In a world where "eco-friendly" can sometimes mean sacrificing comfort, these seven hotels are flipping the script. From cutting-edge architecture in Norway to barefoot luxury in the Maldives, they're proving that you can travel in serious style without leaving a hefty carbon footprint behind. These properties don't just slap on a few solar panels and call it a day — they're committed to sustainability at every level, and it shows. On this World Earth Day (April 22, 2025), we present to you our round-up of the coolest carbon neutral hotels around the world that are walking the talk when it comes to climate-conscious hospitality — no compromise necessary.
Also Read: 5 Easy Ways To Lower Your Carbon Footprint While Travelling
Here Are 7 Carbon Neutral Hotels Around The World:
1. Populus, Denver, USA: The First Carbon Positive Hotel In America
Photo: Courtesy of Populus Denver
Opening in 2024, Populus isn't just aiming for neutral — it's going carbon positive. This eye-catching property in downtown Denver, developed by Urban Villages, features a distinctive "aspen eye" window pattern inspired by Colorado's native trees. But it's what's behind those windows that counts. The building is entirely powered by renewable energy, and it will offset more carbon than it emits by planting over 70,000 trees. Populus is also plastic-free and uses reclaimed materials throughout. Once open, it's expected to serve as a case study for how hospitality and urban design can team up for the planet.
2. Soneva, Maldives: Barefoot Luxury With A Green Heart
Photo: Courtesy of Soneva Fushi
Soneva's Maldivian resorts are long-time trailblazers in sustainable luxury. Soneva Fushi was the Maldives' first luxury eco-resort, and they've doubled down on those values ever since. Both Fushi and its sister property, Soneva Jani, are certified carbon neutral — not just for the operations, but also including guest air travel, a rare move in hospitality. They produce their own drinking water, compost all organic waste, and power much of their operations with solar. The Soneva Foundation supports reforestation and energy access projects around the world. Oh, and their villas? All ocean views and outdoor bathrooms, no guilt included.
3. Svart, Norway: The World's First Energy-Positive Hotel
Perched on the edge of the Holandsfjorden in Arctic Norway, Svart looks like something out of a sci-fi film — but it's real, and it's redefining sustainable travel. Designed by Snohetta and set to open in 2025, Svart will generate more energy than it consumes over its lifetime. The hotel will be fully off-grid, powered by solar energy harvested through its circular roof structure, and will feature advanced waste and water management systems. Getting there is part of the eco-magic too-guests will arrive via electric boats across the fjord. If you're after dramatic views, world-class architecture, and a commitment to the future, Svart should be on your radar.
4. The Brando, French Polynesia: Marlon Brando's Eco-Utopia
Photo: Courtesy of The Brando
Located on the private island of Tetiaroa, The Brando might just be the world's most famous eco-resort — and for good reason. This carbon-neutral resort uses a pioneering Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC) system to cool its villas and is powered primarily by solar energy and coconut oil biofuel. Since its opening, The Brando has earned a reputation for eco-luxury, and it's hosted everyone from world leaders to celebrities seeking solitude. But beyond the glitz, the resort supports scientific research and conservation projects across the island. Think coral reef restoration, sustainable agriculture, and zero-waste operations — all while you sip a pina colada on the beach.
Also Read: 5 Ways In Which Bhutan Is Crushing It In Responsible Tourism
5. ITC Hotels, India: One Of The Greenest Hotel Chains On Earth
Photo: Courtesy of ITC Grand Chola
ITC Hotels isn't just greenwashing. The Indian hospitality brand has more than 15 properties that are LEED Platinum certified, the highest level of green building certification. From sourcing local ingredients to water recycling, ITC's sustainability strategy runs deep. Properties like ITC Grand Chola in Chennai and ITC Maurya in Delhi operate on renewable energy and have zero waste to landfill targets. Their "Responsible Luxury" ethos has made them one of the most awarded hotel chains in the world for sustainability. It's proof that you don't have to be a boutique to be bold on climate.
6. The Stay Hotels, Turkey: Boutique Vibes, Big Sustainability Goals
Photo: Courtesy of The Stay Hotels
This stylish hotel group has properties across Istanbul and Alacati, and it became Turkey's first carbon-neutral hotel brand in 2022. The Stay doesn't just lean into aesthetic minimalism; they've baked sustainability into their entire operation. They've ditched single-use plastics, source locally wherever possible, and offset all carbon emissions related to guest stays. Their in-house art galleries and community partnerships add cultural credibility, making it a win for conscious travellers who also care about good design and good food.
7. Sani Resort, Greece: A Luxury Eco-Destination In Halkidiki
Photo: Courtesy of Sani Resort
Set on 1,000 acres of eco-protected land, Sani Resort is a trailblazer in sustainable Mediterranean tourism. Certified carbon neutral since 2020 and single-use plastic free since 2022, the resort has committed to becoming net zero by 2030. It's not all about offsetting, either — Sani runs on 100% renewable electricity and maintains over 40km of walking trails through its protected wetlands and pine forests. Family-friendly, wellness-focussed and seriously green, this Greek gem proves that you can have a sun-soaked escape that's good for your soul and the environment.
