Green or Just Green-Looking? Spotting True Eco-Resorts

In 2026, every hotel claims to be “Eco-Friendly.” They put a card on the bed asking you to reuse towels and call it a day. This is Greenwashing.

True sustainability goes much deeper. It’s about water management, energy generation, community employment, and sourcing. As travelers, we vote with our wallets. Here is how to investigate a hotel before you book.

1. The “Plastic Bottle” Test

Look at the photos on their website/Instagram.

  • Red Flag: Plastic water bottles on the bedside table. Single-use plastic amenity bottles in the shower.
  • Green Flag: Glass refillable bottles. Filtered water stations. Bulk dispensers for shampoo (ceramic or glass).

2. Energy: Where Does it Come From?

Islands often rely on dirty diesel generators.

  • The Question: “Do you have solar power?”
  • Green Flag: Solar panels visible on roofs. Solar hot water heaters. Passive cooling design (using wind instead of AC).
  • Example: El Nido Resorts in the Philippines operate solar farms.

3. Water: The Island’s Gold

  • Red Flag: Green lush lawns on a desert island (like Aruba or Mykonos). That water is coming from somewhere (usually desalination, which is energy-intensive).
  • Green Flag: Greywater recycling systems (using shower water for gardens). Rainwater harvesting. Native dry-garden landscaping (Xeriscaping).

4. Food Sourcing

“Farm to Table” is a buzzword. Dig deeper.

  • The Question: “Where does your seafood come from?”
  • Green Flag: They have their own vegetable garden. They buy fish directly from local fishermen. They don’t serve endangered species (like Bluefin Tuna or Shark Fin).
  • Example: Soneva Fushi in the Maldives grows mushrooms and herbs on-site.

5. Community and Staff

Sustainability includes people.

  • Red Flag: All management is foreign, all cleaners are local.
  • Green Flag: The hotel funds local schools or clinics. They train and promote local staff to management positions. They support local artisans.

6. Certifications (The Good and The Bad)

Not all badges mean the same thing.

  • Gold Standard: EarthCheck, Green Globe, LEED (for building), B Corp. These require rigorous, annual audits.
  • Weak Standard: “Self-certified” eco-labels or obscure awards you’ve never heard of.

7. Construction Materials

  • Green Flag: Built with local materials (bamboo, stone, thatch). It blends into the landscape.
  • Red Flag: Concrete high-rises that block the view and disrupt turtle nesting beaches.

8. The “Vibe Check”

Read the negative reviews on TripAdvisor.

  • “The AC didn’t get cold enough.” -> Actually a Green Flag (they are limiting energy use).
  • “Too many bugs/lizards.” -> Green Flag (they aren’t fumigating the jungle with harsh chemicals).

9. Carbon Offsetting (The Last Resort)

Some hotels claim to be “Carbon Neutral” because they buy offsets.

  • The Reality: Offsets are often sketchy. Reduction is better than offsetting.
  • Green Flag: They have a tangible project you can visit, like a reforestation nursery or a coral gardening site.

10. Questions to Ask Before You Book

Don’t be afraid to email the hotel.

  • “Do you provide filtered water to avoid plastic?”
  • “What percentage of your staff is local?”
  • “Do you have a sewage treatment plant?” (Vital on small islands).

The way they answer (transparently vs defensively) will tell you everything you need to know.

11. Wildlife Interactions

Does the hotel exploit animals?

  • Red Flag: “Swim with Dolphins” in a captive pool. Elephant riding. Photos with tigers.
  • Green Flag: They discourage touching wildlife. They have red lights on the beach to protect turtles. They support local rehabilitation centers.

12. The “Air Conditioning” Paradox

AC is the biggest energy consumer in the tropics.

  • The Eco Design: A truly sustainable resort is designed for airflow. High ceilings, open walls, fans. You might not need AC.
  • Smart Sensors: Does the AC turn off automatically when you open the balcony door? This simple tech saves massive amounts of energy.

13. Your Role as a Guest

Sustainability is a two-way street.

  • Towels: Actually hang them up if you want to reuse them. Don’t throw them on the floor out of habit.
  • Lights: Turn them off.
  • Feedback: Tell the manager you chose them because of their green initiatives. It reinforces the business case for sustainability.

14. The “Buffet” Problem

Food waste is a massive issue in hotels.

  • The Problem: All-you-can-eat buffets generate tons of waste.
  • The Green Choice: Hotels that offer “A La Carte” menus instead of buffets reduce food waste by up to 40%. It is fresher, tastier, and better for the planet.

Sustainable travel isn’t about suffering; it’s about being conscious. A true eco-resort connects you to the ecosystem rather than insulating you from it.