Elite Traveler Summer 2022

GREEN PEARLS Over the past few years, green travel has become less an emerging trend and more a must-do, especially for luxury travelers. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) values are important to most major hotel chains in the world, as well as the under-the-radar boutique hotels. After all, these exceptional accommodations are usually in exceptional locations, and locals and tourists alike want to do no harm. Green Pearls is “the fi rst holding company worldwide that consolidates sustainable hotels, destinations and restaurants.” Every member is handpicked for its environmental protection initiatives and proven social commitments. The requirements for membership are pretty intensive. Not only do the hotels have to have a solid sustainability plan in place, but this plan must also be long-term. Local architecture and design must have been used in construction; building materials should be environmentally friendly; residents or endangered species must not have been relocated; and there must be employment opportunities for local residents. There must be an organic garden with native plants and pest control must be without chemicals, and information about the surrounding nature, heritage and appropriate cultural behavior must be provided to guests. Each member has a score, and the areas in which it has best performed are highlighted— for example, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, a hacienda-style hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas between Cusco andMachu Picchu, has high scores in environmental protection, providing authentic local experiences, giving back to the community and cultural commitment. greenpearls.com RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX Established in France in 1954, Relais & Châteaux now has just under 600 hotels in 67 countries. Every hotel is individually-owned and -operated, and the collection has some of the most enchanting accommodations on the planet — think charming cottages in England; sprawling ranches in the US; chalets in the Alps; historic chateaux in France; and lodges in Africa. Member properties often have the brand’s regal fl eur-de-lis logo emblazoned on their walls. Members are subject to rigorous vetting; the brand is known for its strict standards with more than 300 criteria. A secret inspection is conducted, and every prospective and current member is evaluated by the ‘ fi ve Cs’ — character, courtesy, calm, charm and cuisine — so you are almost guaranteed to fall in love with the place you choose to stay. If you can’t decide, Relais & Châteaux creates itineraries that voyage between like-minded properties — the wine route to Champagne visits the cellars of Pommery, Taittinger andMoët & Chandon; or travel the great lakes of Italy and visit its palaces and medieval castles. There is also an option to select a hotel based on its environmental credentials, as the company awards certain properties with a Sustainability Trophy. The winner for this year is Borgo San Felice, a medieval hamlet in Chianti Classico in Italy — although calling it a hotel is not really accurate. It is an entire medieval hamlet that includes a chapel, pool, vineyard and an organic farm. relaischateaux.com

From top Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba in Peru; Cervo Mountain Resort in Switzerland — both members of Green Pearls

Photos Hacienda Urubamba, Cervo Mountain Resort