Your step-by-step guide to enjoying more sustainable spa breaks

Step 1: Choose a sustainable spa or eco-conscious resort

Start by looking for a spa with green certifications (e.g., Green Globe, EarthCheck, LEED, Green Tourism schemes and awards, The Michelin Green Star) for your environmentally friendly spa break. If you're feeling diligent, you can also look for more detailed information about their sustainability policies and practices, such as whether they use renewable energy sources, recycle water, support local communities, waste management, ones with planting schemes, and so forth. For an added bonus, look for locations that are accessible by public transport or offer shuttle services.

Step 2: Travel for green spa holidays

Wherever possible, opt to travel by train or bus for more green spa holidays. Lots of spas also now have electric vehicle charge points, such as The Lowry Hotel, Sofitel London Heathrow, and Spa at Intercontinental, Park Lane. Even packing light can help to reduce fuel consumption (which is also more cost effective). KwikFit says that "an extra 50kg of weight in the car will increase fuel consumption by 1-2%".

Step 3: Your sustainable spa packing list

Believe it or not, you can boost the sustainability of your environmentally friendly spa break by what you wear, pack, and bring with you. For example, if you bring your own reusable water bottle you can avoid any single-use cups or bottles in the spa itself. Avoid using single-use, travel-sized products in favour of your full-sized or refillable containers instead. You can also opt for eco-friendly sun cream, mosquito repellent and other toiletries, which can help prevent damaging products from being washed into the water systems, especially if you're on a coastal retreat and spend time in the sea. You can use biodegradable alternatives too, such as bamboo toothbrushes instead of plastic ones.

Step 4: Choose eco-conscious spa and beauty treatments

Ask about organic or locally sourced spa skincare lines, used in treatments. There are some incredible organic and ethical skincare brands used in spa treatments. For example, VOYA is famous for its organic, seaweed-based skincare from Co. Sligo, Pinks Boutique is an award-winning vegan, natural and organic skincare brand, and Tribe517 products are sustainable and natural, created at Beddau Farm in South Wales.

Step 5: Choose your swimwear with care for an environmentally friendly spa break

Even your swimwear can make a difference, and you can look into buying items that are better for the environment! Many of the more traditional materials, like polyester and nylon, contribute to microplastic pollution, but there are more and more eco-friendly options available. These are often made from recycled fabrics (such as fishing nets and plastic bottles retrieved from the ocean), as well as organic cotton, hemp, and bamboo. Furthermore, how you wash swimsuits has an impact on the environment. Ideally, hand wash them in lukewarm water with plain water or a mild detergent, and gently roll it on a towel to remove excess water.

Step 6: Reduce waste during your eco-conscious spa trips

All the little actions you take during your spa day or break can also contribute to a more sustainable stay. For example, you can take shorter showers instead of having baths, reuse towels instead of having linen changed daily, turn down/off heating and air-conditioning in your room on overnight stays, and turn the lights and appliances off when you leave your room. Also, although very few places hand out plastic bottles anymore, consider using a reusable water bottle rather than plastic ones. You can even consider bringing your own slippers or robe.

Step 7: Eat local

Support on-site restaurants that use locally sourced or organic ingredients. Lots of spa hotels grow a lot of their own ingredients, and most focus on buying local as well. Great examples include The Spa at Breedon Priory, South Lodge, and Chewton Glen, which is a Three-Star Sustainability Champion with the Sustainable Restaurant Association. Remember it’s ok to ask questions. For example, if you're looking for sustainable fish dishes you can check the MSC’s Good Fish Guide.

Step 8: Respect local wildlife

There are so many naturally beautiful parts of the world, and the UK and spas are often surrounded by spectacular landscapes, from beaches to countryside. So, if you head out to explore, remember to take the time to respect the landscape. If you’re going for a hike through farmland, make sure you stick to the paths, take any picnic rubbish away with you, and if you’re on a dog-friendly getaway make sure they don’t upset any sheep or cattle. If you go through a gate, close it behind you, pick up after your pets, and observe the beauty of nature but remember to leave it where it is - those flowers bloom at their most beautiful in their natural habitat.

Step 9: Buy local produce and gifts

If you're taking home a gift for friends and loved ones from a longer stay, look for locally produced presents. Buying locally means the money we spend on holiday goes to the local economy. That might mean using local companies if we venture out beyond the spa, buying locally-made produce and souvenirs, and going to local bars, cafes and restaurants to eat local dishes made from local produce. It sounds obvious, but sometimes checking the labels and the provenance of a product will surprise you!

Step 10: Be mindful and spread the word about how to travel sustainably to a spa

Sharing great experiences about eco-friendly spa breaks helps us all to do a little more. Make sure you leave reviews highlighting sustainable practices to encourage more people to enjoy making proactive changes, and maybe even treat it as a little challenge for yourself to do a bit more each time to boost your sustainable wellness travel!