Scott LaMont, CEO of landscape architecture, planning and urban-design firm EDSA, has worked on a number of luxury hotel projects for brands like Marriott’s St. Regis, Edition and Ritz-Carlton brands as well as Four Seasons hotels.
In the first of a two-part series, LaMont discusses how hoteliers and designers can go beyond sustainability to make properties both stylish and ecological.
Balancing Luxury with Sustainability
Luxury and sustainability are “increasingly becoming one and the same,” LaMont said, with the trend meeting guest expectations. “Travelers now associate luxury not only with comfort and service, but also with responsibility and mindfulness. ‘Doing the right thing’ has become part of the experience.”
LaMont noted that sustainability can show up in many ways—from careful water management and efficient energy use to sourcing food both locally and ethically. “What once felt like an added bonus is now simply part of what guests expect.”
Sustainable design is “inherent” in landscape architecture, he continued, particularly in how the concept manages water, treats the land and integrates ecological systems. “These efforts have become guest-facing features that enrich the overall experience,” he said, noting that the alignment between luxury and sustainability becomes “even more important” for resorts, especially in remote or ecologically sensitive destinations. To that end, the EDSA team considers a wide range of factors when developing a landscape, from building placement to grading to construction impact and water management. “Each decision supports a greater ecological framework while enhancing the guest experience.”
For example, at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, EDSA developed a resort-style landscape within an urban context. The design introduced private gardens, outdoor lounges and spaces along the waterfront moments, enhancing biodiversity, conserving native vegetation and managing water resources in an arid climate.
Regenerative Hospitality Design
Beyond traditional sustainability, LaMont sees the concept of “regenerative hospitality design” also gaining ground. The trend, he explained, focuses on restoring ecological balance by revitalizing soil microbiomes, establishing natural water systems and creating carbon-sequestering landscapes in destinations and communities. “It is about how a project contributes positively to the broader ecosystem, whether that’s urban, coastal or rural,” he said. “Sustainable practices are simply good design, but regenerative design takes it a step further. It is about ensuring that a place not only minimizes harm but actively improves the environment and community around it.”
For an example of how hotels can improve their communities, LaMont said a property can act as an “anchor point” within a larger neighborhood or district. “By partnering with nearby businesses, restaurants or cultural venues, operators can curate experiences that extend the guest journey beyond the lobby doors.” These partnerships have to go beyond handing guests a list of nearby restaurants, he added. “It is about building thoughtful partnerships that immerse them in the character of the place. I believe this is the most beneficial, low-cost strategy, as it creates opportunities for visitors to connect with local culture, nature and community in a meaningful way.”
LaMont also noted the need to begin any new implementation plan with “clearly defined performance goals” and measurable outcomes. “Setting key objectives early in the design process allows teams to track how the project is performing over time—whether that’s water reuse, habitat restoration or guest engagement.” Modern technology lets hoteliers and designers measure those impacts more precisely than ever before, he added, helping to demonstrate results.
Check back next week for Scott LaMont's thoughts on how luxury hotels are emphasizing location in design.