The most sustainable luxury hotels in Miami

Boasting a prime location on Miami Beach, 1 Hotel South Beach is an oasis of peace and tranquillity not too far from the action. Deserving of its five-stars (and then some) the beauty of nature blends seamlessly into every corner of this resort, offering guests first-class cuisine, airy accommodation, and excellent facilities that are good for the environment. 

Committed to working with sustainable investors, collaborating with local communities, and investing in its own staff, we’ve highlighted a few of the ways in which this hotel has pledged to stay sustainable:

• It's LEED-certified 
• And 100% Carbon Neutral 
• It has offset19,171 tons of co2
• Donated ½ a million dollars to charities such as Housing Works, Oceanic Global, The Nature Conservancy and the NRDC
• Delicious menus are created with sustainable practices 
• Staff are entitled to paid time off to volunteer 

One of the most eco-friendly hotels in Miami is The Miami Beach EDITION. Recently, the hotel launched its ‘Stay Plastic Free’ initiative, which is its mission to eradicate plastic from the hotel industry. To help achieve this, the property partnered with the water bottle company, Just, which champions paper-based bottles by utilising biodegradable sugarcane that can be reused. The Miami Beach EDITION also hosts an annual ‘Earth Day’ to celebrate nature, whereby it introduces sustainable vendors to teach children and adults alike about the importance of creating an eco-friendly world. 

A few of the hotel’s eco-friendly initiatives include:

• Launched a plastic-free initiative 
• Teaming up with water bottle company Just
• Teaches about the importance of sustainability with Earth Day celebration event
• Supporting ocean charities
• Hosts annual ‘Earth Day’ celebration

The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort is on a mission to create an eco-friendlier world at its resort. The focus is on energy and water consumption as well as minimising waste. The St. Regis chain has even appointed sustainability managers for each region of hotels to work on new and innovative ways to be more sustainable. 

Here are some of the ways The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort has implemented change: 

• Energy-efficient lighting fitted throughout the resort
• Energy-efficient windows fitted 
• Recycling cooking oil 
• Recycling of plastic, linen, and towels 
• Using chemical-free laundry and cleaning products 

Significant commitments have been made at The Setai, Miami Beach. Situated in the heart of Miami’s bustling South Beach, the five-star resort has implemented many sustainability measures over the years, including switching from plastic to paper where possible, using locally-sourced products in its kitchens, reducing waste, and introducing Leviton charging stations in its garages. 

One of the most impressive features is the hotel’s variety of infinity pools. Not only are they kept at a perfect temperature all-year-round but are made of 99% recycled glass! A couple of the things this hotel has implemented to be more environmentally friendly include: 

• Only using paper straws
• Recycling procedures 
• LED energy-saving lighting throughout the hotel
• Leviton charging stations 
• Kitchens only use USDA-certified organic, Fair Trade and locally produced food and drink
• The swimming pool is 99% recycled glass

The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami, has gone 100% single-use plastic free as well as partnering with sustainability partner Kopu Water to ensure visitors receive luxury in an eco-friendly setting. 

One of the most interesting things the hotel does is teach little ones about the importance of environmental responsibility as part of the Ritz Kids programme – a great way to both entertain and educate smaller visitors. The hotel's meeting rooms are also built with sustainability in mind with recycled paper, products, and pens. 

Discover some of the other green initiatives at the hotel: 

• Reduce energy and water usage 
• Linen and towel reuse programme 
• Sustainable local food and seafood options 
• Recycling and recycled products used
• Educational Ritz Kid environment programmes 
• Collaborations with Clean the World non-profit charity

Now that you’ve narrowed down your eco hotel Miami options, you’ll want to enjoy some of the best sustainable attractions the city has to offer. And, as it’s such a bountiful city of nature, you won't have to travel far before immersing yourself in the beautiful flora and fauna… 

The beautiful Fairchild Garden
This inspiring haven of rare tropical palm trees, flora and fauna conserve some of South Florida’s most endangered plants. A few of the most exciting things to do are visit the edible garden, wander through the butterfly conservatory, and relax by the mini waterfalls. 

Get back to nature at Seabird Station
Do you love animals? If the answer is yes, you must visit Pelican Harbor Seabird Station. A wildlife rescue service in Miami, here you can witness various birds and reptiles being nursed back to health. 

Explore the twists and turns at Shark Valley
Despite its name, there are no sharks in sight, but there are alligators. Currently part of the Everglades National Park, your tour guide will take you through the walking and bike tours where you’ll catch glimpses of alligators, rare birds, and the famous River of Grass - which is the largest subtropical wetland in North America. 

Old-world glamour at Deering Estate
More famously known as the backdrop for the 1980s TV show Miami Vice, this estate is one of Miami's most stunning natural areas. Take one of the cruises to explore the restricted areas of the property and pretty butterfly walks. 

Explore the marine life at Biscayne National Park
Discover life under the sea at Biscayne National Park. 172,971 acres of shallow waters reveal coral limestone and coastal mangroves. You can even go snorkelling and discover the world’s third-largest coral reef, as well as some of the shipwrecks that remain beautifully intact. 

Grab a slice of nature at South Florida Breadbasket
Foodies rejoice. Get back to nature at the South Florida Breadbasket, where you can pick strawberries or tomatoes, sample wine from Schnebly Winery, or try delicious mango shakes from Knauss berry farm. 

The 1 Hotel South Beach is committed to sustainable hospitality, using mother nature to create the most eco-friendly hotel and facilities. 

There are many hikes and trails to explore in Miami, such as Biscayne National Park, Shark Valley, and Fairchild Garden. 

The Ritz-Carlton is one of the most luxurious resorts in Miami whilst remaining dedicated to its mission of creating a more sustainable future.