As lockdown restrictions ease, the idea of taking a stylish staycation for summer is at the forefront of many people's minds. And, as we become increasingly eco-conscious, more of us are seeking out the best luxury eco hotels across the UK.
Searches for ‘staycations’ have skyrocketed in the last few months, and are a great way to discover hidden beauties in our own back yards well as reducing our carbon footprint by not flying.
See: Inside Cornwall's newest boutique barns for a high-style holiday
But which are the most popular – and pretty – eco hotels in the UK? SaveonEnergy.com analysed the Instagram hashtags and search volumes to discover with the most popular green staycations in Britain. Celebrity-favourite Soho Farmhouse is the most Instagrammed eco-friendly staycation this summer (48,848 posts), with Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve claiming second place (39,021 hashtags). The Hoxton in London’s minimalist design appeals to eco-conscious holidayers and garnered it 35,131 posts.
THE FIVE MOST POPULAR LUXURY HOTELS IN THE UK
Discover the most Instagrammed eco-havens in the UK below. Here, eco-friendly staycations are defined as any retreat that utilises green measures to reduce their impact on the environment and/or embraces nature and the outdoors as part of its experience.
1. SOHO FARMHOUSE, OXFORDSHIRE
In first place is Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire. With a guest list including Eddie Redmayne, Cara Delevigne and even Harry and Megan, it’s no surprise this perfect combination of nature and luxury boasts 48,848 Instagram hashtags.
Interiors are the ultimate in modern rustic, with wood-clad lakeside cabins and alfresco copper baths. There's a gorgeous spa, an indoor-outdoor pool, bikes to borrow, a horse riding stables, and a mouthwatering Japanese restaurant, as well as the hub of the retreat, the Main Barn. Serves up a mean Sunday roast, too.
2. PORT LYMPNE, KENT
The all-in-one wildlife park and hotel at Port Lympne in Kent ranks second. Being at one with nature and animals is a selling point for many, as the retreat tallies 39,021 hashtags.
You can take a bath with a pride of lions for company at Lion Lodge, or read a book next to a striped beauty at Tiger Lodge. Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is Kent's largest wild animal park set on a huge 600-acre site and home to more than 700 animals including the largest herd of black rhino in the UK, western lowland gorillas, Kent's largest tower of giraffe, tigers, lions, leopards, bears and more. It's a luxury safari right here in the UK; you can stay in a range of unique accommodation, from the luxurious boutique hotel to a romantic night under the stars in the 180 degree, panoramic bubble pod.
3. THE HOXTON, LONDON
Not all of the best eco hotels in the UK are located in the country; enjoy a city break at the trendy retreat in the capital. The interiors are as cool as the neighbourhood at the Shoreditch hotel (there's one in Southwark and Holborn too). There's a sustainable approach to food, which is also delicoius, and a creative, buzzing energy to boot.
See: The most marvellous high-end hotels for a luxury London staycation
4. BABINGTON HOUSE, SOMERSET
Built in 1705, Babington House is a Grade II-listed manor set in 18 acres of countryside in the heart of Somerset, 30 minutes from Bath. It was the first country offering from the Soho House group and remains a favourite with celebrities and the well-heeled.
There's a number of beautiful eateries, two pools, a spa, a sauna and bikes to take out for a country cycle. A blissful retreat you won't want to leave.
5. CHEWTON GLEN, NEW FOREST, HAMPSHIRE
This stunning manor set in the heart of the New Forest is the ultimate country escape. You can choose to stay in the main house, or enjoy the height of luxury in the contemporary-chic treehouses. When it comes to the fare? You've got James Martin cooking up delights in the kitchen.
Further down the list in 10th place is Limewood Hotel in the New Forest. Being passionate about plastic waste, biodegradable and fully recyclable packaging are just a few of the efforts taken here, and it boasts 5,735 hashtags to date.To complete the top 10, other entries include: 6. The Pig Hotels (Multiple locations) – 13,599 hashtags; 7. One Aldwych (London) – 10,768; 8. Dormy House (The Cotswolds) – 6,870; 9. Jesmond Dene House (Newcastle) - 6,605.
See: Award-winning Cotswolds hotel Dormy House launches new Scandi suite
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