Beyond Green, a global portfolio of sustainable accommodations around the world has highlighted how these vernacular architecture and thoughtful design can reflect a local sense of place, celebrate natural and cultural heritage, and contribute to environmental stewardship
By showcasing native materials, artisan products, and local traditions throughout their properties and guest experiences, Beyond Green members meaningfully connect travellers to their destinations while serving as living reflections of local Nature, Culture and Community.
Casa di Langa (Cerretto Langhe, Italy): Nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps, Casa di Langa is surrounded by forests and vineyards, with a design that honours the natural landscape and the region’s winemaking traditions.
The resort’s architecture and interiors, crafted by local Piedmontese artisans, feature indigenous materials like Luserna stone and recyclable terracotta, blending effortlessly with the environment. The decor combines vintage elements with custom furnishings made from recycled materials. The property also employs regenerative gardening techniques to protect local ecosystems and enhance biodiversity.
Leela Palace Udaipur (Udaipur, India): The Leela Palace Udaipur is a tribute to Rajasthani heritage, featuring traditional materials like local Makrana white marble, Rajasthan black granite, and Jaisalmer stone from nearby quarries. Intricate Thekri mirror inlay work further showcases centuries-old artisanal craftsmanship. The property preserves historical features, including the Sheesh Mahal and a 16th-century temple, ensuring their cultural significance endures.
Enriched with over 100 indigenous trees, the palace offers guests a serene exploration of Lake Pichola via six electric boats. Committed to sustainability, 41% of its power comes from renewable sources, ongoing energy optimization programs reduce its carbon footprint, and advanced water-recycling treats greywater for reuse. Innovations like flower cycling, and turning used flowers into incense sticks, blend cultural reverence with environmental responsibility.
Coulibri Ridge (Soufriere, Dominica): This 14-suite off-grid luxury retreat was designed as a long-term research project on how to respectfully develop and operate a modern, self-sufficient eco-resort that is closely intertwined with the local community. Perched atop a mountain ridge in southern Dominica, Coulibri Ridge harnesses the sun, wind, and rain to power an island experience like none other.
Rainwater, collected through the resort’s unique roof design and purified by ultraviolet light and copper ionization, supplies guest suites and six chlorine-free pools. The drainage system recycles greywater to irrigate its tropical gardens. Interiors feature recycled teak wood, with ceilings made from recyclable, mold-resistant aluminium. The resort’s meticulously planned exterior, crafted from hand-chiselled stone sourced on-site and built by local artisans, is designed to withstand hurricanes, earthquakes, and humidity, integrating with the natural landscape.
Arenas del Mar (Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica): Surrounded by Costa Rica’s lush rainforests, Arenas del Mar infuses the essence of the country into every aspect of its design. Recent upgrades at the Mirador Restaurant feature woven lamps handcrafted by local artisans, adding an authentic touch to the dining experience. Locally sourced teak wood, known for its durability, is used in custom pieces throughout the resort, including day beds, the Mirador Tortilla Station, and the Spa.
The architecture embraces Costa Rica’s bioclimatic principles, optimizing natural airflow and light. The resort’s commitment to environmental stewardship is further highlighted by upcycling initiatives, such as repurposing a vintage coffee machine as a thematic centrepiece, celebrating the country’s rich coffee heritage.
Aristi Mountain Resort & Villas (Aristi, Greece): Aristi Mountain Resort & Villas celebrates the cultural richness of the Zagori region through close collaboration with local artisans, showcasing bespoke artwork, furniture, and decor.
The resort’s architecture is a testament to traditional Zagori styles, using local stone and wood to blend harmoniously with the landscape, inspired by the historic buildings of Aristi village. A key preservation effort includes the “Reappearances” initiative, which restored a vital 200-foot cobbled pathway and dry stone walls, reconnecting the community with its heritage.
Post Ranch Inn (Big Sur, California): Perched on the cliffs of Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn becomes one with its natural surroundings, embodying the principles of biophilic architecture. Designed by the renowned architect Mickey Muennig, the resort’s freestanding units, including elevated Tree Houses and earth-sheltered Ocean Houses, are crafted to protect the environment while offering an immersive nature experience.
Local and reclaimed materials, such as hand-placed stones in the Jade Pool and the repurposed Quonset Huts housing the Post Gallery, are utilised along with handcrafted furniture made on-site from reclaimed wood, with each piece contributing to the inn’s unique character. Sustainable elements like CORTEN steel siding, old-growth redwood, and repurposed schoolhouse doors further enhance its eco-conscious design.
The Parkside Hotel & Spa (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada): The Parkside Hotel & Spa, an eco-conscious oasis in downtown Victoria, greets guests with a light-filled atrium featuring lush greenery salvaged from the historic Crystal Gardens, preserving a piece of the city’s cultural heritage.
Designed to harmonise with the neighborhood, the hotel’s red brick and cement exterior complements nearby landmarks like St. Ann’s Academy, while unsuspectingly capturing rainwater for the hotel’s grey water tank. Since 2019, the hotel has partnered with Bees Please Farms to maintain rooftop hives, supporting urban biodiversity. The rooftop also hosts a staff garden, and in a unique upcycling effort, old curtains are transformed into reusable tote bags for guests.
The Palms Hotel & Spa (Miami Beach, Florida): Originally designed by renowned architect Roy F. France, the hotel retains a Streamline Moderne style, with large windows, doors, and expansive terraces that embrace the Florida sun and ocean breeze. Natural materials throughout the resort reflect the beauty of the surrounding environment, while the lush
tropical garden enhances biodiversity. A plant classification program is being developed to educate guests about the resort’s botanical treasures. The hotel’s design also pays homage to the Art Deco era, with iconic elements such as geometric patterns and ornamental details that celebrate the artistic flair of the period.
Inn by The Sea (Cape Elizabeth, Maine): Inn by the Sea connects guests to the natural world through its biophilic design, blending New England coastal tradition with modern touches. The lobby’s panoramic views stretch from indigenous gardens to the Atlantic Ocean, with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light.
The shingled exteriors and stone walls reflect classic New England architecture, while the surrounding landscapes— comprising native plantings, a restored coastal meadow, and a vibrant show garden— support local wildlife and enhance natural beauty. During its eco-conscious renovations, the Inn achieved LEED Silver certification for the SPA addition by incorporating recycled materials and reducing construction waste, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.
Porta Hotel Antigua (La Antigua, Guatemala): Porta Hotel Antigua’s La Tiendita initiative collaborates with local artisans to showcase handcrafted products that support the local economy, preserve Guatemalan traditions, and empower vulnerable communities.
By partnering with organizations like ALISA Handmade, which supports weaving schools, B’enam & Co., which empowers rural artists and promotes environmental consciousness, Wakami, which creates opportunities for women in rural areas, and Colorina Latin Art, celebrating local culture through vibrant home goods, La Tiendita fosters meaningful social impact.
SCP Corcovado WIlderness Lodge (Bahia Drake, Costa Rica): Bordered by 250,000 acres of parks and reserves, SCP Corcovado fuses natural beauty with Indigenous art, featuring Borucan Mask Art that tells the story of local rituals and celebrations.
The resort’s landscaping prioritises native plants, replacing non-native species to boost biodiversity and integrate with the surrounding environment. The property also collaborates with local artisans and cacao producers, offering their products at the hotel and providing guests with opportunities to engage in traditional crafts.
“We are proud to highlight this group of Beyond Green members who foster meaningful connections between travellers and their destinations through thoughtful and intentional design choices,” said Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Beyond Green. “These properties demonstrate that travel is more than just a journey—it is about connecting with the essence of a place,” she added.
Read more: News
