Sustainable style in Toronto

You get a sense of 1 Hotel Toronto’s approach to sustainability and wellbeing before you even enter the property. Interspersed with flourishing indigenous trees, the striking rock garden that lines its Wellington Street West entrance symbolizes a key hallmark of the eco-minded 1 Hotels brand. You might be right in the middle of a city—Canada’s biggest, in this instance—but you’re never far from nature. 

Inside, a design approach that’s rooted in biophilic principles—which seek to connect people closely to nature—has produced light, airy spaces that are chic and soothing. Whether in the form of potted plants or dewy living walls, greenery is everywhere. Fallen local trees have been upcycled into one-of-a-kind DJ booths and other statement pieces (a collaboration with specialists Just Be Woodsy).

Lots more thoughtful touches, many of them behind the scenes, consolidate the property’s eco credibility: The kitchens carry out on-site composting; charitable initiatives support planet-minded non-profits; the mattresses and bedlinen are organic; even the coat hangers are made from 100% recycled materials.

For a luxurious twist on enjoying the outdoors, head up to the rooftop pool—open in the warmer months, and a notable rarity in the city, it offers a swim with a impressive skyline.

Sociable keep-fit types can work out at The Field House Gym, where classes are complimentary, or borrow bikes to explore the area.  

As for the rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of those sweeping city views while heated floors, soft cotton bathrobes and a restful palette of the palest blues, blondes and grays keep things cozy. 

The hotel’s eco ethos means that it’s packed with wonderful, wholesome places to eat and drink—everything is as fresh and local as can be. At zero-waste 1 Kitchen Toronto, the menu runs from creamy roasted eggplant with rosemary-garlic glaze and tahini to the unmissable spiced cake dessert with miso caramel, berries and gingerbread ice cream. Pick up breakfast burritos to go at the all-day Flora Lounge, then come back later for mellow acoustic sessions.

For a special date-night dinner, Casa Madera’s Mexican-Mediterranean menu adds decadent touches to dishes that are otherwise unfussy—try the heirloom tomato and watermelon salad with black truffle burrata. Happy-hour margaritas at Harriet’s Rooftop bar pair perfectly with the Toronto skyline views. 

What makes me special

1 Hotel

550 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON

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John O’Ceallaigh

Writer

John O’Ceallaigh is a luxury travel editor, and journalist with The Telegraph, National Geographic Traveler and many more. He is the founder of LUTE travel consultancy.