Eco-Conscious Escapes: How the Global Hospitality Industry is Redefining Luxury Travel this World Environment Day

As the world comes together to observe World Environment Day 2025 under the official theme Ending Plastic Pollution, the hospitality industry is rising to the occasion, transforming sustainability from a mere trend into a standard.

This year, we shine a light on a thoughtfully curated selection of hotel and resort properties across India and around the globe that are leading the charge against single-use plastic. From refillable bathroom amenities and on-site water bottling plants to zero-waste kitchens and plastic-free packaging, these stays prove that true luxury lies in conscious choices and long-term commitment.

As Travellers increasingly seek destinations that align with their values, these hotels stand out not only for their immersive settings and seamless service, but for the small steps they’re taking that add up to a big difference.

Let this World Environment Day be a reminder that every choice counts - including where (and how) we choose to stay.

Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa

Nestled along the Kosi River and surrounded by the Sal forests of Uttarakhand, the newly opened Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa integrates sustainability into its design and surroundings. The 99-key resort offers guests a peaceful retreat in nature while promoting practices that respect and preserve the environment.

At the heart of the resort’s sustainability efforts is a robust in-house horticulture and floriculture, with over 50 varieties of native and medicinal plants nurtured across the property. From jackfruit and mango trees to frangipani, hibiscus, lemon cypress, and bamboo, the landscaping reflects both ecological intention and regional richness.

Each plant has been thoughtfully placed to complement the resort’s layout—bougainvillea adorning fences, philodendrons and heliconias near guest zones, and culturally significant flora like Arabian jasmine and sacred mogra enhancing the sensory experience. This living collection not only improves air quality and provides natural cooling but also fosters local biodiversity.

As guests explore the gardens, pathways, and riverside zones of Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa, they encounter a thriving environment designed to inspire connection with nature.

Cinnamon Life, Colombo- Redefining Luxury, Responsibly 

Set in the heart of Colombo, Cinnamon Life stands tall as South Asia’s largest integrated resort and Sri Lanka’s most ambitious lifestyle venture. More than just a hotel, it is a visionary destination, an architectural icon designed by the globally renowned Cecil Balmond. With 687 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, 12 world-class restaurants and bars, an infinity pool overlooking the breathtaking Indian Ocean, and a tranquil Kurundu Wellness Spa, Cinnamon Life offers an immersive escape into comfort, culture, and indulgence. 

What truly sets Cinnamon Life apart is its unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. As a flagship of the Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts portfolio, the property is leading the charge against plastic pollution through the elimination of single-use plastics. Cinnamon Life has adopted a pioneering in-house water bottling system in collaboration with NORDAQ, replacing plastic water bottles with reusable glass alternatives made from 80% recycled material and 100% recycled aluminum caps. Across the group, these efforts have contributed to an impressive 86% reduction in single-use plastic consumption, with a bold target of eliminating all guest-facing plastics by 2030. 

Beyond plastic reduction, Cinnamon Life’s eco-forward philosophy includes advanced energy-efficient systems, rainwater harvesting, waste segregation, and responsible recycling practices. Holding prestigious LEED and Travelife Gold certifications, the resort exemplifies a future-ready approach to hospitality, one that harmonizes luxury with low-impact living.  

As travelers grow more conscious of their footprint, Cinnamon Life offers an opportunity to experience opulence that doesn’t come at the planet’s expense making it not just a stay, but a statement.  

Six Senses Fort Barwara

When it comes to sustainability, Six Senses Fort Barwara ensures its actions are measurable and meaningful. From responsible restoration of the palace to the wider Barwara community and resort operations such as sustainable in-suite amenities, fully eco-friendly bathrooms and farm-to-table dining, Six Senses focuses on minimizing its negative impact and maximizing positive ones.

Six Senses Fort Barwara reflects the history and heritage of the Barwara community as it has unfolded over generations. The 700-year-old palace and temples have been responsibly restored using traditional building techniques used in Rajasthan, sensitively incorporating efficient design elements such as rainwater collection tanks and solar panels to complement rather than detract from the beautiful and historic architecture.

Key Sustainability Initiatives:

MOXY BENGALURU AIRPORT PRESTIGE TECH CLOUD

At Moxy Bengaluru Airport Prestige Tech Cloud, the property combines bold, vibrant experiences with eco-friendly initiatives.

Please find below the initiatives undertaken by the brand:

These initiatives are part of Moxy Bengaluru’s commitment to delivering an unforgettable guest experience while caring for the planet.

MULBERRY SHADES BENGALURU NANDI HILLS, A TRIBUTE PORTFOLIO RESORT

Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills – A Tribute Portfolio Resort observes World Environment Day by reaffirming its core commitment to sustainability, community empowerment, and conscious hospitality. Thoughtfully designed to reflect harmony with nature, the resort integrates green practices across its operations, from architecture to daily guest experiences.

At the heart of its environmental efforts is a strong focus on reusable resources and waste reduction. A key initiative is the resort’s in-house water bottling plant, a pivotal step toward eliminating single-use plastics. By replacing plastic water bottles with reusable glass alternatives, the resort not only reduces its environmental footprint but also enhances operational efficiency. With a monthly investment of ₹96,000, the initiative delivers an impressive, annualized savings of approximately ₹5,34,000—proving that responsible business practices can also be financially sound.

Glass, used throughout the resort, serves as a symbol of its sustainability ethos. As a permanent material, it is endlessly recyclable, refillable, and reusable, playing a crucial role in reducing waste, conserving resources, and contributing to the circular economy. This choice also fosters local employment and supports regional economic growth, adding a layer of social impact to its environmental commitment.

Hotel Manager Mr. Dushyant Singh shares, “At Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills – A Tribute Portfolio Resort, we believe true luxury is found in living harmoniously with nature. Our ongoing journey toward sustainability is not driven by trends, but by a deep-rooted responsibility to the environment and the community we serve. From eco-conscious design to curated experiences, we are dedicated to minimizing our ecological footprint while creating a meaningful impact—be it through local sourcing, community engagement, or initiatives that empower and uplift the society around us.”

As the world comes together to celebrate World Environment Day, Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills stands as a reminder that hospitality can and must play a role in building a greener future. The resort continues to champion initiatives that blend purpose with elegance, inspiring guests and industry peers to adopt mindful practices that protect the planet.

JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa is redefining luxury by seamlessly integrating sustainability into its operations. Key initiatives include an in-house water bottling plant that produces over 2,000 reusable glass bottles daily, eliminating around 68,200 single-use plastic bottles each month. The resort has also replaced plastic toiletry bottles with bulk dispensers, swapped plastic straws for paper, and provides glass bottles across dining and meeting areas, reflecting a strong commitment to reducing plastic waste. Water conservation efforts include low-flow sensor taps and a sewage treatment plant that irrigates 25 acres of landscaping, while nearly 30% of the vegetables served come from the resort’s own JW Garden.

Energy sustainability is another priority, with the resort purchasing 8.5 lakh units of renewable energy monthly, using biodiesel instead of conventional diesel, and offering EV charging stations. Guests can explore the property using eco-friendly transportation options such as electric buggies and EV bicycles. According to Ronan Fearon, General Manager, JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire embraces energy-efficient lighting, waste reduction, and responsible sourcing, all while partnering with local suppliers to minimize environmental impact. These efforts position the resort as a leader in eco-conscious luxury hospitality, demonstrating that true luxury lies in responsibility toward nature and community.