Travel trends this year show travelers increasingly prioritize the planet and seek meaningful ways to give back through sustainable tourism. From Mexico to the Caribbean and the Maldives, many hotels and destinations now offer opportunities to connect with nature year-round, not just on Earth Day.
Ocean Club Resorts, Providenciales in Turks & Caicos
Perched along the famous Grace Bay Beach, Ocean Club Resort consists of two all-suite properties that provide open-air living and direct beach access for guests of all ages. The resorts were the first properties in Turks & Caicos to earn Green Globe certification after passing a series of environmental audits measuring sustainability practices. Initiatives that contributed to certification include supplying reusable cloth shopping bags in suites, replacing plastic straws and Styrofoam with paper alternatives, upgrading to LED lighting, and encouraging guests to conserve water and energy during their stay. The resorts prioritize eco-friendly products, partner with like-minded vendors, and make operational choices that reduce environmental impact while maintaining high service standards. A recently introduced carbon footprint calculator gives guests the option to offset the environmental impact of their visit.
Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico
Fairmont Mayakoba is committed to sustainability and supports local conservation efforts. Since May 2015 the resort has partnered with Oceanus AC on a reef restoration program focused on conserving coral reefs in Puerto Morelos National Park. The initiative established three coral nurseries and translocated healthy coral fragments to restoration sites. Guests can join snorkel tours to visit the nurseries, observe restoration techniques, and learn firsthand about the resort’s coral conservation work. The program also aims to train and certify local groups in reef restoration and promote eco-conscious practices among the community.
Royal Uno All-Inclusive Resort & Spa, Cancun, Mexico
From May through October, Royal Uno’s beachfront welcomes thousands of baby sea turtles to nest and hatch along its shores. The resort runs active turtle conservation efforts that include dedicated shore guards who protect nests and hatchlings from threats. In 2022, Royal Uno cared for and released 15,925 baby turtles, demonstrating the scale of its protection work and commitment to local wildlife.
© Royal Uno® All Inclusive Resort & Spa
Saybrook Point Resort & Marina, Connecticut
Sitting on the waterfront in Old Saybrook, Saybrook Point Resort & Marina is among Connecticut’s most eco-conscious hotels and was the state’s first Green Lodging–certified property. Its sustainability measures include three saltwater pools with reduced chlorine emissions, preheated in-room water that reuses excess energy from other sources, and refrigeration and air-conditioning systems powered by water-source heat pumps, all designed to lower environmental impact while delivering guest comfort.
© Coco Collection, Maldives
Coco Collection, Maldives
Coco Collection comprises two boutique island resorts—Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu—offering luxe amenities alongside eco-forward initiatives. The resorts support marine life development programs, operate a Chef’s Garden that promotes local, sustainable produce, and participate in the Olive Ridley Project, a turtle rehabilitation effort. Located in the Baa Atoll, the resorts benefit from and help protect rich marine biodiversity. Educational programs invite guests to take part in coral tree planting, reef cleanups, and fish identification snorkeling, and on-site marine educators help visitors better understand the underwater ecosystem and conservation priorities.
These properties demonstrate how hotels can blend hospitality with environmental stewardship, offering guests authentic ways to engage with conservation while enjoying memorable stays.