Sustainable Resorts: 7 Trends Shaping Hospitality in 2026

As travelers become more conscious of environmental and social impact, resorts have pivoted from token gestures to holistic sustainability strategies. In 2026 we see a new phase—resilience and regeneration are top priorities. Below, we outline seven trends reshaping the resort sector and what travelers should look for when choosing an eco-minded property.

“Sustainability in resorts is no longer a marketing add-on; it's a structural approach that affects design, staffing, and guest programming.”

1. Regenerative design and biodiversity banking

Resorts now work with ecologists to restore native habitats as part of their site planning. Rather than merely conserving existing green space, regenerative designs actively reintroduce native species, rebuild dunes and meadows, and create habitat corridors. Some properties purchase biodiversity credits or participate in local rewilding projects, offering guests educational programs that connect their stay to concrete restoration outcomes.

2. Low-carbon operations and onsite energy

Solar microgrids, battery storage, and efficient building envelopes are becoming standard for new developments. Beyond renewables, resorts optimize energy through smart HVAC systems and demand-response lighting. Properties with onsite energy generation show resilience during grid disruptions, a desirable feature for remote destinations.

3. Water stewardship

Water scarcity is a global concern and resorts are redesigning landscapes to reduce potable water dependency. Greywater systems, rain harvesting, native xeriscaping, and efficient pool circulation reduce consumption. Desalination plants with renewable energy or low-brine discharge technologies are employed in coastal locations to minimize environmental damage.

4. Local sourcing and culinary transparency

Menus emphasize traceability: guests want to know where their fish was caught and whether the beef is pasture-raised. Many resorts partner with local farmers and fishers, incorporating seasonal harvests into weekly menus. Culinary storytelling—chefs hosting market tours and immersive cooking classes—adds value and supports local economies.

5. Circular waste systems

Zero-waste initiatives extend beyond eliminating plastic. Resorts build closed-loop systems: composting organic waste for on-site gardens, returning glass for reuse, and partnering with manufacturers to repurpose wood and textiles. Some resorts offer guest-facing programs where holiday waste is visibly transformed into something useful—compost used in the resort’s farm, for example.

6. Social equity and workforce development

Sustainability also includes social responsibility. Leading resorts invest in local workforce training, create apprenticeships, and prioritize hiring from surrounding communities. Businesses that support local artisans and transparent wage practices contribute to a stronger social license to operate and more authentic guest experiences.

7. Impact measurement and guest reporting

Transparency is critical. Resorts increasingly publish annual impact reports with measurable indicators—carbon intensity per occupied room, water use per guest-day, and community investment totals. Guest dashboards or in-room displays that show real-time energy use and tips for low-impact behavior further encourage responsible stays.

What guests should ask

• Does the resort publish a recent sustainability or impact report?
• How does the property manage waste and water?
• Are the resort’s food and beverage suppliers local and traceable?
• What community investments has the resort made in the last year?

How these trends change the guest experience

Well-executed sustainability programs can enhance a resort stay: fresher food, cleaner beaches, and more meaningful interactions with local culture. However, the most successful implementations are subtle; sustainability should enhance comfort, not replace it. Expect higher-quality dining, educational activities, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing your stay contributes to positive outcomes.

In 2026, smart travelers will choose resorts that measure impact, invest in community, and present sustainability as a lived practice, not only a collection of talking points.