In the vibrant landscape of Midtown Manhattan, where the streets weave a frenzied tapestry of hot dog vendors, taxi cabs, high-end boutiques, and eclectic gift shops, there exists a three-story living wall of English ivy. Nestled on the facade of a building at the northeast corner of 58th Street and Sixth Avenue, this verdant oasis serves as a gentle reminder that amidst the urban chaos, nature can still thrive.
This oasis is part of the 1 Hotels brand, a trailblazer in the realm of “sustainable luxury.” Conceived nearly a decade ago, 1 Hotels boasts locations in bustling metropolises and serene beachside retreats, all designed to deliver high-end luxury with minimal environmental impact. The first establishment, 1 Hotel South Beach, opened its doors in 2015, followed by two more in New York later that year.
In the evolving landscape of travel preferences, sustainability has taken center stage. Euromonitor’s Sustainable Travel Index from August 2023 reveals that nearly 80% of travelers are willing to pay a premium of at least 10% for accommodations with sustainable features. Google Search trends underscore this shift, with “sustainable hotels” gaining momentum over the past five years. Furthermore, Google now introduces an eco-label in hotel search results for properties certified by trusted third-party organizations like the U.S. Green Building Council, which awards LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) ratings.
The 1 Hotel Central Park, much like its counterparts globally, embraces a philosophy of marrying luxury with environmental consciousness. Beyond the captivating exterior greenery, the hotel incorporates repurposed materials such as redwood staves from New York City water tanks and timbers from local barns into its guestrooms. Custom-made headboards, hemp-blend mattresses, and hypoallergenic organic linens contribute to a sustainable and luxurious guest experience. With 60 rooms featuring cushioned window seats overlooking Central Park, the hotel seamlessly integrates nature into its design.
All 1 Hotel properties hold LEED or BREEAM certifications, with U.S. locations achieving carbon-neutral status. Raul Leal, CEO of SH Hotels & Resorts, the parent company of 1 Hotels, emphasizes the brand’s commitment to connecting with the natural environment. “Sustainability has always been integral to the DNA that makes up our brand,” he states, highlighting that prioritizing sustainability doesn’t necessitate sacrificing design, functionality, or luxury.
The flagship property, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay in Kauai, exemplifies an intricate, years-long renovation project focused on minimizing new material usage. Partnering with RE-use Hawai’i, a “deconstruction” company, the hotel salvaged over 144.6 tons of furniture, fixtures, and equipment from the previous build.
While environmental consciousness permeates every aspect of 1 Hotels, it is integrated subtly into the guest experience. From shower timers encouraging water conservation to providing fully electric, luxury Audi house cars for guests, the brand seeks to make a positive impact without overtly preaching to its patrons. A lobby farmstand, featuring imperfect produce that would otherwise be discarded, and a sustainability and social impact initiative allowing guests to leave behind gently used clothing for donation further exemplify the brand’s commitment.
Other luxury players, such as Six Senses and Banyan Tree, have also embraced sustainability as a core brand pillar. Six Senses channels a portion of its revenue and sales towards habitat restoration and community improvement, while Banyan Tree’s “Greater Good Grant” supports nonprofits dedicated to preserving destinations and cultures.
In the realm of sustainable luxury, a certain mindset of achieving both environmental responsibility and opulence is imperative. However, such a commitment comes with a price tag. Six Senses Ibiza, the first BREEAM-certified resort in the Balearics, starts at $1,050 per night, while 1 Hotel Central Park offers a more modest starting rate of $432 per night.
As these luxury brands navigate the intersection of sustainability and opulence, they recognize the importance of fostering wellness and a connection to nature. 1 Hotels, for instance, incorporates a Bamford Wellness Spa offering holistic treatments, services, and classes, reinforcing the idea that personal wellbeing is a natural extension of harmony with nature. In a world where travelers seek both indulgence and environmental responsibility, these establishments exemplify a harmonious blend of luxury and sustainability.