Lessons on Sustainability by IHG Hotels

What the Hospitality Industry Can Learn from Six Senses and Hotel Indigo

Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s essential. And few brands are setting the bar higher than IHG Hotels & Resorts, particularly through their flagship properties like Six Senses and Hotel Indigo. With a clear commitment to responsible luxury, IHG is proving that environmental and social impact can coexist with five-star service and unforgettable experiences.

Let’s explore the key lessons IHG is teaching the world of travel and hospitality.

1. Water Stewardship is Not a Trend—It’s a Responsibility

🌊 Lesson from: Six Senses Hotels, Resorts & Spas

In a time when water scarcity affects billions worldwide, Six Senses has made water conservation an operational priority, not a marketing buzzword. The brand has embedded water stewardship into its core philosophy, designing innovative systems to reduce consumption and eliminate single-use plastic bottles across its resorts.

💬 “Water is life—and we must protect it as such,” the Six Senses team shared in a recent post. Their properties use on-site filtration and bottling systems, rainwater harvesting, and even creative guest education to drive awareness without sacrificing comfort.

Key Takeaway: Every drop counts. Hospitality brands should consider water conservation not just in utilities, but in F&B, landscaping, and wellness programming.

2. Energy Efficiency Starts with Smart Design

Lesson from: Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman

The newly opened Hotel Indigo in Grand Cayman offers more than beachfront elegance—it’s a case study in energy-smart design. With features like automated lighting systems, high-efficiency cooling, and a commitment to locally sourced materials, this hotel demonstrates how luxury and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

💬 As IHG noted, “Sustainability was woven into the hotel’s construction and continues to shape its day-to-day operations.”

What makes this property stand out is how energy conservation is invisible to the guest but measurable in its impact.

Key Takeaway: Green energy doesn’t mean guests compromise on comfort—it means brands commit to innovation behind the scenes.

3. Empowering Local Communities is Part of the Climate Solution

🌱 Lesson from: Six Senses Resorts Worldwide

Beyond carbon metrics and plastic bans, IHG’s Six Senses brand emphasizes local impact—whether it’s through sourcing ingredients from nearby farms, hiring artisans, or offering cultural workshops.

💬 “Sustainability means nothing if the community around us doesn’t grow with us,” says one Six Senses GM.

For example, some Six Senses properties support regenerative agriculture and reforestation programs, directly involving guests in these initiatives through immersive experiences.

Key Takeaway: True sustainability is circular. It benefits not only the environment but also the people and ecosystems that host our travels.

The Future is Green—and Guest-Driven

IHG Hotels & Resorts reminds us that hospitality isn’t just about service—it’s about stewardship. From water to energy, from design to community, their properties lead with purpose.

And as today’s travelers increasingly seek meaning, not just amenities, IHG’s efforts will resonate deeper than ever.

📌 Whether you’re a guest, hotelier, or travel brand partner—these aren’t just sustainability lessons. They’re blueprints for long-term success.

What is the lesson on sustainability you want to share with your clients and community?

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