Six Senses Laamu
Villas made of local wood, on the beach or stilts, transparent floors to scan the seabed, roof terraces to admire the sky. And then bars and restaurants whose menus feature garden-grown products and freshly-laid eggs from a small flock of hens. Even the spa spaces, with thin coconut walls, have been created with minimal environmental impact; for treatments, they use products that grow on the island, such as ginger, cloves, nutmeg and coconut. Welcome to Six Senses Laamu, an eco-chic holiday paradise in the remote Maldivian atoll of Laamu (a 35-minute flight plus 15 minutes by boat from the capital Male). We are in one of the world’s most fragile ecosystems and tourist resorts must necessarily comply with all environmental sustainability standards. Six Senses Laamu is one of the most virtuous, the winner of two prestigious Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards in 2018 and 2021, thanks to a team dedicated to marine conservation. Here, surrounded by virgin nature with sand as fine as talcum powder, palm trees and a crystal-clear sea with a thousand shades of turquoise, 96 villas welcome guests, accompanied by their personal butler, in a sophisticated and colourful environment. 26 of these are on the beach, with direct access to the sea, and 70 are on stilts, with wooden decks and transparent bathtubs and tables to never lose sight of the wonders of the underwater world. Even cafés and restaurants have been designed to make the most of the spectacle of nature, from sunrise to sunset. In the shade of lush greenery, The Leaf Organic offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes based on fresh products from the garden, while Longitude, completely overwaters, offers international recipes and Asian specialties. Finally Zen, the latest addition, serves a mix of Maldivian and Japanese cuisine. But the best place for a truly spectacular gourmet break is Altitude, a cellar with over 300 labels and glass walls for tastings in the middle of the sea. The coral reef of Laamu atoll and its lagoon is a true paradise for all water sports lovers: from snorkelling and diving through to windsurfing, canoeing and sailing. For younger guests, aged 4 to 12, there are eco-friendly games to discover the beauty of the island and the Maldives in a dedicated space. And to enjoy wellness at its best, you can choose from yoga, holistic treatments, reflexology, reiki and shiatsu.
NH Collection Copenhagen
A beautiful and elegant city, the capital of Scandinavian design, but also of a green and sustainable lifestyle, pursued with determination: Copenhagen is a master of transforming former industrial spaces, a place where new architectures blend harmoniously with water, green areas and cycle paths, creating truly liveable waterfronts once home to the old port docks. This unique context, in the heart of the historic Christianshavn district, gave life to the five-star NH Collection Copenhagen, the first in the Danish capital, obtained from the former office building of a large shipyard thanks to a renovation project that ran from 2018 to 2021. The original building’s character, designed by the Danish architect Palle Suenson and built between 1957 and 1962, is retained in the simple shapes and straight lines typical of that period, but it has been softened by the use of steel and glass and the creation of open spaces. Sustainability is what stands out most, the prime example being the energy-saving façade, whose cladding panels were made using materials from the internal demolition works. Other strengths are the sedum green roof, the use of sea water to cool the building, the smart light and internal air conditioning system, and the extensive use of recycled wood for the interior. All aspects that have earned the hotel the coveted DGNB Gold Certification, which recognises the sustainable approach of the project and its social, economic, technical and environmental qualities. It is a large hotel, with 394 rooms and suites, two restaurants, a bar, a lounge area, a fitness and relaxation area, and seven meeting rooms. At the entrance, what immediately grabs your attention is the work of the Danish artist Anna Bak, inspired by the maritime history of the building, whose interiors, by the Swedish design studio Krook & Tjader, recall the industrial and cosmopolitan atmosphere of the port. There is a warm, relaxed and eclectic mood, thanks to the harmonious play of colour and ad hoc designed furnishings that create a showcase of Scandinavian craftsmanship at its best, mixing woods, fine fabrics, and brass details. So much natural light floods the rooms, all with large windows to enjoy the stunning views of the city: maybe at sunset before being tempted by the freshness of the local seasonal ingredients and the creativity of the Spanish tapas served at the tables of the Tablafina restaurant and wine bar.
Vigilius Mountain Resort
“Nature as a model and quiet as a goal”: this was what the Merano entrepreneur Ulrich Ladurner had in mind when, in 2001, he acquired the historic Berghotel in Monte San Vigilio, inaugurated in 1912. Immersed in an alpine environment, overlooking the Val d’Adige and the Dolomites rising high in the distance, the place had bewitched Ladurner as a child: at 1500 metres above sea level, reachable only with a short cable car ride from the village of Lana, a few kilometres from Merano, the building was surrounded by quiet, regenerating nature. They appointed Architect Matteo Thun to design what would become a celebrated 5-star eco-hotel, ensuring environmental respect and sustainability. The designer immediately embraced Ladurner’s ideas. The Vigilius Mountain Resort saw the light two years later: perfectly inserted into its landscape, it stretches out like a large tree trunk, and is mainly built out of larch wood, glass, stone and clay. Over the years, the Vigilius Mountain Resort has earned an international reputation as a model of sustainable tourism with minimal environmental impact; it has received awards and certifications from WWF, Legambiente, Eco Hotels of the World, among others. In 2010 it obtained the KlimaHotel certificate and, in 2021, the prestigious Earth Check Gold award; it is the only one in Italy to have achieved this result, along with only two other realities in Europe. At Vigilius, everything is designed to improve sustainability: the thermal quality of the cladding and construction allows for reduced energy consumption, a radiant heating system provides ideal temperatures in all seasons, biomass is used as a combustible material, while the emission of pollutants and water consumption are significantly reduced. This ecological footprint and discreet design are combined with maximum comfort. Natural light floods the corridors and interior spaces; each room offers a magnificent view of the surrounding landscape and has a balcony or terrace with access to the garden. The spa area has a swimming pool with mineral spring water, a Finnish sauna, a Turkish bath, an outdoor pool overlooking a larch grove, a relaxation area and spaces in the basement for various treatments. The free move & explore programme includes many sports and fitness activities. The resort’s offer is completed by the 1500 restaurant, with gourmet dishes made with high-quality local products, “la piazza”, a cosy and romantic lounge area, and a rich library.
