Royal Palm Hotel Galapagos

Epic bucket list adventures around the globe for the entire family.

Gathering 800,000 properties in 33,000 cities across 192 countries, Airbnb’s growth has been staggering—add to that a recent valuation of $16 billion US dollars. This meteoric rise has sent ripples through the hospitality industry, and hotels are scrambling for a method to combat the noisy newcomer.

Anonymous hotel rooms just won’t cut the mustard anymore, ushered out for more personalized, residential-style experiences. This week, we highlight a number of hotels who have perfected this formula, prompting that all-important home-away-from-home feel.

Responsible tourism continues to gain popularity. In certain countries, it’s borne out of necessity, as the realities of climate change leave their mark. Scores of resorts have placed themselves at the forefront of this effort, focusing on sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint. Herein, five destinations where hotels are making a difference in their local environment.