by Ashas Bukhari
Relax But Be Sustainable: The Best Eco-Friendly Retreats In the UAE
19 Jul 2024
Photo: Katerina Kerdi
As travellers become more conscious of their environmental impact, the demand for eco-friendly accommodation is on the rise. Opting for sustainable tourism not only helps reduce carbon footprints but also supports local communities and conserves cultural heritage. The UAE offers a variety of eco-friendly resorts that provide luxurious stays while prioritising environmental stewardship. Here is a look at some of the best sustainable retreats in the UAE.
Anantara Qasr Al Sarab
Nestled in the breathtaking Liwa Desert, Anantara Qasr Al Sarab seamlessly blends luxury with sustainability. Awarded the Green Globe certification, this resort leverages solar energy and smart systems for water and power efficiency. An oasis in the desert, it utilises a sophisticated system that minimises environmental impact while maintaining unparalleled guest comfort. The resort reduces food waste by composting to fertilise its organic garden, which supplies herbs and vegetables to the kitchens, ensuring fresh and sustainable cuisine.
Guests at Anantara Qasr Al Sarab can immerse themselves in the serene desert landscape, participating in activities such as dune bashing, camel trekking, and desert walks. The resort's architectural design reflects the traditional Arabian fort, providing an authentic cultural experience. Every aspect of the guest experience is designed with sustainability in mind, from the biodegradable single-use bottles to the recycling program for oil and soap.
Jumeirah Al Naseem
Jumeirah Al Naseem stands out for its luxury and dedication to sustainability, particularly through its involvement in the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project. This initiative has treated and released over two thousand turtles back into the wild, showcasing the resort's commitment to marine conservation. Guests can visit the turtle sanctuary and learn about the conservation efforts, making their stay both educational and impactful.
The resort sources food from its hydroponic farm and local producers, ensuring that the ingredients are fresh and sustainably produced. An AI-powered food waste management system helps minimise waste, while comprehensive recycling, water conservation, and plastic reduction programs further reduce the environmental footprint. The luxurious accommodations, complete with modern amenities and stunning views, provide a perfect blend of comfort and sustainability.
Sofitel Dubai The Palm
Sofitel Dubai The Palm places a strong emphasis on sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices into every aspect of the guest experience. For every five towels reused by guests, Accor plants a tree in deforested areas, promoting reforestation efforts globally. The resort boasts an efficient recycling campaign that covers paper, plastic, cardboard, oil, and glass. LED energy-saving lighting and meticulous water management contribute to significant energy and water savings.
Sofitel's Downtown property complements these efforts with innovative initiatives like eliminating single-use plastics. The in-house production plant for glass water bottles and biodegradable swaps for disposable items like straws and take-away containers are notable achievements. The digitisation drive has led to paperless outlet menus and a comprehensive online system for back-office operations, reducing paper waste significantly.
Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island — Al Sahel Villas
Sir Bani Yas Island is a unique wildlife sanctuary offering an unparalleled eco-tourism experience. The island features African-styled villas in the Arabian Gulf, providing a blend of luxury and wilderness. Anantara focuses on preserving the environment and local heritage while supporting the community. The resort's initiatives include food waste management, local sourcing, and promoting wildlife conservation.
Guests can enjoy wildlife safaris, wadi walks, and kayaking, encountering free-roaming giraffes, oryx, ostriches, and cheetahs. The resort's emphasis on sustainability is evident in its architecture and operations, designed to minimise environmental impact while maximising guest satisfaction. Historical exploration is also a highlight, with trips to archaeological sites, including a sixth-century Christian monastery, offering a deep connection to the island's rich heritage.
Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa
Situated in Dubai’s Conservation Reserve, Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa integrates sustainability through conservation and efficient resource use. The resort features an on-site water-recycling plant and has planted over 6,000 indigenous trees, reintroducing native flora and fauna like oryx. The resort’s sustainable practices include converting used cooking oil into biodiesel and minimising food waste, reflecting a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship.
Guests can explore the reserve through guided tours, offering a chance to witness the desert's unique ecosystem and wildlife. The suites are designed with authentic Arabian interior decor, providing a luxurious yet culturally immersive experience. Each suite features a private temperature-controlled pool, perfect for enjoying the serene desert landscape. Additional activities, such as painting the desert and floating breakfasts, add unique touches to the eco-luxury experience.
'Eco-accessibility' at The H Dubai
The H Dubai is renowned for its sustainable hospitality and inclusivity, setting a benchmark in the industry. It is the first hotel in Dubai to earn a Certified Autism Centre designation, providing accessible services for autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals. The hotel uses glass bottles, operates a water filtration system, and has a biodigester and waste management system to reduce food waste and carbon emissions.
The H Dubai's commitment to sustainability extends to its operational practices, with significant investments in eco-friendly technologies. The hotel's efforts to provide accessible and inclusive services make it a preferred choice for travellers seeking a responsible and accommodating stay. The luxurious accommodations, coupled with state-of-the-art sustainability initiatives, ensure a memorable and guilt-free experience for guests.
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas, Saadiyat Island
Located in the protected area of Saadiyat Island, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas has taken extensive measures to protect the habitat of the resident Hawksbill sea turtles. The resort offers eco-boat tours for dolphin-spotting, snorkelling, and swimming, providing guests with a unique connection to the marine environment. Saadiyat Beach, awarded the Blue Flag, reflects the resort's commitment to environmental standards.
The resort promotes beach clean-up activities and features LEED certification, a Forbes Travel Guide 'Sharecare' badge, and an organic herb garden supplying its restaurants. Guests can enjoy fresh, sustainable cuisine while learning about the resort's conservation efforts from the resident marine biologist. The luxurious accommodations and pristine beach make Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi an ideal destination for eco-conscious travellers.
Sustainable tourism in the UAE provides travellers with the opportunity to enjoy luxurious experiences while minimizing their environmental impact. By choosing these eco-friendly resorts, guests contribute to the conservation of natural resources and the well-being of local communities, ensuring that these beautiful destinations can be enjoyed for generations to come.
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