The Green Pearls® network has added three new sustainable accommodations: Ebner 1822 vacation homes, Slow Food Hotel Schloss Lerchenhof in Austria, and the GSTC-certified Megasaray Club Belek resort in Turkey. The additions highlight growing diversity in sustainable tourism practices across different scales and concepts.
Announced on 3rd March 2026 by Green Pearls® Unique Places, a communications agency specialising in sustainable travel, the new members join an international selection of properties committed to environmental responsibility, authentic experiences, and transparent operations. The organisation focuses on verified sustainability initiatives to counter greenwashing and meet rising guest expectations as well as regulatory demands.
Ebner 1822 vacation homes: Natural building and conscious living
Located in Carinthia, Austria, Ebner 1822 offers detached vacation homes built using regional wood, clay, and organic straw in a traditional farmhouse style, promoting a healthy indoor climate. Sustainability extends throughout the property, with a natural swimming pond, organic breakfast baskets, and seasonal organic cuisine at the village tavern. Hosts Barbara and Mario Sonnleitner share their passion for the region with guests. The homes accommodate up to four people, ideal for families or couples seeking a peaceful retreat.
Slow Food Hotel Schloss Lerchenhof: Responsible enjoyment
Situated in the border triangle of Austria, Italy, and Slovenia, Slow Food Hotel Schloss Lerchenhof is a pioneer in slow travel and culinary sustainability in Carinthia. Certified as a Slow Food leader and holding national eco-labels, the hotel emphasises regional and seasonal products, many sourced from its own ecologically managed farm. Guests can participate in workshops, guided tours, and explorations of the power-place surrounding the Biedermeier castle to learn about product origins, ecological cycles, local craftsmanship, and mindful nutrition.
The property achieves near energy self-sufficiency through a small hydroelectric power plant and a biomass facility providing electricity and heat.
“To ensure prospects for future generations, we are committed advocates of treating nature in an environmentally friendly manner,” said the Steinwender family, owners of Hotel Schloss Lerchenhof.
Megasaray Club Belek: Sustainability in the all-inclusive segment
Megasaray Club Belek, located on the Turkish Riviera, brings an all-inclusive resort model into the Green Pearls® network. Certified according to Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria, the resort adopts a comprehensive approach covering waste and water efficiency, recycling, energy management, and social responsibility. Notable measures include a solar park supplying 50% of the resort’s electricity.
The Megasaray Group promotes transparent communication, ongoing employee training on sustainability, and guest engagement through initiatives such as vegetarian dish promotion and bicycle tours along the coast.
Promoting credible sustainable tourism
These partnerships broaden Green Pearls® visibility across market segments, from small owner-managed properties to larger resorts. Transparent criteria, traceable actions, and clear communication are increasingly important amid heightened guest awareness, stricter regulations, and discussions on greenwashing.
“The new partners demonstrate how sustainable tourism is conceived and implemented today,” said Stefany Seipp, founder and managing director of Green Pearls® Unique Places. “Our goal is to showcase these types of establishments with strong values and share their stories in a meaningful way, regardless of their size.”
The additions reflect broader trends in sustainable tourism, where accommodations integrate ecological building, local sourcing, renewable energy, and certification schemes like GSTC to deliver responsible travel experiences. Green Pearls® continues to highlight such properties to encourage conscious choices among travellers seeking authentic, low-impact holidays.