Why are we all so stressed out, anyway?

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that stress is one of the greatest health risks of our century. “Everyone experiences stress sometimes,” they write. However, they also note that “too much stress can lead to physical and mental health problems.”

When I think about my circle of acquaintances, it seems like everyone is “stressed.” The hoteliers in our network are always talking about being stressed or extremely busy. Thomas Steiner from the OLM Nature Escape aparthotel in South Tyrol even wrote me to say that he was “under a lot of pressure” (fortunately, due to positive events only, as he later reassured me).

In fact, for many people, stress has become a permanent state. There’s always a lot to do, the calendar is full of appointments, and the smartwatch diligently beeps, reminding us to get up from our desk for five minutes or take three deep breaths!

The magic word in this rat race could be “calmcation,” an enticing combination of “calm” and “vacation.”

But do I really need to take a vacation to experience a “Calmcation”?

Do I really need to travel and spend money if I’m not going to do anything? Couldn’t I just stay home and do nothing? You could. But then, why don’t you “just” do it every now and then?

How many “buts” popped into your head just now? The laundry, tidying up, that one email, dinner, washing up, the family, your smartphone… Somehow, “just doing” nothing doesn’t work out. And when it does, you quickly start feeling guilty because the laundry and clutter haven’t been taken care of.

In a (sustainable!) hotel, on the other hand, you don’t have to cook, clean, do laundry, or check your emails—you’re on vacation, after all! You can’t quickly stop by the office or take care of one last thing, it’s perfectly acceptable that you’re not there—and not doing anything!

• Incidentally, sleep tourism is another similar trend that we have already reported on in our blog..

Sustainable hotels for your calmcation in Germany

Doing nothing between the fields and forests of Lower Saxony

For a calmcation, it’s best to go somewhere quiet and away from crowds. For example, Warpe in Lower Saxony. Never heard of it? Then it’s time you did! Because that’s where the Eco-Hotel Okelmann’s is located. When it comes to “doing nothing,” hosts Kristin and Maren Okelmann have a clear opinion:

“We are the perfect place to enjoy some leisurely relaxation. Whether you’re enjoying the sauna or hot tub, receiving a massage, or simply relaxing on a daybed in the quiet room. There are also numerous sun loungers in the garden where you can read, daydream, or meditate in peace.” – Kristin Okelmann

Still not convinced that Warpe is the right place for you? You might change your mind after reading our blog post about this charming village and learning why Warpe is worth a visit.

Sustainable Calmcation in the Rhön region

Are you familiar with Mellrichstadt? The town, with a population of around 5,000, is located in the Rhön region of Bavaria. Located there is the STURM, a wonderfully relaxed hotel and one of our long-standing Green PearlsⓇ partners, offering organic cuisine, a natural swimming pond, and large gardens. Julius Schulze Dieckhoff, the son of hosts Christa and Matthias, has been involved in the hotel business for some time as well. I asked him if Mellrichstadt isn’t sometimes boring for people his age. His answer:

“It’s true; the Rhön is not a hotspot for mass tourism. Sometimes I wish there was more going on here, but that’s precisely the advantage if you’re looking for peace and quiet, or a “calmcation.” Although there are no huts to stop at while hiking, that’s precisely why the nature here remains so unspoiled and the silence so unique.” – Julius Schulze Dieckhoff, STURM

We particularly recommend the new, award-winning Garden View Rooms—there isn’t even a TV to distract you from relaxing here—instead, you can enjoy a panoramic view of nature 🙂

Peace and quiet amidst the fresh air of the Black Forest

Bad Herrenalb is much better known, at least in Germany. The climatic health resort with its thermal baths attracts many tourists seeking relaxation. Ideal if you want peace and quiet without being alone (if you know what I mean). One wonderful place to unwind is the sustainable health hotel SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA. The Circular Living rooms have a particularly soothing indoor climate thanks to their natural materials and a design, that grounds you and creates a calm atmosphere. Nathalie Riegsinger from the hotel’s marketing department recommends the following for a “calmcation”:

“The view of the valley, the fresh Black Forest air, and the seclusion of nature beckon you to relax. Well-marked hiking trails through Bad Herrenalb’s healthy climate begin right outside the door.” 

Other Green PearlⓇ partners in Germany for your Calmcation

#1 Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa, Bayerisch Gmain, Berchtesgaden

The sustainable Hotel Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa is nestled in a secluded spot in Bayerisch Gmain, surrounded by the Berchtesgadener Land mountains. Here, you will find places to retreat almost everywhere: in the reading corner with mountain views, in the quiet sauna garden, or in the spacious rooms. A place where silence and nature naturally slow you down.

#2 Naturresort Gerbehof, Lake Constance

“More than wellness — soul wellness” is how Ursula Wagner, the host, describes the concept. The organic hotel on Lake Constance boasts a natural style. Whether you’re sitting in the stone circle in the forest, relaxing in the sauna, or listening to the birds chirp in the garden, you’ll find inner peace at the Naturresort Gerbehof, and the relaxation will last long after your stay. The alternative concept behind “wellness for the soul” is discussed in more detail in “Retreats for the Soul.”

#3 Gut Sonnenhausen, Glonn near Munich

Gut Sonnenhausen is a beautifully restored old manor house surrounded by a permaculture farm and nature reserve. Filled with contemporary art, it is perfect for spontaneous, meditative walks or reading a book in the library. Guests who enjoy company can relax in the courtyard, and those who prefer solitude can find quiet benches along the high trail overlooking the clearing.

#4 Hotel Luise, Erlangen

A calmcation in the middle of the city? It’s possible. On the green roof terrace, by the waterfall in the inner courtyard, or in the private spa at the Hotel Luise in Erlangen—an urban retreat where you can unwind amid the hustle and bustle of the city. Even better? Thanks to the hotel’s many eco-friendly initiatives, you can do good by simply doing nothing. 

#5 Hotel Das Rübezahl, Füssen, Allgäu

With its boutique spa, fireplace lobby, and small themed libraries, Hotel Das Rübezahl invites you to experience the tranquility of a digital detox, while enjoying a magnificent view of Neuschwanstein Castle at the same time. Click here to learn more about the digital detox concept.

Sustainable Calmcation in Austria

Austria has many enchanting places that are perfect for doing nothing. I particularly recommend the Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld. Seefeld is a well-known vacation region in Tyrol, but this traditional monastery hotel has a unique and tranquil charm all its own. Centuries-old walls combine with the comforts of a five-star hotel, making it ideal for truly letting go and feeling completely relaxed.

As host family Seyrling puts it:

 „Doing nothing. No appointments, no plans—just you, a deck chair, and the tranquil beauty of the mountains. This is exactly what you’ll find in the Garden of Eden (the hotel’s lawn and natural grounds). Surrounded by old monastery walls, lush greenery, and the soft rustling of leaves, you’ll find a comfortable deck chair or hammock—perfect for simply switching off.”

In East Tyrol, you will find the Naturhotel Outside, which is located in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park. Many people come to the hotel to hike, but it’s also a great place to relax. The cozy lobby with a fireplace and the newly designed Nature Spa with healing saltwater baths are perfect for relaxation.

Relax and unwind in South Tyrol

South Tyrol combines impressive Alpine panoramas with an Italian lifestyle — the ideal combination for an escape from everyday life. Two adults-only hotels center their concept around tranquility:

My Arbor, Brixen

 “My Time” is the motto, and it’s evident everywhere. Whether you’re relaxing in the infinity pool with a view of the Dolomites, lounging in a deck chair among the treetops, or enjoying a cup of tea by the fireplace, you’ll discover that doing nothing becomes an art form here. Many guests report that at My Arbor, they can finally breathe deeply again and consciously make time for themselves.

LA VIMEA Vegan Hotel, Naturns

LA VIMEA is a holistic, adults-only vegan retreat and a haven for anyone seeking peace and inner balance. The sunny terrace by the natural pond and the cozy winter garden with its soft armchairs are particularly popular spots for reading, daydreaming, and unwinding. A small library with books on vegan nutrition and healing methods completes the offerings.

OLM Nature Escape, Sand in Taufers

“Here, conscious idleness is not only permitted—it’s celebrated,” say the hosts at OLM Nature Escape. (I quoted Thomas earlier in this article.)

“Our spacious garden offers many secluded spots where you can completely unwind. The deck chairs are spaced far apart and provide ample space for privacy. On sunny autumn days, our garden is an ideal place to recharge in the mild sunshine. In our apartment suites, you can relax on your private terrace or practice yoga in the specially designed niche. Here, everyone can find their personal place of power.” – Astrid Hellweger, OLM Nature Escape

Three places to do nothing in Ritten

Those who prefer a family-friendly and nature-oriented atmosphere will find three wonderful places to stay in Ritten. The APIPURA hotel rinner offers a peaceful and warm atmosphere, as well as proximity to nature, with its own apiary and organic cuisine. The Hotel Weihrerhof’s philosophy is “Just Be There” — no schedules or appointments, just a jetty by the lake, a good book, and mountain views.

The ADLER Lodge RITTEN is a luxurious, couples-only retreat. The relaxation room, located in the middle of the forest, invites you to unwind while your private chalet offers a fireplace and a balcony with an unobstructed view of the Dolomites. The all-inclusive package featuring regional specialties ensures you can relax completely.

Find peace in Switzerland

The small, boutique Bella Vista Zermatt hotel offers several inspiring places for you to relax and unwind. For example, there is a relaxation room with a view of the Matterhorn and an Arvenstube with waterbeds surrounded by soothing Swiss stone pine wood.

“When the weather is nice, we recommend our terrace for a ‘calmcation,’” says hostess Fabienne Anthamatten. The terrace is in a quiet location, and like the relaxation and yoga rooms, it offers a breathtaking view of the Matterhorn. And be sure to enjoy a cup of tea made with herbs from their own garden!

Calmcation as part of a long-distance trip: Croatia, Tenerife, and Peru

Of course, you can also combine your Calmcation with a trip to a farther-away country — ideally as part of a longer stay. After all, when it comes to long-distance travel by plane, short trips are not sustainable. So, its best to plan long-distance trips over longer periods of time and take a break in between to process what you’ve experienced. A calmcation, even if only for a few days, is perfect for this.

Hotel Korinjak, Kroatien – Island Iž

Surrounded by pine forests and the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, doing nothing becomes the order of the day. Whether you’re relaxing in a hammock, enjoying the view from your terrace, or strolling along hidden paths, the Hotel Korinjak—the only hotel on the island—invites you to simply drift away. The only sounds you’ll hear are the lapping of the waves, the chirping of crickets, and the rustling of olive leaves—the perfect companions for finding your inner peace.

OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel, Tenerife

“At OCÉANO, guests will find many places to retreat to, relax, and unwind,” reports our Green Pearls® partner on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. They recommend a daybed in the green garden with a book, the rooftop terrace with sweeping sea views, or an early swim in the Piscina Natural, a seawater pool located directly in front of the hotel. The library, which has books in three languages, also invites you to linger. A fitting complement is “Ocean Balancing in the Thalasso Pool” (see picture).

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, Peru – Sacred Valley of the Incas

Anyone who travels to Peru will be overwhelmed by the countless impressions, which is precisely why it is worth taking a calmcation break every now and then. The Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba in the Sacred Valley is perfect for that. From its spacious terraces and gardens, you can enjoy views of the Andes while listening to birds chirp and the gentle rustling of the mountain winds through the trees. At the Mayu Spa, treatments with traditional Andean ingredients offer deep relaxation, and the small pool reflects the mountain panorama. Here, pausing becomes a philosophy — a soothing reprieve that restores harmony to body and mind and prepares you for your next adventure in Peru.

It’s good for you to do nothing

Inaction can promote creativity. Various studies and experts have pointed this out. However, some participants in these studies had to sit alone in empty, white rooms or copy numbers from a phone book, which is more akin to a self-experiment. But that’s not what a calmcation is about! Calmcation means sitting on a bench and letting your gaze wander over the mountain landscape without any appointments. You decide spontaneously. Should I go out for dinner? Should I relax on the hotel bed? Shall I go for a short walk? All of this takes place in beautiful and inspiring surroundings. It’s just like the partner hotels presented here.

Oh, and by the way: Julius from STURM ended our conversation with the sentence:

“You can even leave out the part about “Sometimes I wish there was more going on here.””

And when it comes to a Calmcation, less is more—literally 🙂

Der Beitrag Calmcation—is it worth paying for the opportunity to do nothing? erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Eco-luxury on your plate

The ADLER Lodge RITTEN, located on the sunny Ritten plateau in South Tyrol above Bolzano, is an ecologically managed luxury resort and the only Green Pearls® partner offering an all-inclusive package.

Most of the ingredients used in the kitchen come directly from the resort’s farm or the immediate vicinity (farm-to-table).

An absolute favorite among guests here is Kaiserschmarrn, which is prepared as an afternoon snack for guests by hiking guide Klaus Fink. Originally from Oberbozen, Klaus is not only a hiking guide, but also a trained chef. He has shared his tips and recipe with us.

Four Tips for the Perfect Kaiserschmarrn

The ADLER Lodge RITTEN recipe includes four special features:

• Vanilla (make sure it is Fair Trade. Read our report on vanilla cultivation in Madagascar to find out why).
• Lemon zest (from organic lemons, of course) which balances out the sweetness.
• A dash of rum refines the flavor
• Caramelize the finished dough in sugar and butter before serving to guest.

Dairy products and eggs – How sustainable is Kaiserschmarrn?

Dairy products do not have a particularly good ecological balance (this is particularly true for butter). Eggs fare slightly better, especially organic eggs, compared to other animal products. However, neither can be considered sustainable. Therefore, as with many things, the rule is to enjoy them in moderation! Kaiserschmarrn can be a special dessert. Alternatively, you can try a vegan version by replacing cow’s milk with plant-based milk and using applesauce instead of eggs. (Find out how much better plant-based milk performs in our sustainability check.) To make the batter fluffy, whip up some aquafaba (chickpea water) or add apple cider vinegar and baking powder. You can find a vegan recipe at Vegan World, for example.

One last point about the recipe: ADLER Lodge provided us with a recipe for a commercial kitchen with quantities like 750 grams of egg whites, which is easily 35 eggs. Therefore, you will need to either convert the recipe using a recipe converter or invite a lot of friends and family over!

Print

Kaiserschmarrn from the ADLER Lodge RITTEN (Emperor's pancake)

The chefs at the sustainable ADLER Lodge RITTEN have shared their recipe for Kaiserschmarrn with us. Guests love it! (Note: Party size)

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine alps, austrian, South Tyrol

Keyword Kaisersmarrn, pancake

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 4 minutes minutes

Servings 20 people

Ingredients

• 750 g Flower
• 600 g egg yolk (about 20 eggs) organic
• 750 g egg white stiffly beaten (about 35 eggs) organic
• 400 g sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• vanilla organic fair trade
• lemon zest
• shot rum (alternatively, non-alcoholic rum flavoring)
• 500 g milk organic
• 500 g cream organic
• raisins
• clarified butter for frying
• butter & sugar to caramelize
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

• Mix the flour, milk, cream, egg yolks, sugar, and flavorings (vanilla, lemon zest, rum) well.
• Carefully fold in the stiffly beaten egg whites.
• Let the mixture rest for a while (e.g., 10 to 15 minutes).
• Eine beschichtete Pfanne mit Butterschmalz einfetten und den Teig etwa 2 cm hoch eingießen.
• Turn the dough over and tear it into small pieces.
• To finish, add a little butter and sugar and allow to caramelize.
• Arrange on a plate and dust with powdered sugar (or a mixture of powdered sugar and poppy seeds).

Der Beitrag Kaiserschmarrn recipe from the ADLER Lodge RITTEN erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

A little spoiler alert: it depends on the altitude. And your attitude. If you’re trying to escape the heat, you shouldn’t be contributing to climate change at the same time. Extreme weather is a consequence of global warming, so it makes little sense to escape a 40-degree summer by flying to Dubai for the weekend to cool off in air-conditioned shopping malls.

Instead, we recommend travelling consciously to destinations that have long embraced sustainable tourism.

What exactly is a “Coolcation”?

A ‘coolcation’ is a vacation taken in a place with cool temperatures, ideal for escaping the summer heat. Suitable destinations include countries in northern Europe, mountainous regions, and places where it is currently winter.

Why altitudes above 1,000 metres are suitable

The temperature drops by about 6.5 degrees for every 1,000 meters you climb, and that’s a pretty reliable rule of thumb. It’s no wonder, then, that you’ll find snow-covered peaks even in the height of summer—on the north side of the Alps the snow line is at around 2,500 meters.

The physics behind this is air pressure. As you go higher, the air pressure gets lower. This causes the warm air to expand, which results in a loss of heat. However, the more pleasant temperatures are not the only reason the mountains are an ideal summer destination. They also score highly in terms of sustainability in several ways;

• No air conditioning required: This saves energy and prevents the release of greenhouse gases that damage the climate.
• Better air quality: At elevations above 1,000 meters, there are significantly fewer pollutants and allergens in the air. This is also beneficial for people with allergies.
• Travel off-season: Many mountain regions, especially well-known ski resorts, have a low season in the summer — meaning fewer visitors, less strain on the environment and local communities, and more peace and quiet for you.

Six sustainable hotels for your “coolcation.”

Summer on the Seiser Alm: Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel

Nestled in the heart of the Dolomites at an elevation of 2,020 meters is the Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel, a vegan hideaway with a breathtaking view. It boasts a secluded location on Europe’s largest high alpine pasture and offers clear mountain air and a unique hotel concept. Hiking and biking trails start right outside the hotel, and guests can relax in the outdoor whirlpool or take yoga classes.

Paradiso was once the first vegetarian hotel in the Dolomites. It has now fully transitioned to plant-based cuisine, remaining true to its pioneering role. Even the fine dining options here are completely free of animal products — and at the level of a star chef like Aggeliki Charami.

In addition to culinary sustainability, the hotel focuses on cultural inspiration. Contemporary art is an integral part of the hotel’s concept, with rotating exhibitions of works by international artists.

A cool vacation with a view of the Matterhorn: the Hotel Bella Vista in Zermatt

At 1,620 meters above sea level, Zermatt is a popular summer destination. Not only does it stay pleasantly cool, but you are also right in the middle of the spectacular glacier world of the Alps. You can go glacier hiking on the Gorner Glacier, visit the underground ice palace, or simply marvel at the scenery.

After a day of exploring, retreat to the charming Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt. This small boutique hotel has only 21 rooms and is lovingly run by the Anthamatten family. The hotel offers stunning views of the Matterhorn, best enjoyed with a glass of iced tea on the sun terrace.

The Bella Vista prioritizes environmentally friendly management and warm hospitality — even four-legged friends are welcome.

Enjoyable holiday on the Ritten: breathe in the mountain air and experience gentle luxury in South Tyrol

For hundreds of years, the Ritten has been a summer retreat for the people of Bolzano. It’s an ideal destination for those looking to escape the summer heat without a car, opting instead to travel by train and use a guest card. Located at an altitude of around 900 to 1,200 meters, the plateau south of Bolzano offers cool temperatures, fresh air, and easy access to nature.

Cool off at the lake: Family-Friendly Hotel Weihrerhof

The Hotel Weihrerhof (1,200 m) is located directly on Lake Wolfsgrubener See – one of the cleanest swimming lakes in Italy. The crystal-clear water not only provides refreshment but also forms the basis for the hotel’s exclusive “BergSea” natural cosmetics line. Here, guests are pampered with the finest natural products and the warm hospitality of the Pichler family.

Enjoyment and nature: Sustainable, all-inclusive vacations at the ADLER Lodge RITTEN

The ADLER Lodge RITTEN boasts a spacious outdoor pool with stunning views of the Dolomites. As part of an all-inclusive offer, the “farm to table” concept brings fresh produce from its own farm and partner farms in the surrounding area directly to your table. In addition to delicious meals, the offer includes drinks and small delicacies on the terrace.

Additionally, experienced guides will accompany you on hikes and e-bike tours through the mountains.

Eco-Wellness with Bee Air: The Apipura hotel rinner

The Apipura hotel rinner is unique when it comes to wellness: here, you can experience apitherapy with air straight from the beehive. This family-run hotel has its own beekeeping operation and produces its own honey. Organic is the name of the game here.

The hotel is part of “Bio Fair Südtirol,” and the honey is Demeter certified. The meat served here comes exclusively from regional organic farms. Did you know? Bees are little climate regulators — in the summer, they fan their wings or distribute water to cool the hive.

High-altitude air instead of heat waves: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo in the Peruvian Andes

Okay, Peru isn’t the ideal destination for a short trip. However, if you’re planning a longer trip or have been dreaming of a trekking tour in South America, the Peruvian Andes are definitely worth considering. Winter here is from June to September. That means you can expect pleasantly cool temperatures, especially at higher altitudes.

In the Cusco and Machu Picchu regions, expect temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 °C below 1,000 meters and below freezing above 5,000 meters, depending on the altitude. At around 2,500 to 3,500 meters—the typical Andean travel route—it is usually mild, around 12–20 °C.

Please note: The higher you go, the thinner the air, so be sure to allow a few days to acclimate. We have compiled all the information you need to know about traveling to the Andes in a Green Travel Guide.

After a few days at lower altitudes, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is the perfect first stop. Located at 2,430 meters, it is idyllically situated in the heart of a natural cloud forest. Instead of air conditioning, guests will find fresh mountain air, pure nature, and a genuine commitment to protecting species and the environment. The hotel’s own garden is home to over 370 species of orchids, and guests are very likely to see hummingbirds and butterflies. Guided tours will take you to cultural highlights, such as the Inca city of Machu Picchu, and into the heart of the impressive Andes landscape.

Conclusion: Stay cool and travel consciously.

The climate crisis is making summer vacations in many regions difficult. In times like these, we need new, sustainable ways of traveling instead of heat stress, air conditioning, and emissions. A “coolcation” in the Alps or other high-altitude regions of the world, such as the Andes, can offer relaxation, cooling, and mindfulness. Of course, this requires thoughtful and sustainable practices.

The hotels we feature demonstrate that sustainable comfort does not require compromise; it sets new standards. And all without air conditioning.

Save this article to Pinterest.

Der Beitrag A sustainable coolcation in the mountains: travel tips and eco-friendly hotels erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

„The greatest sight to see is the world—take a look.“

The words of Kurt Tucholsky inspire us to travel to distant lands. However, we are far from being the first people to set foot in these places. While traveling, we encounter historical treasures—impressive testaments to times gone by—and silent memorials that remind us to minimize our ecological footprint.

In this four-part series, we will introduce you to historical treasures located near Green Pearls(Ⓡ )partner hotels. In part one, we explore the 5,300-year-old glacier mummy Ötzi, the Illyrians, the Neanderthals, and traces of 20,000-year-old cave bears.

What the glacier unveils

Let’s start with the hidden stories beneath the “eternal” ice. As you probably know, glacial melt and the subsequent rise in sea levels are two of the biggest problems of our time. These are direct consequences of human-caused climate change.

Fabienne Anthamatten from the Hotel Bella Vista in Zermatt is the perfect person to talk to about this issue. Every year, the Swiss native climbs the Gorner Glacier on the Matterhorn with her family and witnesses the gradual melting of the ice firsthand. She has even made some special discoveries that she has dated. (Learn more in our article on glacier-friendly travel!)

Meet Ötzi the “Iceman”

No glacier find is as world-famous as Ötzi (also known as the Iceman). I, for one, am captivated by him! Ötzi, you wandered this world before the pyramids were built in Egypt, before Moses received the Ten Commandments, and before Jesus rode through the gates of Jerusalem. You lived around 5,300 years ago, before the Mayans or the Incas existed—a long, long time ago. Yet you are not so different!

This is apparent, for instance, in the hip bag (as we tourists are constantly discussing the practical and symbolic wearability of fanny packs). Ötzi carried important items in his: three flint tools (a cutting tool, a scraper, and a drill), a bone needle, and a lump of fungus, which was commonly used as a fire starter at the time. Sound familiar? I think hikers today could use these same items, only now they would be in the form of a lighter and a Swiss Army knife 😀

Visit the Neolithic man at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology.

Sustainable accommodations in Ötzi’s former home, South Tyrol

LA VIMEA Vegan Hotel: This adults-only hotel in Naturns features a natural swimming pond, a saltwater pool, and daily yoga classes. It was also the first completely vegan hotel in Italy.

Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel: A vegan art hotel located on the famous Seiser Alm in the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you’re traveling in the winter, you can ski right to the hotel and right back out again.

My Arbor: A luxurious wellness hotel near Brixen built high up in the treetops with views of the Plose. (Adults only.)

OLM Nature Escape: A circular aparthotel that is completely self-sufficient in renewable energy. Some apartment suites have a private spa with a sauna.

ADLER Lodge RITTEN: Eco-luxury in Ritten. The main building and several chalets are arranged around a natural swimming pond. Services include all-around support and experienced guide assistance, as well as an all-inclusive farm-to-table concept.

The APIPURA hotel rinner: An extraordinary “bee hotel” on the Ritten plateau. One of the senior managers is a migratory beekeeper, and the other has brought “Fair Bio Südtirol” to the hotel kitchen. Here, organic living is a way of life.

Hotel Weihrerhof: A family-run, family-friendly hotel located directly on the Wolfsgrubener Badesee lake in Ritten. It offers a spa, natural cosmetics, and a close connection to nature.

Bonus tip: Earth Pyramids, a natural monument

Though not created by human hands, the Ritten’s earth pyramids are impressive witnesses of time nonetheless. They are among the most fascinating natural phenomena in South Tyrol. Formed from moraine clay and shaped by erosion, they tell a story that began over 25,000 years ago and continues today as they evolve. They are definitely worth a hike or an e-bike tour!

Secrets from the Depths: Caves, Bones, and Ancient Stories in Liguria

When traveling through Liguria, you may picture fragrant herbs, colorful coastal villages, and the Mediterranean lifestyle. However, deep within the rocks lies evidence of a time when cave bears and the ancestors of modern humans still lived here.

The Toirano and Balzi Rossi regions are home to some of the most spectacular Stone Age sites in Europe. In the Grotte di Toirano, researchers discovered Paleolithic-era footprints, handprints, and knee prints, meaning they are around 12,000 years old. These findings suggest that people moved through the narrow passages by kneeling or sliding, offering a rare glimpse into everyday life in prehistoric times.

In addition to human remains, scientists found bones of cave bears that lived there over 20,000 years ago. Their remains were found deep inside the cave, far from daylight, raising questions that remain unanswered to this day. It is likely that ancient floodwaters carried the bones into the cave, which is an impressive testament to the wild nature of times gone by.

Neanderthals and Neolithic humans inhabited the Grimaldi Caves

Even older are the discoveries in the Balzi Rossi caves on the border with France. Skeletons of Neanderthals, including a 200,000-year-old hip bone, were found in the Grimaldi Caves.

Later burials also offer profound insights into the thoughts and feelings of early humans. One particularly moving example is that several skeletons from the Neolithic period were dusted with red ochre and decorated with shells from sea creatures before being laid to rest. Why? Perhaps it was an early symbol of status, spirituality, or love for the sea—we don’t know for sure. But the gesture remains touching to this day.

By the way, the tip about the caves comes from the Albergo Diffuso Relais del Maro in Borgomaro. At this hotel, you can stay in the heart of this charming village and experience authentic Liguria. The caves and the Museo Preistorico dei Balzi Rossi, where the finds are located, are about an hour’s drive away, making them ideal for an exciting day trip into the depths of history. (For electric car drivers, the sustainable hotel has an extra parking space with a charging station.)

Traces of the Illyrians: History on the Mediterranean

Traces of long-lost cultures can be found not only in the mountains and caves but also on Croatia’s sunny islands. The Dalmatian island of Iž, where our partner hotel, Korinjak, now invites guests to enjoy mindfulness, yoga, and plant-based cuisine, was once home to the Illyrians. Archaeological finds in Mali Iž reveal their settlements and fortifications—stone reminders of a time thousands of years in the past (until around 2000 BCE).

The Illyrians inhabited large parts of the western Balkans until the Romans arrived. Roman sources described them as “wild,” “freedom-loving,” and “difficult to subjugate.” They are considered the ancestors of today’s Albanians, though this has not yet been proven scientifically.

Time travel is over — for now

Our little archaeological journey was quite the adventure: from prehistoric caves to the Alps’ glaciers to the Balkan islands. Though they are from different times, places, and people, they all have one thing in common—their traces are still there. Maybe you got a little closer to one or two of these fascinating personalities today. Maybe you’re now inspired to visit them (or their graves and discovery sites) sometime in the future. They may have been dead for a long time, but that doesn’t matter. History lives on through our exploration of it.

P.S. In the next part, we will supposedly find ourselves in more orderly circumstances—we are going to visit the Romans!

Save the article on Pinterest so you can find it again anytime!

Der Beitrag Discover historical treasures on vacation | Part 1: Ötzi, the Illyrians, and primeval bears erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

More than 25 sustainable ways to enjoy nature and the outdoors while on vacation

Although hiking is one of the healthiest forms of exercise, I understand why some people don’t enjoy it. Not everyone enjoys spending hours walking through the countryside with a heavy backpack. However, we all want to experience nature, and that’s healthy, too! Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to do so without hiking.

A gentle exploration of the Croatian island of Iž

The island of Iž is only 17 square kilometers in size and has a population of just over 500. If you stay here at the Hotel Korinjak, you’ll naturally spend all your time outdoors. Swimming at the wild Adriatic beaches, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and going on a boat trip to watch dolphins are just some of the water activities available there. The holistically oriented hotel also offers guided yoga on the terrace or forest meditation under pine and olive trees.

“The island’s gentle landscape is perfect for a leisurely exploration and sensory experience” – Hotel Korinjak

A sustainable, active vacation by the water

Green Pearls® offers a selection of sustainable hotels with direct access to natural bodies of water. In Germany, for instance, you’ll find the luxurious Hotel Der Birkenhof ***** Spa & Genussresort atop a hill in the heart of the Upper Palatinate Lake District. The region has over 800 hectares of water and is the most water-rich area in eastern Bavaria. Enjoy activities such as boating, wakeboarding, water skiing, sailing, rowing, and swimming — no hiking boots required!

The same is true of Lake Constance, the second largest Alpine lake in Europe spanning over 500 square kilometers. On its German shore, you’ll find the Naturresort Gerbehof , surrounded by apple trees and pastures. If hiking, swimming, or boating aren’t your thing, the Nature SPA and its garden area are ideal places to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

If you would prefer to have your own vacation home, we recommend the Summit Lodges Pfunds. These two Tyrolean log cabins have their own fireplace, sauna, and sleeping accommodations for up to six people. The region’s natural beauty and diverse landscapes make it a perfect destination for hiking enthusiasts, but even those less interested in hiking will find activities to enjoy:

“You can go rafting and canyoning in Pfunds. The company is located directly in the village, and the starting point is nearby, depending on the route.” – Summit Lodges Pfunds

Read our article on sustainable water sports to find out how you can make water sports more sustainable and learn whether activities such as water skiing are really recommended.

Take a vacation at a lake in northern italy

At the South Tyrolean Hotel Weihrerhof, you will find yourself in an idyllic setting, situated on the shore of Lake Wolfsgruben. At an elevation of over 1,200 meters, the lake is one of the cleanest swimming lakes in Italy and offers many activities, including swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and rowing. You can even enjoy breakfast on the natural “breakfast island” in the middle of the lake. Your children can experience nature here while you relax with a good book on the lawn.

Sports on the Baltic Sea

The Lifestylehotel SAND in Timmendorfer Strand, located on the Baltic Sea, offers more than just a beach vacation. It also supports a wide range of sports on site. Every year, the “Triathlon Heroines” come to the hotel to train for their triathlons with running, swimming, and cycling. Furthermore there ist the German Beach Volleyball Championship and Beach Hockey, as well as the annual Baltic Sea Run, where the winners of the women’s and men’s races receive an overnight stay at the hotel.

A vegan active vacation in South Tyrol

Do you want to be active without hiking or getting wet? And enjoy plant-based cuisine at the same time? Here are some recommendations from our vegan partner hotels in South Tyrol.

“Our hotel is located in the Vinschgau region of South Tyrol. In addition to hiking trails, the surrounding area offers excellent opportunities for running, cycling, climbing, and Nordic walking.” – LA VIMEA Vegan Hotel

By the way, LA VIMEA is not only vegan but also exclusively for adults. For active vacationers, there is a three-day package called the “Active Vegan Getaway,” which includes e-bikes.

The famous Seiser Alm is home to yet another entirely vegan hotel. The Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel reports the following:

“Our home is the Seiser Alm, Europe’s largest high alpine pasture located over 2,000 meters above sea level in a UNESCO-protected area. The Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park offers great opportunities for summer and winter sports: skiing and snowboarding in the winter and cycling, mountain biking, e-biking, running, climbing, Nordic walking, golfing, paragliding, and horseback riding in the summer. You can also spend quality time with your children at the barefoot park or meditate in front of picturesque panoramic landscapes. The unique charm and beauty of the Dolomites allow you to enjoy extraordinary energy no matter what you do.” – Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel

Enjoy forest bathing and tranquility at My Arbor

Of course, there are quieter ways to enjoy the outdoors. The Hotel My Arbor, located near Brixen in South Tyrol, recommends that those who are not very keen on hiking simply take the gondola up to the Plose. “Once you reach the top, you can enjoy the fantastic view from the mountain station, grab a bite to eat, and sample some local dishes.” Incidentally, “My Arbor” means “my tree,” and the entire hotel is built among the treetops, fostering a special relationship with the forest. You can experience this during guided forest bathing, forest yoga, or outdoor meditation sessions.

• Click here for their weekly program.

Chillin’ in nature

At the Aparthotel OLM Nature Escape in Sand in Taufers, South Tyrol, you can live life at your own pace and enjoy nature, perhaps by sitting on a bench by the Ahr River with a good book. Or, you can visit the horses and cows in the green valley and say hello to the fish in the Thara fishing pond.

The STURM hotel in the Rhön Biosphere Reserve in Germany features a natural swimming pond and a large garden with snacks. Ideal for yoga sessions.

Hotel Das Rübezahl, located in the Allgäu region, has built a yoga platform at its Rohrkopfhütte hut specifically for outdoor yoga. If the climb up there (about an hour) is too strenuous for you (it is more like a hike. . .), the wellness garden with views of the mountains and Neuschwanstein Castle is also a great option.

Scavenger hunts, escape games, and city tours

If you’re interested in exploring the area in a fun way and learning more, you can book a city tour during your vacation. In Freiburg, the “Green City Tour” in the Vauban district will show you what ecologically progressive urban development looks like and demonstrate how nature and the big city can coexist. The Green City Hotel Vauban has been a showcase project for green urban development since its inception, so you can experience this concept firsthand during your stay.

The Hotel Luise in Erlangen offers recommendations for special city tours, such as a night watchman tour or a beer and cellar tour. You can also play the Outdoor Escape Game Erlangen, where you solve a “criminal case” in the city center and discover a treasure.

In Bad Herrenalb in the Black Forest, you can also sign up for an outdoor escape game and start your journey to find a monastery’s hidden secret. During the two-hour tour, you will discover and experience various sights in this historic spa town. Then, you can enjoy a slice of cake from the organic kitchen at the Schwarzwald Panorama or relax in the hotel’s thermal baths and sauna.

Discover Peru’s plantations

Vacations often offer a wonderful opportunity to learn about local plants and products. At Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica in Peru, for example, you can visit several rainforest plantations. For instance, you can take a half-day excursion to a cocoa plantation where you can see cocoa plants and follow the entire process of producing chocolate, from roasting and grinding the cocoa beans to tasting the final product. You can also go with a guide to the Brazil nut trees on the hotel grounds. Here, you can learn more about the nuts and try different traditional methods of cracking their hard shells.

• Both excursions are also suitable for children. Visit the Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción website for more information.

Bees and api wellness in South Tyrol

If you’re interested in bee colonies and honey, no one in our network can give you a better introduction than Paul Rinner from the APIPURA hotel rinner. Paul is a passionate migratory beekeeper who gives lectures, produces organic honey, and has set up a bee trail on the hotel grounds. He also offers his guests the unique Api Wellness experience, where they can breathe in the air of the beehive. The Api Wellness experience takes place in a cozy wooden hut with a view of nature. The boundary between inside and outside is blurred by natural materials, the buzzing of bees, and a large panoramic window.

Suspension bridge and lunch in East Tyrol

Even at the Naturhotel Outside, a designated hiking hotel in East Tyrol, hiking is by no means a must! If you’re looking for a little adventure, you can cross the suspension bridge over the Isel Gorge, or simply stop for a leisurely lunch at the Kräuterhexenkuchl Strumehof.

Barefoot trail at the Adler Lodge Ritten

How about going barefoot instead of wearing hiking boots? The ADLER Lodge RITTEN just built a barefoot trail in the forest this year. It fits perfectly with the resort’s mindful lifestyle, which includes a natural swimming pond, a farm-to-table concept, and sustainable wooden lodges with fireplaces.

Cycling 

Otherwise, exploring the vacation area by bike is always a great option. At the Klosterhof — Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Bayerisch Gmain, you can rent an e-bike right from the hotel and comfortably explore the Berchtesgadener Land with a little extra help. The same is true at the Relais del Maro in Liguria. The Albergo Diffuso is located in the picturesque village of Borgomaro, nestled in the mountains behind the coastal town of Imperia. E-bikes are an ideal, environmentally friendly means of transportation there.

At the Eco-Hotel Okelmann’s in Warpe, Lower Saxony, you can explore the rather flat area on classic bicycles. The Okelmann family’s head is a passionate cyclist himself and is happy to recommend the best cycling routes to his guests — which you can save directly to your phone.

Horseback riding

Recently, the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA promoted horseback riding as an eco-friendly outdoor activity. Read more about horseback riding in the Valley of the Temples. (Our colleague Mara, an avid horse rider, wrote this lovely article about sustainable horseback riding vacations.)

The ABCs of sustainable outdoor activities

In the end, we compiled a list in alphabetical order of all the suggestions and ideas from our network. Even the ideas that didn’t make it into the article are included here. Now, you can find inspiration no matter where you are.

 

Barefoot trails

Sightseeing

Bird watching

Archery

Bouldering

Camping

Dolphin watching

E-bike tours

Escape games (outdoor)

Golf

Gondola ride to a viewing platform

Suspension bridge

Outdoor journaling

Kayaking

Canoeing

Climbing

Knipping

Herbal workshops

Reading

Meditation

Mini golf

Visiting plantations

Cycling or MTB

Rafting

Horseback riding

Rowing

Scavenger hunt

Swimming

Sailing

City tours

SUP

Forest bathing

Forest meditation

Whitewater rafting

Outdoor yoga

 

 

Did we forget something?

Most likely! So, help us make the list even longer by adding your ideas in the comments!

Der Beitrag Sustainable outdoor activities for those who don’t feel like hiking erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

“Yoga is more than physical exercise”

Originally from Hungary, Istvan completed his yoga training in Bali and has lived in Mexico, Peru, India and Lanzarote. He has walked the Camino de Santiago twice and is an Ayurvedic therapist and teacher of yoga, qigong, meditation and sound journeys. Now settled in Germany, he offers various programs for guests at the Hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allgäu region. He summarizes his attitude for us: “Yoga is so much more than physical exercise; it teaches you to be in the here and now. Don’t be anywhere or nowhere, just enjoy the moment!”

“My intention with yoga is to help people experience themselves as souls and creators. Breathing is important, as is releasing your own blockages as you exhale. Letting yourself go completely. That is healing. When was the last time you let yourself go completely” – Istvan

Combining yoga, sustainability and singing bowls

Yoga Trends for 2025 – Meditative or Athletic?

Whether you’re looking for more energy or more grounding, yoga styles in 2025 will offer the right practice for every focus. We’ll show you what’s in demand right now.

For your information: Some classes have traditional yoga names (such as Ashtanga Yoga), while others have marketing names so to speak, such as “Forest Yoga.” We have used the names as they are listed

Types of Yoga for soul and depth

#1 Gokul Yoga

Gokul Yoga is based on the classical Hatha Yoga tradition and combines precise alignment with spiritual principles from the Bhakti tradition. It is unique in that the teachings have been passed down through an unbroken chain of disciples.

Gokul Yoga is not just about physical exercises, but a holistic practice that harmonizes body, mind and heart. Meditation, breath control (pranayama) and ethical living are central components – always with the goal of coming closer to oneself.

At Hotel Korinjak on the car-free island of Iž in Croatia, you can experience Gokul Yoga right by the sea. The vegetarian-vegan hotel is a retreat for mindful breaks and specializes in yoga, meditation and healing treatments.

• Click here for the Gokul Yoga offers at Hotel Korinjak
  

#2 Sound Yoga

This yoga practice combines gentle, long-held yin yoga poses with the meditative sounds of singing bowls. As the body is held in deep stretches, the vibrations of the bowls help to release blockages, calm the nervous system, and bring you into a state of deep relaxation. The sound and silence work together to create an intense experience on a physical and energetic level.

At STURM in the Rhön, this form of yoga is offered every Wednesday under the title “Yoga with Sound Relaxation”, led by Susann Kind. There are also regular retreats. The hotel itself is synonymous with conscious time-out, offering rooms with garden views and no TV, sustainable architecture, and a natural swimming pond in the middle of the gentle Rhön landscape.

• Retreats at the STURM

You can also experience Yin Yoga with singing bowls at the family-run Eco-Hotel Okelmann’s in Warpe. The owner, Maren Geisler-Okelmann, teaches herself – in groups, private lessons, or even with your four-legged friend. She particularly loves the combination of sound and movement to promote deep relaxation

• Yoga classes and retreats at Okelmann’s

#3 Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini Yoga is also known as the Yoga of Awareness. It combines dynamic physical exercises, breathing techniques, meditation, and mantras to activate the kundalini energy – a dormant force at the base of the spine. The goal is to unlock your potential, gain clarity, and connect with your intuition. The practice can be energizing, challenging, and deeply transformative.

At the Relais del Maro, a charming albergo diffuso in the Ligurian village of Borgomaro, guests can take part in weekly Kundalini Yoga classes led by Aimee Denkmann in the Healing Arts Garden, just a five-minute walk away. In addition to group classes, Aimee also offers private lessons, which can be booked directly through the hotel reception.

#4 Ritual Yoga with Mantra & Cocoa Ceremony

This holistic practice combines physical movement with ritual and sound. Yoga is not practiced alone, but is embedded in ceremonies, such as the chanting of mantras or the conscious consumption of raw cacao in a South American cacao ceremony. The focus is on connection – with oneself, with others, and with the rhythms of nature. Meditation, intuition and opening the heart are central.

Gut Sonnenhausen, near Munich, Germany, offers regular overnight retreats. The retreats are based on the cycle of the seasons. Surrounded by organically farmed nature, you will experience intense days guided by experienced teachers such as Thais de la Paz.

#5 Forest Yoga

Forest Yoga is an invitation to consciously integrate the calming power of the forest into your yoga practice. Among the trees and chirping birds, it is easier to find peace and connect with nature. The fresh forest air is invigorating, while the green canopy creates a meditative atmosphere. Practicing outdoors not only strengthens the body, but also promotes feelings of grounding and mindfulness.

At My Arbor, an adults-only hotel in South Tyrol, forest yoga takes place in the middle of the forest during the summer months, complemented by classes and other offerings in the stylish yoga room. Experienced instructors tailor each session to the individual’s needs, whether beginner or advanced. The hotel is located above Brixen and focuses on relaxation, retreat and sustainable well-being.

• Yoga at the My Arbor Hotel
  

#7 Breathwork / Quantum Light Breath (QLB)

Conscious breathing is much more than just a side aspect of yoga practice – in 2025, breathwork will be the focus of many retreats. In particular, Quantum Light Breathing (QLB) is becoming increasingly popular: a powerful, meditative breathing technique accompanied by emotional music that can trigger profound inner processes. It aims to release old patterns and blockages through breathing, to find inner peace and to gain new clarity.

At the Hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allgäu region of Germany, QLB is offered by Istvan, the yoga teacher we introduced at the beginning of this article. The combination of breathing exercises, meditation, and experiencing nature helps you find your inner self – in line with a mindful and healing lifestyle.

• Yoga and retreats with Istvan at Hotel Das Rübezahl
  

Sporty Yoga Variations

Looking for movement, dynamism and energy in your yoga practice? Then these athletic yoga trends may be right up your alley. In 2025, many styles will combine physical challenge with mindfulness – ideal for anyone looking to push themselves while still finding their center.

#1 Yogilates

Yogilates combines the flowing movements and stretching exercises of yoga with the muscle-strengthening training of Pilates. This allows you to strengthen your core, improve your posture, and train your balance – the perfect combination of strength, flexibility, and mindfulness.

At ADLER Lodge RITTEN you can experience Yogilates as part of a retreat – with views of the Dolomites and surrounded by the tranquility of South Tyrol. The sustainable hotel consists of a main building and an annex, as well as several private chalets grouped around a natural swimming pond and along the ridge line. On the culinary side, you can look forward to an all-inclusive farm-to-table concept with products from the region.

• Yogilates at the ADLER Lodge RITTEN

Yogilates is also offered at Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa in the Bavarian Alps. Surrounded by unspoiled nature and breathtaking mountain views, you can intensify your yoga practice and relax at the same time. Known for its holistic wellness and yoga offerings, this health hotel provides the perfect balance of physical exercise and inner peace.

• Tip: For expectant mothers, the hotel also offers prenatal yoga and a babymoon package.
• Yoga-offers at Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa

#2 Back Yoga

As sitting has become the “new smoking” in our society, back problems have become widespread. So it’s no wonder that back yoga is becoming increasingly popular. This type of yoga uses various forms and postures. It focuses on stretching the back muscles and releasing tension, which reduces pain and increases mobility in the spine. In addition, back yoga strengthens your abdominal muscles, which improves posture and provides long-term pain relief.

LA VIMEA, Italy’s first vegan hotel, offers back yoga on a regular basis. At this adults-only retreat, daily yoga classes are included in the half-board rate and are led by certified yoga instructors. You also have the opportunity to participate in yoga retreats. The hotel has two well-equipped yoga rooms and a sunny terrace for outdoor yoga.

• Yoga at LA VIMEA Vegan Hotel

#3 Fascia Yoga

Fascia Yoga focuses on gentle flexibility exercises and deep stretches to release tension and revitalize the fascia, or connective tissue. Conscious breathing techniques provide optimal support for the body, resulting in improved flexibility and ease of movement. This form of yoga is particularly effective for mobilizing the back and relaxing the entire body.

The Birkenhof***** Spa & Genussresort offers Fascia Yoga in collaboration with experienced instructor Viktoria Koller (Viki Sports). Enjoy yoga classes in luxurious surroundings, including a large spa area with several pools and saunas, and excellent food. The hotel has its own 2-star restaurant, Eisvogel, where hotel guests get priority seating. For all its luxury, the resort takes its responsibilities seriously, including a commitment to renewable energy.

• Fitness, Spa & Yoga at Birkenhof

#4 Vinyasa Yoga

Vinyasa Yoga is a dynamic yoga practice that harmonizes movement and breathing. The asanas (postures) are linked together in a flowing sequence that not only improves flexibility and endurance, but also calms the mind. This type of yoga strengthens the body and helps you reduce stress while building a deep connection with your breath and the moment.

At Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel you can experience Vinyasa Yoga with Marnie Spögler, a member of the host family. Marnie is originally from Canada and has been teaching yoga for over 18 years. A certified Yoga Alliance teacher, she brings a wealth of experience and passion to her dynamic and energizing classes. The daily Vinyasa classes are included in the half-board rate. In addition, the hotel is offering three special yoga retreats during the 2025 summer season to help you deepen your practice. The hotel’s holistic, vegan philosophy further emphasizes this depth.

• Yoga-Retreats at the Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel

Vinyasa Yoga is also offered at the Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld – here by hostess Laura Seyrling-Riess herself. The family-run hotel looks back on over 500 years of hospitality and was built on the foundations of a former monastery. It is in this special atmosphere that you can enjoy powerful flow sessions, a combination of movement and mindfulness.

• Yoga-Offers at the Hotel Klosterbräu

#5 Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga is a dynamic and challenging style in which breath and movement are synchronized in a fixed sequence. The practice follows a series of postures that are systematically structured to develop strength, endurance, flexibility, and concentration. A special feature is the meditative flow state that results from the connection between breath (ujjayi), focus (drishti), and movement.

This year, an Ashtanga Yoga Retreat will take place at the luxurious yet sustainable ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The stylish resort is located in Sicily, directly on the sea and nestled in a nature reserve, offering ideal conditions for intensive practice and relaxation.

• Ashtanga Yoga at ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA

AI-Powered Yoga – The future of yoga with technology?

Finally, we would like to introduce you to another trend that is likely to become increasingly important in the future: AI-powered yoga. It combines traditional yoga practice with cutting-edge technology and is aimed primarily at people who practice at home. With the help of AI, personalized yoga classes are offered that are tailored to your specific needs and progress. The technology analyzes your movements, provides feedback on how you are performing the asanas, and adjusts the exercises in real time to help you improve your practice.

How does this fit in with the original teachings of yoga? To be honest, we’re not really sure what to make of it. So our recommendation is clear: find a qualified teacher in your area or attend a retreat to expand your knowledge. There are also a number of YouTube videos where real people show you how it’s done. From our own (pandemic-related) experience, we can tell you that you will be instructed at exactly the right moments not to clench your teeth or tilt your head back…

Green PearlsⓇ hotels focus on personalized service

Our Green PearlsⓇ accommodations continue to focus on individual attention and customized yoga experiences – without any technology. Here, experienced yoga teachers are on hand to guide you through your practice and respond to your needs. At SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, for example, yoga is understood as a balance between rest and activity. You can book individual or private group classes for yourself and your friends to deepen your practice and develop sustainable routines.

Naturresort Gerbehof also focuses on a nature-based yoga experience. Here you can practice in a beautiful yoga room or directly in the garden or in the stone circle in the forest. There are no special classes, but there is plenty of space to enjoy your practice surrounded by nature.

Our hotels are designed with personalized service and individual well-being in mind – perfect if you are looking for a deeper connection to your practice and to yourself.

Save this article for your next Yoga journey on Pinterest.

Der Beitrag From spiritual depth to fitness: Master Istvan on Yoga Trends for 2025 erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Sustainable cuisine is complex and in most cases cannot be described in general terms. Is organic always better than local? Should we avoid imports or is it better to support fair trade companies? Is it justifiable to eat meat or fish? And if so, how?

In this article, we will explore different concepts and introduce you to actors who are rethinking sustainable nutrition. At the end of the article, you will find concrete tips on how to make your own diet more sustainable.

Table of Contents

What is sustainable cuisine?

Digression: Is a sustainable diet a healthy diet?

The big questions: What is truly sustainable?

Local vs. organic – which concept makes sense where?

The benefits of local food

The benefits of organic food

Fair Trade vs. Import Bans – Global justice or local economic development?

No vanilla or coffee

APIPURA hotel rinner shows how to find the right balance

Animal Products vs. Plant Based Diets – Is veganism automatically more sustainable?

LA VIMEA created the vegan hotel industry in Italy

Seasonality, short supply chains and carbon footprint

Hotels and restaurants with their own agriculture

Trend concept: Farm-to-Table

Ancient grains and heirloom fruits

Nose-to-Tail and Root-to-Leaf

Waste prevention in gastronomy

1.9 million tons of food waste annually

Zero Waste Buffets

“Only 5 grams of food waste per guest”

Specialties and hot dishes to order

Sustainable Michelin-star cuisine – is it possible?

The Michelin Green Star

Sustainable culinary delights in Bavaria: 2-star restaurant Eisvogel

Vegan Fine Dining at OMNIA Plant-based Restaurant

Global Justice: Who pays the cost of our food?

Food justice and other fair concepts

Sustainable eating in everyday life – what can you do?

Conclusion: Small steps with a big impact

What is sustainable cuisine?

Sustainable cuisine means organizing food and beverage consumption in a way that minimizes environmental impact, conserves resources, reduces emissions and waste, preserves biodiversity, respects animal welfare, and ensures fair and social conditions for all people along the supply chain.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) defines its vision of sustainable food and agriculture as one in which food is nutritious and accessible to all, and natural resources are managed in ways that sustain ecosystem functions to meet present and future human needs.

This brief definition illustrates the complexity of sustainable cuisine. In addition, there are regional characteristics and – something we don’t want to forget here on our blog – it should also be healthy and taste good! Sustainability alone is not enough when it comes to food, whether at home or in a restaurant or hotel.

Digression: Is a sustainable diet a healthy diet?

Not necessarily. Living on nothing but vegan, fair trade chocolate and organic wine may be okay from a sustainability standpoint, but it won’t improve your health. However, there is a lot of overlap between sustainable and healthy eating.

 

The big questions: What is truly sustainable?

Local vs. organic – which concept makes sense where?

The question of local vs. organic is somewhat controversial. A survey of sustainable hotels and accommodations in the Green Pearls® network shows that most restaurateurs (88.3%) try to implement both, i.e. mostly using regional products that are certified organic. If this is not possible, 46% give priority to regional products, while 11.5% give priority to organic quality.

The benefits of local food:

• Virtually no CO2 emissions from transportation: Imagine that you can buy “FIJI water” in Germany, even though the Fiji Islands are 16,000 km away, or that a hotel in Hong Kong serves its guests VOSS water from Norway. Delicacies such as special figs (each individually wrapped in Styrofoam) travel around the world by air and refrigerated transport. The ecological footprint of such luxury goods is disastrous! Buying local food directly from the producer eliminates emissions, transportation costs and often storage.
• Freshness: Especially hotels with their own agriculture according to the “farm-to-table” concept can cut, process and serve lettuce immediately. This freshness guarantees not only an intense taste, but also the full preservation of nutrients.
• Trust: Many restaurateurs visit the farm and see for themselves how the chickens that lay the eggs live, how the vegetables are grown, and how the workers are treated. Most importantly, they know the personal attitudes and beliefs of the farmer. In many cases, this is more valuable than a label.
• Strengthen your local economy: A hotel, restaurant, or even you are part of a community. By supporting local businesses, you are maintaining good neighborly relations and helping the people in your area.

Disadvantages:

• Local food may come from conventional agriculture, where pesticides are used
• Local farms may be among those that use genetically modified seeds
• Local meat products may come from factory farming (animals are given antibiotics, live in unnatural conditions, unnatural environments, receive high-tech feed, and are tortured)

The benefits of organic food:

• Support for organic farming
• Organic farming works without pesticides: The absence of chemical pesticides is of enormous value, especially for:
  • Your health: No pesticide residues in your food. However, there is no scientific evidence that organic fruits and vegetables contain more vitamins and nutrients. We took a closer look at the research in the article on whether organic food is healthier.
  • The health of field workers by eliminating the need to work with chemicals and potentially harmful substances.
  • Biodiversity: Organic farming has been shown to increase biodiversity. Pesticides not only kill pests, but also beneficial insects.
  • Soil and groundwater protection: Pesticides and fertilizers leach from fields into the soil, entering the water cycle. In organic farming, both soil water and groundwater are measurably less polluted.
  • Soil fertility: is measurably higher than on comparable, conventionally farmed areas.

Disadvantages:

• If organic food is grown on the other side of the world, it has traveled a long way, causing more CO2 emissions.
• The organic label tells us nothing about the working conditions.

We would categorize it as follows:

Best: Regional organic products

Second best: Regional products that may not have an organic label, but where there is a personal relationship with the producer and the conditions under which the animals are raised and the food is produced are known.

Third best: organic food from the wider region (e.g. Europe)

By far the worst: industrial mass production of food (keyword: factory farming) and export products shipped from far away when local alternatives are available.

 

Fair Trade vs. Import Bans – Global justice or local economic development?

The question of whether local is always best brings us directly to the issue of fair trade and the distribution of wealth through trade. Just as there are people and companies in the restaurant industry who buy Fair Trade products to offer their guests variety or a certain level (e.g. in Michelin-starred cuisine), there are also some who refuse to import. Which is the right way? For most, it is a compromise and a constant re-evaluation of the arguments.

No vanilla or coffee

One such chef who completely avoids imports is Ricky Saward of Seven Swans in Frankfurt. He was the first vegan celebrity chef and takes a number of radical approaches, including avoiding almost all spices. Not just vanilla from Madagascar, but pepper, lemon and olive oil.

Would you be willing to limit your diet to local products so consistently? And does it even make sense in terms of the global community? We see a parallel here with travel. If we all just vacationed in our (already quite rich) home countries and nobody traveled further, there would be less emissions from air travel, but an important (and for some countries the most important) economic factor would be lost.

Many people find well-paid, secure jobs in fair trade cooperatives, enabling them to provide for themselves and their families. This income allows children to go to school instead of earning money. It strengthens women’s independence and often supports small or family-run businesses and producers.

APIPURA hotel rinner shows how to find the right balance

We believe the best approach, shared by many of our partners, is to find a middle ground that works for each individual. For example, the APIPURA hotel rinner in South Tyrol is a hotel that is very committed to local organic food. They were one of the first businesses in the region to establish the “Bio Fair Südtirol” label in the hospitality industry. Chef and host Manfred Rinner uses organic meat, vegetables and fruit from the South Tyrol region in his kitchen. The hotel also serves coffee and desserts with chocolate. In this case, care is taken to use fair trade or organic products.

Animal Products vs. Plant Based Diets – Is veganism automatically more sustainable?

The answer to that question is a resounding yes. Meat and dairy products cause by far the highest CO2 emissions. According to a study by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (ifeu) in Heidelberg, Germany, which compared the environmental impact of around 200 food products in 2020, beef is second only to pineapples shipped by air. According to the study, vegans who eat half an air-transported pineapple for breakfast every day could be committing a greater ecological sin than people who eat a beef steak once a week. But there are far more of the latter than the former. To be honest, we doubt that vegans even exist… What we do know is that there are many, many people who eat butter, cheese, and sausage every day – and who may even eat beef more than once a week.

Incidentally, the study shows something even more important than that flying pineapples have a worse environmental impact than beef: plant-based foods have, on average, a significantly lower carbon footprint than animal products. It is therefore undeniable that sustainable cuisine should focus on plant-based cooking and limit the consumption of meat, fish, milk and eggs. It’s best to cook fresh food as often as possible! Vegan convenience foods (and especially non-vegan convenience foods) also have a fairly high environmental footprint.

LA VIMEA created the vegan hotel industry in Italy

Due to the growing popularity of veganism, more and more sustainable hotels are offering vegetarian and vegan dishes as standard on their menus. However, there are few that consistently and exclusively use vegan products.

The adults-only hotel LA VIMEA in Naturno, South Tyrol, can claim to be the first completely vegan hotel in Italy in 2016. Not only the food, but also all materials and products used in the hotel are vegan. The hostess, Valeria Caldarelli, comes from a long line of hoteliers and discovered the vegan lifestyle herself. Almost the entire family lives a vegan lifestyle – and gently teaches it to their guests. Daughter Franziska opened the first vegan accommodation in Tuscany and sons Maximilian and Alexander opened the first vegan hotel on the Seiser Alm.

Seasonality, short supply chains and carbon footprint

The products with the smallest ecological footprint are the plant-based products that are in season where you live. So, eating sustainably also means eating seasonally.

Hotels and restaurants with their own agriculture

There are a few hotels and restaurants that use their own products in their kitchens. The ADLER Lodge RITTEN and the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA are exemplary in this respect. During the planning and construction of the latter, agricultural fields and gardens were taken into account, from which the hotel kitchen can directly obtain products. A few years ago, a diversified cottage garden was created on the Ritten, tended by the young farmers of the area. They cultivate what is native to the area and grows well there. In Sicily, for example, they grow oranges and lemons, while in South Tyrol they cultivate tubers such as potatoes and beets.

The Pavilions Himalayas – The Farm in Nepal has even managed to convert the surrounding fields into certified organic farms. Local farmers have received special training and the resort provides them with a direct market for their organic produce.

Trend concept: Farm-to-Table.

There are now a number of terms that describe the concept of hotels and restaurants with their own agriculture, as explained above:

• Farm-to-table – This term, probably the best known, describes the direct link between agricultural production and gastronomy. Ideally, the chef picks up the produce directly from the field.
• Farm-to-Fork – Similar to farm-to-table, this term emphasizes an extremely short supply chain from the field to the kitchen to the diner’s plate (or fork).
• Field-to-Fork – is another expression for this.
• Zero-Kilometer-Food– This term, used primarily in Italy and Spain, means that food is sourced locally, which not only ensures it is seasonal and fresh, but also minimizes transportation emissions.
• Garden-to-Table – This is a term used specifically for hotels and restaurants that have their own garden or small farm.
• Pasture-to-Plate – Specific to sustainably raised meat and dairy products.
• Hyperlocal Food – A modern term for food that is produced and consumed locally, often on the premises of a hotel or restaurant.

Ancient grains and heirloom fruits

In this context, we would like to mention another trend in sustainable cuisine. For many people, it is not just a matter of using locally grown produce that is organically grown, but also of preserving and using natural ingredients

Benjamin Profanter, a natural baker from Brixen, uses and recommends baking breads from ancient grains. Heirloom grains are grains that were grown before industrial agriculture. According to Benjamin, heirloom grains are ideal for organic farming because they do not require pesticides and herbicides, unlike highly bred grains. From a nutritional and psychological point of view, heirloom grains are also better because they contain more nutrients.

The Bread Sommelier supplies his all-natural bakery to two of our sustainable Green PearlsⓇ partners in the region: My Arbor, a wellness hotel built on stilts in the treetops, and OLM Nature Escape, an energy-independent aparthotel in the middle of nature.

Nose-to-Tail and Root-to-Leaf.

Another interesting thing about sustainable cuisine is that, as far as possible, EVERYTHING is used from the slaughtered animal or food. Offal, for example, went out of fashion for a long time, but is now coming back with the idea of sustainability. One proponent of the nose-to-tail concept is chef Manuel Madei of Gut Sonnenhausen near Munich. In our culinary guide to Bavaria, he recommends classic Bavarian dishes like “Saures Lüngerl” and “Leberknödelsuppe”. 

Modern chefs (who still prepare meat) are beginning to boil down bones for broth and turn the fat back into lard. The landlord of Gut Sonnenhausen, Georg Schweisfurth, is a trained butcher himself and gets his meat from nearby organic partner farms of the Herrmannsdorfer Landwerkstätten.

Root to Leaf is a similar concept for plants, using the leaves, stems and skins to create chips, vegetable broths, unusual garnishes and more.

Waste prevention in gastronomy

From root to leaf or nose to tail, it is not difficult to make the connection to waste management. After all, holistic recycling is part of the Zero Waste Cooking concept, which declares war on food waste in the restaurant industry. But packaging waste is also a huge problem. Preventing both touches every aspect of a restaurant, hotel, café, or even your home:

• Planning
• Purchasing
• Storage
• Training staff (or training other family members in the household)
• Presenting the dishes
• Involving guests

1.9 million tons of food waste annually

In Germany alone, 1.9 million tons of food is thrown away every year, according to the Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband. According to the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (DEHOGA), food waste at buffets is a particularly big problem.

Zero Waste Buffets

Sustainable accommodations, such as those in the Green Pearls® network, have sophisticated concepts to avoid waste and wastefulness at the hotel breakfast buffet.

“Only 5 grams of food waste per guest”

The Hotel Luise in Erlangen, for example, has managed to ensure that each guest leaves an average of just five grams of food at the breakfast buffet. An “intelligent plate allocation with small plates” is particularly effective. At the end of breakfast, the trays are not automatically replenished, but the staff actively asks the guests what they would like. Another slice of cheese? Another slice of cheese. Whatever is left over from the buffet is distributed among the staff at the end.

Specialties and hot dishes to order

The combination of buffet and table service has proven to be a good solution for many restaurants and accommodations. The Lifestylehotel SAND at the Baltic Sea, for example, has a buffet and a front cooking station where egg dishes are freshly prepared on request. This also makes it economically viable to use high-quality organic eggs.

At the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in Bad Herrenalb, you can also experience an exemplary zero-waste buffet. For example, there is no disposable packaging. Instead of portions of butter, there is a butter machine, and instead of packaged jams, there are small jars. You won’t find any disposable plastic, only organic products. Food waste from the kitchen (even cooked food) goes to ReFood. The company uses the organic waste to produce electricity, heat, organic fertilizer, and biodiesel. Composting and recycling with subsequent reuse, for example, in vegetable growing, is also known as circular gastronomy.

Sustainable Michelin-star cuisine – is it possible?

Cuisine cannot be about sustainability alone. Taste and enjoyment are always part of it. However, to this day, there is a misconception in the fine dining industry that “exquisite ingredients” must come from far away.

South Tyrolean three-star chef Norbert Niederkofler, who has sustainably revolutionized Italian haute cuisine, proves that this is not true. With his “Cook the Mountain” concept, he pursues a philosophy based exclusively on seasonal and regional ingredients. He places great emphasis on respecting natural cycles and reducing waste to a minimum..

His consistent focus on sustainability has been recognized many times: in addition to the three Michelin stars, his former restaurant St. Hubertus also received a Green Star, which is awarded for special commitment to sustainability. Incidentally, Berni Aichner was Norbert Niederkofler’s sous chef for many years. He is now the executive chef at OLM Nature Escape.

The Michelin Green Star

The Green Michelin Star was introduced in 2020, recognizing restaurants that stand out for their environmentally friendly operations and respectful use of natural resources. Criteria for this award include using local and seasonal products, reducing food waste, and using energy-saving technologies. ​

​

“We wanted to give more visibility to restaurateurs who focus on sustainability and recognize them for their efforts” – Director of the Michelin Guide for Germany, Austria and Switzerland in conversation with Green Pearls®.

 

Sustainable culinary delights in Bavaria: 2-star restaurant Eisvogel

The Eisvogel restaurant, part of the 5-star Der Birkenhof***** Spa & Genussresort wellness hotel in Bavaria, also shows that sustainability and Michelin-star cuisine are not mutually exclusive.

Chef Sebastian Obendorfer – a member of the host family – runs the two-Michelin-starred restaurant with great devotion to the region and the seasons. His philosophy: modern German cuisine with deep roots in the Upper Palatinate and international influences.

The dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients from mostly small, regional producers, wild herbs that grow in the surrounding forests, or fish from nearby waters. Careful preparation and short transport routes are also consistently observed. Still, the hotel cannot do without imports. In some areas, guest expectations stand in the way. However, in combination with the resort’s overall sustainable concept – from renewable energy to regional architecture and plastic-free room furnishings – the Eisvogel is a prime example of what responsible gourmet cuisine can look like today.

Vegan Fine Dining at OMNIA Plant-based Restaurant

The Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel on the Seiser Alm has been home to the OMNIA restaurant since December 2024, a project dear to the hearts of Chef Aggeliki Charami and the two hotel managers, Maximilian and Alexander. There are only six tables and a special dining experience with nine vegan courses, each personally explained by the chef. Vegan cuisine is still rarely awarded with stars, but it doesn’t necessarily need them for an exclusive fine dining experience. What do you think?

Global Justice: Who pays the cost of our food?

Sustainable cooking does not end with the product – it also takes a critical look at the global context of food. Often, it is others who pay the price for our (cheap) food: people working in precarious conditions in agriculture or food production, often without fair wages or adequate occupational safety.

At the same time, many people around the world are denied access to healthy, sustainable food due to economic, geographic or social barriers. The massive food waste mentioned above, which occurs primarily in wealthy countries, is also an ethical issue: while we throw away tons of food, millions of people around the world go hungry.

More and more culinary concepts are addressing these challenges. The Planetary Diet, for example, focuses on a diet with the lowest possible carbon footprint. In the self-test of the Planetary Diet app, we found that, in addition to meat, chocolate bars are also big emitters. Regenerative Cuisine supports farmers who use regenerative methods to conserve and even restore soil, water, and biodiversity.

Food justice and other fair concepts

Sustainable cuisine also focuses on social aspects – or at least it should. Food justice advocates for fair conditions in food production and fair distribution. Other approaches to promoting global justice in the food system include:

• Slow Food – A counter-movement to fast food with a focus on local food and traditional craftsmanship.
• Ethical Eating – Eating with ethical considerations, e.g., fair trade, animal-friendly products.
• Blue Economy – Sustainable use of marine resources in the culinary arts.

Technological and practical solutions, such as solar cooking, also show how conscious cooking can be made more energy sustainable.

Sustainable eating in everyday life – what can you do?

As you can see, the issue is complex and not nearly as private or personal as we sometimes imagine. Sustainable cuisine and sustainable nutrition always take place in the context of our society and our planet. This may sound big and confusing, and like it might ruin your appetite, but don’t worry! There are some simple choices you can make in your everyday life that will make your culinary enjoyment a little more sustainable.

#1 Use leftovers creatively

Get creative with what you already have around the house. Use vegetable scraps to make soup, toast old bread, or turn them into breadcrumbs or dumplings. Plan your grocery shopping to minimize leftovers, and freeze leftovers before they go bad.

#2 Buy local and seasonal produce or grow your own

Locally grown food travels farther and often has a smaller carbon footprint. Seasonal calendars can help you buy local fruits and vegetables at the right time of year. Or you can go to the market and be inspired by what’s available. It tastes fresher – and you’re supporting local businesses.

You can also grow your own herbs and vegetables. Here are some tips for planning a raised bed. But be careful: urban gardening is not always better than its regional counterpart at the market.

#3 Look for seals – and understand them

Not every green label represents true sustainability. Learn what the organic, fair trade, or MSC seals mean. Choose products with credible and comprehensive certifications such as Demeter, Naturland, or Bioland.

For example, Utopia’s seal guide gives you a good overview.

#4 Explore alternatives

Sustainable living is an ongoing process, and you will always learn something new. Be open to new products. Try the soda or cola from the local brewery instead of the sugary varieties from the soft drink giants. Instead of orange juice, try other (local) fruit juices. And how about mushrooms instead of chicken?

#5 Boycott crazy luxury trends

Example: Voss or FIJI water. Such products come from far away, have a devastating impact on the environment, and in the vast majority of cases are completely unnecessary. Tap water in Germany, for example, is strictly controlled and usually of excellent quality. It’s better to invest in a water filter (if you live in an area with very hard water) and a nice, reusable bottle for when you’re out and about.

Likewise, you don’t have to try every ice cream flavor from Korea that goes viral on social media. Sure, it tastes delicious, but really, come on?

#6 Radically reduce meat consumption – or go vegetarian or vegan

From an environmental point of view, going vegan right away is definitely the best decision. However, we understand that this is not an option or possible for everyone. If you don’t want to give up meat or animal products completely, choosing to eat only local organic meat can make a big difference. Such meat (and other animal products of higher organic quality) is considerably more expensive, and for that reason alone, you will buy it less often and enjoy it more consciously. Find a source in your area. Avoid all meat products in the supermarket, as well as any meat whose origin you do not know (e.g. the salami on a pizza).

Conclusion: Small steps with a big impact

Sustainable food is more than a private project – it is a community effort. Restaurateurs, hoteliers, and producers have as much responsibility as we do as consumers. Every conscious purchase, every saved food item, and every plate without factory-farmed meat is a contribution to a more just and ecological food system. Of course, we realize that we as individuals cannot necessarily save the world. But every climate- and society-friendly decision is an important step in the right direction.

Our Green Pearls® partners demonstrate that sustainability and enjoyment are not mutually exclusive. Every day, they prove that respectful use of resources, fair conditions, and culinary excellence can go hand in hand. And that is exactly the kind of change we need – at all levels.

Save this article to Pinterest.

Der Beitrag Sustainable Cuisine – An overview of concepts, trends and challenges erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Environmental aspects of golf – how bad is it really?

A golf course requires a lot of space and dense, green turf with a cut length of 2 to 5 millimeters. Doesn’t sound like a haven for biodiversity, does it? But this does not automatically mean that every golf course has a negative environmental footprint. Here are some of the determining factors:

#1 Land

A standard 18-hole golf course requires approximately 40 to 90 acres of land. Some courses are only 9 holes.

The question is: What else would the land be or have been used for? Would it be industrial agriculture (e.g. corn fields or pasture for cows) or a commercial area (sealed surface)? In either case, a golf course would be better in terms of emissions. (On the other hand, if natural areas (or near-natural fallow) have to disappear, a golf course is worse for the environment..

#2 Water use on golf courses

Water usage varies widely and not all golf courses are irrigated. Tee boxes, fairways and greens are watered.

• According to HR-Inforadio, the Praforst Golf Club (a 27-hole (18+9) course in eastern Germany) uses between 300,000 and 600,000 liters of water per irrigation cycle. (That would be 45 to 90 million liters for 150 days of irrigation (April to September).
• According to RBB, Berlin’s three largest golf courses are allowed to use up to 270,000 cubic meters (= 270 million liters) of water per year..
• This Los Angeles Times article even mentions 1 million gallons (= 3.79 million liters) for a single watering.
• The greenkeeper at the Bad Gastein Golf Club in Salzburg, Austria, reports that he uses between 40,000 and 60,000 liters of water to irrigate his 45-acre, 18-hole course. This figure is mentioned in the standard description of golf courses that use “little” water because of their favorable location.

As you can see, even in water-rich countries like Germany or Austria, water consumption is enormous. In water-poor countries (think of golf courses in deserts), this excessive use of fresh water is truly indefensible. We can well understand the protest of a climate-protection group that filled golf hole pits in Spain with cement.

What strategies are there to make water use more ecological?

The worst options are tapping groundwater and buying drinking water. Desalinated seawater, such as that used by some golf courses in the Gulf States or the Canary Islands, cannot be considered significantly more environmentally friendly. Although such desalination plants conserve groundwater, they consume a lot of energy (CO2 emissions). There is also a problem with wastewater from these plants.

Better solutions include:

1. Private Lakes: Some golf courses, for example in the DACH region, have their own lakes from which they draw water. Similar to reservoirs used for snow cannons, golf courses argue that they are not depriving the population of water..
2. A river that flows directly into the sea: In the ideal case, it can be argued that the water can be taken “without problems”..
3. Wastewater: It is well known that domestic and industrial wastewater is treated. Theoretically, it is of drinking water quality after treatment, but it is not used as drinking water. Instead, it is discharged into rivers and lakes. However, wastewater can also be used to irrigate land, which means it also returns to the water cycle.

In the future, new types of turfgrass may also be of interest. Species have already been bred that have longer roots and therefore require less watering. The “problem” is that the grass quickly turns brown and (although healthy) looks unattractive.

Irrigating with only 300 liters

Another option – which has been rejected by the rules so far – would be to simply stop insisting on so much grass. Who is to say that the rules of sport are set in stone and can’t be adapted to a changing climate? In Burkina Faso, for example, there is a golf course that uses only 200 to 300 liters of water for irrigation! “We play in the nature we have,” says the course manager.

#3 Use of pesticides

Golf courses are known to use large amounts of fertilizer to keep the grass thick, green and pristine.

There are some clubs that strictly limit the use of pesticides and fertilizers, such as those with Gold & Nature certification. Fertilizer, for example, is used only when necessary and only on greens, not on fairways and tees. Calculations have shown that such golf courses are even better than industrial agriculture (e.g. potato farming), but never better than organic farming.

Can golf and nature go hand in hand?

Yes, they can. The German Golf Association has created the “Golf & Nature” label for this purpose. Members with this seal of approval, such as the Würzburg Golf Club, distinguish themselves by leaving large parts of the golf course in their natural state. They even create biotopes.

Supporters of golf (e.g. Bernd Müllender, author of the taz column “Eingelocht”) argue that golf is much closer to nature than many other sports, e.g. football and other stadium sports. (He doesn’t even mention things like “Formula 1”).

If you want to argue that way, it is important to note that the only courses that have any ecological value are those that make a real effort to provide large areas of trees, lakes and biotopes, for example, and not just green, artificially fertilized meadows that not a single ladybird can benefit from! Fortunately, courses without any nature at all are now considered “boring” anyway.

Combine a sustainable vacation with golf

If you want to ensure that your golf vacation is as sustainable as possible, the first step is to choose a region that does not suffer from water shortages. Countries like England, Scotland, Ireland, but also the Alpine region (Switzerland, Austria, South Tyrol) as well as Germany or the Scandinavian countries (usually) have an abundance of surface water, so it is not too problematic from an ecological point of view to irrigate a golf course.

Golf in the Rhön UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

The Rhön region in central Germany has been designated a biosphere reserve. As such, it is a model region for how nature and people can live in harmony in the long term.

Here in Mellrichstadt you will find the Green PearlsⓇ Hotel STURM. Using natural materials and organic food from the region, this family-run hotel is very sustainable. You can relax in a large, natural garden area with a natural swimming pond and a garden sauna.

• For golfers, the STURM offers a 30% green fee discount at the following golf clubs in the area: Golf-Club Fulda Rhön (which advertises itself as being close to nature), Golf-Club Maria Bildhausen, Golf-Club Bad Kissingen, Golf-Club Lauterbach, Golf-Club Hofgut Praforst and the Kurhessischer Golfclub.
• Es gibt 2 Programme: „Golf x5“ und „Golf x2“

„We are actively involved in sustainable tourism. We are aware that sustainable economic activity requires both responsibility and financial resources – for an environmentally conscious hotel business that will also be preserved for future generations”. – Julius Schulze Dieckhoff from STURM

“Golf & Spa” Days at Hotel Klosterbräu in Austria

Combine golf, wellness and a short break in a sustainable hotel? You can this summer at Hotel Klosterbräu. From 22 June to 13 July 2025, you can book the “Golf & Spa Days” special with a minimum stay of 4 nights.

Included are:

• 4 nights half board
• 35% discount on green fees at the Wildmoos and Seefeld\/Reith golf courses
• Free shuttle to the golf course
• Feel Spa massage voucher worth €20 per person

Golf on the Ritten in South Tyrol

The Ritten Plateau in South Tyrol is another great place to spend a sustainable vacation close to nature. The northern Italian vacation region is characterized by many sustainable initiatives, such as the Bio-Fair Südtirol gastronomy project or eco-friendly mobility. With the RittenCard, you can use all public transportation, including cable cars, for free and get discounts at museums and other attractions.

The family-friendly Green PearlsⓇ Hotel Weihrerhof is located 1,200 meters above sea level, directly on the Wolfsgruben lake. From here you can reach four golf courses within a radius of 45 kilometers.

Other sustainable hotels on the Ritten are the ADLER Lodge RITTEN, where you can enjoy a relaxing vacation in wooden cabins and with a farm-to-table concept, and the APIPURA hotel rinner, which serves organic food and has its own beekeeping.

Golf around Munich

In the Munich area we can recommend Gut Sonnenhausen. A carefully restored former manor house in the midst of nature. The surrounding gardens are sustainably managed according to the principles of permaculture. Within 15 to 25 minutes by car you can reach the following golf clubs:

• Golfclub Ebersberg
• Golfclub Schloss Egmating
• Golfclub Schloss Elkoven e.V.
• Golfclub Schloss Maxlrain (By the way, dogs are allowed Monday through Friday)

Golf must adapt to climate change

Golf is said to have been invented by shepherds in Scotland in the 13th century. There was an endless expanse of green grass – and they played on it. Wonderful. Over time, it developed into an elite sport with many rules and high standards. For many years, the environmental aspect was neglected. However, a change in attitude is slowly taking place and a number of “natural golf courses” are now emerging that take responsibility for the use of resources.

In the long run, however, it would be best to follow the approach of courses like those in Burkina Faso, where you play on the land “as it is” and don’t try at all costs to transform the landscape into the Scottish Highlands, anywhere in the world.

Save this article to Pinterest.

Der Beitrag Golf on vacation: Sustainable or an environmental problem? erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

The problem with disposables in hotels

When you stay at a hotel, you get everything you need: your luggage is taken care of, a refreshing drink is waiting for you in your room, a variety of toiletries are available in the bathroom, towels and slippers are provided… and while you are lying by the pool or sitting in the restaurant, your room is cleaned, the bed is made and all opened tubes and packages are replaced with new ones. Sound great? For sustainability-minded travelers like you, probably not. Because: All of this (among other things) creates a lot of waste. Hotels and vacation rentals definitely have a single-use problem, and it has to do with the following::

• Service standards and expectations (Many things “just have to be there”)
• Star qualification (in this article on the new 2025-2030 hotel star catalog, Green PearlsⓇ discusses whether certain star specifications undermine the efforts of sustainable hotels)
• Hygiene regulations
• Legal requirements

Expensive hotels produce less waste than cheap ones

According to the DEHOGA environmental brochure, 0 to 2-star hotels produce 9.1 liters of waste per guest per day, 4-star hotels 3.4 liters (5-star hotels produce slightly more at 3.7 liters). According to the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (DEHOGA), this is mainly due to disposable packaging in the lower star categories.

In the upscale hotel industry, less disposable packaging is used simply for style’s sake – e.g. cloth napkins instead of paper napkins, ceramic or stainless steel milk jugs instead of plastic condensed milk containers, etc.

But simply choosing a higher star rating is not enough to eliminate waste and single-use packaging. Especially since not everyone can or wants to. Above all, it takes hoteliers who really care and are committed to reducing waste in their properties. Zero waste or at least “less waste” is a central concern for Green Pearls® accommodations. Each accommodation has its own approach to waste reduction, which you can read about on the Green Pearls® pages and on their individual websites. As mentioned above, many of them are Zero Waste representatives, striving for a low environmental footprint and a circular economy in all areas. We believe that Green PearlsⓇ hotels are among the lowest waste producers in the industry.

“In terms of waste and plastic reduction, sustainably certified hotels are generally more advanced than non-certified hotels.” – WWF

WWF study on single-use and reusable products in the hospitality industry

In 2019 and 2024, WWF Germany investigated the issue of single-use plastics in the hotel industry.

For the 2019 study, WWF surveyed hotels and hotel guests in Italy, France, Greece and Spain. In 2024, the data was supplemented by expert interviews and a literature review.

It found that the majority of guests use significantly more reusable packaging at home than on vacation. Hoteliers are determined to act, but face many obstacles:

• High cost
• Insufficient supply
• Lack of suppliers
• Lack of knowledge about green alternatives
• Waste management in the resort area

For every 50 million disposables, only half a million reusables are sold

“In 2022, the share of reusable packaging (by number of items) in the hotel industry was only 1.2 percent. (600,000 items compared to 50.6 million disposable items) and consisted almost entirely of beverage containers.” – Untersuchung der Gesellschaft für Verpackungsmarktforschung mbH (GVM) für den WWF

All too often, “habit” is to blame for not using reusable products. By the way, the WWF believes that reusable products make much more sense than disposable products made from “eco-materials”. In other words, a refillable plastic bottle is better than a disposable bamboo cup. Washable cloth napkins are better than disposable napkins made from recycled cellulose.

This is how sustainable hotels avoid disposable packaging

Amenities upon request

Many sustainable hotels and resorts have started to remove amenities such as toothbrushes, razors, sewing kits, etc. from the rooms and store them at the front desk. That way, you still get them, but only if you really need and ask for them.

“By providing standard amenities only upon request, we avoid unnecessary use,” says Farmhouse Smiling Gecko in Cambodia. The resort also offers many homemade products from the resort’s own workshops, which Smiling Gecko uses to support the local community.

When it comes to the amenities that are still offered on request, sustainable accommodation also ensures that they are produced sustainably and fairly. This is what the Naturresort Gerbehof in Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance reports.

Honesty bar with reusable glasses instead of a minibar

The minibar is another element that must be provided to meet hotel standards. In addition to energy consumption, drinks and snacks in disposable packaging also have a negative impact on the environment. Gut Guntrams near Vienna therefore installed a “central minibar” in the form of a Honesty Bar and left the individual minibars in the rooms empty. The Honesty Bar offers homemade sweet and savory treats in reusable glass jars.

Homemade welcome cookies

A small welcome gift for guests is a nice touch. But as Zero Waste advocate Béá Johnson says, promotional gifts and giveaways are often a source of waste. Not so at the Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt in Switzerland. There, homemade cookies on a plate greet guests in the mountains near the Matterhorn.

A water bottle for the duration of your stay

Many hotels provide their guests with a refillable water bottle. At the OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel on Tenerife, the “OCÉANO Glass Bottle” is available and there are water dispensers throughout the hotel where you can refill the bottle with fresh, filtered water. This fits in with the wide range of sports and wellness activities on offer and also saves a lot of bottles and miles of transportation 🙂

Source of waste: breakfast buffet? Zero waste is also an option!

One of the biggest contributors to packaging and food waste in the hotel industry is the breakfast buffet. All Green Pearls® hotels have optimized this aspect. “There are no packaged products at our breakfast buffet,” reports the APIPURA hotel rinner on the ritten in South Tyrol. Instead, the child-friendly hotel offers organic products in small jars – one of the highlights are the various types of organic honey from the hotel’s own beekeeping.

Zero waste measures at the breakfast buffet:

1. Butter machine: This “spits out” small portions of butter and replaces the small, pre-packaged pieces of butter
2. Small mason jars for jams and spreads
3. Loose tea that can be poured into a pot instead of individually packaged tea bags
4. Milk and plant-based drinks in jugs, or cappuccino directly into the porcelain cup
5. Cloth napkins at the tables
6. Egg dishes made fresh to order
7. Smaller platters that are continuously replenished
8. At the end of the buffet, guests are actively asked what else they want, and only those items are replenished.

Elimination of disposable hygiene products

Disposable bathroom hygiene products are the second major area where mountains of plastic waste accumulate in conventional hotels. This refers to the small packages of shampoo, shower gel, soap, body lotion, shower cap, toothbrush, razor and so on. Sustainable hotels show that these products can be provided to guests in a stylish and hygienic way and do not have to be the norm.

Solid Soap and Shampoo

At the Klosterhof Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Berchtesgadener Land, Bavaria, the bathroom features soap and shampoo bars, as well as refillable shower gel dispensers as an alternative to traditional bottles. You can do the same at home, by the way!

Dispenser

Speaking of dispensers: Another option you might want to consider for the home are refillable, larger, and often more attractive dispensers for soap, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and the like. According to soap manufacturer MarcelsGreenSoap, a refill bag saves 85% of plastic packaging!

Almost all Green Pearls® accommodations now use dispensers – with natural ingredients. “Our shampoos and shower gels (in the dispensers) are from Tiroler Kräuterhof, so they are 100% natural and regional,” reports Summit Lodges Pfunds.

Biohotel Grafenast in Tyrol even offers dispensers with arnica muscle gel for relaxation after long hikes around the Pillberg 😉

Natural cosmetics free of chemicals and microplastics

For our Green PearlsⓇ partners, the use of environmentally friendly cosmetic products is very important.

At Pavilions Himalayas – The Farm in Nepal, you can buy bamboo toothbrushes with hemp bristles and plastic-free toothpaste tabs made according to Ayurvedic principles, as are the other personal care products. Avoiding chemicals and microplastics is particularly important to them to protect the water quality of their organic farm..

The Green Spirit hotels in Paris (Hotel Malar, Hotel Amelie and Hotel Le Pavillon, all in the central 7th arrondissement within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower) use soaps, shampoos and shower gels from Austrian natural cosmetics company Pure Green. The luxurious Klosterbräu wellness hotel in Seefeld, Tyrol, spoils its guests with premium products from Augustinus Bader – some of which have been developed exclusively for the hotel. The Lifestylehotel SAND in Timmendorfer Strand on the Baltic Sea has embraced ‘Björk&Berries‘. Nordic, sustainable, refillable and stylish,” they say.

Food from their own harvest

In the hotel industry, buying food in bulk is one way to reduce unnecessary packaging. Where possible, regionally. “We work almost exclusively with local suppliers to avoid long transport routes and support the regional economy,” says My Arbor near Brixen in South Tyrol.

However, food packaging is avoided in particular through direct in-house production. “From cakes to chocolates to syrups, we make everything ourselves,” explains the adults-only wellness hotel.

“All our fresh fruit and vegetables come from our own farm in Albisano on Lake Garda. The owner, Mr Huber, personally takes care of the harvest and brings the produce directly to the hotel (without packaging waste) so that our guests can enjoy the freshest ingredients.” – My Arbor

Dishes and glasses

Disposable plastic cups at hotels? They do exist! Some hoteliers find them more convenient and less risky than glass or porcelain, especially for the lawn or pool. Unfortunately, they create a huge amount of waste. Sustainable hotels are careful to use only high-quality, plastic-free materials. The energy-independent aparthotel OLM Nature Escape in Sand in Taufers, South Tyrol, uses only glass, porcelain, ceramic, clay and enamel for food and drink.

Tablecloths and napkins

Just as glass and porcelain are more stylish than plastic tableware, cloth napkins are more sophisticated than paper napkins. You can find them, for example, at the Relais del Maro in Liguria. The Albergo Diffuso in the picturesque village of Borgomaro takes care to avoid waste in all areas. Consequently, linen tablecloths are washed rather than thrown away.

Towel change upon request only

Since laundry does not produce waste, but does use detergent, water and energy, daily hotel laundry is another factor that you, as a guest, can help with. Many guests notice that even towels that have been hung up are all replaced the next day. This calls for well-trained staff who, like at the Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten on the Mosel, change towels only when requested. Even in the large wellness area with sauna and several pools, guests are asked to use sauna towels sparingly and sometimes several times.

Forgoing daily room cleaning and turn-down service

Similarly, as a guest, you can support a hotel’s sustainability efforts by choosing not to have your room cleaned daily. In most cases, you have to explicitly decline. For example, the sustainable Hotel Luise in Erlangen, Germany, tried to switch to opt-in (i.e., you get daily room cleaning only if you want it), but that would have meant being stripped of all their hotel stars by the Hotel Stars Union!

However, at the ADLER Lodge RITTEN in South Tyrol (a luxurious all-inclusive resort close to nature), the turndown service has become an opt-in offer. This means that rooms are only prepared in the evening if you, the guest, specifically request it.

No slippers

The slippers provided in a hotel’s spa area are disposable products that generate huge amounts of waste. According to the German magazine Focus, the Steigenberger Hotels alone (a total of 60 hotels and resorts) would order 180,000 pairs of slippers for their guests each year. One can only imagine the mountain of slipper waste in the entire industry!

The HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu has therefore removed the slippers from the rooms and will only provide them upon request. Instead, guests are asked to bring their own.

The romantic Hotel Das Rübezahl in Füssen, Germany, takes a similar approach to the slipper issue: guests are only provided with hotel slippers for the spa upon request, and the slippers are made of linen and cork, making them compostable.

Backpack and shopping bag provided

In many vacation destinations, plastic bags are still the norm. Even though a lot of plastic waste could be avoided! That is why CERVO Mountain Resort Zermatt in Switzerland provides guests with both a backpack for hiking and reusable bags for shopping.

Digital Guest Magazine

Digitization also reduces waste. Guests receive a digital reservation confirmation, there is a digital guest magazine and digital services. At the Eco-Hotel Okelmann’s, for example, you can download Komoot maps created by Senior Okelmann to your phone so you can start cycling right away. The Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Tyrol, has a guest channel on the hotel TV where you can find out about all the events and offers at the hotel.

Offering waste separation for guests

As mentioned at the beginning, many people use more disposable items on vacation than at home. Recycling is also often not as successful on vacation. However, this is not always the guests’ fault… You may have experienced the situation where there is only one disposable waste bin in the hotel room and you don’t even have the opportunity to separate your own waste. Some hotels may also think that their international guests don’t know how to it.

Not so at Keemala on the island of Phuket in Thailand. “We have clearly marked recycling and waste stations throughout the resort, making it easy for guests to dispose of their waste properly,” they wrote to us. Unlike many internationally managed hotels on the island of Phuket, Keemala is owned by a local family who are very conscious of their impact on the environment. The 5-star ADLER Lodge RITTEN is another example of how in-room waste separation can be done in style.

Toilet paper made out of Tetra Pak

According to Statista, global per capita consumption of toilet paper reach almost 14 kilograms per person in 2023. However, in Germany, the figure is much higher, at 30.6 kilograms per person. A lot of trees have to be cut down to produce all this fresh fiber. The SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in Bad Herrenalb has switched to toilet paper made from recycled beverage cartons. This reflects the concept of recycling that the wellness and selfness hotel also applies to its room furnishings.

Wooden coffee pods eliminate single-use plastics

Coffee capsule machines are definitely not the most sustainable way to make coffee. However, they are a great solution for allowing guests in a hotel suite to make their own coffee.

The Birkenhof***** Spa and Genuss Resort uses Rezemo wooden coffee capsules. They contain coffee from sustainable sources. The other amenities of the 5-star wellness hotel are packaged in plastic-free cardboard as well.

Zero-Waste Goodbye Gift

When you leave, hotels often give you a small parting gift – and that too is a source of packaging waste. Of course, sustainable hotels have also thought about how to give you, the guest, a gift that is both beautiful and environmentally friendly. At the Naturhotel Outside in the Hohe Tauern National Park in East Tyrol, Austria, guests receive a jar of homemade jam in a reusable glass jar.

The Hotel Weihrerhof in South Tyrol, on the Italian side of the Alps, offers soaps from its own organic cosmetics line, BergSea, which uses water from the Wolfsgruben Lake, located directly in front of the hotel. “We want our guests to take the soaps home with them and continue to dream of the Weihrerhof,” says the host family.

As you can see, Green PearlsⓇ hotels have put a lot of thought into how they can eliminate single-use items, waste and plastic, which means you may use no more single-use items on your vacation than you would at home – in fact, you may use fewer items than at home!

Save to Pinterest.

Der Beitrag Say goodbye to single-use plastics: Green solutions from sustainable hotels erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

7 Sustainable Accommodations for a perfect Valentine’s Weekend in the DACH region & South Tyrol

What is your idea of the perfect setting for a romantic getaway? A cozy room? Family atmosphere? Great food? Lucky you: the sustainable hotels in our network combine all of these things (and more). And with all of them, your getaway begins as soon as you step out the door because they’re all just a relaxing train ride away.

Hotel Das Rübezahl: Romance in the setting of Neuschwanstein Castle in Allgäu

Hotel Das Rübezahl specializes in romance, and it is not uncommon for marriage proposals to take place here. So it is not surprising that we can present a Valentine’s Day Special from them (with room rates starting at 469 Euros).

Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a bed covered in rose petals. You will also receive a Valentine’s aperitif at the bar and a 5-course dinner at the Louis II restaurant. The restaurant uses local organic ingredients. A highlight is the spa area with saunas and the year-round heated outdoor pool (with indoor access). Here you can swim out into the winter landscape and enjoy a direct view of Neuschwanstein Castle.

PS: If you add another night, you will receive a 50 Euro voucher each for a spa treatment.

Hotel Klosterbräu: Luxury and candlelight in Tyrol

The Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Tyrol, is also an ideal setting for Valentine’s Day. Built on the site of a 500-year-old monastery, the spa hotel offers a stylish atmosphere with a mix of old vaulted cellars and modern architecture. Each evening, the hotel is lit by hundreds of candles. On Valentine’s Eve, a gourmet menu is served with live music.

This sustainable 5-star hotel offers luxurious comfort with a swimming pool and saunas. If you want to stay active during the weekend, you can take a tour with one of their active guides. As part of their Valentine’s Day ideas, Hotel Klosterbräu recommends a sunrise hike.

Hygna Chalets: Chalet with private sauna and open fireplace in Tyrol

If you want even more privacy, you can book your own chalet. The Hygna Chalets in Tyrol’s Alpbachtal are offering a two-night package for couples from €620 per person between January 12 and February 16, 2025.

The chalet has a private sauna and a cozy nook with a roaring fireplace. There is also a freestanding soaking tub in the bedroom with panoramic views, and if you choose one of the spa chalets, you can enjoy the alpine scenery from your own outdoor Jacuzzi.

My Arbor: Wellness hotel for adults in South Tyrol

The adults-only Hotel My Arbor on the Plose in South Tyrol (about a 15-minute drive from Bressanone) doesn’t have a special Valentine’s Day package, but it does have a “My Honeymoon” offer, available until December 24, 2025, that’s also suitable for Valentine’s Day. It includes three nights with half-board and costs from 835 euros per person.

Upon arrival, your bed will be decorated with heart-shaped rose petals and you will receive champagne and sweet treats. Plus, you will be treated to 50 minutes of “My Spa” time just for the two of you. Built on stilts in the middle of a spruce forest, the hotel offers breathtaking panoramic views of the winter landscape of South Tyrol, with the Plose Mountain Range and the Dolomites in the background.

ADLER Lodge RITTEN: Your own lakeside chalet in South Tyrol

ADLER Lodge RITTEN also offers a successful symbiosis of luxurious accommodations and committed sustainability. The resort consists of a main house with a pool and spa, and romantic wooden chalets built around a lake and along the natural line of the hills.

Around Valentine’s Day, you can take advantage of the reopening special (February 2-16, 2025). Three all-inclusive nights in a Junior Suite start from 907 euros per person and in a Junior Chalet from 1,039 euros per person.

The all-inclusive package includes all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and beverages (including wines and cocktails). In addition, you will receive a 50-minute wellness massage and can participate in free yoga sessions, sound baths, or winter hikes with a guide. You will also receive the Ritten Card for public transportation and free admission to museums and castles.

HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio: Torchlit hike in the Allgäu

Or maybe a torchlight hike through the woods on Valentine’s Day? That’s exactly what the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu in Balderschwang has in mind. The “Winter Warmth” offer is available here until March 31, 2025, with 3 nights starting at 738 euros per person. In addition to the all-inclusive services of the hotel (such as a daily activity program with snowshoe hikes, meditation, etc.), you will receive torches for a romantic evening hike through the valley and a holistic deep massage.

Lifestylehotel SAND: Romantic Weekend by the Baltic Sea

Would you rather enjoy the sea breeze? Then book a short vacation at the Baltic Sea. February is perfect for lonely beach walks and bike tours with fresh air, sky, and horizon or a trip to Lübeck. Lifestylehotel SAND in Timmendorfer Strand offers a great deal for couples. Located on the second row of the beach, the adults-only hotel has a great roof terrace with a rooftop sauna. As part of the “SANDromance” special, you can have it to yourself for a whole 1.5 hours! SANDromance (valid until December 2025) includes 3 nights with breakfast starting at 279 euros per person. It also includes sauna time, a day of MyBoo rental bikes, and sweet and savory snacks with wine and sparkling wine.

We hope this has given you some inspiration and that you can enjoy the precious gift of quality time this year. Of course, Valentine’s Day is a completely commercialized holiday that no one needs – but as my mom always says, “Yeah, I’d love to see all the gifts that just show up without an occasion!

PS: No time for a full weekend? Consider a visit to an eco-friendly day spa or dinner at a sustainable restaurant.

Der Beitrag Sustainable Valentine’s Weekend 2025 – Special offers from our Green PearlsⓇ partners erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.