Sustainability takes centre stage at this hotel and spa

Sustainability is no longer just a trend – it’s reshaping the hospitality and wellness industries. In London and beyond, travellers now seek hotels and spas that offer both relaxation and a lighter environmental footprint. From energy-efficient design to zero-waste dining and plant-based menus, ethical, sustainability-focused experiences are becoming the new standard.

Leading London hotels, spas and retreats have adopted everything from solar power systems to plant-based minibars. Meanwhile, spas are investing in cruelty-free treatments, biodegradable robes, and products made with sustainably sourced botanicals. It’s part of a growing demand from guests who value wellness for themselves and for the planet.

Wellness retreat in Essex: The Glass House Retreat

Tucked into the peaceful Essex countryside, just under an hour from London, the Glass House Retreat is a standout example of how wellness and sustainability can harmoniously coexist. This purpose-built sanctuary blends luxurious calm with sustainability-focused choices, offering a stay that nourishes both body and mind.

Plant-based at its core

The Glass House was originally an entirely plant-based retreat – a rarity among wellness destinations. Although the retreat recently decided to add meat, dairy and eggs to their menu, the plant-based options remain the champions, offering vibrant, seasonal dishes designed to fuel the body while staying kind to the planet. Their menus celebrate vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts and seeds, always free from ultra-processed ingredients, minimising carbon emissions and food waste in every bite.

Sustainable by nature, designed for comfort

Glass House Retreat

The retreat’s modern architecture is more than aesthetic – it’s functional. Rooms are built for energy efficiency, and the natural swimming pond is filtered without chemicals, respecting local wildlife and your skin alike. Even the outdoor sauna and wellness dome are designed with sustainability in mind.

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Wellness without waste

From holistic spa treatments and cryotherapy to cold-water dips and mindfulness in nature, the Glass House Retreat leads the way in sustainability-driven pampering. Whether you’re looking to reset, recharge, or reconnect with nature, this is a wellness destination where your personal health and the planet’s wellbeing go hand in hand.

With so many beautiful sustainable retreats emerging, isn’t it time we embraced a wellness journey that cares for the planet too?