Small Luxury Hotels of the World Launches Sustainability Initiative to Drive Action among Boutique Hotels
A Glimpse into Sustainable Hospitality
Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) has launched an inspiring new sustainability Call-to-Action Report, marking a significant step in championing responsible tourism among its unique portfolio of small, independent boutique hotels. As the brand approaches its 35th anniversary in 2025, this report highlights the ongoing journey of SLH toward embedding sustainable practices in every corner of its community.
What the Report Covers
The report takes a detailed look at the past, present, and future concerning sustainable hospitality within the SLH network. It dives deep into lessons learned from standout properties, innovative partnerships, and sets out future commitments to elevate sustainable standards. SLH’s ethos has long been rooted in supporting independently minded, family-owned hotels that naturally embrace sustainable practices due to their unique and localized operations.
Considerate Collection: Leading by Example
At the heart of SLH’s sustainability efforts is the Considerate Collection, a curated group of hotels that meet the highest sustainability benchmarks. Having celebrated its fourth anniversary, this collection has grown significantly, now boasting 82 properties across more than 40 countries. Each hotel admitted has demonstrated a commitment to environmental stewardship, community engagement, and preservation of cultural heritage without leveraging certification purely for profit.
| Aspect | Focus |
|---|---|
| Environmental Consciousness | Energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction |
| Community Involvement | Supporting local economies and cultural traditions |
| Cultural Custodianship | Protecting heritage and raising awareness among travelers |
New additions like Lilløy Lindenberg in Norway and Quinta Da Comporta in Portugal illustrate how diverse destinations adopt innovative sustainability models while offering guests authentic experiences. Fresh openings have also joined, including Laguna Coast Resort in Greece and Namia River Retreat in Vietnam, enriching the collection with wellness and cultural immersion opportunities.
Implementing 10 Minimum Sustainability Standards
Looking forward, SLH has set ambitious goals requiring all member hotels—now exceeding 650 across 90+ countries—to meet ten minimum sustainability standards by 2027. These standards focus on themes such as water and energy efficiency, ethical sourcing, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEAI), providing actionable frameworks to guide hotels regardless of their setting—from rainforest hideaways to charming seaside cottages.
Overview of the 10 Minimum Standards
- Water efficiency and management
- Energy conservation and renewable sources
- Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives
- Local and ethical procurement
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