Sustainable travel: How luxury staycations can cut your carbon footprint

Luxury staycations in the UK have never been so popular —they’re not only the best option for more sustainable tourism but also offer hassle-free travel and the chance to slow down and connect with new places and people on a deeper level.

Sustainable tourism was a big trend last year, and is set to gain further momentum with ever-growing numbers of travellers seeking more sustainable travel destinations and smart tactics for carbon off-setting in 2024. Far from curtailing your wanderlust, this new movement is all about adopting more mindful choices for trips that still fuel your passion for great travel experiences while being kinder to the environment.

And thanks to their commitment to implementing more sustainable practices from reducing energy consumption to sourcing local produce for fine dining, as well as offering first-class hospitality, the UK’s leading luxury hotels have further established the UK as a highly desirable holiday destination.

According to PoB Hotels’ latest research, an impressive 59% of respondents said they prioritise hotels that embrace sustainable and responsible travel practices. Notably, 42% are willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly options, with an additional 2% showing a strong willingness to invest significantly more in such choices. It’s inspiring.

PoB Hotels’ commitment and reputation for sourcing the finest local produce and supporting local organic farms and artisan producers for their award-winning restaurants is one of the most compelling reasons our hotels are so popular.

The Torridon, one of the top luxury boutique hotels in Scotland, is a true trailblazer and wows all who come to stay and dine with the wonders of its own onsite Kitchen, Garden & Farm. Here, there’s no question mark about provenance. The lovingly tended kitchen garden produces an abundant crop of herbs, fruits and vegetables that are used to craft delicious seasonal dishes. And Highland cattle, chickens, and Tamworth pigs are raised on the hotel’s farm. It’s as local as it gets.

In Sussex, the prestigious Gravetye Manor hotel boasts stunning historic gardens, including a kitchen garden that grows many of the fresh ingredients used to flavour the divine dishes in its Michelin-starred restaurant. And Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa near the charming Cotswolds town of Malmesbury, continues to raise the bar ever higher. Thanks to the creative flair of Head Chef Ricki Weston and his team, the hotel’s fine dining restaurant proudly holds a prestigious Green Michelin star for sustainable gastronomy, alongside one Michelin Star.

PoB Hotels also partner with local experts and operators to provide authentic experiences and tours that support the local community and economy.

Cromlix hotel, owned by tennis legend Andy Murray and his wife Kim, isn’t just one of the best hotels in the world for tennis fans, it’s also winning praise for its sustainable travel experiences. The Scottish hotel, situated near Dunblane in the Stirlingshire countryside, has partnered with expert local naturalists including Coeur Sauvage to offer foraging experiences. On guided walks through its flourishing grounds,  you can discover a wide variety of edible foods — and learn about the fruits of the changing seasons.  

In Cornwall, The Nare Hotel now offers sea fishing trips with local skipper James Brown, a former commercial fisherman with more than 20 years' experience, onboard the Madeline Rose, his traditional fishing boat.

And in the north east, Rockcliffe Hall Hotel has teamed up with leading adventure and watersports operators in the Darlington area to arrange action-packed experiences, including white water rafting at the Tees Barrage and surfing lessons in Saltburn.

And in response to the slow travel trend, PoB Hotels has also introduced PoB Breaks — a stunning series of road trip itineraries that enable you to connect with local people, culture and food at your own pace while staying in multiple luxury hotels in the most beautiful parts of the British Isles. This innovative travel service offers you the choice of pre-curated itinerary inspirations or the chance to create a bespoke experience of the benefits of slow travel, perfectly tailored to your specific needs and passions.