In a world increasingly aware of its environmental footprint, the hospitality industry is stepping up when it comes to sustainability, and it seems, no more so than right here in the UAE. A total of seven hotels in the emirates belonging to global hotel operator Minor Group, recently earned the prestigious Green Growth 2050 Platinum Certification, many of which fall under the Anantara umbrella.
Offered in Silver, Gold, and Platinum, properties must undergo an evaluation based on over 450 sustainability criteria making it one of the most detailed frameworks for assessing sustainability in the travel industry. With the aim of making all Anantara and Avani properties gold or above, the move explains the strong presence of Anantara hotels in the list below.
So, if you’re looking for a green getaway, these properties have earned recognition for their efforts, from reducing carbon emissions to supporting local conservation initiatives, proving that luxury and sustainability certainly can coexist.
1. The Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Trio:
Al Yamm Villa Resort, UAE
Set against the rugged beauty of Sir Bani Yas Island, Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort offers a truly sustainable retreat. Admire flocks of flamingos gathering at the mangrove lagoon, take a walk along the deserted white-sand beach in front of your private villa, or trek to the salt-domed hilltops that began to form as long as 600 million years ago, knowing that the retreat is committed to preserving the natural environment.
The resort uses renewable energy – the whole island is powered by wind turbines – water conservation strategies to irrigate the vast terrain, and supports wildlife conservation efforts on the island. Designed to be reminiscent of a traditional Emirati fishing village, villas have been designed sustainably using raw driftwood and palm fronds. anantara.com
Al Sahel Villa Resort, UAE
Another gem on Sir Bani Yas Island, the recently refurbished Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort offers eco-conscious conservation in rustic lodge luxury. Located within the expansive Arabian Wildlife Park, the resort is committed to sustainable practices such as organic farming, energy conservation, and reducing its waste footprint. The eco-luxe resort offers a rare and intimate connection with nature where guest can share their stay with over 11,000 free-roaming animals including the near extinct Arabian Oryx. Drinking water for wildlife is sourced by harnessing the sun’s power and the island’s humid air in state-of-the-art condensers.
Expect breakfast with gazelles, villa visiting peacocks and nature drives where giraffes, antelope and even two resident cheetahs – brought to the island from a zoo – are part of the wildlife experience. anantara.com
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, UAE
The third Anantara property on Sir Bani Yas Island is the Desert Islands Resort & Spa, a fortress-style hotel overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Similar to Al Sahel and Al Yamm, the main hotel on the sprawling island works to minimise its environmental impact through renewable energy initiatives, waste management, and water-saving techniques. Spend days snorkelling in the protected reefs, wandering wide stretches of private beach or riding across the island by horseback.
Guests can also enjoy access to the facilities of sister resorts, Al Yamm and Al Sahel including the 4,100 hectare protected wildlife park thanks to complimentary transfers between the trio of retreats. anantara.com
2. Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Arabian Gulf, the Greek inspired Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat offers a boutique eco-conscious escape. The 22-rooms resort has committed to reducing single-use plastics by using organic straws, bamboo cutlery, and biodegradable cups. It also has an on-site water-bottling plant to eliminate plastic waste, providing guests instead with refillable glass bottles that are replenished daily.
In addition to conserving water, the resort uses solar-powered outdoor lighting to reduce its carbon footprint. Food waste is processed in a composting machine, creating nutrient-rich compost for its organic garden that grows a host of vegetables and fruits from pomegranates to watermelons for guests. anantara.com
3. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
This stunning secluded desert resort nestled in the remote Empty Quarter, employs a circular economy approach to minimise its environmental footprint. Set high in the dunes, this desert oasis uses a food waste composter to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, which is then used to grow fruits and vegetables on-site. This sustainable practice not only reduces waste but also supports the farming of local produce, with dates, tomatoes, and other vegetables now sourced directly from the resort’s garden.
Additionally, the resort is dedicated to preserving the desert’s unique ecosystem through research on desert-adapted native plants and the use of a solar-powered well, which provides water for both the resort and the region’s wildlife. The well attracts the region’s wild sand gazelles and Arabian oryx which you will likely encounter on any visit to this eco-luxe gem. anantara.com
4. Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, UAE
Nestled on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, Anantara The Palm offers guests an idyllic escape with a purpose. The resort has introduced innovative energy-saving measures and water conservation strategies that contribute to its Platinum certification. In 2023, waste diversion rates rose from 62 per cent to 66 per cent, thanks to their Food Waste program while also managing a 2,500kg reduction at their largest restaurant within just two months. The hotel also processes waste on-site into garden irrigation and has replaced over 1.1 million plastic bottles with sustainable glass alternatives.
5. NH Collection Dubai The Palm, UAE
Located on the picturesque Palm Jumeirah, NH Collection Dubai The Palm effortlessly combines luxury and sustainability. The hotel has integrated energy-efficient technologies, including LED lighting and smart air-conditioning systems, to reduce energy consumption. To tackle water conservation, they’ve implemented low-flow faucets and shower heads throughout the property, alongside a water recycling system that supports their landscape irrigation.
In 2023, the hotel recycled 70 per cent of its total waste, and committed to zero food waste thanks to an advanced tracking and reduction program. They’ve replaced single-use plastics with sustainable alternatives, including glass bottles and bamboo straws. Last year, the hotel received the ‘Hotel of the Year for Sustainable Initiatives Commended’ award at the Middle East Hospitality Excellence Awards, highlighting its dedication to sustainable practices. n-hhotels.com
6. Avani+ Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites, UAE
Avani+ takes sustainability to heart with its modern amenities and eco-friendly initiatives. The hotel has embraced sustainable practices such as using high solar reflective index materials to reduce air conditioning energy consumption. Conveniently located next to public transport facilities, guests can also lower their carbon footprint by ditching taxis and hopping on the Palm Monorail for shopping at Nakheel Mall or riding the Dubai Tram for a stroll through the bustling JBR neighbourhood. avanihotels.com
7. Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel, UAE
In the heart of Dubai’s cityscape, Anantara Downtown is a standout example of luxury and sustainability. The hotel focuses on reducing its carbon footprint, enhancing energy efficiency, and conserving water resources. Its green initiatives extend to its dining, with locally sourced ingredients being a core part of the restaurant’s menu. anantara.com
For more information on the award, visit the Green Growth 2050 site here.
