Sustainable hotels: 10 eco-friendly choices in Portugal
Sustainability is increasingly an unavoidable trend in Tourism, so follow the ten suggestions for sustainable hotels from All About Portugal and spend wonderful days in full harmony with Nature and the community.
Sustainable hotels, which we can find everywhere today, appeared in response to the growing awareness of the need to preserve environmental, cultural and social resources. Sustainable hotels stand out, above all, for the attention they give to the impact that tourism has, both on nature and on human relations in the community where it is located. The scope of sustainable tourism goes through concepts as diverse as the conscious use of energy resources, organic products resulting from organic gardens or from local farmers, promotion of local employment and appreciation of local crafts and culture.
Guests, on the other hand, have the opportunity to learn more about the importance of the measures that sustainable hotels defend, but they gain is double, because the interaction with the local population promoted by the hotel allows them to obtain a privileged experience; whether in recommending restaurants or shops, visiting local producers or even participating in typical festivals. Choose one of the ten sustainable hotels that All About Portugal has selected, from the north to the south of the country, outside Lisbon and Porto, and enjoy a relaxing holiday without any weight on your conscience.
Vale do Rio Hotel Rural - Oliveira de Azeméis
Located in the village of Palmaz, Vale do Rio Hotel Rural was built in the place where there was already a mini-hydro since 1800. The place, known as “Princesa do Caima” for its close relationship with the river of the same name, offers the perfect surroundings for this hotel, one of the most committed to sustainability in Portugal. This eco-hotel uses hydro, wind, solar, photovoltaic, biomass and biodiesel energy.
Traços d'Outrora - Vale de Cambra
It is in the small village of Trebilhadouro that we find the rural tourism Traços d'Outrora, a group of four houses surrounded by the mountainous slopes of Serra da Freita. Sustainability is present in several areas, not only in energy awareness and the defense of Nature, but also in the economic and social aspects, as they support the local community and defend the traditions of the region.
Casa das Palmeiras - Nature Houses & Pedagogic Farm - Mangualde
Casa das Palmeiras - Nature Houses & Pedagogic Farm is the true definition of sustainable tourism, because here everything is designed for sustainability. This wonderful farm is divided into three houses and a bedroom, surrounded by a large green space with a biological swimming pool, a children's garden, an organic vegetable garden, a garden of aromas and an educational farm that delights the little ones.
Rio do Prado - Óbidos
When looking at the surprising Rio do Prado, with its rooms literally buried in the ground and covered with vegetation, we immediately realize the commitment to sustainability through the almost zero impact on the landscape. This luxurious space, with suites with an indoor fireplace, a wonderful Spa and a dreamy outdoor space, is proof that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand. Its restaurant also does not escape the concept, serving organic products produced on the property.
Noah Beach House - Torres Vedras
Noah Beach House assumes itself as a sustainable place, which gives priority to the preservation of the environment. In addition to accommodation, it has a restaurant, Surf School, Cocktail Bar, outdoor jacuzzi, organic vegetable garden and an outdoor swimming pool heated with solar panels. In addition to alternative energy sources, it promotes sustainability through the design of seasonal menus with organic products and the development of activities with guests, such as cleaning the beaches.
Biovilla Sustentabilidade - Palmela
More than an accommodation, Biovilla Sustentabilidade is a cooperative for sustainable development, based on corporativism, renewable energies, organic food and zero waste. In its 55 hectares, with the sea of Arrábida right next to it, it offers private or shared rooms and even an outdoor room called "Into the wild". You can taste meals made with products from their organic garden or enjoy yoga classes, massages and psychotherapy workshops.
Cocoon Eco Design Lodges - Grândola
Cocoon Eco Design Lodges is a contemporary rural tourism unit with all the amenities, which invites you to relax in communion with Nature and bet on a strong sustainability policy. Its wooden houses placed on stilts have large windows and spacious terraces that invite you to enjoy the surrounding landscape. It has a biological swimming pool, children's area with tree house, free bikes and organic vegetable garden.
Monte da Estrela - Country House & SPA - Moura
In the heart of Alentejo, near the Great Lake Alqueva, Monte da Estrela - Country House & SPA is divided into double rooms, garden with swimming pool, common room with fireplace, outdoor lounge, library, Spa, wine cellar and a small lake. In addition to investing in environmental sustainability, it also contributes to the human and social aspect, through the promotion of local businesses, Permaculture sessions and grants aimed at social inclusion in the community.
Aldeia da Fonte - Lajes do Pico (Açores)
Also, on the islands we can find sustainable hotels, such as Aldeia da Fonte, a small village of houses built in volcanic stone integrated in the green island of Pico, in the Azores. Between a dip in the pool overlooking the sea and the whale watching tower, it offers a relaxing holiday in full communion with nature. The commitment to sustainability is clear, having been considered the fifth most eco-friendly hotel in Portugal.
Quinta da Serra - Bio Hotel - Câmara de Lobos (Madeira)
Quinta da Serra is a Bio Hotel located at 820 meters of altitude, on the wonderful slopes of the mountains of Madeira Island. Here, refinement and exclusivity coexist with the fantastic forest heritage, which includes rare species belonging to the Laurissilva Forest. Its biological project aims at environmental and economic sustainability. Be sure to try the delicacies of its organic restaurant, made with products from its own production, including a vineyard.
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