In the move to live with a more minimal footprint, owning a timeshare can be a great alternative to the traditional vacation or holiday home – taking up less space and allowing others a chance to share in it. We take a look at sustainable timeshare resorts, and see how to find them.
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Sustainable Timeshare Resorts
Timeshares can be a great way to secure a place to retreat to at a great price, as well as sharing the benefit with others and thereby reducing our footprint on the planet. As a first step towards finding a sustainable timeshare, we suggest looking for timeshares offered by brands who have a clear commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly. Fortunately, sustainability practices have been on the up among major hotel and timeshare groups in recent years, with an increase in implementation of more sustainable practices and many resorts choosing to implement environmentally friendly measures.
Many timeshare resorts are also certified by green schemes and (some) are regularly audited for their environmental and social commitments, too.
Club Wyndham Resorts feature some of the top sustainable timeshare resorts in the world, many of which can be found on the privately owned and operated by-owner marketplace of SellMyTimeshareNow . For those green travelers on a budget, renting or buying a Wyndham timeshare from this marketplace is a great option since all are offered at low rates through private owners, think HomeAway for the timeshare community. Wyndham timeshare rentals are a great way to experience the resorts without any commitment.
Sustainability initiatives range from reducing energy and water consumption, diverting waste and sourcing local produce, to participating in local community programs that help the environment and educating / influencing all stakeholders on responsibility. Some properties have eco certifications, too.
Learn more about some of the best sustainable Wyndham timeshare resorts below.
Sustainable Timeshare Resort Inspiration
Branson at the Meadows, Missouri
Located near Table Rock Lake, Branson at the Meadows is a good timeshare resort for those who want to enjoy being out on the water and fish, boat or jet ski, or explore Table Rock Park. The resort offers plenty of amenities, too, such as swimming pools, hot tubs, massage services, picnic areas, and an activities program.
Wyndham Royal Sea Cliff, Hawaii
Located on the rocky shores of the Big Island, at Wyndham Royal Sea Cliff you’ll have an abundance of both land and water-based activities to help inspire your connection to nature here in beautiful Hawaii. Enjoy days on the beach, exploring Big Island, or choose from snorkeling, boating, and fishing, to hiking, and sightseeing. The resort itself boasts some wonderful amenities to enhance your stay including two outdoor pools, a hot tub, tennis courts, and a picnic area with barbecue grills.
Wyndham Great Smokies Lodge, Tennessee
Visit the beautiful Smoky Mountains in Sevierville, Tennessee to be inspired by nature and enjoy great accommodations, amenities, and services at Wyndham Vacation Resorts Great Smokies Lodge. As well as the beautiful views, there is a variety of wildlife here in the natural surroundings. At the resort, there are two water parks, and an Adventure Forest Indoor theme park, making it a great spot for families. There’s also plenty to explore in the natural surroundings, not least the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Wyndham Ocean Blvd, South Carolina
Located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Wyndham Ocean Boulevard is known for its prime beach-front location. Myrtle Beach is known for its beautiful sandy beaches and is a popular spot for vacations as well as longer stays for good reason. Enjoy the natural power of the ocean by waking up to Atlantic views, and enjoy all of the things to do in Myrtle Beach from strolling on the beachfront or boardwalk, to a ride on the Sky Wheel.
Travelling Sustainably with Timeshares
Timeshares provide a new option for sustainable travel given the opportunities they provide to stay longer in a destination and get to know it better, which in turn allows travellers the opportunity to immerse themselves more in their vacation spot and become part of the community.
Timeshares are also a lesson in shared-living, reducing what we own and making sure our resources are put to good use. Choosing sustainable timeshares to own has only become more important in recent years with the advent of the climate crisis – choosing properties that help reduce our environmental footprint has never been more important.
For your best chance of finding sustainable timeshares, we recommend buying a brand that is recognised for its environmental commitment, and asking about measures that are in place in different resorts. There are things you can do yourself to limit your footprint too – it’s not about giving up luxury, but rather being mindful of the impact of what we consume. Some easy things to do include:
- Be mindful of water usage to conserve water – keep showers short and turn off the shower while shampooing, turn taps off while brushing teeth
- Avoid single use plastic – drink filtered water vs bottled water and eat meals at home or in restaurant instead of take-out which is often wrapped in plastic
- Venture out from the resort and visit local attractions, support local shops and restaurants to spread the benefit of your visit
- Pick up and take home any trash with you from national parks and sensitive areas to avoid pollution
- Join beach cleanups if you see them happening during your stay
- Choose to eat local food whenever you can – which helps reduce the airmails and carbon footprint of your food (and for the planet). Plant based diets are generally more environmentally friendly than meat based ones, so consider making some days meat-free!
