Green Street – Responsible Luxury at Newcastle’s Crystalbrook Kingsley

So you’re considering a jaunt to the (semi) big smoke? You’re seeking luxury vibes, but are also environmentally conscious and keen to travel with a lighter footprint? Enter Newcastle’s first five-star hotel with the heart of an eco-warrior: the Crystalbrook Kingsley. 

Photography: Crystalbrook Kingsley

An old soul with a fresh twist, the award-winning Crystalbrook Kingsley boasts seriously sophisticated rooms, Newie’s best rooftop bar (pour us up a G&T at Romberg’s), an epic dining experience with harbour views (pull up a chair at Roundhouse) and – most importantly – an environmentally friendly core. 

Here’s how Crystalbrook Kingsley serves up sustainably considered, luxury accommodation, a restaurant and bar so you can travel with a lighter footprint. They call it: #ResponsibleLuxury

Counting climate calories

Dining with a clear conscience just got a whole lot easier. When you sit down to breakfast, lunch or dinner with Crystalbrook Kingsley, take a minute to peruse the climate calories labels on all menu items. This stroke of genius enables you to see at a glance if the ingredients you’re about to devour are locally sourced within a three-hour drive (spoiler alert – 80 per cent of their fresh fruit and produce are), sustainably grown or caught, are culturally considered using native ingredients and working with Indigenous producers, and ultimately supplied to the restaurant in eco-friendly packaging. 

“We are so lucky to be in such close proximity to the rich farmlands of the Hunter Valley and to be situated on Australia’s beautiful eastern coastline,” says Josquin Crepelliere, General Manager, Crystalbrook Kingsley. “We are proud to partner with local suppliers including Hunter Valley Premium Meats and Pukara Estate, along with a local seafood supplier, Shane’s Seafood, who has been servicing local restaurants for 35 years.” 

Guilt-free caffeine hits

Time for a post-meal cuppa? You spy the coffee pods and your eco-warrior alarm starts to wail. Hit pause my enviro-loving friend, because Crystalbrook Kingsley has partnered with TerraCycle to offer a zero-waste approach to coffee capsules. That means all used pods are either mechanically or manually separated into metal, organics and plastics. Next, metals are melted for recycling, the organics head off to be composted, while the plastics undergo extrusion and pelletisation to be moulded into new recycled plastic products. Ahhh, a cup of jo never tasted so good. 

Bathroom amenities = biodegradable

That’s right, all bathroom amenities are biodegradable or recyclable, including a toothbrush made from sugarcane and EcoPure lining in all packaging to help fast-track the biodegradation process. Large pump bottles also proudly replace those teeny, tiny travel-sized tubes. That decision alone has saved approximately 1.9 million bottles from going into landfill every year. #respect

“We are also proud to partner with an Australian-owned company called Vanity Group, who share our passion for creating luxurious, sustainable amenities that are vegan certified and use eco-packaging,” adds Josquin.

Recycle, recycle, recycle

Straight up, these folks know how to recycle. We’re talking about reusable glass bottles in all rooms, coat hangers made from 100 per cent recycled pressed cardboard and all straws, disposable bags and takeaway containers made from corn, sugar cane and related environmentally friendly materials. 

Even the architectural concept for Crystalbrook Kingsley observes Crystalbrook Collection’s values of Responsible Luxury.

“Construction involved local suppliers where possible, who reused and retained as much of the original fabric within the building and recycled all demolished materials through local recycling facilities,” says Josquin.

“Crystalbrook Kingsley also features key furniture pieces made by a local carpenter using reclaimed timbers with natural dyes and sealers, carpets made from environmentally friendly 100 per cent undyed sheep yarns, and key decorative pieces crafted by a nearby potter.”

Paperless tech

Think you’ll catch them out with paper? Think again. Thanks to in-room iPads, these clever clogs have removed approximately 90 per cent of paper typically found in hotel rooms. The team also runs a paperless press office, paperless check-in and check-out and when paper is required, will only use recycled or Forest Stewardship Council certified paper stocks. Checkmate. 

“At Crystalbrook Kingsley we aspire to protect the environment and create sustainable experiences that enhance, rather than compromise, the guest experience,” adds Josquin. “We offer our guests a luxury, culturally connected stay that we hope leaves them feeling empowered and inspired to travel with a lighter footprint.”

Keen to stay at the Crystalbrook Kingsley?

Who could blame you?! Check them out online today. But first, we’ll leave you with this final top tip. For each night you choose to have a ‘footprint-free stay’ (aka – decide not to have your room serviced and linen changed) you’ll be rewarded with a $10 food and beverage credit to spend at their restaurant and bar. You’re welcome. 

Level 9/282 King Street, Newcastle
crystalbrookcollection.com/kingsley
@crystalbrookcollection