Celebrate the glory of our planet this Earth Day (April 22) by not only treating nature right, but yourself as well. We found six gorgeous hotels doing their part to keep Mother Nature looking her best. From exploring Bali’s rice fields to horseback riding just outside of Atlanta to running through vineyards, there are so many entertaining, easy and inspiring ways to reconnect to our planet during your travels.
The Carneros Inn
Nestled into the Napa Valley, this darling Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star hotel exudes a farmhouse charm with a twist of luxury. Surrounding the space you will find a host of lush aspects — thousands of grapevines, farmland and an endless sky. Start with a guided walk or run through the vineyards, and then indulge in an earth-friendly lavender-and-vine body treatment at the Four-Star spa. Follow that up with a seasonal meal from Farm and experience how the inn taps into its natural surroundings by incorporating herbs, fresh produce and local honey into its menu.
Gateway Canyons Resort
Given that this Four-Star hotel is located within the 133-mile Unaweep-Tabeguache Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway in Grand Junction, it’s no surprise that beauty encircles the property. Book a visit and make sure to get the Canyon Credits package so you can really soak in the natural surroundings. This promotion includes a $200 daily tab to be used on many of the resort’s outdoor adventures, such as exploring Rocky Ridge trail on horseback, rafting down the Dolores River or learning how to use a bow and arrow. In your downtime, take one of the many hikes or simply relax and enjoy the great outdoors.
Viceroy Bali
Surrounded by lush, tropical beauty and located high above the stunning Valley of the Kings on the island of Bali, Viceroy Bali pays homage to the glory of the Earth. You, too, can celebrate the land by doing sun salutations with a yoga master in one of the hotel’s many gardens. If you want to get out and see more of the island, hop on a bike and peddle around the Ubud area or head to Nagi, a wood carving village near the Petanu River where rice and coconuts are also grown.
The White Barn Inn
Maine may be one of the most beautiful states, and at the 26-room Four-Star White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport, it’s not hard to see why. Immerse yourself in the environment by canoeing on the Kennebunk River, cycling around the 66-acre property or taking to the extensive walking trails that weave around gardens, woodlands, outdoor chapels and the lovely waterway. And if you simply want to stare into the sky, the best place to do that might be on a chaise lounge by the seasonal outdoor pool.
The Allison Inn & Spa
Tucked in the Willamette Valley, Oregon’s wine country, this Four-Star hotel provides a green escape all year long — it boasts LEED Gold Certification, uses solar hot water, refrains from using plastic bottles, offers a greenhouse and a 1.5-acre garden to grow ingredients for its Four-Star JORY at The Allison Inn restaurant. But visit during Earth Day to receive an organic, biodegradable earth pot with herbs from the garden and to catch Barbara Close, founder of botanical skincare company Naturopathica. On April 24, she will give a lecture and consultations that will be accompanied by 20-minute mini-facials performed by the Allison Spa’s aestheticians.
Inn at Serenbe
Leave the city behind and zone out as you walk the stone labyrinth by the lake at this stunning 27-room natural escape in Palmetto, Georgia (roughly 33 miles from Atlanta). You can also get close to the earth by sinking your hands into the sweet dirt at the inn’s farm, where it offers guided tours and scavenger hunts. After that, take out one of the horses and explore the property, stopping to take in the bounty of the beautiful surroundings (or to grab a bite at locally sourced eatery The Farmhouse). With lush plants, towering trees and sweet-smelling blossoms, this area proves an amazing place to be while celebrating Earth Day.