Travel should be fun—a time to let go of the seriousness of everyday life, unwind, and immerse ourselves in new adventures. But as the world evolves, so does our responsibility to embrace a more conscious way of living, even during our travels. But don’t worry; that doesn’t have to be bad news. Conscious travel can be as fulfilling as it is fun!
A recent survey by Booking.com revealed that an impressive 72% of travellers want to explore the world more sustainably. Yet, despite this growing desire to do better, 44% admit to struggling to find conscious travel options that also fit their travel aspirations.
But here’s the thing – finding conscious hotels doesn’t have to be hard or mean venturing into the depths of the Costa Rican rainforest or the vast expanses of the Serengeti. Conscious hotels can be found right in the heart of major Australian cities! That’s why we’ve curated a list of our favourite chic and conscious hotel stays in cities across Australia, just for you, our oh-so-discerning travellers. So, you can focus on what matters most—making magical memories.
Let’s take a look:
Next Hotel Melbourne, Melbourne
If you’re a modern traveller seeking a conscious and stylish stay in the heart of Melbourne, look no further than Next Hotel Melbourne. Drawing inspiration from world travel and the local neighbourhoods of Collins Street, China Town, and the original site of the city’s Horse Bazaar, this hotel offers welcoming service and an elegantly understated design.
Boasting 255 light-filled rooms and suites, thoughtfully crafted to provide the perfect setting for work, relaxation, and rest, Next Hotel Melbourne indulges guests with consciously selected and locally sourced spirits and cocktails to enjoy from its unique mini-bar concept.
La Madonna Bar and Restaurant is dedicated to evolving menus and celebrating local produce. Whether perched at the bar, lounging over cocktails, or feasting with friends and family, the day-to-night dining and drinking enclave offers a cosy yet sophisticated vibe.
The hotel’s commitment to sustainable initiatives, including energy-saving technologies and the reduction of single-use plastics, makes it an ideal choice for conscious travellers. Plus, participating in their ‘Clean break’ initiative allows you to experience the treats at La Madonna while also making a positive impact.
Crystalbrook Vincent, Brisbane
Step into Crystalbrook Vincent, nestled along the Howard Smith Wharves in vibrant Brisbane. With its bright and bold design, embellished with artful touches inherited from its previous incarnation, The Fantauzzo, this hotel stands out from the crowd.
Serving as the perfect base for exploring Brisbane, Crystalbrook Vincent is surrounded by the city’s finest dining and drinking establishments. Take a moment to relax and soak in the breathtaking views of the river and the iconic Story Bridge from the stunning rooftop pool. And when it’s time to unwind, head over to glamorous Fiume Bar, where leisurely cocktails and tasty bites await, inviting you to delight in the warmth of Brisbane.
Even in rooms without stunning river views, a delightful surprise awaits—a lush green wall, a constant reminder of Crystalbrook Vincent’s unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility. Throughout your stay, you’ll experience the hotel’s dedication to #responsibleluxury, ensuring that every moment is aligned with your values.
Manly Pacific MGallery, Sydney
Discover the idyllic beachside Manly Pacific, MGallery, where front-row seats overlooking famous Manly Beach await. This boutique hotel offers the best of both worlds—a peaceful escape to leave it all behind, yet just a short trip away from the vibrant pulse of Sydney.
As you step inside, a modern and minimal aesthetic greets you, echoing the sound of the waves just outside. Subtle layers of timber, soft colours, and contemporary design elements enhance the mood, encouraging you to kick off your shoes and feel the soft sand beneath your feet, fully embracing the laid-back lifestyle of the Northern Beaches.
Home to two beachfront restaurants, a hub for both locals and visitors alike. Bistro Manly is a French-inspired casual dining spot with ocean views, while Tokyo Joe brings the flavours of Japan to the coast. And if you wish to explore beyond, the concierge will gladly assist you with dining reservations in and around Manly.
The hotel’s recent makeover embraced conscious initiatives, such as smarter energy-saving room controls, EV car charging stations, and a reduction in single-use plastics, all aimed at preserving the pristine beauty of the surroundings.
Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets, Adelaide
In 2021, Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets opened its doors, marking the brand’s arrival in Australia. Ideally situated next to Adelaide Central Market, the property perfectly embodies the spirit of the Hotel Indigo brand – boutique hotels that thrive in the heart of their neighbourhoods.
Unsurprisingly, the hotel has a strong connection to food. Its rooftop bar, Merrymaker, offers sweeping city views and focuses on raw food, showcasing the region’s finest produce, including organic oysters from Coffin Bay and cured meats from Adelaide Central Market.
The hotel’s “Raw and Refined” design ethos honours the area’s commercial past, combining heritage-listed and modern architecture with contemporary design elements. Prominent brick archways reminiscent of Adelaide Central Market, colourful street art-inspired murals, and curious neighbourhood references create a distinctive mood. The 145 oversized rooms and suites showcase local design touches, including copper fixtures reflecting South Australia’s copper mining heritage.
Sustainability is a core principle, with a focus on sourcing produce locally from Adelaide Central Market, utilising environmentally friendly packaging, and supporting Adelaide-based artisans. Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets not only prioritises sustainability but also celebrates its connection to the local community through its culinary offerings, inspired design, and meaningful partnerships with local producers.
Kimpton Margot Sydney, Sydney
Artfully blending Art Deco heritage with contemporary style, Kimpton Margot Sydney is a luxury hotel and reimagined icon in the heart of the city. Its coveted location at the intersection of creativity, commerce, and entertainment invites guests to explore the riches of Sydney beyond the most familiar landmarks.
Thoughtfully designed rooms balance the comforts of home with stylish sophistication. Grand patterns, plush furnishings, and botanical displays create a space that goes beyond a resting place. Step outside, and you’ll find yourself in the edgy south corner of the city, just moments away from Sydney’s finest shopping, dining, and fashion-forward neighbourhoods.
Led by renowned Australian chef Luke Mangan, Luke’s Kitchen offers an ever-changing menu in an atmosphere of old-world glamour, complemented by superb seasonal produce, from breakfast to dinner.
Throughout Kimpton Margot Sydney, the spirit of the 1930s echoes, infusing every corner with the allure of a bygone era. The Wilmot Bar, the lively lobby lounge, welcomes laptops and lattes during the day and transforms into a chic cocktail bar as the sun sets, serving as the beating heart of the hotel.
Conscious practices shine through, with minimal single-use plastics, modern energy efficiencies, and a strong emphasis on locally sourced food. Behind the scenes, Kimpton Margot Sydney employs renewable energies and contributes to carbon offset projects, furthering its efforts to reduce its environmental impact.
The Calile Hotel, Brisbane
Located on Brisbane’s James Street, widely regarded as the city’s most stylish locale, you’ll find the ever-so-chic Calile Hotel. Stepping onto your balcony, you’ll be welcomed by dreamy tropical visions tinted with blush hues, while a gentle breeze embraces you. The pool’s allure becomes irresistible, promising moments of relaxation as you gaze at the swaying palms and endless blue skies.
Beyond the poolside vibe, indulge in the culinary scene at Hellenika, where fresh produce is expertly crafted into flavours that transport you to the Mediterranean. For a laid-back experience, the Lobby Bar awaits, where warm hospitality fuses with French-inspired delights, offering innovative yet simple dishes for any occasion, day or night.
If you can tear yourself away from poolside recliners and indulgent feasts, find serenity in the dreamy Kailo spa, boasting ten pink-hued treatment rooms and an array of indulgent spa treatments.
The hotel’s commitment to sustainability has guided its decisions from the very beginning. The building design catches the breeze and harvests the sun, using natural ventilation and solar power to minimise its environmental impact. Ethically sourced materials like cork, brick, concrete, and stone enhance the hotel’s durability and reduce its ecological footprint. The rooftop veggie patch and beehives produce a harvest that lands on the plates of Lobby Bar diners.
Being kinder to the planet shouldn’t mean saying goodbye to the things you love about travel or compromising on your dream destination. In fact, if anything, it should enhance your experience. By choosing to stay in conscious hotels, not only are you choosing a hotel that is doing better for people and the planet, but you’re also calling for all hotels to do better. We think this matters.
These hotels represent just a snapshot of what you can discover in the GoKinda collection. To find and book your perfect stylish and conscious hotel, discover our collection. And that’s not all, when you book with GoKinda, you’ll be protecting 5 trees per booking through our friends at One Tribe Global. It’s like a metaphorical high-five, our way of saying thank you for making a difference.
