawaii's Green Leaders by Trip Advisor in 2013.

Showplace of pools, tropical birds and lush gardens.

At the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, caring for the environment and community are strong values upheld by the all the staff. The hotel implements sustainable practices that minimize the impact and empower staff to be catalysts for change. This includes installing thermostats with occupancy sensors, low-flow shower heads and toilets that lessen water consumption, using eco-friendly compostable to-go cups resort-wide, and recycling over 7,000 gallons of food waste per month to nourish animals at a locally operated farm. The Umalu and Japengo Restaurants at the resort utilize locally sourced foods, as well as recyclable and compostable to-go containers. Subsequently, Hyatt Regency Maui has been able to reduce resort wide energy consumption by 17% since 2006, greenhouse gas emissions by 11%, and water consumption by 5.1% since 2008. Total recycled goods amount to over 57,000 pounds a month! The resort was awarded with the Aipono Award for Excellence in Sustainability by Maui No Ka Oi Magazine, inducted into the Energy Efficiency Hall of Fame by the Maui Electric Company and featured in the 2013 Green Spas and Salons Book.

Beachfront resort overlooking famed Waikiki Beach

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa, a 40-story two-towered resort in scenic Oahu, Hawaii, has 1,230 guestrooms, more than 50 retail shops, a 10,000-square-foot spa, three restaurants, a parking garage, and 19,500 square feet of function space. By focusing on making several energy conservation modifications, the building has earned the ENERGY STAR for superior energy performance 4 years in a row. With a concern for the environment and a desire to reduce costs, the owners and staff at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa set out in 2007 with a plan to lower the hotel's greenhouse emissions. In just 2 years, the hotel prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to the electricity use from 91.5 households for a year. A full recycling program has also been introduced where employees recycle cardboard, newspaper, office paper, magazines, mixed paper glass, plastic aluminum tin, construction waste, and universal e-waste. Because of these efforts, Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach was awarded the Green Business Program Award from the State of Hawaii, is noted a GreenLeader by TripAdvisor, and is one of the only hotels in Waikiki named an ENERGY STAR labeled building 3 years in a row.

Grand service and amenities at this family-friendly oceanfront resort on Mexico's Gold Coast

Respect for the environment is a way of life at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. Eco-friendly practices permeate every process related to guest services and employees, including innovative water and energy-saving techniques, intensive separation of solid waste and full accountability for protecting the surrounding area. The resort has implemented a comprehensive Green Initiatives program which aspires to promote the conservation of natural resources. This results in a guest experience that is nothing less than extraordinary: a luxury resort that harmoniously coexists with its natural surroundings. Guests may notice the use of scented hand towels instead of paper products and multifunctional room entry cards to regulate electricity without compromising comfort. Grand Velas also features a range of less obvious measures such as solar heated water, biodegradable cleaning products, advanced air conditioning and the use of an internal combustion machine to avoid peak hours of energy consumption. Initiatives go beyond the resort's boundaries through community outreach, beach cleaning projects and participation in the federal sea turtle protection program.

Stylish seclusion on a small private island

Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach and Private Island is located on the island of Bora Bora in the heart of the exceptional Matira Bay. The extraordinary surroundings need to be protected and this is why Sofitel Bora Bora decided to develop many projects to ensure a sustainable development. The private island in itself is nestled in lush vegetation with endemic plants and benefits from a well known protected coral garden accessible directly from its shore. The hotel signed for the Earth Check certification which will ensure best practices in terms of 'green' behaviours (water and energy savings, environment friendly products, etc.) Furthermore, in association with 'Espace Bleu,' the hotel is developing a snorkeling path on the main island side and the private island where guests can discover a coral nursery to protect the lagoon and bring more fish species back in a safe environment.

Prestigious cliffside hotel with luxury villas

Known for being naturally elegant, this intimate all-pool villa property offers cliff-side views of Acapulco Bay and artfully blends the romance of travel with a unique sense of place and signature touches of Asian hospitality. Banyan Tree Cabo Marques boasts 45 villas starting at 2,020 square feet, each with its own full-sized swimming pool. The property offers a number of exquisite dining options, from seafood served at tables nestled between rocks and the sea at Los Rocas Bar and Grill, to delicious Latin Oriental fusion options at the ocean-front restaurant La Nao. For those looking to experience the awe-inspiring Acapulco sunset, Las Vistas is the perfect spot to enjoy both the view and Spanish tapas. The hotel also hosts two chefs from Banyan Tree Phuket at the signature restaurant Saffron, where guests can experience the sublime spices and flavors of Thai cuisine. The Banyan Tree Spa Cabo Marques offers a unique spa experience given the authentic Asian influence of the treatments and Banyan Tree's renowned experience and reputation in spa therapies and holistic wellness. Trained therapists from Asia, educated in proprietary techniques with unique and ecological products the therapist must undergo 300+ hours of training to receive certification from Banyan Tree Spa Academy in Thailand. The award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, like the tropical and sacred tree that inspired its name, is an intimate retreat that blends romance and serenity with exotic sensuality, providing a Sanctuary for the Senses.

Luxury villas set on a private, protected cove

Suspended between turquoise waters and limitless skies, the Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa is nestled in a sacred cove of white sand and majestic lava rock. Like its sister property on Moorea, this Bora Bora luxury resort's bungalows are equipped with 178 solar panels used to heat water. In addition, the resort has 96 solar panels in its public areas. Like Moorea, the Bora Bora resort also has implemented Biorock technology to spearhead coral reef preservation. Hilton Resorts French Polynesia is working with 'Espace Bleu' and the Global Coral Reef Alliance to implement a novel new Biorock technology at its resorts on Moorea and Bora Bora, making it the first hotel company in the region to spearhead coral reef preservation.

Exclusive resort with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and plantation estate

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua practices several eco-friendly initiatives including sustainable dining using ingredients harvested from its organic garden with 70 herb varieties, 100 types of vegetables, 35 fruit trees and compost area. The resort has been named a 'Hawaii Green Business' by the Governor's Office and partners with Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society for the Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment program which educates guests on the local eco-system through interactive excursions and conservation efforts such as rainforest restoration, wildlife protection and more. The Ambassadors Center on property features LED lights, furniture from a sustainable living company, dual-flush toilets, coreless tissue rolls, rain catch-system and more. Ambassadors Naturalists and resort guests support local conservation efforts during Malama Ka Aina and explore remnants of a once vibrant pineapple growing community where life, land, and water are all vitally important.

Unparalleled luxury in a spectacular natural setting

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai stretches along half a mile of sandy beach on Hawaii's sunny north Kona-Kohala coast. Once the site of an ancient fishing village, the resort embodies its essence in design, culture and traditions. Among the resort's six pools, King's Pond is the best illustration of sustainability. Swim and snorkel in this 1.8 million gallon saltwater aquarium-pool carved out of natural lava rock and home to a spotted eagle ray and over 3,000 tropical fish from more than 75 local species. Rooms surrounding King's Pond have become an 'eco-crescent' where guests' carbon footprint is reduced through in-room enhancements including ceramic carafes and cups replacing disposable water bottles, refillable pump dispensers for bath amenities, reusable rubber spa sandals instead of disposable terrycloth slippers and much more. The resort is a leader in its commitment to better the environment through many different efforts including restoration of natural fishponds and water bird habitats, sustainable cuisine where 75% of what is served comes from the island, and a unique legacy program designed to reforest the island's valuable Koa trees. Even the private golf course features an EPA award winning mini-ecosystem with Lake Punawai, featuring a gravel bottom and two floating islands of plants that are part of the phytoremediation system (treatment of environmental problems using plants). Relax and enjoy all that Hawaii has to offer at this truly magical resort.

Stylish townhouses 1 block from Wailea Beach

Hoping to stay a while? Ho'olei at Grand Wailea is the perfect place to indulge without feeling guilty. From windsurfing to scuba diving, everything you need is close by. And when it's not, enjoy shuttle service to surrounding locations. Everything here is state-of-the-art, including the kitchen appliances and fitness equipment. Housekeeping and linen services are at your fingertips, only when you so desire them. Don't waste money on throw-away travel products. Ho'olei has it all. Every villa is fully-furnished and may even come with a private elevator or attached garage. No matter the occasion, or group size, this resort is equipped to handle it all.

Discover the hidden jewels of Bora Bora

Witness a 5-star experience at InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa, a true glimpse of paradise. Surrounded by turquoise waters and exclusive access to spectacular views of the island, our eco-friendly resort offers guests the best of Bora Bora while committing to promote environmental sustainability. We are proud to utilize deep-sea water in our eco-friendly air-conditioning system as a source of cooling. Controlling our consumption of water, energy and waste production. Conserving the local biodiversity and protect the fragileness of the island’s ecosystem.

Oceanfront retreat dedicated to beauty and luxury

The award-winning Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is committed to reducing the impact on the environment by conserving natural resources and reducing waste. The resort's environmental initiatives include installing a solar photovoltaic system that reduces 465,000 kWh per year of clean renewable energy, filtered water dispensers, LED light replacement that reduced lighting kWh by 70%, and sourcing local ingredients for on-property restaurants. Furthermore, this was the first resort in Hawaii to install electric vehicle fast chargers (3). One hundred percent of green waste is utilized for compost, and an average of 15 tons of recyclables is diverted from the landfill each month. The environmental initiatives by Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa have been rewarded with multiple awards, including the Green Innovation Award in 2011, the 2008 National Geographic The Stay List, is noted a GreenLeader by TripAdvisor, and the 2010 Green Business Award.

Secluded island hideaway in Beqa Lagoon

A partner of It's a Green World since 2009, Koro Sun Resort & Rainforest Spa is an all-inclusive property in Fiji, offering a truly native Fijian experience, dedicated to adventure, rejuvenation, romance and families. Located on the northern island of Vanua Levu, the resort lies on over of lush rainforest, boasting scenic beauty in every direction out to its fringing reef. Koro Sun takes actions to preserve its beautiful surroundings by reducing oil/gas carbon emissions, composting food waste, using reclaimed building materials, and investing in the local community. Additionally, Koro Sun sources their ingredients locally and grows nearly 75% of the fruits and vegetables in the resort's organic gardens. The furniture used throughout the resort is made from recycled woods or coconut palmwood, and plantation pine. High- energy efficiency appliances are installed throughout the resort.

Upscale accommodations amidst a larger resort complex

With an exclusive beachfront location, Sheraton Fiji Resort is surrounded by the beautiful natural environment of Denarau Island and boasts all the luxury inclusions. Featuring spacious rooms with contemporary finishes and stunning ocean views, the Sheraton Fiji Resort shares a fantastic range of facilities with the Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa and Sheraton Denarau Villas. Low-rise architecture is spectacularly framed by rows of beachside palm trees, allowing gentle sea breezes to flow through our open-plan resort. Generously sized rooms are surrounded by tropical gardens while private balconies offer views over the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. Sheraton Fiji Resort has everything you need from an extensive choice of 17 restaurants and bars within the resort complex and leisure facilities to an exclusive children's club and activity center.

Full-service resort on the legendary North Shore

Turtle Bay Resort embodies the spirit of its North Shore legacy, the culture of respect and responsibility established by the ancient Hawaiians. The Green Committee was created to make the resort a leader in sustainability, reducing its carbon footprint and becoming more than just one of Oahu's eco-friendly hotels. The resort has implemented many sustainable initiatives such as solar roof installation which reduces the amount of fossil fuel usage and an Energy Management System that automates chillers and air conditioning systems in areas not in use. Through partnerships with the North Shore's many farmers, Turtle Bay Resort's restaurants source locally grown produce. The resort also partnered with nearby Brigham Young University, Hawaii for Bio-Diesel Conversion, turning hundreds of gallons of oil used in the resort's kitchen into bio-diesel used by the University to fuel its fleet of vehicles. With the on-going efforts Turtle Bay Resort has been recently been certified by STOKE which is the world's first sustainability certification program for surf tourism operators.

Romantic bungalows on a secluded lagoon

Likuliku Lagoon Resort is a haven of subtle luxury and the first and only resort in Fiji with overwater bures. The resort is an active member of the Mamanuca Environment Society, providing ongoing training and education to resort staff, guests and the village people in the preservation and caring for the environment. The ongoing review includes the revision and evaluation by environmental specialists of new alternative power sources such as solar panels and wind power. Likuliku uses energy efficient light globes throughout the property, environmentally friendly cleaning products in the facilities, and an innovative bio-cycle sewage treatment plant using natural processing of waste material with low power.

South Seas retreat on a spectacular 10-acre lagoon

Set in lush tropical grounds on a white-sand beach along the scenic north coast of Moorea, this resort rests nearby scenic Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay, and has views across the lagoon. The most obvious sign of eco-initiatives at this resort are the 178 solar panels on the rooftops of its overwater bungalows, which were installed in 2009. The panels are used to provide about half of the resort's hot water, filling about 15 percent of the resort's total electrical demand and eliminating of carbon per year. Under the water, the resort has also installed a Biorock initiative to encourage the healthy growth of coral. The Hilton French Polynesia hotels have also implemented various on-site conservation programs such as laundry detergent reductions and recyclable amenities, as well as creating strategic alliances with a number of local and international environmental and cultural groups in the region.