Responsible Hotels of the World launched this week. Their ethos goes a (green) world further than those annoying notices asking guests to keep towels hanging up unless they really, truly want to ravage the planet by having them washed (right, nothing to do with the hotel’s laundry bill, then). These are establishments that hold every element of the environment dear. As they say, ‘It’s having an experience that encapsulates the destination you are in. One which is true to its culture; which embraces and engages local people and food; which is dedicated to preserving the indigenous natural world for future generations’. Which translates, don’t just hide in your compound. Not that these are holidays for the hairshirt brigade. The family selection is all about exotic beaches in Costa Rica, the Caribbean and African coast. Shame there’s nothing closer to home, so watch this space for responsible hotels in Europe, or start digging out those air miles.

A young researcher enjoying her Responsible Holiday