Say "Happy Earth Day" with Eco-friendly Spas!

Happy Earth Day!  Being environmentally aware is important to SpaFinder and is a huge part of wellness in general.  How can you have internal balance and wellness if the environment around you isn’t healthy and balanced itself?  In honor of Earth Day we are pleased to bring you some eco-friendly spas that have made it their goal to bring relaxation and health to spa-goers, while monitoring their carbon-footprint and environmental impact to ensure that our planet stays beautiful and balanced for future generations.

U.S. eco-spas include:

The Springs Resort & Spa, Pagosa Springs, Colorado: Said to be one of America’s most “green-built” hotels, The Springs Resort & Spa has built a new hotel that meets the Gold standard criteria for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) organization, and is just one of five in America to meet this standard.  The Springs uses 31% less energy than standard hotels.

Sundara Inn & Spa, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin: By carefully preserving all of the surrounding resources and wildlife, Sundara keeps sustainability at the core of its program.  The inn’s accommodations make use of natural light and renewable materials to create their signature aesthetic.

The Crossings, Austin, Texas: The Crossings has been awarded Discovery Channel’s “Treehugger” award for the best resort.  Enjoy a homey atmosphere supplemented with all the comforts that you wish you had at home, including the property’s infinity pools and vast decks and patios where you will be able to take in all of the nature that surrounds the spa.  With organic skincare and cuisine, The Crossings offers the ultimate back-to-nature experience.

Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, New York: The Mohonk Mountain House has built a new 300,000-square-foot wing to house its spa, pool, and fitness center in partnership with The Saratoga Associates, which has designed the new wing to be as environmentally friendly as possible.  The Mohonk Mountain House uses a geothermal heating and cooling system and recycled and recyclable materials.

Eco-Spas Overseas:

The Fairmont Mayakoba, Quintana Roo, Costa Rica: The Fairmont Mayakoba opened in 2006 and was constructed around the fragility of the Riviera Maya ecosystem.  Gas-powered vehicles are prohibited at the facility, and guests travel across the 1,600-acre property on golf carts and lanchas or on small boats.

Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda, Gargnano, Italy: Lefay Resort & Spa has invested in the future and has created their facilities around eco-sustainability and renewable energy sources.  Lefay believes that personal wellness and environmental wellness are directly connected, which is why everything from the interior design to the building materials keep in mind a respect for the spa’s surroundings and environment.

Chiva Som, Hua Hin, Thailand: Chiva Som outlines many of the initiatives it is taking to maintain an eco-friendly spa on its website.  Some of these efforts include the use of alternative and renewable energy and the decrease of non-renewable fossil fuels.  Water-saving efforts are also in place, like harvesting and purifying rainfall.

Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Queensland, Australia: With minimal disturbance of the natural rainforest and bushland that surrounds the spa, which overlooks the Tallenbudgera Valley, the Gwinganna team provides spa-goers with a holistic experience.  Treatments and workshops are unique and include “Sleep Discovery” or “Feast of Nutrition”.  The facility also includes gardens where organic food is grown for the nourishment of the guests.