Higher, faster, further: We have become accustomed to the fact that everything is feasible, everything is available, immediately and always. And then suddenly, the world stands still. We are reduced to only ourselves and our four walls. We may only travel virtually. Borders that have long since ceased to exist in our minds are suddenly overwhelmingly present. What does that do to us? What does it do to us as travellers in the future? How will travel after COVID-19 develop? Do we see it as a chance to appreciate travel more and plan it differently?

For years Green Pearls® have been working on travel in a more environmentally friendly, authentic and socially responsible way, and even more, respecting the hosts. Travel is a personal experience and not something to simply consume. It would be desirable in terms of nature and also for the inhabitants of the destinations to rethink about a quick weekend trip to Mallorca by plane or five days in the Maldives.

It’s time for more conscious travel after COVID-19

It is not a matter of not travelling at all, but rather travelling more consciously. But what exactly does that mean? It implies that we should put the distance we travel to get to the destination and the length of our stay in mind. Think about how we live on the site, the means of transport and what we can do to offset CO2. We have a shared responsibility to make travel more environmentally friendly and socially responsible. The environment has been recovering since the lockdown started, but what happens to travel after COVID-19? It’s up to us whether we continue to be mindful or revert back to “old habits”.

Green Pearls® shows that responsible travel does not mean sacrificing amenities, but rather it means creating new experiences that resonate – even when we return home.

Here are seven Green Pearls® hotels and holiday homes that combine sustainable practices and the highest levels of guest comfort

Thailand: Zeavola

The Zeavola Resort is located on Koh Phi Phi, in an archipelago of six islands. Phi Phi Island with its hilly landscape and towering cliffs are surrounded by unique beaches and emerald green sea. The resort is built like a typical fishing village. “Back to simplicity and nature” is the motto of this five-star resort. Barefoot luxury directly on the beach, exceptional service and unspoiled nature will let you feel like you have discovered paradise.

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Germany: Okelmann‘s

Natural holidays, allowing yourself to drift and simply enjoy, that’s the best way to describe the Okelmann’s, another destination to travel after COVID-19, in the small community of Warpe in Lower Saxony. The hotel has been family-owned for four generations and is now managed by two daughters. Humans and nature are in the foreground here. In the café Heimatliebe, you get spoiled with fresh ingredients, some of them from the hotel’s own garden.

Lithuania: Hotel ROMANTIC

Dalia Remeikaitė and her daughter Dovilė Šipelienė

The ROMANTIC Boutique Hotel & SPA is located in a historic building with a long history. In 1841 the first mechanical mill in the country was put into operation here, and today it is one of the most important monuments in Lithuania. In 2002 the 4-star ROMANTIC Hotel was opened by Dalia Remeikaitė and her daughter Dovilė Šipelienė with a focus on sustainable management. The goal of the two dedicated women is to prove that nature-oriented and environmentally friendly ideas and the corresponding sustainable lifestyle are realistic and realizable for everyone.

Maldives: Gili Lankanfushi

This Eco-Luxury Resort is only 20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport in Malé – the capital of Maldives. The resort has 45 spacious overwater villas made of wood and glass. Gili Lankanfushi is located on a private coral island in the middle of a sparkling lagoon, with footbridges leading to the spacious villa accommodation. It is a place where you will arrive as a guest, leave as a friend and return as a family.

Italy: Sagna Rotonda

The breathtaking nature of Valle Maira in Piedmont is an insider tip for hikers, nature lovers and winter sports enthusiasts and a gem to travel after COVID-19. The Sagna Rotonda offers furnished, self-sufficient holiday apartments in traditional houses fit for the whole family. Guests can explore the mostly untouched valley alone or together with host Giovanni.

Austria: Outside

“A special place in the middle of the outdoors, where we can feel ourselves again, switch off in peace and quiet, where regional ingredients are transformed into delicious dishes, and where we can simply enjoy while being surrounded by good company”.

This is how the Hotel Outside describes itself. Nestled in the picturesque landscape of the Hohe Tauern National Park, guests have a fantastic view of the spectacular mountain scenery from their rooms. Natural materials in the rooms, an organic breakfast with regional delicacies and many activities in nature guarantee a relaxing and unforgettable holiday.

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Indonesia: Puri Dajuma

The Puri Dajuma Cottages & Spa is located in the western part of Bali, which is not very well known for tourism. It consists of 18 traditional Balinese cottages, a luxury wooden villa (“Pondok Segara”) with fantastic views of the beach and two suites, one for families and the other for honeymooners. You can enjoy a perfect harmony of 4-star comfort and sustainability.

All images courtesy of Green Pearls®