Hotels Taking Steps Towards Sustainability in Western Cape

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

9.1

Excellent

From $1,151

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Grootbos is a leader in sustainable tourism, certified as a Global Ecosphere Retreat®. It actively conserves the Cape Floral Kingdom and has been carbon-negative since 2018. The reserve utilizes a 250kW solar plant, a greywater system, and rainwater harvesting, and offsets each guest stay. They also have a strong focus on community upliftment.

De Zeekoe Guest Farm

Farm Stay in Oudtshoorn

8.9

Excellent

From $56

$

Farm Stay Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

De Zeekoe Guest Farm is Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) certified, indicating a strong focus on environmental conservation and ethical business practices. They practice sustainable conservation and are located on a private game reserve. They are also building new eco-friendly cottages using natural materials like clay, reeds, wood, and stones, and incorporating solar panels and gas geysers.

Teniqua Treetops

Guest House in Sedgefield

9.3

Excellent

From $79

$

Guest House Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This accommodation is deeply committed to eco-conscious living, utilizing off-grid solar energy and a chemical-free natural water filtration system. The treetop suites are built on stilts to minimize environmental impact on the indigenous forest. They also practice rainwater harvesting, use biodegradable detergents, and manage waste with septic tanks and soakaway pits that nourish the forest.

Questionnaire

Certifications:

Green Tourism Active (GTA Global) - Certification level: Green Champion (80% pass rate)

Do you utilise any renewable energy sources to produce energy on the hotel/accommodation premises?

Solar radiation

What makes your hotel/accommodation eco-friendly?

Building materials from sustainable resources

Engaged in eco-friendly initiatives (i.e. reforestation, wildlife conservation)

Rainwater collection and usage

Use of non-toxic cleaning products

LED lighting throughout the premises

Employees are trained to follow environmental policies

Carbon footprint is measured by recognised CO2 measurement tool

Toilets flush up to 6 litres per flush

Signs in the rooms informing guests that towels will only be changed upon request

Toilet paper made of non-chlorine bleached paper or awarded with an eco-label

Waste is separated into at least 3 categories

Recycling bins in guest rooms

No disposable (single use) cups/glasses, plates and cutlery

Organic waste is composted

An energy audit is carried out at least once every five years

Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify?
Waste water goes to a septic tank and then runs through a soak away and feeds the forest, We use harvested rain water and filtered river water, all byproduct water is directed to a small dam which has reed filtration. All audry water is also directed to the dam

Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport

Hotel in Matroosfontein

8.8

Excellent

From $108

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport is widely recognized as Africa's greenest hotel, achieving double platinum LEED certification. It operates with 70% more energy efficiency than other Cape Town hotels and utilizes renewable energy sources like wind turbines and solar panels. The hotel implements extensive water-saving measures, including greywater recycling systems, and has a strong focus on waste reduction and recycling.

Cape Grace, A Fairmont Managed Hotel

Hotel in Cape Town

9.2

Excellent

From $919

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This hotel holds the Green Key certification and the EDGE Buildings Certification. It has eliminated single-use plastics from the guest experience, implemented the Winnow Standard AI system to reduce food waste, and practices comprehensive recycling. The hotel also uses energy-efficient lighting, has a linen and towel reuse program, and offers RE:CYCLE bicycles made from recycled Nespresso capsules.

Leeu Estates

Hotel in Franschhoek

9.8

Excellent

From $802

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Leeu Estates implements a comprehensive sustainability program, including the 'Leeu Locally Grown' initiative with organic gardens providing farm-to-fork produce, grown without pesticides or herbicides. The estate utilizes greywater for irrigation, employs electric golf carts, and has invested in energy-efficient equipment and solar plants. They prioritize waste reduction and recycling, repurposing grape waste for compost, and use eco-friendly packaging. Natural farming methods are employed, and biodiversity is encouraged through habitat preservation, cover crops, and beneficial insects.

Questionnaire

What makes your hotel/accommodation eco-friendly?

Building materials from sustainable resources

Written environmental policy statement in place

The structure maximizes air flow to reduce the need for air-conditioning

The structure maximizes natural light to reduce the need for lighting and heating

Engaged in eco-friendly initiatives (i.e. reforestation, wildlife conservation)

Rainwater collection and usage

Use of non-toxic cleaning products

Serving organic food at the restaurant

Employees are trained to follow environmental policies

Toilets flush up to 6 litres per flush

Signs in the rooms informing guests that towels will only be changed upon request

Waste is separated into at least 3 categories

Organic waste is composted

Most of the ingredients used to prepare meals are locally produced

A vegetarian alternative menu is proposed in the restaurant

Kingfisher Cottages, Langhoogte Farm

Vacation Home in Montagu

10

Excellent

From $116

$

Vacation Home Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

These eco-friendly cottages are built using natural materials and techniques and are located on a farm that runs almost entirely on renewable energy. The farm prioritizes uncompromised sustainability in its operations, including water supply and waste management.

Questionnaire

Do you utilise any renewable energy sources to produce energy on the hotel/accommodation premises?

Solar radiation

What makes your hotel/accommodation eco-friendly?

Building materials from sustainable resources

The structure maximizes air flow to reduce the need for air-conditioning

The structure maximizes natural light to reduce the need for lighting and heating

Engaged in eco-friendly initiatives (i.e. reforestation, wildlife conservation)

Use of non-toxic cleaning products

LED lighting throughout the premises

Toilet paper made of non-chlorine bleached paper or awarded with an eco-label

Waste is separated into at least 3 categories

Recycling bins in guest rooms

No disposable (single use) cups/glasses, plates and cutlery

Organic waste is composted

DysArt Boutique Hotel - Solar Power

Hotel in Cape Town

9.1

Excellent

From $124

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This hotel highlights its use of solar power, demonstrating a commitment to renewable energy and reducing its reliance on traditional power sources.

Rosedene Lodge - 24h solar with pool and garden

Guest House in Cape Town

8.8

Excellent

From $72

$

Guest House Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Rosedene Lodge has made significant efforts to reduce its environmental impact. They have used solar panels for hot water since 2005, implemented waste separation, changed to LED lighting, and established an independent water supply from a borehole. They also installed photovoltaic energy in 2022.

Questionnaire

What makes your hotel/accommodation eco-friendly?

Rainwater collection and usage

LED lighting throughout the premises

Employees are trained to follow environmental policies

Toilets flush up to 6 litres per flush

Waste is separated into at least 3 categories

Organic waste is composted

Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify?
Hot water is heated through solar panels
We have our own borehole and are using rain water and/or borehole water for the pool and the toilets

Hermanus Beachfront Lodge - Solar Power

Guest House in Hermanus

9.4

Excellent

From $151

$

Guest House Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Featuring 'Solar Power' in its name, this lodge indicates a commitment to using solar energy, a significant step towards reducing its environmental impact.

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat

Hotel in Clanwilliam

9.4

Excellent

From $782

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Bushmans Kloof is an ecological oasis dedicated to conservation and sustainable tourism. It has reintroduced endemic species, removed alien vegetation, and focuses on water conservation. The reserve also protects ancient rock art sites and supports local communities through various initiatives.

Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa

Hotel in Cape Town

9.0

Excellent

From $322

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This hotel, part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, is located within the environs of a national park and practices diligent sustainability. They have implemented water-saving initiatives, manage waste and energy consumption, and have eliminated single-use plastics. They also support sustainable community projects.

Oude Werf Hotel

Hotel in Stellenbosch

9.0

Excellent

From $146

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

As the oldest running hotel in South Africa, Oude Werf is dedicated to green hospitality. They recycle a significant amount of waste, generate solar thermal power, and use energy and water-wise devices. They also actively source local, eco-safe, and ethically produced goods and are a certified member of Fair Trade Tourism.

Ellerman House

Hotel in Cape Town

9.8

Excellent

From $898

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Ellerman House is committed to sustainability, using the Weeva platform to track and measure interventions. They implement water-saving measures, work to minimize single-use plastic, and support a charity focused on early childhood literacy.

Vineyard Hotel

Hotel in Cape Town

9.2

Excellent

From $213

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This certified Fair Trade Tourism property and Skål Sustainable Tourism Awards winner maintains largely indigenous gardens and uses a greywater system and borehole water. It has installed 80 solar panels, procures green energy from the Darling Wind Farm, and recycles 98% of its waste. The hotel's new self-catering apartments have a 5-star Green Star rating, and it uses 100% recycled paper for conferences.

Delaire Graff Lodges and Spa

Hotel in Stellenbosch

9.7

Excellent

From $1,300

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Delaire Graff Estate is committed to preserving the environment and supporting local communities. They utilize solar energy and water recycling initiatives, source locally and responsibly, and their gardens feature a high percentage of indigenous plants.

Pezula Nature Retreat

Hotel in Knysna

9.0

Excellent

From $225

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

The retreat offers dedicated 'Eco Suites' designed with natural ventilation and heating. They prioritize sustainable meal choices by supporting local farmers and businesses and have implemented energy and water-saving measures, including solar-heated pools and geysers.

Fancourt Hotel

Hotel in George

9.3

Excellent

From $163

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Fancourt Hotel has received 'green' certification and a good grading for responsible environmental business practice. They have an environmental management system focusing on recycling, managing alien vegetation, and managing waste, water, and electricity. Their golf course, The Links, is a Certified Audubon Cooperation Sanctuary, recognized for its role in environmental sustainability.

Arabella Hotel, Golf and Spa

Hotel in Kleinmond

8.8

Excellent

From $149

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This hotel is Green Key Certified and has a sustainable program called Green Evolution focusing on water management, energy management, sustainable consumption, and preservation of the natural environment. They utilize reclaimed water for gardens, have a drip irrigation system, and their electricity consumption comes from 100% renewable sources.

Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel

Hotel in Paternoster

9.6

Excellent

From $267

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Located on the coast, this boutique hotel likely emphasizes sustainability to protect the marine environment and coastal ecosystem.