Turned off by the vision of an eco-friendly vacation where you’re pitching a tent, saturating yourself with bug spray, and cooking your own food over a campfire? If your idea of a green, good time is a one-touch button to 24-hour room service for a wheatgrass smoothie, you're in luck. We’ve got the scoop on the best eco-friendly, luxury hotel stays in the U.S. Now you can travel without the guilt and still indulge on vacation.

1. The Sky Lodge, Park City, Utah
The thirty-three exclusive one, two, and three bedroom suites at The Sky Lodge feature the ultimate in stylish and indulgent details, including wet bars, flat-panel televisions, gas fireplaces, personal hot tubs overlooking the mountains, and turn-down service with organic hot tea on the nightstand.

The Sky Lodge houses a state-of-the-art heating and cooling system, designed to reduce the property’s carbon footprint by over 50%. They use wind-generated electrical power; eco-friendly paper products, cleaning materials, laundry soaps, and supplies; and organic and eco-friendly purveyor sourcing for all restaurant food purchases. Finally, their amazing on-site Amatsu Spa utilizes organic ingredients in their many deluxe treatments. The Sky Lodge is an eco-dream come true! Call (435) 658-3336 to make reservations or to learn more.

2. The Gaia Napa Valley Hotel & Spa, Napa Valley, California
The Gaia Hotel is the world’s first and only Gold LEED-certified hotel and Napa Valley's first environmentally sustainable hotel. The aptly-named Gaia (Greek for “Mother Earth”) implemented a host of eco-friendly requirements to earn the Gold LEED certification.

The very foundation of the hotel is based on sustainability. All of the lumber used in construction has been approved by the Forest Stewardship Council (an organization that promotes the responsible management of forests). Inside, the eco-friendly coatings and HVAC units work to improve air quality. The hotel also boasts recycled tiles and granite for the restrooms; chemical-free landscaping; and native and climate-adaptive plants to limit the need for irrigation. 12% of the hotel's electricity is provided by solar panels and Solatube tubular skylights are used throughout the hotel, magnifying the sun's rays and delivering abundant daylight. This not only saves electricity, it creates a radiant ambiance, too! All guest rooms include complimentary and environmentally sensitive toiletries, eco-friendly literature, and blackout drapes. For more information on Gaia Hotel & Spa Napa Valley call toll-free:1 (888) 798-3777.

3. Hotel Solamar, San Diego, California
The hip and luxurious Hotel Solamar with 24-hour room service and a popular rooftop pool in downtown San Diego is an environmentally responsible paradise. As part of the Kimpton Hotel Group, their mission is to be a leader in the hospitality industry for supporting a sustainable world, while continuing to deliver a premium guest experience with non-intrusive, high quality, eco-friendly products and services. To do so, they have implemented an Earth Care program, which includes a number of earth-friendly practices.

At Hotel Solamar, guests are encouraged to reduce environmental impact with in-room designer recycling bins and the option of reusing towels and linens. In addition, the hotel implements energy-efficient lighting and low-flow water systems. All of the hotel's printing is done on recycled paper and with soy-based ink. Complimentary shade-grown and/or fair-trade organic coffee is served in the lobby and organic snacks and beverages are provided in the room's honor bars. To book a stay at Hotel Solamar, please call (619) 819-9500.

4. Thyme in the Country Bed & Breakfast, Upstate New York
Thyme in the Country is an ideal and affordable choice for an eco-friendly vacation stop with the kids. This 1880's farmhouse is situated on five pastoral acres in the heart of Columbia County, New York. The estate is home to a salt-filtered swimming pool, an organic garden, a cow to keep the grass down in the meadows, and chickens that lay the eggs for the morning’s omelets.

Thyme in The Country is very energy conscious. They have three solar panels that provide one-third to one-half of their electricity, compact fluorescent light bulbs, and motion-sensory outdoor lighting. To keep their lovely bed and breakfast clean, they use vinegar, baking soda, and other non-chemical cleaners. And to save water, they employ dual-flush toilets. A visit to a sustainable, working farm provides a memorable experience for you and your kids. For more information on Thyme in the Country, call (518) 672-6166.

5. The Broadmoor Hotel, Colorado Springs, Colorado
At The Broadmoor Hotel, being good stewards of the planet means recognizing the importance of proper recycling and conservation of water and electricity. Nestled at the gateway to the Colorado Rocky Mountains, this Five-Star, Five-Diamond historic resort has taken its commitment to the environment a step beyond by hiring a Recycling Coordinator to work on green initiatives. Improvements have already begun with the installation of thermal pane windows, waste heat recovery systems, and the replacement of fan coil and air handling units throughout the resort.

Eco-friendly practices are not new to The Broadmoor. The resort’s golf courses are kept green through the use of non-potable water. Areas adjacent to the fairways are planted with low maintenance indigenous vegetation that requires little to no additional water. Fertilizer used on the courses is biodegradable and non-toxic to animals and birds. The efforts of The Broadmoor’s golf facilities are so extensive that they have been repeatedly designated as an official Audubon Society sanctuary.
For more information on The Broadmoor Hotel, call (866) 837-9250.

~ Jill Daniel

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