Climate change is one of the biggest challenges to our planet (and our future), with world leaders and scientific thinkers constantly grappling with new ways to save the world. Energy-efficient travel is a top priority for those curious to see the world without harming it, but what about the landmarks we see when we get there? How could those be transformed into energy-efficient buildings?

Sustainable architecture goes beyond basic insulation and solar panels – in fact, energy-efficient buildings can be some of the most gorgeous constructions in the urban jungle. Without further ado, explore the finest green constructions our Earth has to offer.

Further reading: How We’re Setting the Gold Standard For Sustainable Luxury Travel

Elbphilharmonie

Hamburg, Germany

Recycling old buildings is common in Hamburg, with industrial buildings turned into public spaces in the Speicherstadt (warehouse district). One of the most energy-efficient buildings in the Speicherstadt is the Elbphilharmonie, a wave-shaped, 26-storey glass tower that houses orchestral concerts, lectures and even a hotel.

Sustainable thinking was ingrained into every part of its design, from reducing the CO2-producing concrete typically used for foundations to managing over-tourism by monitoring numbers of people in the plaza outside. Wind turbines outside Hamburg provide the venue with 100% of its energy – a truly sustainable way to light up the city’s classical music scene.

Read next: Geneva’s Hotel d’Angleterre is Committed to Positive Change

CopenHill

Copenhagen, Demark

Not only does CopenHill (now called Amager Bakke) transform waste into energy via a sulfur-reduced form of incineration, it also makes innovative use of the land it stands on: the slanted roof is turned into a ski slope in the winter – complete with an epic ápres bar – and an artificial hill hiking path in the summer.

This ingenious building is also home to the world’s tallest climbing wall, with 85 vertical meters of nooks, crannies and outcrops for keen climbers to explore. Home to one of the world’s most eco-friendly attractions, Copenhagen leads the world in green tourism.

Sustainable Scandinavia: Alternative Dining & CO2-Absorbing Aprons: Welcome to Fotografiska

Pixel Building

Melbourne, Australia

 

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Australia’s first carbon-neutral office building not only does good; it looks good, too. The colorful four-story office was built in 2010 and is one of the most energy-efficient buildings in Australia, fitting into Melbourne’s surroundings: one of the world’s most eco-friendly tourist destinations. 

The building generates its own electricity by utilising wind turbines and solar panels, and is cleverly water-balanced – the Pixel Building is able to supply its water requirements (besides drinking water) by recapturing the rainwater evaporating from its exterior. Even the pretty pixels themselves are constructed from low-carbon concrete and recycled aggregate!

We think you’ll like: The Sydney Opera House at 50: Celebrating a Global Icon

Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow)

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

In preparation for the 2016 Olympics, Rio opened a forward-thinking, eco-friendly tourist destination: the Museum of Tomorrow, set in the Brazilian city’s old port. Beneath the uber-modern eaves of the Santiago Calatrava-designed building, the museum contains exhibits that discuss different aspects of life, from educational movies on evolution in an egg-shaped cinema to digital displays that show the dangers of overpopulation. 

The building itself is future-conscious, too – solar panels move with the sun to maximise energy capture, while the cooling system utilises the cold water from the depths of the bay next door. 

Exciting designs: These Stunning Designs Are the Future of Air Travel

ACROS

Fukuoka, Japan

 

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As energy-efficient buildings go, ACROS is pretty spectacular. From the front, the stepped facade looks like a Mayan pyramid overrun by the rainforest, flanked by the blue waters of the Naka River. 

However, this is actually a 14-story local government office built in the late 1990s, designed to alleviate the ‘heat island’ effect that Fukouka struggles with in the summer. The plant-covered, terraced roofs of ACROS naturally reduce pollutants, collect rainwater, absorb CO2 and means wild plants and birds can live in harmony with the hi-tech Japanese city.

Bullitt Centre

Seattle, USA

 

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Billed as the “greenest commercial building in the world”, Seattle’s Bullitt Center (opened on Earth Day 2013) is truly one of the world’s most energy-efficient buildings. A stone’s throw from Pike Place Market and the Seattle Aquarium – already some seriously eco-friendly attractions – the Bullitt Center pioneers sustainable architecture by refusing to use materials containing highly dangerous chemicals in its construction, selling surplus green energy produced on its 575 solar panels back to the national grid and has successfully reduced its energy waste and carbon emissions by 86% compared to other office buildings. Meanwhile, its wood-paneled interior, shady roof and green surroundings give the Bullitt Center an air of the serene: proving that sustainable can certainly mean beautiful.

From King Tut’s tomb in Egypt to Roman relics in England, you’ll find endless hidden treasures when you explore ancient civilization sites around the world with Luxury Gold. We’ve selected some of the highlights to inspire your next luxury journey.

King Tut’s Tomb, Luxor, Egypt

As one of the oldest ancient civilizations on the planet, the Ancient Egyptian timeline stretches from before 3100 BCE until the end of the Roman Period around 400 CE. Even the Ancient Egyptians studied the Ancient Egyptians, unearthing hidden treasures and studying them with a reverent curiosity. King Tut’s Tomb, however, is a modern-day discovery that is rivaled only by the pyramids and the Sphinx. 

A century ago, archaeologists stumbled upon a staircase in the Valley of the Kings: one leading to the tomb of King Tutankhamen, a young pharaoh of Egypt with a short and debatably uneventful reign. The discovery of his tomb, however, was one of the most important in the study of Ancient Egypt.

Hidden in the sand, it was overlooked by centuries of tomb raiders. While the treasures in the surrounding king’s tombs were near-empty by the time modern archaeologists studied them, Tut’s tomb and its contents were relatively undisturbed, leading to both new revelations of Ancient Egypt and the cultural boom of Egyptomania that still captivates the world today.

Take a seven-night luxury Nile cruise, see King Tut’s Tomb, the Great Pyramids of Giza and more on our Nile River cruise in Egypt.

You may be interested to read: Riches of the Nile: Why Egypt’s icon is the grandest river in the world

Pachacamac Idol, Lima, Peru

Between the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, it’s easy to forget that ancient civilizations like the Inca were found throughout what’s now known as Peru. Which is why it’s so inspiring and exciting when hidden treasures are still unearthed in modern cities like Lima.

The Pachacamac Idol is a statue more than 2 meters high (over 7-feet tall) and was first introduced in modern-day history via Spanish colonial accounts. A conquistador attempted to destroy it in the 1530s; an attempt that was thought successful until the 1930s when it was uncovered near Lima at the Painted Temple archaeological site.

The Painted Temple was a holy pilgrimage site where this idol, believed to house an oracle, was unearthed. Although its existence alone is a priceless discovery, scientists have recently carbon-dated the statue and believe that the Pachacamac Idol was carved between 760 and 876 AD — predating the Incan empire’s arrival. 

Bookmark for later: Embrace the spirituality of the Incas in Peru’s Sacred Valley

Roman God Sculpted Heads, Carlisle, England

Italy may be the epicenter of Ancient Rome, but this iconic ancient civilization left hidden treasures scattered throughout Europe. Even in Great Britain, archaeologists are still uncovering remnants of Roman occupation. One of their most recent discoveries are sculptures of Roman gods found at a cricket club (how quintessentially British).

The area around the Carlisle Cricket Club is a trove of hidden treasures: over 1,000 artifacts including coins, pottery, weapons, and more have been found over the last two years. Once the site of a Roman bathhouse, these sculpture heads are dated around 200 AD and their large size is an especially uncommon feature found in Roman Britain. 

You may also like to read: Blooming Romance: Where to Find England’s Finest Rose Gardens

Stone Turtle Statue, Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Excavations of the Angkor Wat temple complex are ongoing, and have been since its discovery in 1840. Today, however, might yield some of the most exciting rediscoveries of the last 200 years. A large stone turtle statue was found in the Srah Srang reservoir during excavations of a small temple. The turtle is an avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, so it’s far from a common find. What’s significant, however, is similar statues and artifacts are being found in other nearby temples within the reservoir. 

Archaeologists are discovering new undocumented medieval cities buried around Angkor Wat, and with these submerged temples yielding significant artifacts, there’s hope that other vast temple complexes may be unearthed around Siem Reap. 

Lisbon’s cobblestone hills are a pathway through a rich history of occupation, which includes the Celts, Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians and the Romans. Following in the footsteps of these famous civilisations, we recommend that you call Portugal’s capital home, too, if even for a few nights. 

Spoiled for choice for exceptional places to stay, some of the best luxury hotels in Lisbon are also some of the most historic. Many are housed in centuries-old palaces, set next to ruins and shrouded with modern splendor. We’ve selected seven sensational historic Lisbon hotels to what your appetite for a visit to this enchanting city. 

Hotel Avenida Palace

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Built in 1892, Hotel Avenida Palace was one of Lisbon’s first grand hotels.  Michelin-starred restaurants, city sights and high end boutiques are within walking distance, but prime location isn’t the only reason you desire a stay at what discerning travelers consider the best luxury hotel in Lisbon. 

Royals, aristocrats and wealthy bourgeoisie from around the world have checked-in to this Rossio hotel. Live music fills the hallways throughout each month, the sounds of Fado, jazz and classical piano pieces often the soundtrack to guest stays. Evening tea at the Palace Lounge offers a moment to stop, sip and speculate on which distinguished celebrities, dignitaries or nobles have claimed the presidential suite. 

Read more about royal retreats: 7 Luxury Gold Hotels That Have Hosted Royals, Celebrities and More

Corpo Santo

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Discrete luxury is a specialty at Corpo Santo, one of the best luxury hotels in Lisbon for those who appreciate lavishness with a historical flair. A section of the Fernandina Wall, commissioned in 1373 by King Fernando, sits in the refined Fernandina Room where a good book, a strong drink and sweet silence are always welcome. Free walking tours provided by Corpo Santo lend more context to this ruinous hotel, though complimentary access to the Sense Spa is a much more relaxed way to let the historical environment seep into your every pore.

If you love luxury stays: Why Ireland’s Best Hotel is Made for a Holiday Season Escape

Hotel do Chiado 

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The ever-popular Chiado neighborhood is one of Lisbon’s most historical. Hotel do Chiado’s plot of land has been occupied since the 1200s. Centuries of fires, earthquakes and other damages have lead to reconstructions and renovations, until this historic building finally became a laid-back, upscale hotel. As one of the best boutique hotels in Lisbon’s commercial artery, Hotel do Chiado is an ideal stay for first-time visitors getting acquainted with the city. Head to the rooftop bar for a Chiado Champagne or find a more iconic view from the Elevator de Santa Justa just one block away.

You may also enjoy reading: 10 of the World’s Most Famous Luxury Train Rides

The One Palácio da Anunciada

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The relatively new The One Palácio da Anunciada has yet to become one of the famed historic hotels in Lisbon, but has all the trappings and is sure to be a feature of the city for many years to come. Just behind the Praça dos Restauradores neighboring the Coliseu dos Recreios and Teatro Politeama, The One is minimalist luxury set within a 16th century building. 

Refined traditional Portuguese plates line the tables of the Condes de Ericeira restaurant. Original refurbished hand-painted frescoes and a dazzling coffered ceiling adorn your surroundings. Original wrought iron columns are featured in the Boémio Lounge lobby bar, tempting you to stay in and savor The One’s historical flavor despite being at the epicenter of Lisbon’s gastronomy scene.

Take a look at these artsy accommodations: Incredible Artworks You Can Discover at Luxury Gold Hotels 

Solar do Castelo 

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The stunning Solar do Castelo hotel is situated in the Alfama neighborhood tucked within the medieval São Jorge Castle. Built on the grounds of the former kitchen of the Royal Palace, a complimentary bottle of Port wine greets guests in each of the Solar do Castelo’s 20 romantic rooms. The garden courtyard showcases relics found during the hotel’s renovation, including the palace’s water tank dating back more than 800 years. Solar do Castelo is the sole hotel in the Castle Village, making it an exclusive escape for visitors who seek a retreat in one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods and to enjoy a decadent stay at one of the best luxury hotel in Lisbon.

Bookmark for later: Our Favorite Classic Cocktails, and the Timeless Hotels To Try Them At

Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa

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Less than a century old yet still capturing the opulence of Portugal’s famed historic hotels, Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa delivers the best luxury hotel experience in Lisbon, bar none. Private sailings on the Tagus, private chauffeurs for trips to Sintra and Cascais, and private helicopter rides over the city are just the tip of the lavish iceberg. 

Both the Presidential Suite and the Diplomatic Suite have Avenida views stretched out before their private balconies. Dozens of specialized treatments at the Anantara Spa cater to every skin type, stress level and soulful desire. The Sky Bar by SEEN is renowned as the trendiest rooftop bar for long Lisbon nights while the pool bar offers exclusive DJ sets for guests only.

Pousada de Lisboa

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We invite you to experience one of Portugal’s historic hotels on Spain & Portugal In Style where you’ll spend two nights at one of the best boutique hotels in Lisbon, Pousada de Lisboa. Located in the historic Terreiro do Paço, the building itself is over two-centuries old and is adorned with artifacts loaned out from nearby museums. With an indoor swimming pool, exceptional spa, savory steakhouse, and unrivaled views from your suite, your stay will be a highlight of your trip.

With Magnificent Stays a hallmark of every Luxury Gold tour, every night is an experience in itself. For more exceptional hotels and destinations, take a look at our worldwide collection of small group journeys.