7 hotels that let you give back while on vacation

Vacations are great for rest, relaxation, shopping and sightseeing, but these seven hotels offer guests the chance to also make an impact in the community they are visiting. Whether you want to spend an hour or an entire day, you can feel good about staying at these hotels where it’s easy to give back.

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Image courtesy Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park

Ritz-Carlton New York: Battery Park

While staying at the Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park, you can sign up to assist The Battery Conservancy, the caretakers of Battery Park, and help spruce up the area with activities such as painting park benches, doing light gardening or lending a hand at the Battery Urban Farm. Tasks vary by season.

Image courtesy Casa Marina, Key West

Casa Marina: Key West

Casa Marina, Key West was lucky enough to have survived Hurricane Irma, but restoration efforts are still needed in the area. This Waldorf Astoria Resort provides opportunities to assist two local non-profits, Keys Strong and Crane Point, to restore and rebuild the Key West community.

Photo courtesy of Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort

Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort

Located in the Indian Ocean, the turquoise water off the Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort inspires guests to take part in protecting the growth of the sensitive and vulnerable coral reef that is located off shore. Assisted by the resident marine biologist, choose to sponsor a “coral frame,” which includes planting a frame with coral fragments that will expand to create a new reef.

Image courtesy Lapa Rios Lodge, Costa Rica

Lapa Rios Lodge: Costa Rica

Guests staying at Lapa Rios Lodge in Costa Rica can participate through local non-profit Earth Equilibrium in social and sustainable activities that have a positive impact on the people and environment. Activities include lending a hand at Carbonera School, building playgrounds, installing water pumps, rain gutters and solar panels, or planting a tree.

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Image courtesy Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa

Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa: Palm Beach

While staying at Palm Beach Marriott, protect the five species of sea turtles living just off the coast through programs that benefit the Loggerhead Marine Life Center. Guests can do something as simple as purchasing a plush sea turtle from the resort to getting a signature spa treatment or doing a tour of the Loggerhead Marine Life Center (portions of the proceeds will keep Florida’s sea turtles healthy and safe through rehabilitation, research and conservation efforts).

Image courtesy Westin Mission Hills, Palm Springs

Westin Mission Hills, Palm Springs

Dog lovers will not only love the fact that they can bring their furry sidekick to the Westin Mission Hills, but they will also be happy to see the elaborate doghouse in the lobby that houses an adoptable pooch featured by Animal Samaritans. While staying at the hotel, guests can volunteer to walk the dog.

Photo courtesy of Soneva Kiri

Soneva Kiri, Thailand

For those wanting to enjoy a beautiful tropical island escape and help the environment, Soneva Kiri is the perfect getaway. Guests can participate in activities such as identifying and logging rare species of flora and fauna, helping compost food and garden waste, or do a beach clean-up. Guests will also be rewarded for their efforts by receiving three free nights accommodation.

Tagged: Asia, California, Florida, New York, Palm Springs, Thailand