Sustainable relaxation: when well-being meets responsibility
Just a few years ago, a spa vacation was primarily seen as a brief escape from everyday life—an opportunity for peace, rejuvenation, and connection with nature. Since then, however, the expectations of many travelers have shifted: in addition to relaxation, they now seek targeted revitalization and a mindful lifestyle that considers the body, mind, and environment equally.
This presents a challenge to the industry because wellness facilities are among the most energy- and water-intensive in the tourism sector. Heated pools, saunas, and elaborate treatments consume significant resources, conflicting with the growing desire for sustainability.
Which leads to the crucial question: How can one relax without leaving a massive ecological footprint? The hotels in the Green Pearls® network are seeking answers to this question, developing concepts that combine relaxation with environmental awareness. Examining real-world examples reveals how these sustainable approaches are being implemented.
Technology meets sustainability
The hotel SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in Bad Herrenalb, a health resort and spa town in southern Germany, combines the natural powers of nature with state-of-the-art facilities. The hotel relies on 100% green electricity, a combined heat and power plant, water-saving systems, and intelligent sensor and heating controls. Additionally, the spa area's treatments use only organic, natural cosmetic products. The hotel takes a holistic approach that goes beyond the traditional oasis of relaxation. "Selfness is mindful self-care and actively pursuing a healthy lifestyle. It is the philosophy that drives us. We place the needs and well-being of every single guest at the heart of our hospitality," explains Managing Director and owner Stefan Bode. For this reason, the spa offerings are complemented by yoga, fasting, and individually tailored wellness programs.
Thanks to its use of geothermal energy, the OLM Nature Escape is energy self-sufficient and has been GSTC-certified since its inception. “We wanted to create an ecologically, socially, and economically sustainable hotel with a spa,” says owner Christian Lechner. It’s no surprise that the OLM was named “Hotel of the Year” in 2024. The 500-square-meter Eco SPA combines warm wood tones with large panoramic windows. It features a natural swimming pond, an indoor pool, a heated outdoor lap pool, and an adults-only sauna area. Energy is supplied by photovoltaics, hydropower, and, above all, geothermal energy. Equipped with 3,000 m² of solar panels on the roof, a geothermal system with 126 probes, and its own heating plant, the hotel generates all the electricity and heat it needs. In total, that amounts to 870 kW for direct consumption. "We place great importance on ensuring that our equipment operates efficiently and that resources are conserved," says Lechner.
The Naturhotel Outside in Matrei, East Tyrol, has implemented sustainable solutions in its 2,000-square-meter Natur Spa, where modern systems and regional resources work in harmony. "Our goal is to use energy where it's really needed," explains Managing Director Daniel Ganzer. For instance, the outdoor pool, which is heated to 35 °C, uses water-saving technology. Outside operating hours, the warm water is stored in an underground tank and reused during the “Green Hours.” This reduces heat loss without compromising guest comfort. A special regional connection is evident in the Deferegger healing water brine bath, which is fed by mineral-rich, 600,000-year-old healing water from the surrounding area. The spa area was designed with natural materials such as East Tyrolean serpentinite, creating a connection to the alpine landscape of the East Tyrolean Alps.
The Hotel Das Rübezahl in Schwangau uses energy- and water-saving systems to conserve resources. Its 2,500-square-meter wellness area features a natural pond, a reflexology stream bed, and a panoramic deck offering space for exercise and relaxation. Indoor and outdoor pools, including the year-round heated outdoor pool, utilize energy and water-saving systems that, for example, reuse waste heat from the cooling system. The Beauty-Alm and the indoor spa area offer natural products. Treatments such as the Alpine herbal massage and the Kundalini back massage use high-quality, regional, natural products.
Our goal is to combine relaxation, nature, and efficiency. We rely on modern facilities, energy-efficient systems, and the mindful use of resources, without compromising our guests' comfort.
Managing Director Alexander Thurm
The Hotel Weiherhof has also adopted a minimalist, eco-friendly approach to wellness. “For us, sustainability means consistently using environmental technology and actively managing resources,” explains General Manager Klaus Pichler. For example, the pool water comes from the hotel’s own spring and therefore does not impact the drinking water supply. Furthermore, it is treated without the traditional addition of chlorine. Instead, the hotel operates a modern ozone system. Energy usage is also closely monitored: The saunas are controlled by automatic timers and are only in operation at specific times. Another sauna is activated exclusively upon request to ensure energy is used only as needed. Throughout the hotel, water-saving systems in showers, faucets, and toilet flushes ensure reduced consumption of approximately 130 to 140 liters per guest per night. The concept is complemented by the hotel’s own certified organic care products from South Tyrol, which also underscore the hotel’s regional commitment in the spa area.
Targeted use of resources
The adults-only Tree Hotel My Arbor in South Tyrol uniquely combines nature experiences with a pampering program. One example is the essential oils used for sauna infusions. These oils are produced by a small local company that uses woodworking byproducts, such as Swiss stone pine needles, for distillation. "This is a wonderful example of sustainable business practices that we are happy to support," says Alexandra Huber, who runs the Tree Hotel with her family. "We select our partners very carefully," Huber emphasizes. When it comes to beauty and skincare products, My Arbor adheres to the highest ecological standards. The Team Dr. Joseph and Pharmos lines used are additionally certified organic. A mindful approach to nature also plays a central role in the rest of the leisure offerings. One particularly popular offering is forest bathing, a meditative practice in which guests experience the forest with all their senses. Spending time in the forest reduces stress, lowers the heart rate, and recharges the body—and raises awareness about protecting the environment.
At the APIPURA hotel rinner in South Tyrol, the Rinner family combines renewable and energy-efficient systems with unique spa treatments. "We've chosen a wellness concept that conserves resources," explains hotel manager Manfred Rinner. For this reason, the sauna is only heated upon advance reservation so that no energy is wasted when it’s not in use. Guests are asked to sign up about 20 minutes in advance. Similarly, the whirlpool is not heated at night. Instead, the water is collected in tanks to prevent heat loss. Treatments such as honey massages using the hotel’s own organic honey complement the offerings, blending relaxation with regional culture. “Our guests greatly appreciate the combination of modern amenities and authentic treatments,” says the hotel manager.
Exclusivity for the environment and guests
The relaxation area at Hotel Okelmann’s in Warpe is a small, charming "private spa" offering tranquility instead of hustle and bustle that can be booked exclusively for about two hours per room per stay. It features a tiny sauna housed in a quaint shepherd's wagon, as well as a wood-fired hot tub. The experience is complemented by sound massages, yoga sessions, and a quiet room available for free use. The hotel's commitment to sustainability is evident in the way the sauna and hot tub are operated: they are only heated after a reservation is made and then turned off afterward, ensuring energy is used efficiently. "This is a minor inconvenience for spontaneous visitors, but definitely a win for the environment," explains Managing Director Kristin Okelmann. Guests should check in 20 minutes before use to allow time for the sauna to heat up and operate optimally.
The Hotel Korinjak, located on the Croatian Adriatic coast, takes a different approach: rather than offering energy-intensive spa facilities, it focuses on nature, the sea, tranquility, and physical activity. "Our concept is based on the principle of 'low impact, high value,'" says Ana Grzincic. "We want to offer our guests relaxation without unnecessarily consuming resources." The wellness offerings, therefore, rely primarily on manual treatments and the expertise of experienced therapists, as well as gong sessions and yoga classes led by certified instructors. "We deliberately avoid energy-intensive equipment and instead use natural products that are locally sourced whenever possible and have minimal packaging," says Grzincic. "Our guests greatly appreciate this simple yet effective form of relaxation," she adds.
At the Naturresort Gerbehof on Lake Constance, sustainability means intentional simplicity and authentic handiwork. "We avoid using technical equipment as much as possible and focus on personalized treatments instead," explains hotel manager and owner Ursula Wagner. The sauna is only turned on when needed to conserve energy, and treatments use certified organic oils and natural cosmetic products. This approach is reflected in the spa area itself: the indoor and outdoor log-cabin-style saunas are made of wood, and the floor is made of silver quartzite, a healing stone from South Tyrol. The focus is on slowing down and regeneration. Treatments, such as stress-relief massages based on Viktor Philippi’s methods and meditations at the hotel’s stone circle, promote well-being in line with a holistic longevity concept. “Our goal is to create a place where guests can find peace and recharge amidst nature,” says Wagner.
Relaxation with a clear conscience
Today, a sustainable spa vacation combines relaxation with a commitment to the environment, its resources, and its people. Green Pearls® partners demonstrate that comfort and mindfulness are not mutually exclusive in this context, but rather, they can complement each other in meaningful ways.
They rely on smart, resource-efficient solutions, such as using renewable energy and green electricity; interior architecture featuring natural raw materials; using regional and certified organic products; and taking targeted measures to manage resource consumption. At the same time, natural materials, warm lighting, and nature-inspired design elements create an atmosphere of calm and mindfulness.
This holistic approach results in a wellness experience that makes guests feel good and protects the environment.