Enjoy an Eco-friendly stay for Earth Day

The Scarlet, Cornwall, south-west England

The Scarlet (pictured top) is a luxury, adult-only hotel idyllically located on the coast of Cornwall boasting views over Mawgan Porth Beach and to the wild Atlantic beyond. Discover a calm, warm and restorative atmosphere in this tranquil space, where clifftop hot tubs, a natural reedbed swimming pool, and an Ayurdervic-inspired spa awaits guests. As well as a relaxing spa and luxury hotel, The Scarlet is an eco-friendly establishment, with sustainability policies at the heart of their ethos. Environment sensitive features include solar panels, a biomass boiler, sustainably sourced towels and robes, and a rainwater top-up system in place which replenishes the natural pool.

Getting there: The Scarlett is less than ten minutes by car from Cornwall Newquay Airport, which is best reached by a 70-minute plane from London.

Asheston Eco Barns, Pembrokeshire, west Wales

Bursting with character, Asheston Eco Barns retain many of their original features from the converted stone farm buildings they’re housed in, including the ceiling log beams and exposed stonework that gives them their rustic personality. In-keeping with their sense of place, and in harmony with the environment, the barns were built using traditional construction methods and are heated with cutting-edge onsite renewable energy technologies. Expect luxurious underfloor central heating run by ground source heat pumps and solar hot water systems, rustic antique furniture, and a welcome hamper filled with seasonal and local produce from neighbouring suppliers.

Getting there: Asheston Eco Barns are a five-hour drive from London.

Duchally Country Estate Gleneagles, Auchterarder, Scotland

From superb hotel rooms to fully equipped luxury lodges, the Duchally Country Estate offers traditional Highland hospitality among the splendour of Perthshire’s countryside. As well as an in-house whisky bar, stocking more than 50 different whiskies, the hotel has its own spa and massage facilities, a games room, and an award-winning restaurant. As well as a luxury hotel, the Duchally Estate strives to improve its eco-friendly policy and has carefully preserved the natural features of the 27-acre estate and parklands to protect the wildlife habitat. The estate uses its own local produce and suppliers, which actively reduce food miles, and with its own hens roaming in a pen, guests can expect fresh eggs with the famous Perthshire breakfasts. Around the estate, guests can discover several rare species of tree including the Monkey Puzzle, Purple Beech and Noble Fir, in which you might even spot an endangered red squirrel or tiny pipistrelle – both are protected species looked after by the estate.

Getting there: the estate is a 70-minute drive from Edinburgh or two and a half-hours by public transport. Edinburgh is a 70-minute flight from London.

The Traddock Hotel, Yorkshire, north England

This elegant Georgian country house is idyllically located in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and has been lovingly furnished to create a cosy and convivial atmosphere. An ideal base for walkers and seekers of peace and quiet, The Traddock Hotel is a perfect place from which to explore the charming villages and experience a slower pace of life. You can also be safe in the knowledge that this countryside retreat is also an environmental powerhouse, with a gold standard from eco-grading firm Green Tourism.

Getting there: The Traddock Hotel is a drive of around one hour 30 minutes from either Leeds or Manchester.

Treshnish and Haun Cottages, Scotland

Located on the quaint Isle of Mull off the west coast of Scotland, Treshnish and Haun Cottages can be found on a coastal farm near Calgary Beach. The snug cottages are carefully run to minimise their impact on the environment, while providing guests with a relaxing place to stay. Surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the island, their setting is rich in bio-diversity and boasts amazing of the surrounding landscape. Enjoy the coastal scenery as you drive to the secluded yet homey cottages, where it’s just a ten-minute walk to the shore. Even better, the sustainable cottages have been awarded a gold commendation by eco-grading firm Green Tourism for their efforts.Getting there: the cottages are best reached by a five-hour and 20-minute drive from Edinburgh, which is a 70-minute flight from London.

Hammet House, Pembrokeshire, west Wales

This luxury country house hotel in Pembrokeshire, Wales, sits close to the River Teifi, and is surrounded by glorious landscaped gardens. Choose from one of 15 bedrooms, styled in a comfortable blend of old and new, and making the most of the hotel’s light and airy Georgian architecture. Despite its age, Hammet House was the first hotel in Britain to be awarded Green Key status – an internationally-recognised mark of ecological excellence. The hotel makes the most of its three-foot thick stone walls to keep the house cool in summer and toasty in winter, has strict policies on recycling, and endeavours to limit its food miles wherever possible; considering it’s surrounded by a wealth of fabulous local food producers it’s not too difficult!  There’s also an on-site electric vehicle charging point.Getting there: Hammet House is a drive of around one hour and 30 minutes from Swansea.