By Lori Capullo
The standard of excellence on which Acqualina Resort & Residences has built its world-class reputation continues apace: the resort has just been presented with the 2024 Forbes Travel Guide’s Verified Award, presented only to properties that uphold the industry-leading sustainability standard for luxury hospitality.
The Forbes Verified Award for Responsible Hospitality honors luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and cruise ships for their extraordinary, holistic approach toward sustainability. A team of inspectors anonymously visits every property they rate, evaluating each one based on up to 900 criteria in the service and facility categories.
At Acqualina, ecologically responsible practices such as reducing paper and energy usage, engaging with the surrounding community and culture, and sourcing seasonal and local ingredients for menu items are all components of the bigger picture.
Other measures that have contributed to this prestigious designation are iPads in all guest rooms in place of physical papers and magazines, glass water bottles rather than plastic, reusable cotton laundry bags, and recycling bins in all guest rooms. Recyclable earbuds are available at the Fitness Center, and even the takeout containers and biodegradable bamboo amenity cups are comprised of renewable materials. Electric vehicles are available for rental on the premises.
As further proof of Acqualina’s commitment to sustainability while maintaining the luxury experience for guests, it is the first resort in the country to stock its guest bathrooms with the 100% non-toxic, natural Seed to Skin Tuscany line of amenities. Created by Jeanette Thottrup, owner of the five-star Borgo Santo Pietro resort in Italy, the products fittingly embody the lofty standards of luxury Acqualina is famous for. Seed to Skin’s award-winning Matcha Soap is formulated with Tuscan cypress and Sicilian Mandarin; the Devotion Linden Flower body balm is infused with probiotics and Italian thermal water; and The Revival Shampoo and Conditioner contain naturally nourishing essential minerals and extracts to provide a sublime shampooing experience. All Seed to Skin Tuscany products come in stunning reusable ceramic containers, a nod to conservation and aesthetics all in one.
The Forbes Verified Award is further recognition of Acqualina’s commitment to eco-friendly practices. The resort was also awarded the Green Key Global Certification, North America’s sustainability certification for the hospitality industry and recognized as a sustainability leader by The Leading Hotels of the World.