Germany as a destination is already very sustainable (from a German-speaking perspective). But there is much more you can do.. 

This article shows:

• 4 most eco-friendly travel regions in Germany
• Sustainable accommodation
• The best travel and mobility options
• Conservation aspects
• Small things (with a big impact) to consider when traveling

Sustainable destinations in Germany

#1 Wadden Sea – ideal for families with children

The German side of the Wadden Sea is one of the most special regions in Germany. The region has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014. The low tide and the high tide are fascinating. Twice a day, the North Sea retreats at low tide and exposes the seabed – after a few hours, the sea floods everything again. Let yourself be guided through the mudflats until the high tide comes. You may have done this as a child. It means trudging through the wet with rubber boots, digging up crabs, mussels, worms and other sea creatures, watching birds – it’s fun at any age. But especially for children. That’s why we can highly recommend the Wadden Sea as a destination for a vacation with the whole family.

Car-free island Juist in the Wadden Sea

The East Frisian Island of Juist aims to be carbon neutral by 2030. The best way to reach the carfree island is by train. From the train station “Norddeich-Mole” it is only a few steps to the ferry pier of the FRISIA. Since cars are not allowed on the island, you can relax with small children!

Best time to visit: June to September

• Sustainability: The Wadden Sea region (Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands) has agreed on a common climate target and aims to be CO2 neutral by 2030.
• Seal: UNESCO World Heritage (Juist)
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This is what you should do on Juist:

• Go to the restaurant on Thursdays (because it’s veggie day everywhere)
• Rent a beach chair
• Take a bike or handcart (maybe on the ferry)

#2 Black Forest – Perfect for Health and Wellness

No other region in Germany has such a high density of nature reserves as the Black Forest. In the low mountain range of the Black Forest, you will find above all – forest 🙂

The German Forest is known to play an important role in the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm – for which the Black Forest is considered a source of inspiration! There are also rivers, lakes, moors and thermal baths. The region is great for hiking, biking (e-bikes are popular because of the mountains), and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Sustainable Spa Resort Bad Herrenalb

Bad Herrenalb, located in the northern Black Forest, has a strong commitment to environmental and climate protection.

If your vacation is all about relaxation and nature, we recommend the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA or SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA APARTMENTS. There is an 850 square meter spa area with its own thermal pool and saunas, as well as a Selfness Center with basic fasting, yoga, and TCM therapies. Perfect for getting away from it all.

Best time to visit: All year

• Sustainability: Many nature reserves and many opportunities to rent e-bikes. Well-developed network of e-charging stations.
• Seal: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (in the southern Black Forest), Bad Herrenalb in the northern Black Forest has been awarded the status of a health resort, spa, sustainable travel destination, Fairtrade town and Green Pearls®.

Here’s what you should do:

• Drink medicinal water from the drinking pavilion
• Rent an e-bike or use public transportation for free with the KONUS guest card.
• Swimming in the forest
• Fairy tale reading
• Buy a cuckoo clock “Made in the Black Forest” (if you can spend around 300 Euros for such a hand-carved souvenir)

For more information about the Black Forest, Visit

#3 UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Rhön – Hiker’s Paradise

Some animal species, such as the capercaillie, were already extinct in the Rhön – fortunately, an emergency brake was applied and with the designation of the Rhön as a biosphere reserve (i.e., a habitat worthy of protection), the entire region is now concerned with protecting biodiversity. A biosphere reserve also involves important economic sectors. Tourism is a prime example! If you’re looking for a prime example of sustainable vacationing, a biosphere reserve is the place.

The Biohotel Sturm was the first hotel in the Rhön to be certified organic, offers its guests only food from certified organic sources, and sees itself as part of the Slow Food movement. Here you can relax in the Röhner Spa or explore nature as an active vacationer on the many hiking trails. The low mountain range also provides the perfect backdrop for mountain biking.

Best time to visit: Any time of the year when the weather is nice and in winter when it snows.

• Sustainability: Many areas are protected from light. This is to protect insects, as artificial light disrupts their natural flight patterns. (Insects fly by the moon and stars).
• Seal: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Green Pearls®
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Here’s what you should do:

• Stargaze at the Star Park
• Visit the two raised bogs, the Black Moor and the Red Moor (for each there is an educational boardwalk on wooden planks).
• A day trip on the premium hiking trail “Michelsberg” (this trail has a chance to become Germany’s most beautiful hiking trail in 2023!)

You can learn more about the Rhön HERE

#4 Lake Constance – Flowers, Water Sports and Horses

Located in the foothills of the Alps between Germany, Switzerland and Austria, Lake Constance, which is more than 60 kilometers long, is a well-known and popular vacation destination. The huge lake is perfect for water sports. Sailing, kite surfing, canoeing, stand-up paddling (SUP) – you can get around on the water in any way you can imagine. There’s no need to buy equipment – it’s more sustainable to use one of the many rental services.

Alternatively, you can explore the Bodensee region on horseback. What do you think of a horseback riding vacation? This is offered by Gerberhof, for example. Children from the age of 3 can ride ponies and adults can bring their own horse or rent one for the vacation.

Best time to visit: May – September

• Sustainability: The Bodensee-Stiftung has been committed to sustainability for 25 years. For example, it launched Ecocamping, which now includes 219 campsites. Here you can not only vacation with a tent or caravan, but also rent accommodation.
• Seal: The ECHT seal, developed by Deutsche Bodensee Tourismus GmbH, is relatively new. At its heart is the ECHT Bodenseecard, which entitles you to free travel on local public transport and discounts on cultural events.
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Here’s what to do:

• Buy fruit directly from the farm. The Lake Constance region is one of the largest fruit-growing areas in Europe.
• Clean the beach at Lake Constance with CleanUp. (Reusable garbage bags and tongs are available at numerous distribution points).
• Take a ride on the solar boat HELIO
• Trip to the flower island of Mainau

Small things with a big impact – how to make your vacation in Germany more sustainable

Travel by train or coach: According to the Federal Environment Agency, long-distance buses are currently the most environmentally friendly way to travel. Alternatively, you can take the train to get to your destination without emitting a lot of CO2.

• Sustainable accommodations: For a complete list of Green Pearls accommodations, vacation rentals, hotels and destinations in Germany, VISIT
• Use the Refill app: Take a water bottle with you on vacation and refill it for free at the refill stations along the way. This way you protect the environment, the climate and your wallet 🙂
• Shop locally: You can buy local produce at farm shops and weekly markets – even unpacked if you bring your own bags!
• Keep your distance from wildlife: Respect nature when you are on vacation and follow the rules of the nature reserves during your excursions. For example, do not feed wild birds and animals.

You want to learn more about sustainable travel? Check our  15 tips for sustainable travel in 2023

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How do you explain the term “sustainability” to children?

At first glance, the answer to our title question seems complicated. After all, the topic is already difficult for us adults to grasp. Moreover, we confront our children with a world that in reality does not resemble the colorful children’s books and from which we want to protect the little ones as long as possible.

Nonetheless, we think it’s important to explain sustainability and give you a little incentive here. To put it simply, what sustainability means above all is that we should think about the future in everything we do. That was many hundreds of years ago when it was first used to describe not cutting down more trees than were growing back. However, today it also means much more, such as ensuring that our consumption of resources (food, raw materials) happens harmonizing with nature, that people are paid fairly and can work safely, and that we think about all the people, animals, and plants in the world, not just those on our doorstep.

Seven ideas for teaching kids about sustainable practices

Ready to dive into the topic with your kids? Well, we’ve collected five ideas for doing just that. They show that even small changes can have a big impact and raise awareness for looking at the world with open eyes. And best of all, many of them are easy to implement on vacation.

Sustainability at home

Where does your food come from?

When shopping for groceries, you can talk to your kids about where the food comes from. Long transport routes by truck or plane mean higher CO2 pollution, which is not good for the environment. You can also visit a farm together to learn more about how animals are kept, how vegetables are harvested, and so on. During such visits, children get a good sense of the fact that we as humans are dependent on farmers.

Of course, during the visit, you should also not hide the fact that the cute little calves or chicks will probably end up on the plate. Because that is also reality and sustainability. At the same time, it clarifies it that we have to treat the animals well, after all, they contribute to the fact that we have something to eat.

Everything to do with insects and bees is also a great introductory topic. Because without them, nothing or very little would grow in our country.

Second Hand is cool

Many clothing and toy production facilities are located in low-wage countries. That means that the people who make the things earn very little and often have to work under poor conditions.  That’s the only reason we can buy cheap T-shirts here.

If you explain this to your children, then maybe it doesn’t have to be a new shirt after all, if the old ones still fit. And it helps to explain that second-hand (or the older sibling’s old clothes) is actually totally cool.

 The same rule applies to toys.If something is no longer being used, you could give it to a friend or neighbor, or you could sell it at the next neighborhood flea market.

The garbage game

You can take a playful approach to the topic of waste separation. First, you explain which material belongs in which garbage can. In everyday life, you can then make an ongoing puzzle out of it: Whenever something is thrown away, you can ask the children in which bin they would sort the waste. With your kids, you can also consider which items in the home are made of plastic and whether you can replace some with an alternative. Shopping at the unpacking store is also a great way to pick up on the topic of (plastic) waste.

Environmentally friendly to daycare and school

Usually,children know from a very early age that car exhaust pollutes the environment. Including them in your own decisions about why you take the car for some journeys and the bike or public transport for others can raise awareness of the issue even more.

Walking to kindergarten or school, for example, is a great way to start a conversation about this. And by the way, you will perceive your immediate surroundings in an entirely different way.

Sustainability with kids on a family vacation

Nature instead of television, carriage instead of car

Vacation time, when there are no appointments on the calendar, is the perfect time for families to teach their children about sustainability. The Hotel Weihrerhof in South Tyrol is perfect for this. It is located in the middle of the Rittner nature on the shore of the Wolfsgrubner Lake. Here, your kids can immerse themselves fully in the natural kingdom while observing various animals, from frogs to dragonflies, or participate in farm afternoons or treasure hunts in the surrounding area via the local tourism association.

Zermatt’s two hotels, Bella Vista and CERVO Mountain Resort, are also happy to welcome you with your children in the midst of the Alps. The Swiss resort is completely car-free. There are carriages and electric vehicles, but you can also reach the village in 5 minutes on foot. Especially if you and your family live in a big city with a lot of car traffic, such a car-free experience is especially formative for children. And maybe for you, too.

Another car-free experience, but with a sea view instead of a mountain panorama, is the North Sea island of Juist. Every summer, the island hosts a children’s university on the theme of “sustainable living,” where children learn about the climate and climate change. And they do so vividly with experiments.

Get out and experience

The most valuable experiences children have  been when they are out in nature and can feel and touch it. Because then they (and we) become aware of how valuable it is. At The Dreamer’s Club hotel on the Croatian island of Korcula, your kids can freely explore the garden with all its trees, plants, and insects. In addition, a small playground and a trampoline, guests are ready to romp.

For exploring in natural surroundings, Maslina Resort on the Croatian island of Hvar also offers a 7,000 square meter garden. You can also explore together where the food that ends up on your plates in the evening comes from, 😉 The hotel’s Kids Club also regularly offers activities that address the issue of sustainability.

To explore the islands without having to get into the car, you can rent bikes for you and your family in both hotels and make emission-free and sustainable excursions.

Children at the center

Brightly colored rooms and a family atmosphere make Eco Park Hotel Azalea a true sustainable family retreat. Guided children’s hikes in Val di Fiemme, children’s meditations or simply exuberant indoor and outdoor play: your kids are busy, and you can relax. At the end of the day, they will proudly tell you what they have experienced and learned.

By the way, the rooms at Azalea are named after flowers and even color-coordinated with the respective blossom. So, automatically you’ll all learn something new, and maybe you’ll rediscover the blossoms as a delicious detail on your plates at the vegetarian dinner 😉

The Naturhotel Outside is located in the middle of the Hohe Tauern National Park and thus offers an entirely different impression of the spectacular mountain world. Through the cooperation with the National Park Office, you can offer your children a profound insight into the Alps with its exceptional flora and fauna. For example, at the Forest-Wilderness Camp (two days) or with the Junior Rangers, who get to know the work of the National Park Rangers over several days.

Nature up close

At Hotel Klosterbräu, your kids can experience nature firsthand. In the daily Kids Club, for example, they make lavender syrup from their own lavender, which they will be proud to present to you in the evening. During the “witch hunt” over the parish hill, the children discover various hiding places and learn in passing what a great playground nature is. Crafting with natural materials also teaches appreciation for our environment. But an absolute highlight for young and old is the visit to Sigi’s pigsty, the farm and vegetarian farm that belong to the hotel. The rabbits, goats, donkeys and ponies make not only children’s hearts beat faster. Promised 😉

Still feel like sustainability is a difficult topic for kids? No? Excellent! Then together, let’s show our kids a sustainable way to interact with our world in a fun, creative way. So, they and their children and grandchildren can live on our beautiful earth for a long time to come!

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What do you think: When did the first national park exist? As early as 1872! The Yellowstone National Park in the United States of America became the first park to be established in the nineteenth century. In fact, there was the very first protected area nearly ten years earlier: 1864 in today’s Yosemite National Park. 

Widespread nowadays, after a hesitant start

Soon after, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand joined in and founded national parks to preserve their indigenous nature.

In Europe, this nature conservation trend didn’t arrive until the following century. Which country started it all? In 1909, it was Sweden. Switzerland followed in 1914. 

The idea caught on this side of the Atlantic, especially after World War II, leading today to more than 2,200 National Parks in some 120 countries, which are coordinated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources worldwide. Moreover, there are also smaller nature conservation sites under the jurisdiction of the individual countries. Did you know that?

In order for you not to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of options, we have compiled a small selection of vacation destinations in or at a nature reserve. 

Nature parks in the mountains

The HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu lies right in the middle of the Nagelfluh Nature Park. It covers 24,700 hectares with a mountain range of 24 kilometers and 13 peaks across two countries. The National Park is one of the cultural landscapes full of species, and it has its own unique rock outcrops made of boulders. If you want to shine on the site with your insider knowledge: In the Allgäu, it is also called “Herrgottsbeton”. 

In case you wonder when you should travel here: The Nature Park has much to offer during all seasons. From hikes to mountain bikes in summer up to ski touring, snowshoeing and cross county skiing in winter. Should you get the chance, visiting in the off-season is especially recommended. 

Naturhotel Aufatmen has been in a nature park since 2022. Why is that? The municipality of Leutasch was included in the largest Nature Park in Austria as late this year – Karwendel Nature Park.

Particularly worth seeing in this area is Gleierschklamm gorge. A trail leads up close by the water, letting you immerse into nature.  You can explore Karwendel and discover its beautiful places and alpine pastures also by bike.

Not to forget is the origin of the Isar. There, the Isar rises from a small spring, and you can hike or bike along the river through the entire valley. 

High up to the glaciers

Finally, if you’re interested in glaciers and the high alpine life, then you might want to visit the Ötztal valley. Sölden and with it The Peak and the LENI MOUNTAIN are perfectly located as starting point for these ventures.

The NATURE PARK ÖTZTAL includes a whole range of nature protection areas in the Ötztal valley. The park stretches from the valley floor up to alpine and high alpine landscapes shaped by glaciers. 

In this natural park, you can go high up: The highest point is the Ötztaler Wildspitze with 3.774 m. Vent and Obergurgl (Tyrol’s highest church village) as well as Niederthai/Umhausen and Gries/Längenfeld are located in the heart of the NATURPARK ÖTZTAL and are ideal starting points for exploring the area.

There’s also a lot to explore in one of the largest national parks in Germany—the Harz Mountains. The Harz is also the first transnational National Park in Germany. Ninety-seven percent of the National Park area is covered with forest. Explore it from the Schlosshotel Blankenburg or from the Naturresort Schindelbruch. You can discover some landmarks here. Around the Devil’s Wall, for example, there is a special myth. 

Exciting habitats on the coast

Exceptional National Parks can also be discovered at the coast. Close to Gut Nisdorf is the National Park Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft – Germany’s third-largest national park.

Gut Nisdorf is located directly at the Grabow, which is a lagoon at the Baltic Sea. There you can uniquely observe the dynamics of the coastline. The energy of wind and waves carries away the sand at one place and redeposits it elsewhere. Thus wind mudflats and sand hooks, dunes and beach lakes are created. As a result, the landscape looks different every year. 

Protected White-tailed eagles make their circles and raise their young here. Several pairs live in the area, and you can even watch them from the terrace at Nisdorf Manor. 

A great attraction is the crane rest in autumn. Up to 80,000 cranes rest in the Rügen-Bock region. Every morning and every evening, the birds fly loudly calling from their roosts in the shallow water to the fields and back. You should definitely experience this once!

Rare animals in the Wadden Sea

But the German seascape has even more to offer: the Wadden Sea, for example. And that is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island of Juist is right in the middle of it. Certain parts of the island, for example the east end, may only be accessed outside the breeding season of the local birds. 

The mudflats themselves boast a wide variety of species: Lug worms, cockles, shore crabs, mudflat snails and North Sea shrimp—to name just a few. Seals, of course, are particularly popular. And quite honestly, how can you resist those big beady eyes? 

An incredible natural scenery has been created by the Wadden Sea, and between tidal creeks and salt marshes, flat land and sandstone, the island of Juist offers a lot to discover.

In between two nature reserves

Eco-Aparthotel The Dreamers Club is located near two nature reserves: Kocje Reserve Park and Mljet National Park. 

Kocje Reserve Park stretches across an area of about 10 hectares, which includes unusual large rock formations. That protected area is home to a small canyon with several unexpected features such as dolomite rocks, cave, moss and a small spring.

The moss-covered rocks and trees create an exceptional, magical atmosphere here: a perfect place to practice energy healing—if that’s what you’re interested in.

The National Park Mljet is not far from Korcula either. It is one of eight National Parks in Croatia and located on the island of Mljet, which is one of the largest islands in southern Dalmatia. The Mljet National Park covers an area of 5300 hectares in the Northwestern part of the island of Mljet. Ninety percent of the Park area is covered by forest. You can feel like a dwarf in a fairy tale wood because most of the forest consists of Aleppo pines—which can reach up to twenty meters in height.

Is there any national park you have always wanted to visit? Tell us!

If you are interested in our hotels, please have a look at this article: SUSTAINABLE GREEN PEARLS® HOTELS FOR A HOLIDAY WITH GOOD CONSCIENCE

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Deceleration right from the start

Even the ferry ride to the island is a little adventure. Especially for small children, it’s a highlight. And besides, the deceleration we expect from our vacation starts right here. You can relax and enjoy the water with your kids, watch the seagulls and forget about the journey.

No cars nowhere near or far

What to do when the weather is bad?

So what to do when the weather is bad?

Unfortunately, the weather at the sea is often unpredictable and there are also bad weather days. However, if it rains and is stormy, you have plenty alternative activities on Juist. For example, the children’s entertainment just described takes place indoors. Or you can use your TöwerCard (ferry ticket and guest fee) and get 1.5 hours free admission to the seawater adventure pool TöwerVital. The water slide, a paddling pool and whirlpool provide lots of fun. In the National Park House or the Coastal Museum, you get introduced to the life and nature of the island. And if it’s still raining in the afternoon, we recommend a visit to the island cinema. But also, a trip to the sea can be interesting, especially on a stormy day because you will experience the island in an entirely different way.

Babies welcome

Read more: JUIST – A CLIMATE-FRIENDLY NORTH SEA ISLAND

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On our Green Travel Blog, we mostly introduce you to our sustainable hotels. But today we are talking about a whole island. The North Sea island of Juist is not only a popular travel destination but also a great example of sustainable tourism.

 

Climate Neutral 2030

Have you ever heard of KUNTIKUM? The shortcut stands for climate trends and sustainable tourism development in coastal and low mountain regions. The project was carried out as a study by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research from 2007 to 2009 and the island of Juist participated as one of five pilot regions. The goal of the project was to make the island climate neutral by 2030. A joint declaration by the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany ensures that the Wadden Sea will become climate neutral as a World Heritage Site by the same year. The so-called Sylt Declaration supports the preservation of the nature reserve.

 

Climate change on Juist

Now you may wonder to what extent this is necessary. The islands of the North Sea are already massively confronted with the effects of climate change and the water level is rising. On Juist you can see this in the dunes in the west of the island, which are being destroyed by strong storm tides, which have become more and more frequent in recent years. According to researchers, the climate should not rise more than 2 degrees so that further consequences of climate change can be prevented. The primary goal is to avoid greenhouse gases. This is particularly easy on Juist because the island is car-free. Here everything is transported with the help of horses and carriages. This means a real slowdown for you on vacation.

Climatic therapy

Read more: THE MASLINA RESORT ON THE ISLAND OF HVAR

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Gili Lankanfushi: The definition of luxury

If you think that luxury and sustainability are not compatible, then you haven’t been to Gili Lankanfushi on the Maldives! Here you experience pure luxury: Your own Mr. Friday is available to you 24 hours a day during your stay and ensures that you spend a relaxed and perfectly happy holiday. The overwater villas offer a lot of privacy and it even gets more luxurious in the private reserve, the largest overwater villa in the world. 1,700 m2 just for you, several bedrooms, roof and sun terraces, your own infinity pool, spa area, cinema and so on. From the sun terrace, you can directly jump into the water and visit the coral garden. A unique and luxurious experience! You can find out more about what the hotel does in terms of sustainability here on greenpearls.com.

Read on: Of Manta rays and corals: Greener tourism on the Maldives 

Naturhotel Waldklause: Close-to-nature architecture and spa luxury

The “first designer nature and wood hotel in Austria” is located in the Oetz valley in Tyrol and not only impresses us with its wooden architecture that blends perfectly with the environment. The Naturhotel Waldklause also convinces with its intrinsic values: materials such as glass, stone, and wood dominate the spa area and the rooms and suites. Speaking of suites: from double rooms to spa suites, it is becoming a bit more luxurious, but the most impressive one is the Panorama Pool Suite with two rooms on 180 m2. Here you can relax on the large roof terrace with infinity pool, Finnish panoramic sauna, winter garden and more.

Tongsai Bay: A bath with a view

Koh Samui is one of the most popular islands in Thailand and well known among travelers. However, eco-luxury resort Tongsai Bay is secluded from all the hustle and bustle in an extensive natural area. In harmony with nature, surrounded by twittering birds and with its own private bay, you enjoy a deeply relaxing vacation here. All villas and cottages are furnished to a very high standard, but if you love even more luxury, book the Akorn Villa: 264 m2 just for you, half of which is a large terrace with pool – sea view included! Incidentally, the villa is named after the founder of Tongsai Bay Khun Akorn, who put great emphasis on being considerate of nature during the building process.

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba: Being active or browsing with a view?

As soon as we entered the lobby of the Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba in the Peruvian Urubamba Valley, we could hardly escape our amazement. Built in hacienda style, furnished with local and typical Peruvian fabrics and furniture. The huge window front, which opens up to an impressive view over the valley and the mountains, makes us wish we could spend all day here reading in one of the comfy armchairs. Of course, that’s not all and not later than when entering your cabaña, you will want to extend your vacation forever – there ‘s definitely enough to experience here. From excursions with Inkaterra guides to the delicious Earth-to-Table kitchen to the Mayu Spa, where you can harvest the herbs for your massage yourself – you won‘t get bored here.

Read on: Hoteliers up cloys: culture, eco-awareness and luxury at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba

Schloss Wartegg: Romantic, historical, delicious!

Spending the night in a fairytale castle, surrounded by a spacious park and Lake Constance in front of the door: Schloss Wartegg exudes a very special, luxurious and historic charm. In the romantic room, you have your own fireplace and enjoy a very special view of the castle park. An absolute highlight at Schloss Wartegg is the cuisine, which is also repeatedly recognized by Gault Millau preparing typical and modern dishes with fresh organic ingredients, some even from the own organic hotel garden – you have to try it! We have one last tip: you can book the historic turquoise bath including sauna exclusively and enjoy the romantic atmosphere!

Read on: 5 accommodations for sustainable sleep in ancient masonry

Keemala: holistic time out surrounded by the rainforest

Maybe you ‘ve seen the photos of the Thai villa wonderland before: it’s quite extraordinary how Keemala has integrated its differently styled villas into the forest on Phuket. We can hardly say which of the villas we like best, they are all luxurious and special. The Clay Pool Cottages, for example, all have a private pool from which you can overlook the Keemala or look directly into the rainforest. You can even see the sea from some of the Bird’s Nest Pool Villas. On top, we love the holistic treatments at the Mala Spa and the healthy and fresh cuisine in the Mala Restaurant.

Read on: The taste of holidays: Cooking courses at hotels worldwide

La Subida: a culinary delight

La Subida is located in the Italian province Friuli on the border to Slovenia. The various apartments are scattered across the site and each provides a different but always luxurious charm. ‘Kozovci’, for example, is based on the typical Slovenian country houses while ‘Grandma’s’ combines modern furnishings with authentic style elements from days long past. In addition to the beautiful apartments, the two restaurants are also worth mentioning: The Trattoria Al Cacciatore, for example, has even been awarded a Michelin star!

Strandhotel Kurhaus Juist: dine in the historic dining room

You can already see the White Castle on the beach of the North Sea island of Juist from the ferry: The Strandhotel Kurhotel Juist has a turbulent history but has long been considered a symbol of the island. Completed in 1898 as a three-story luxury spa house, it had to be partially closed just a few years later after a flood because it was obviously unable to cope with the harsh North Sea climate. Fortunately, today it shines again in old splendor and pampers you with luxurious and historical charm – whether in the spa or in the glass dome, from which you can overlook the entire island, or in the stately-looking white hall, in which you can relax and feel transported back into the old days!

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Gili Lankanfushi : No News, no Shoes!

Just one glance and you know that Gili Lankanfushi in the Indian Ocean is the perfect hideaway! „No News, No Shoes “is the concept in paradise. The commitment to protecting the environment is combined with a luxury and high-end service is what makes Gili Lankanfushi unique.

If you plan to spend a private vacation with your partner or friends, we recommend the Private Reserve with private sun decks and direct access to the amazing marine life, outdoor bathrooms, private couple’s spa and a slide that leads into the private lagoon swimming area. Leave your worries at home, feel the sand between your toes, embrace nature and the barefoot experience that awaits you at the resort.

The white Castle by the sea: Strandhotel Kurhaus Juist

On your way to the North Sea island of Juist you not only leave your car but your headaches behind. You take the ferry from Norddeich and when lucky you spot some seals. If not, you have another chance to view them from your accommodation – as the Strandhotel Kurhaus Juist, also known as the “White Castle by the sea”, is located directly on the kilometer-long beach.

The diverse wellness offers contribute to relaxation and deceleration. The Strandhotel Kurhaus Juist is Thalasso certified with an own sea water well. And for stressed parents: While they relax in the spa, the little ones are being entertained in the hotel’s child care. That makes the hotel the favorite hideaway for the whole family!

Sagna Rotonda: Back to simplicity

The eco-village Sagna Rotonda in the Piedmont mountains is the perfect location for everybody looking for recovery and silence and who loves to hike. “True luxury is built on nature and simplicity,” describes owner Giovanni his hotel. And he is right about that: The old structure from the 17^th century accommodates nine apartments and is energy self-sufficient. Whether you love hiking, mountain biking or simply cuddling in front of the fireplace – the Sagna Rotonda is the ideal place off the beaten tracks.

Our editor Hanna visited Sagna Rotonda this summer and she wrote about the luxury of nature on our Green Travel Blog.

Romance on a desert island: Cerf Island Resort

You’re longing for a romantic holiday for two on a small island? Then the Cerf Island Resort on the Seychelles is perfect for you! Only a handful of residents and the guests of the resort’s 24 villas live here. The small island can be explored by foot and with its white sandy beaches everyone will find their favorite spot.

If you are looking for even more relaxation, we’re sure you find it at the unique nature spa. At the end of the day, a freshly prepared dinner awaits you including a view of the wonderful sunset. Incidentally, the Cerf Island Resort is an ideal hideaway for newlyweds and all lovebirds.

Fall asleep to the concert of exotic birds at Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica

Instead of car or airplane noise you listen to the sounds of the rainforest at the Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica. Located in the Peruvian Tambopata National Reserve, the lodge is the gateway to one of the world’s most extraordinary tropical environments.

Take a guided trip to the jungle trails in the rainforest, admire exotic birds, monkeys or sloths up close and discover nature from the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway. While lying in your own hammock, overlooking the Amazon River, you will come down. Moreover, the hammock is also wonderful for admiring the many stars at night – and it’s even cozier with your loved one!

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Der Beitrag The most stunning hideaways for your next vacation erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Underground spa

Outdoor fans regularly lose their hearts here! Far and wide there’s nothing but mountains, forests and valleys around the small eco-village Sagna Rotonda in the Piedmont. The 17^th century hamlet was passionately rebuilt preserving a piece of history. You can find a small pool and Finnish sauna in the vaulted cellar of the sustainable and energy self-sufficient hamlet.

History of Schwerin 2.0

Once grains were stowed here to be later processed to bread, now, Hotel Speicher am Ziegelsee is located in the historic building. Built in 1939, the listed granary was renovated regarding sustainable standards, and offers guests climate-free stays and rooms with view of the lake.

Vivid cobblestoned streets

Cusco is not only picturesquely situated in the Peruvian Andes, but also has a charming, vibrant old town. Inkaterra La Casona is located in a traditional 16^th century manor house, thus, preserving the characteristic historic townscape. Today, Inkaterra La Casona merges the Incan history and Spanish conquerors’ influences.

Bathing culture reloaded

Since 1898, Strandhotel Kurhaus Juist sits enthroned on a dune above the city of Juist. During the turn of the century, the elegant building was constructed as a luxurious spa hotel. It still is a place for unwinding, recovering, and having thalassic therapies. Our tip: Enjoy the impressive view over the whole island Juist from the (new) glass dome!

Between vines and olive groves

Experience a hint of the Italian Renaissance at i pini in Tuscany. The walls of the 16^th century Agrivilla have been renovated in a sustainable way. Only natural, organically sourced, and non-animal materials were used such as lime, clay, and rice.

Der Beitrag 5 accommodations for sustainable sleep in ancient masonry erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Hand in hand with magical beings and nature spirits

Some will be astounded at hearing of fairies, goblins, trolls, elves, and other nature elemental beings guiding you on the mindfulness tour. According to the life coach, you won’t be able to see them, but they surround you. Children often have the gift of seeing energies, lights and colors. Most adults, on the contrary, forget about this gift and consider it as shenanigans or esoteric humbug. All disbelief aside, energy is everywhere; around us, in our bodies because we are composed of energy. The nature spirits as well and according to Astrid they live under stones, in plants, in the air and in the nature. They are made up of pure energy and can connect to any living being. In doing so, they help us reconnect with the primal forces – if we allow.

A glow like never before

Like Juist itself, the tour is characterized by deceleration. On the hike, you have time to get in touch with the surrounding nature as well as your own nature. You learn to make time for yourself; time to brighten the senses, to perceive, to feel, to be. Some participants report of colors and spheres they have never noticed before. That’s why you will be silent most of the time during the 2-hour walk. The hike experience also aims at treating nature mindfully and respectfully, what humans disregard far too often. “All people can feel how vibrant trees and nature are when they take some time doing so. When they feel it, they are deeply touched, because the trees are peaceful and compassionate. That’s what we need. That is why we should do everything possible to help our friend nature, just as nature helps us with our daily survival,” says Astrid Witschorke. This is why you plant a tree or plants during the tour to give something back and appreciate nature.

Deep-rooted

Even if natural spirits and elementary creatures sound like a fairy tale written by the Brothers Grimm, you can still learn a lot about mindfulness on the hike. In our fast and digitized world, it is easy forgetting oneself and one’s sense of the inwards. Being grounded, taking your time, listening, being in nature and feeling its basic powers helps to keep our health and balance – regardless of fairies and goblins. And isn’t it fun somehow to imagine a gnome running out of the coppice or a fairy sitting among the reeds watching you perform tranquility, patience and deceleration?

Learn more about the hike on Astrid Witschorke’s website (German only).

Der Beitrag Tracing fairies and goblins: Power places on Juist erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Climate therapy, thalasso and a bath in the North Sea

If the term Health Week makes you think of a tight program with set courses and lectures, you will probably be disappointed. On Juist, you can compile your own personal health and activity program. This way, everyone gets their own Health Week – whether it will be active or relaxed is up to you. Being surrounded by the North Sea, one thing in particular suggests itself: Thalasso. During this climate therapy a trained Thalasso therapist will assist you in getting used to the stimulating climate and you will strengthen your immune system, activate your self-healing powers and stimulate your metabolism. And in the end, you will take a bath in the North Sea (yes, even if it is still the beginning of May!).

Individual health advice

Do you sometimes wish for the opportunity to have full 30 minutes to talk with a health expert about your personal problems and issues? Whereas a regular visit to the doctor is usually to short, you can make up for this, here. Whether it is about stress management, back problems, questions about rehabilitation sport or your individual muscular strengths and weaknesses: The three experts Ronald Vogelsang, Wiltrud Lindemann und Hannah Steinkämper take their time and provide assistance – also regarding the time following the health week. And if you have booked one of the courses, you even get this service for free.

Far Eastern traditions

Are daily yoga exercises a must for your well-being? During the Health Week on Juist various courses take place in the morning and evening to provide inner peace, clarity and relaxation. In addition, there are courses in Qi Gong, sound meditation, fascia courses and Spinal Flow, an approach that combines elements of yoga, dance, gymnastics and Tai Chi and has a particular positive effect on the spine. So you get plenty of new input on relaxation – perfect for all of us who spend most their time in front of the computer.

A date with life

Mindfulness. For some time now, this term is used more and more often in the media. Especially in the context of stress management it plays an important role. But how do we become more mindful? And what can we do to feel at home in our body? The program MBSR (“Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction”) is particularly effective, combining Buddhist techniques of mindfulness meditation and scientific knowledge. One of the highlights during the Health Week on Juist is a lecture by MBSR teacher Ronald Vogelsang, who will also teach the evening courses on mindfulness. A perfect opportunity to learn a lot about taking care of your own well-being and at the same time spend a relaxed holiday on the beautiful island of Juist.

Der Beitrag Mindfulness, Yoga & Tai Chi: Health Week on Juist erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.