Photo: Hotel Central, The Netherlands
Modern travel is all about balance. We crave connection—both with the places we visit and the landscapes that surround them. And as sustainability becomes more than just a buzzword, the best hotels are stepping up, proving that heritage and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. Across Europe, historic hotels are rewilding their grounds, reducing their carbon footprints, and making it easier than ever to check in without checking out of nature.
From the windswept fjords of Norway to the sun-drenched courtyards of Greece, these five standout stays let you breathe a little deeper. Whether it’s a former merchant’s house turned urban oasis or a country estate where slow travel reigns, each offers a green escape that doesn’t skimp on comfort.
Hotel Central – Sustainable Stays in Historic Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
Hertogenbosch is the kind of Dutch city that feels like a well-kept secret—where canals snake past centuries-old townhouses, and history lingers in every cobbled lane. At its heart sits Hotel Central, a four-star sanctuary with an eco-conscious edge. Housed in a 500-year-old building overlooking the bustling Markt square, the hotel has undergone a thoughtful green transformation. Sustainability isn’t just a side note here—it’s a long-term commitment. Hotel Central recently received its Green Key Gold certificate renewal. While that’s impressive in itself, holding onto the highest level of this internationally recognised certification for the 15th consecutive year is a testament to the hotel’s deep-rooted corporate sustainability mission.
Borrow one of the hotel’s bikes and cycle through the wetlands of the Binnendieze river, or take a slow, scenic boat ride through the city’s hidden waterways—because sustainable travel is as much about how you explore as where you stay.
Allegory Boutique Hotel – A Hotbed of History in Mediaeval Rhodes, Greece
A sun-drenched courtyard, a cluster of ancient stone walls, and a setting straight out of a medieval romance—Allegory Boutique Hotel is a stay with soul. Nestled within the historic Old Town of Rhodes, this intimate retreat brings sustainability to one of Greece’s most famous islands. Small but perfectly formed, each of its just six suites is designed with natural materials that complement the island’s earthy palette.
Stepping outside, the medieval streets of Rhodes offer an evocative backdrop for exploration. Wander beneath the imposing arches of the Palace of the Grand Master or trace the island’s ancient maritime routes along the glistening coast. And if you need respite from the buzz of the old town, a short drive leads to some of the island’s untouched beaches, where the only soundtrack is the lapping of the Aegean.
Twr y Felin Hotel – An Artistic Eco Haven in Wales
Perched on the edge of Britain’s smallest city, Twr y Felin Hotel in St Davids, Wales, is a fusion of history, sustainability, and contemporary art. Once a working windmill, the building has been transformed into a boutique eco-hotel, with renewable energy sources, an ambitious water-saving programme, strong recycling policies and electric-car charging points, and a deep commitment to supporting the local community.
The hotel is home to over 100 specially commissioned artworks inspired by Pembrokeshire’s rugged coastline, reinforcing a strong sense of place. Step outside and the wild beauty of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park unfolds—dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and endless trails for walkers and wildlife lovers alike. After a windswept coastal hike, retreating to the hotel’s stylish interiors—where comfort and sustainability go hand in hand—feels like the perfect reward.
Coopershill House – A Georgian Mansion with a Rural Soul, Ireland
A long, tree-lined avenue leads to Coopershill House, an 18th-century Georgian mansion that feels like a love letter to slow travel. Surrounded by 500 acres of wild Irish countryside, this family-run retreat in County Sligo is as sustainable as it is storied. The estate has a farm-to-table ethos and sees homegrown ingredients star on the menu, and rewilding initiatives have helped bring native species back to the land.
Days here move at a gentler pace. Take a meandering walk through ancient woodlands, spot red deer grazing in the estate’s meadows, or simply curl up by the fire with a book as rain patters against the window. And when the day winds down, the house’s heritage interiors—antique four-poster beds, sash windows overlooking the river—offer an indulgent yet eco-conscious retreat.
Hotel Park – A Quaint Hideaway Near Historic Bryggen, Norway
If you’re after fjords, fresh air, and a sense of solitude, Hotel Park delivers in spades. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Bergen, just a short stroll from the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, this charming family-run hotel is a masterclass in mindful hospitality. The 19th-century townhouse has embraced eco-friendly practices with open arms; and proudly boast both Eco-Lighthouse certification and the Green Travel label.
Nature lovers will find endless ways to reconnect with the wild here. Hike up Mount Fløyen for sweeping views over the city and the fjord beyond, or take the less-trodden route up Mount Ulriken for a more rugged adventure. After a day in the elements, sinking into one of the hotel’s plush, vintage-inspired armchairs feels like a reward in itself.
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