Austin-area resort awarded top green honor

AUSTIN, Texas (KXAN) -- Green getaways are red hot, and one of the most environmentally friendly hotels in the world is just 30 minutes away from Downtown Austin. 

"The vision for The Crossings came from interviews and a lot of prayers," said Ken Beck, co-founder of The Crossings.           

Beck called The Crossings wellness resort and spa in the Balcones Preserve "Tex-Zen." 

The resort's look is true to Texas, and Zen in its one-with-nature design. Buildings were constructed with local materials.

"The campus needed to sit softly or gently on the land, which is respect for the land, so we created some rules that related directly to sustainability," Beck said.

The Crossings was awarded the top honor as one of the greenest hotels in the world by TheBestGreenHotels.com for its recycling, energy conservation and use of sustainable materials.

The roof of the spa's welcome center was reused from a Lubbock church. The gutters collect water to reuse and pump back onto the landscape.

"When you're here, you can feel good about participating in something that is the right thing," said eco-conscious Austin resident Jan Chapman.