The Earth Month Edit You’ll Actually Want to Read 🌎

Hi there—I’m Britney Eschelman, Associate Editor at Hotels Above Par, and I’m taking over today’s newsletter in honor of Earth Day.

Spring is in full swing, and April 22 reminds us that change is possible. As we start mapping out summer getaways (hello, Euro summer), it’s also a moment to pause and reflect: how does our love of travel impact the planet?The truth? Travel accounts for around 8% of global carbon emissions. But there’s hope (just look at our ecotourism guide). Sustainability is no longer a niche—it’s a movement. From eco-conscious hotels to digital detox retreats, we’re seeing travelers (and the industry) lean into more mindful escapes.

So, where can you go to truly connect with nature—without the guilt?

Think: national park lodges, design-forward eco stays, a biologically optimized retreat in Costa Rica’s Blue Zone, a push to eliminate mini toiletries, and a rising trend that gets us outside after dark—Noctourism.

Read on for all the planet-loving goodness.

A collection of stories where sustainability meets wanderlust.

What if the hotel of tomorrow didn’t just help you rest, but helped you reset on a biological level? What if a sustainable escape wasn’t just a buzzword, but a working blueprint for how we might live better, longer, and more in sync with nature?Enter Velara, a revolutionary retreat currently in development on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula—one of the world’s five Blue Zones, where people live measurably longer and more vibrant lives. Set to debut its first phase in 2026, Velara promises to merge cutting-edge wellness technologies with regenerative architecture and nature-forward design. We sat down with visionary founder Kevin Wathey to talk biologically optimized living, longevity-driven hospitality, and what the future of travel might look like when wellbeing and sustainability go hand in hand.

💭 Let’s start with the big picture—what inspired you to create Velara, and why did Costa Rica’s Blue Zone feel like the right place for this vision?

“The idea for Velara was born from both personal loss and transformation. After losing my mom to cancer, I became committed to reshaping how we think about health, not as something we fix when it's broken, but as something we nurture every day. Costa Rica was the first international destination where I led a retreat, and the Pura Vida ethos truly changed my life. Every time I return, I’m reminded of what it feels like to intentionally ground in your body, your surroundings, and your sense of purpose. The Nicoya Peninsula’s Blue Zone felt like the natural setting for this vision. It’s one of the few places on Earth where people not only live longer, but fuller, more vibrant lives. That’s the energy we’re channeling at Velara. It’s about creating a place where you can live with clarity, connection, and vitality—not just for a week, but for life.”

🌿 Finally, as we celebrate Earth Month, what message do you hope Velara sends about the future of travel, living, and our relationship with the planet?

“I hope Velara inspires people to rethink what it means to live well—and to live responsibly. We’re at a turning point where people are craving more than a beautiful stay—they want a deeper connection to themselves, to others, and the Earth. Velara was built with that in mind. It’s a place where nature and innovation coexist, where design doesn’t overpower the landscape but blends into it. Most importantly, it’s a place that supports people in showing up as their fullest, healthiest, and most vibrant selves.”

Now that we've sparked your eco-conscious travel curiosity, why not explore some of our favorite sustainable stays from our carefully curated collection? You can book them right here—no travel agent needed—with savvy, journalist-approved reviews. We've made it easy to filter by price, location, and more, so finding your perfect Earth-friendly getaway is a breeze. Plus, check out which properties offer VIP treatment through our exclusive perks system.

Tucked into Austria’s mountainous Leogang, Naturhotel Forsthofgut is a luxurious yet low-impact retreat that seamlessly blends wellness, nature, and sustainability. From its forest-inspired spa and on-site farm to its seasonal tasting menus and CO₂-capturing waldLIEBE initiative, every detail honors the land it inhabits. As Earth Month reminds us to tread lighter, this nature-first escape proves that sustainable travel can still feel like a five-star indulgence.

As the first carbon-positive hotel in the U.S., Populus in Denver doesn’t just embrace sustainability—it builds an entire guest experience around it, from biodegradable room keys with wildflower seeds to soundscapes recorded in Aspen groves. Inspired by the scars of Aspen trees, the building itself is an architectural ode to nature. With every stay planting a tree in Colorado’s Gunnison County, Populus makes your visit as restorative for the planet as it is for you.

In Sweden’s far north, the sun barely rises in winter and barely sets come summer—but the landscape is always a spectacle. Enter Treehotel, a surreal collection of treetop suites suspended above the forest floor. Designed to immerse guests in the untouched wilderness of Swedish Lapland, this architectural marvel proves that when nature takes center stage, luxury can still thrive in the wild.

Just steps from Healdsburg Plaza, Harmon Guest House is a design-forward boutique hotel that blends eco-conscious architecture with laid-back Sonoma charm. From solar-heated water systems and reclaimed materials to H2O bars and EV chargers, sustainability is built into every stylish detail. Whether you're wine tasting, lounging on the rooftop, or biking through town, it’s an ideal Earth Month escape that doesn’t compromise on comfort or cool factor.

Safari meets sustainability at Cheetah Plains, a carbon-negative oasis tucked inside South Africa’s iconic Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. Solar-powered and fully off-grid, the property blends five-star luxury with a deep respect for the land and its wildlife. From infinity pools overlooking the bush to wine-paired dinners in your villa’s cellar, this is eco-conscious travel at its most unforgettable.