While there are plenty of ways to reduce your carbon footprint at home, it’s a bit more challenging when you’re on vacation. Fortunately, more and more hotels are prioritizing environmentally-friendly initiatives these days, some of which are right here in Greater Palm Springs.

Two Bunch Palms (Desert Hot Springs)

Two Bunch Palms became the first carbon-neutral resort in the United States, and from renewable energy to their water system, the property is a shining example of how to mix travel and sustainability. The hotel features 70 rooms, a restaurant and a spa, and it runs entirely on solar power. 

As far as their renowned mineral pools (pictured above), those are fed from two wells; one with hot water coming up from the ground at 152 degrees Fahrenheit (67 °C), and another with cooler water that comes up at 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit (29-32 °C), and another with cooler water that comes up at 85-90 degrees. The waters are mixed in a looped system, which provides hot spring mineral waters for all the tubs and pools via a fully sustainable closed water circuit. The property has a retention pond where hot water run off and grey water can be put through reverse osmosis, flowing back into the irrigation system.

The Restaurant at Two Bunch Palms uses locally sourced meats and produce, plus the fruit and olive trees on the property. The hotel also offers a number of wellness courses, including a series in development on how to live a zero waste life.

The Good House (Desert Hot Springs)

With just seven rooms, The Good House might be the most intimate and unique property on this list. The tranquil hot springs retreat runs almost entirely on solar power, and they partner with locally owned Temalpakh Farms to source fresh, seasonal produce. Executive Chef Van Stevens has crafted a mouth-watering menu with breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes, all of which can be ordered conveniently via QR code. Often on site, Stevens personally delivers meals to your room and sends updates via text, if you wish. The vibe is serene yet low-key, and a neighboring villa is available for group stays, making this an ideal setting for events and special occasions. Imagine an escape to an oasis-inspired estate, where a private chef, mineral-rich hot springs, a sauna and a spa await — and that’s The Good House experience. As a nod to the local community, the property also donates $2 per night per stay to the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert.

Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa (Indian Wells)

When it comes to everyday sustainability, Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa carefully tracks energy use and each time guests decline housekeeping services, they earn a $5 credit to use for spa treatments and meals. 

But their real success is the Grapefruit Basil Restaurant & Bar, which uses a mix of produce grown on site in the citrus and herb garden, plus food sourced from local farmers. Try signature dishes like roasted Brussels sprouts and ruby red grapefruit brulee, along with one of the restaurant's unique and refreshing cocktails.

Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel (Palm Springs)

Set in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, the Kimpton Rowan takes an elevated approach to green hospitality. “Sustainability is in the DNA of the Kimpton brand,” says General Manager Peggy Trott. “Eco-friendly initiatives are implemented across the Kimpton portfolio, such as energy-efficient lighting, large-format refillable bath amenities, recycling unused bar soap, minimizing water consumption, limiting single-use plastics, and pouring sustainable wines at our evening social hour.” From motion-activated HVAC systems to water-wise landscaping and smart irrigation, the hotel’s infrastructure is designed to conserve resources without compromising comfort. 

The property is also one of the first Kind Traveler partner hotels in Palm Springs. As part of that initiative, Kimpton supports Friends of the Desert Mountains, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps preserve land in the Coachella Valley. “We’ve seen the positive impact of their work firsthand in protecting our precious desert and wildlife,” adds Trott. “They have helped create safe, accessible trails and outdoor experiences for all who visit. This partnership through Kind Traveler gives our guests a way to take an active role in preserving the scenic landscape they enjoy during their stay with us.”

Ingleside Estate (Palm Springs)

The Ingleside Estate blends vintage charm with a modern commitment to sustainability. The historic hideaway minimizes waste, water use and energy consumption through smart environmental design, and their support for the community is equally impressive, as they partner with local organizations like the Desert AIDS Project. Melvyn’s, their on-site restaurant, utilizes locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, and they even harvest fruit from a handful of citrus trees on the grounds.

Avalon Hotel & Bungalows (Palm Springs)

Avalon Hotel & Bungalows sustainability strategy is rooted in both smart design and community action, and they are part of the California Green Business Network, which supports local communities and the conservation of resources. From low-impact landscaping to energy-efficient operations, the hotel keeps its environmental footprint light, and guests are encouraged to join in by skipping daily linen changes and reducing plastic use. Their poolside restaurant, Chi Chi, works closely with local and central California farmers and biodynamic vintners, creating a dining experience that is as thoughtful as it is delicious.

La Quinta Resort & Club (La Quinta)

As far as green golf courses, La Quinta Resort & Club  is the reigning champ in Greater Palm Springs, with Audubon International Certification on all nine courses at the resort, PGA WEST and Citrus Club. The resort has a composting machine that converts all leftover food into mulch, and all grass at the resort and golf courses is composted as well. Additionally, filtered water runoff from composting machines is used for irrigation and filling up golf cart batteries, and they utilize greener slow release and foliar fertilizers. As a big bonus for the pet lovers out there, the resort also donates all old furnishings, linens, curtains and dishware to local animal shelters.

The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa (Rancho Mirage)

When it comes to bathroom and cleaning products that are kinder to the environment, The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa has switched to biodegradable laundry detergents and organic skin and body care lines. On top of that, the property has integrated energy saving appliances and LED lights in all of their rooms to conserve as much energy as possible.

Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas (Indian Wells)

The Grand Hyatt Indian Wells is redefining green golf by removing grass altogether and installing artificial turf, a simple yet impactful way to reduce water consumption. The recently renovated property also composts all organic waste, which can be used as soil on farms, schools, or neighboring golf courses, and they donate soap and other items to countries in need via the Clean the World hospitality recycling program. The property’s four on-site restaurants source the majority of their food locally, with dates coming from the Coachella Valley, and citrus grown right on the property. 

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Palm Desert (Palm Desert)

In addition to LED lighting throughout the property and energy-saving motion sensor thermostats, Hilton Grand Vacations Club Palm Desert has also switched to tankless water heaters, further reducing gas and electricity usage. As far as minimizing plastic waste, the hotel has installed refillable shower amenity dispensers, which saves thousands of bottles each year. Though a good portion of the property features desert landscaping (read: rocks and cacti), any areas with grass are watered with a sensor monitored irrigation system, which prevents sprinklers from running in the rain or if temperatures drop below a set number.