Leading Hotels Expands Sustainability Leaders Collection
The Sustainability Leaders collection continues its commitment to environmental protection, preserving local heritage and empowering social and economic success
NEW YORK, NY – The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), with more than 400 independent luxury hotels in over 80 countries, is proud to announce that the Sustainability Leaders collection that launched in October 2023 has grown by more than 50% in only 6 months. Sustainable business standards, like community connections, preserving local cultures, and environmental conservation have always been deep-rooted in the DNA of The Leading Hotels of the World. The Sustainability Leaders collection was created to recognize Leading Hotels that are committed to preserving the environment and the cherished values and cultural heritage of their destinations.
LHW’s Sustainability Leaders are committed to being environmental stewards and good global citizens that are dedicated to creating a better world for generations to come. Travelers are placing far more emphasis on companies that value and demonstrate sustainable practices. LHW recognizes its role in reshaping the world through responsible travel as we work to seamlessly integrate our three pillars of the Sustainability Leaders program into every stay: Community Champions, Culture Guardians and Environmental Protectors. Lauren Alba, Vice President, Global Marketing & Communications, The Leading Hotels of the World
A Leading Hotel with the Sustainability Leader recognition has been rigorously evaluated and has received at least one, or more, Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) accredited certification or certification to a GSTC-Recognized Standard. LHW has partnered with Vireo Srl (GSTC-Accredited Certification Body) as well as Green Globe, Green Key Global, and Travelife (all use a GSTC-recognized standard) to offer its hotels resources and tools to advance their sustainability strategies.
For many Leading Hotels, sustainability is a mindset. LHW’s independent hotels, of which more than 80% are family-led, have genuine, deep-rooted connections to their own communities. Whether they are committed to the responsible consumption of resources, preserving natural habitats, or nurturing and enriching communities, LHW’s Sustainability Leaders demonstrate tenacity and creativity—elevating travel into a transformative experience for their guests. LHW’s Sustainability Leaders play host to nearly 20,000 Original Works of Art – from local artisans to renowned masters. Over the last year, the collection has completed approximately 10K community service hours, and in 2024 alone, Leading Hotels have committed to nearly $10M investments in renewable energy and waste reduction around the world.
Explore all of LHW’s Sustainability Leaders and look for the badge denoting the celebrated Sustainability Leaders throughout LHW.com.
From modern metropolitan towers to tented jungle sanctuaries, here are just a few examples of the variety of the initiatives undertaken by LHW’s Sustainability Leaders
Community Champions
The Datai Langkawi (Malaysia), created the Datai Pledge in 2019— a private trust dedicated to improving the wellbeing of the environment, wildlife and local community. Projects include offering educational classes for locals, reforesting the surrounding woodland and an extensive coral restoration program.
Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach (United States), has played a pivotal role in community upliftment, establishing the Miami Chapter of the “I Have a Dream” Foundation. This foundation is committed to empowering children from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them with the necessary tools, knowledge, and mindset to pursue higher education and brighter futures.
At Hotel Okura Amsterdam (Netherlands), on-property staff are personally involved in supporting community charities by hosting fundraisers and dedicating time to mentoring and training those in need.
Environmental Protectors
Constance Halaveli Resort Maldives (Maldives) is a member of the Manta Trust, investing in Manta Ray awareness for all team members and guests to protect these highly intelligent and highly threatened marine creatures.
The Grand Park Hotel Rovinj (Croatia) was built in 2019 to with little to zero need to consume energy for lighting. A further investment into renewable energy has allowed a heat pump system to harness the natural warmth of the sea, effectively heating and cooling the hotel throughout the year.
Vila Vita Parc (Portugal) has a sustainable water source thanks to their seawater desalination system that provides water supply for their gardens and pools. The property is also working towards having their Armação Beach Club become the first eco-beach in Portugal.
Cultural Guardians
Ritz Paris (France) completely restored the iconic Vendôme Column, one of Paris’ most cherished monuments and part of the hotel’s immediate environment. As active members of the Colbert and Vendôme Committees, this legendary grand dame also organizes regular history lessons on the heritage of this fabled ‘Place’ to connect staff more meaningfully with the city’s cultural heritage.
Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort (France) celebrates the local and cultural heritage of Le Pays de Fayence by offering specially-created learning experiences. Guests can discover more about the cultivation of perfume plants, a tradition that has been designated an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury (Mauritius) launched Beautiful Localhands in 2006, an initiative that helps local hand-craft creatives by giving them the opportunity to develop their skills and sell their products to the tourist market. The signs and details in each room and throughout the hotel come from the same program, which promotes local techniques and helps maintain its cultural heritage by doing good.
The growing collection of LHW’s Sustainability Leaders include
The Americas + Canada
Canada: Le Mount Stephen
Chile: Nayara Alto Atacama, Nayara Hangaroa
United States: Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach, Sonnenalp Hotel, The Knickerbocker
Europe
Croatia: Grand Park Hotel Rovinj, Hotel Monte Mulini, Sun Gardens Dubrovnik, Villa DubrovnikFrance Althoff Villa Belrose, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes, Hôtel Barrière, Les Neiges, Le Negresco, Ritz Paris, Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort
Finland: Hotel Kämp
Germany: Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg, Althoff Seehotel Ueberfahrt, Excelsior Hotel Ernst, Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, Hotel Nassauer Hof, The Fontenay
Greece: Grand Resort Lagonissi, Lesante Blu Exclusive Beach Resort, Lesante Cape Resort & Villas
Italy: ARIA Retreat & SPA, Casa Angelina, Fonteverde, Lido Palace, Mazzarò Sea Palace, Villa del Parco & Spa
Malta: The Phoenicia Malta
Monaco: Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo
Montenegro: The Chedi Lustica Bay
Netherlands: Hotel De L'Europe Amsterdam, Hotel des Indes, Hotel Okura Amsterdam, The Dylan Amsterdam
Portugal: Pestana Palace Lisboa - Hotel & National Monument, Pestana Palácio do Freixo, São Lourenço do Barrocal, VILA VITA Parc Resort & Spa
Spain: Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine, Bahia del Duque, Gran Hotel Miramar 5*GL, Hotel Botanico & The Oriental Spa Garden, Hotel Casa Fuster, Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort, Majestic Hotel & Spa, Marbella Club Hotel Golf Resort & Spa
Switzerland: Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa, Carlton Hotel St. Moritz, Hotel Eden Roc, Ascona, Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa, Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne, The Dolder Grand, Tschuggen Grand Hotel, Arosa
Africa, Middle East, & Asia
Cyprus: Amathus Beach Hotel Limassol
Indonesia: Capella Ubud, Bali, Soori Bali
Japan: Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, The Okura Tokyo
Malaysia: The Datai Langkawi, The RuMa Hotel and Residences
Maldives: Baglioni Resort Maldives, Constance Halaveli Maldives
Mauritius: Constance Prince Maurice, Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury
Seychelles: Constance Lemuria, Seychelles
Singapore: Capella Hotel, Singapore
Tunisia: La Badira
Turkey: Maxx Royal Kemer Resort, The Montgomerie Golf Club by Maxx Royal Resorts
United Arab Emirates: One&Only The Palm Dubai
About Leading Hotels of the World
Comprised of more than 400 hotels in over 80 countries, LHW is the largest collection of independent luxury hotels. In 1928, 38 independent hoteliers came together to create LHW. Since then, the Company has carefully curated distinctive hotels, resorts, inns, chalets, villas, and safari camps from the snow-capped Alps of Europe to the African veldt, to share them with adventurous souls who seek the remarkably uncommon. The LHW community is filled of exceptional individuals, united by a passion for the surprising discoveries and details that come with every experience. LHW hoteliers are artisans of hospitality whose expertise, commitment to excellence, and individual flair allows them to create story-worthy moments for their guests. And it is these authentic, individualized experiences combined with the warm hospitality and high-touch service they provide that keeps discerning travelers returning again and again. LHW’s collection covers the globe and promises a broad range of destinations and uncommon experiences, enhanced by LHW’s tiered guest loyalty program Leaders Club. From converted former palaces, and countryside retreats run by the same families for generations, to gleaming skyscrapers in dynamic urban centers, serene private island escapes, glamorous tented camps – and beyond – explore, find inspiration, and experience unforgettable travel moments. For more information visit: www.lhw.com, Facebook at @LeadingHotels, Twitter at @LeadingHotels and Instagram @leadinghotelsoftheworld.
