As we’re all well-aware, sustainability is no passing fad, as the world continues to straddle the persistent challenges posed by climate change and its environmental impact on our planet and wildlife. It’s no surprise then that implementing an eco-conscious approach to our lifestyles extends to our travels, and, of course, the hotels we stay at.
Hong Kong and Macau may not be the first places that spring to mind when it comes to sustainability, but these two SARs (Special Administrative Regions) of China are swiftly charting a course towards eco-friendly horizons. And as we increasingly prioritise the carbon imprint of our journeys, a handful of the regions’ top hotels are stepping up with a range of clever initiatives that champion greener values.
Here are 10 sustainable hotels in Hong Kong and Macau with sustainable initiatives:
1. Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong
Hong KongEffort: Eco-certified cleaning products; linen, equipment, and furniture donated to the local community
Having unveiled its revamped interiors in 2021, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, poised at the threshold of IFC in Central, asserts its eminence as a top luxury destination within the fragrant harbour.
Besides its five-star service, the hotel is steadfast in its pursuit of sustainability, as evidenced by its employment of eco-certified cleaning products and linens, as well as its philanthropic contribution of equipment and furniture to the local community.
Book Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong on the MICHELIN Guide →
2. Ovolo Southside
Hong KongEffort: A tree is planted for every booking made
Bringing a touch of New York style to the industrial neighbourhood of Wong Chuk Hang sits Ovolo Southside, Hong Kong’s very first warehouse-conversion boutique hotel.
With a focus on sustainability, this hotel implements its “Do Good Feel Good” philosophy, which orchestrates a reduction in energy, water, and carbon emissions within its spaces, a deft diversion from waste to landfill. Moreover, Ovolo's commitment extends to the realm of reforestation, as it pledges the planting of a tree for every direct booking — in association with the Eden Rainforest Projects.
Book Ovolo Southside on the MICHELIN Guide →
3. Rosewood Hong Kong
Hong KongEffort: Educational staycations; long-term sustainability goals
When Rosewood opened its new global flagship on its prime Victoria Harbour waterfront location back in 2019, the whole city was abuzz, and it has since become the place to be and be seen offering the very best in luxury.
But this hotel group stays true to its green initiatives, too, with ambitious goals like diverting 70% of waste from landfills by 2025, carving energy and water use by a quarter, and achieving complete carbon neutrality throughout its portfolio by 2050. The Hong Kong enclave carries forth this green ethos with promotions like its "Staycation for Good" in 2021, which included activities like farm explorations with Produce Green Foundation and workshops on zero-waste living.
Book Rosewood Hong Kong on the MICHELIN Guide →
4. The Landmark Mandarin Oriental
Hong KongEffort: Plastic-free; Nordaq fresh water filtration
Nestled within Central's Landmark shopping mall, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental stands out as a boutique urban oasis, distinguished by its contemporary design, acclaimed spa, and inviting ambiance, all while being in the heart of the city. Its commitment to sustainability remains resolute, underscored by a bold move to banish single-use plastics entirely.
Furthering this eco-endeavour, the hotel has embraced the Nordaq FRESH filtration system hailing from Sweden, a seamless fusion of luxury and environmental consciousness that curtails its carbon footprint while ensuring a premium in-house water experience.
Book The Landmark Mandarin Oriental on the MICHELIN Guide →
5. The Upper House
Hong KongEffort: Upcycling soap; recyclable bathroom amenities
Crafted under the creative vision of Asia's luminary designer, Andre Fu, The Upper House is a plush boutique hotel-slash-”House”.
Intertwining five-star service, comfort, and style, this sanctuary is more akin to a cosy home-away-from-home than a conventional hotel. Beneath this veneer of luxury lies a deep commitment to sustainability. Since 2018, the property has embraced recyclable bathroom amenities from Bamford, while collaborating with Soap Cycling to channel lightly used bathroom products to those in need, curbing landfill waste. Notably, all guest rooms feature in-room water filtration systems, eliminating the need for plastic bottles and amplifying the echo of conscious living.
Book The Upper House on the MICHELIN Guide →
6. Mandarin Oriental, Macau
MacauEffort: No plastic; refillable bathroom amenities
Macau is notorious for its plethora of glitzy casino hotels, but the Mandarin Oriental, which sits on the original Taipa strip on the Nape waterfront, is a much more relaxed, family-friendly retreat away from the crowds, while being just a stone’s throw away from the party scene.
A sustainable ethos underscores the experience, with the eradication of single-use plastic taking centre stage. Plastic bottles yield to their sturdier glass counterparts, and guest amenities — from shampoo to shower gel — embrace refillable bottles over diminutive disposables, in an effort to curb waste.
Book Mandarin Oriental, Macau on the MICHELIN Guide →
7. MGM Cotai
MacauEffort: Plant walls act as indoor air purifier
With its distinctive three-tiered wave design, MGM Cotai commands attention amid competitive surroundings. Beyond its eye-catching interiors and exterior and top-notch amenities, the hotel's eco-friendly prowess shines. It clinched the Gold Award at the "2019 Macau Green Hotel Award," a joint effort by the Environmental Protection Bureau and the Macau Government Tourism Office in 2020. Within the Grand Praça of MGM Cotai and the Spectacle of MGM Cotai, guests can relish natural light filtering through glass roofs while the surrounding plant walls double as air purifiers, fostering a seamless indoor-outdoor ambiance.
Book MGM Macau on the MICHELIN Guide →
8. The St. Regis Macao
MacauEffort: Guest room recycling
Capturing the spirit of Macau's Portuguese maritime heritage, The St. Regis Macao finds its place within The Londoner Macau integrated resort and is the only hotel in Macau to offer the signature St. Regis Butler Service for all guests, round the clock. Furthermore, it embraces a conscientious path with environmentally friendly measures, spotlighting guest room recycling to breathe new vitality into its products, while curbing waste.
Book The St. Regis Macao on the MICHELIN Guide →
As travellers increasingly focus on their carbon footprint, hotels in Hong Kong and Macau are stepping up their game with a range of eco-forward initiatives. This momentum is inspiring as even more establishments to join in, collectively contributing to the ongoing goal of a more sustainable carbon footprint.
