5 Airbnbs that have redefined sustainable and responsible travel

On World Environment Day, we bring to you a list of five Airbnbs that adopt sustainable living practices. Bookmark these for your future trips.

This World Environment Day pause and think about the choices that can help make the planet a better place to live. As per a YouGov report by Airbnb, published earlier this year, an overwhelming 94 per cent of Indians would look at sustainable and responsible travel when they do leave their homes in 2021, with millennials and Gen Z fuelling this trend.

If you are looking for inspiration to re-do your home and adopt some sustainable living practices, or are bookmarking stay options for your future trips, here are five gorgeous Airbnb homes to look at.

Meena Bagh Ratnari, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Meena bagh ratnari
A beautiful eco-friendly farmstay in the middle of an apple orchard.

Imagine a quaint home away from the city, spending the day snuggled with a cup of coffee and a great read. This beautiful eco-friendly farmstay in the middle of an apple orchard in the hills of Himachal Pradesh is perfect for those who prefer the quiet and calm of nature and want to enjoy luxury in serenity. Bask in the sun during the day and trace constellations in the beautiful night sky — Meena Bagh is the place to be for a tranquil getaway in the lap of nature, surrounded by farm animals. You will have the whole 4-bedroom bungalow to yourself. It is 85km from Shimla.

Tariff: Rs 35,000 per night

La Belle Vie Naukuchiatal, Nainital, Uttarakhand

La belle vie airbnb
Tucked away amidst a forest, in the Lake District of Uttarakhand, La Belle Vie is just 100 meters from the famed Naukuchiatal Lake.

This cozy and comfortable house is made with natural stone and reclaimed wood, quite like what a house in the hills is supposed to be — sustainable and in keeping with the local architecture practice. The serene view from the suites, complemented by the quiet natural surroundings, are sure to satisfy your wanderlust.

Tucked away amidst a forest, in the Lake District of Uttarakhand, La Belle Vie is just 100 meters from the famed Naukuchiatal Lake and around 280kms from Dehradun. Travellers can indulge in an array of recreational activities such as boating, paragliding, trekking and nature walks that are perfect for an outdoor explorer. You will have the whole 3-bedroom house to yourself.

Tariff: Rs 20,000 per night

The Owl’s Nest, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh

Airbnb the owl's nest dharamshala
Built on a 1-acre farm, this charming cottage boasts classy yet minimalist interiors.

Set in a forested neighbourhood of enchanting Dharamshala, The Owl’s Nest is a chic cottage with all the modern amenities and lots of open spaces. It is ideally suited for small families and groups of friends travelling together. Built on a 1-acre farm, this charming cottage boasts classy yet minimalist interiors and plenty of natural light all day long. The property comes to life every morning with hundreds of bird sounds, and the beautiful starlit sky at night, bringing nature into the living spaces. The cottage has two bedrooms.

Tariff: Rs 11,500 per night

Penthouse with Private Plunge Pool, Goa

Penthouse goa airbnb
The environment-friendly lofts are a canvas for locally sourced materials and textiles.

This warehouse-style luxury penthouse is located in the tiny village of Nerul in north Goa, overlooking swaying paddy fields and lush green views. The lofts are environment-friendly, designed using locally sourced materials and textiles. The stylish bedroom is extremely spacious, with an en suite bathroom, and has uninterrupted views of the greenery. The unique feature of this penthouse is the gorgeous plunge pool, for private use, and a lovely terrace to enjoy those amazing sunsets. It has one bedroom for two guests.

Tariff: Rs 11,000 per night

Tieedi Earthy Dwelling, Darjeeling, West Bengal

Tieedi earthy dwelling darjeeling airbnb
The house blends the age-old tradition of earth houses, made using local resources, with some comforts and amenities of a modern-day holiday home.

The Earthy Dwelling is an endeavour to rediscover and connect with nature. This abode has been handcrafted in a forest garden by local artisans, using the regenerative principles of permaculture. It marries age-old tradition of earth houses, made using local resources, with some comforts and amenities of a modern-day holiday home built in.

As a part of a forest garden project aimed at reviving a neglected acre of land into a forest that’s bursting with life, this getaway in the lap of nature will have you surrounded by brooding trees, chirping birds and gurgling rivers.

Tariff: Rs 4,500 per night

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