Cultural connections through unique, eco-conscious stays

Imagine waking up in a place where every detail of your surroundings tells the stories of the land, its people, and their traditions. If you’re seeking a deeper connection with your destinations, you will find a haven in Beyond Green‘s portfolio of accommodations. These properties embrace vernacular architecture and local design, offering guests a unique experience that reflects the local culture and environment.

“We are proud to highlight this group of Beyond Green members who foster meaningful connections between travelers and their destinations through thoughtful and intentional design choices,” said Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Beyond Green. “These properties demonstrate that travel is more than just a journey—it is about connecting with the essence of a place.”

Casa di Langa, Cerretto Langhe, Italy

Nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps, Casa di Langa is a celebration of the region’s natural landscape and winemaking traditions. The resort’s architecture harmonizes with its environment by using local materials such as Luserna stone and recyclable terracotta.

Interiors are crafted by Piedmontese artisans, incorporating vintage elements and custom furnishings from recycled materials. The resort also employs regenerative gardening techniques to protect local ecosystems and enhance biodiversity.

Leela Palace Udaipur, Udaipur, India

A tribute to Rajasthani heritage, the Leela Palace Udaipur features traditional materials like Makrana white marble and Rajasthan black granite. The intricate Thekri mirror inlay work showcases centuries-old craftsmanship. Historical features, including the Sheesh Mahal and a 16th-century temple, are preserved to maintain cultural significance.

The palace, enriched with over 100 indigenous trees, offers guests a serene exploration of Lake Pichola via six electric boats. Forty-one percent of the property’s energy comes from renewable sources, and an advanced water-recycling system treats greywater for reuse. Innovations like flower cycling and turning used flowers into incense sticks blend cultural reverence with environmental responsibility.

Coulibri Ridge, Soufriere, Dominica

This 14-suite off-grid luxury retreat was designed as a long-term research project on how to respectfully develop and operate a modern, self-sufficient eco-resort that is closely intertwined with the local community.

Perched on a mountain ridge in southern Dominica, Coulibri Ridge uses solar, wind, and rain to power its operations. The innovative roof design captures rainwater, which is then purified using ultraviolet light and copper ionization, providing water for guest suites and six chlorine-free pools. The drainage system recycles greywater to irrigate its tropical gardens. 

The resort’s interiors feature recycled teak wood, with ceilings made from recyclable, mold-resistant aluminum. The resort’s exterior was crafted from hand-chiseled stone sourced on-site and built by local artisans. It was designed to withstand hurricanes, earthquakes, and humidity, integrating with the natural landscape.

Arenas del Mar, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Surrounded by Costa Rica’s lush rainforests, Arenas del Mar infuses the essence of the country into every aspect of its design.

Recent upgrades at the Mirador Restaurant feature woven lamps handcrafted by local artisans, adding an authentic touch to the dining experience. Locally sourced teak wood, known for its durability, is used in custom pieces throughout the resort, including day beds, the Mirador Tortilla Station, and the Spa.

The architecture embraces Costa Rica’s bioclimatic principles, optimizing natural airflow and light. The resort’s commitment to environmental stewardship is further highlighted by upcycling initiatives, such as repurposing a vintage coffee machine as a thematic centerpiece, celebrating the country’s rich coffee heritage.

Aristi Mountain Resort & Villas, Aristi, Greece

Aristi Mountain Resort celebrates the cultural richness of the Zagori region through collaboration with local artisans, showcasing bespoke artwork, furniture, and decor. Using traditional Zagori styles, the architecture incorporates local stone and wood inspired by the historic buildings of Aristi village.

The “Reappearances” initiative has restored a 200-foot cobbled pathway and dry-stone walls, reconnecting the community with its heritage.

Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California

Perched on the cliffs of Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn embraces biophilic architecture. Designed by the renowned architect Mickey Muennig, the resort’s freestanding units, including elevated Tree Houses and earth-sheltered Ocean Houses, are crafted to protect the environment and offer a nature-immersive experience.

Local and reclaimed materials, such as hand-placed stones in the Jade Pool and the repurposed Quonset Huts housing the Post Gallery, are utilized along with handcrafted furniture made on-site from reclaimed wood, with each piece contributing to the inn’s unique character. Sustainable elements like CORTEN steel siding, old-growth redwood, and repurposed schoolhouse doors further enhance its eco-conscious design.

The Parkside Hotel & Spa, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

An eco-conscious oasis in downtown Victoria, The Parkside Hotel & Spa greets guests with a light-filled atrium featuring lush greenery salvaged from the historic Crystal Gardens, preserving a piece of the city’s cultural heritage.

Designed to harmonize with the neighborhood, the hotel’s red brick and cement exterior complements nearby landmarks like St. Ann’s Academy, while unsuspectingly capturing rainwater for the hotel’s grey water tank. Since 2019, the hotel has partnered with Bees Please Farms to maintain rooftop hives, supporting urban biodiversity.

The rooftop also hosts a staff garden, and in a unique upcycling effort, they transform old curtains into reusable tote bags for guests.

The Palms Hotel & Spa, Miami Beach, Florida

Originally designed by renowned architect Roy F. France, The Palms Hotel & Spa retains a Streamline Moderne style, with large windows, doors, and expansive terraces that embrace the Florida sun and ocean breeze.

Natural materials throughout the resort reflect the beauty of the surrounding environment, while the lush tropical garden enhances biodiversity. A plant classification program is being developed to educate guests about the resort’s botanical treasures.

The hotel’s design also pays homage to the Art Deco era. It features iconic elements such as geometric patterns and ornamental details that celebrate the artistic flair of the period.

Inn by The Sea, Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Inn by the Sea connects guests to the natural world through its biophilic design, blending New England’s coastal tradition with modern touches. The lobby’s panoramic views stretch from indigenous gardens to the Atlantic Ocean, with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light.

The shingled exteriors and stone walls reflect classic New England architecture, while the surrounding landscapes—comprising native plantings, a restored coastal meadow, and a vibrant show garden—support local wildlife and enhance natural beauty.

During its renovations, the Inn achieved LEED Silver certification for the SPA addition by incorporating recycled materials and reducing construction waste, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.

Porta Hotel Antigua, La Antigua, Guatemala

Porta Hotel Antigua‘s La Tiendita initiative collaborates with local artisans to showcase handcrafted products that support the local economy, preserve Guatemalan traditions, and empower vulnerable communities.

La Tiendita creates meaningful social impact through partnerships with organizations like ALISA Handmade, supporting weaving schools; B’enam & Co., empowering rural communities and promoting environmental awareness; Wakami, providing opportunities for women in rural areas; and Colorina Latin Art, celebrating local culture with vibrant home goods.

SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge, Bahia Drake, Costa Rica

Bordered by 250,000 acres of parks and reserves, SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge fuses natural beauty with indigenous art, featuring Borucan Mask Art that tells the story of local rituals and celebrations.

The resort’s landscaping prioritizes native plants, replacing non-native species to boost biodiversity and integrate with the surrounding environment. The property also collaborates with local artisans and cacao producers, offering their products at the hotel and providing guests with opportunities to engage in traditional crafts.

Beyond Green’s global collection of accommodations connects travelers with destinations through authentic design and practices, enriching their journeys while preserving cultural and environmental heritage.

All photos by Beyond Green