Read related story: Destination Rejuvenation

Vacationing in the city doesn’t have to be hectic or unhealthy—au contraire!Greener hotels and back-to-essentials retreats offer a new take on city life. Boston’s Nine Zero, an eco-friendly Kimpton Hotel near Boston Common and Beacon Hill, provides luxury accommodations—with a reduced carbon footprint. (And, if your feet ache after a day of sightseeing, consider booking an in-room spa treatment, such as the Rice and Sake reflexology foot massage.) Or, if you’re in the mood for tranquil but more modest accommodations to help tune into your spiritual side, consider the St. John the Evangelist Monastery in Cambridge, which offers self-directed or group retreats.

Do>>

When you’re not soaking in the culture—Boston Ballet or the Museum of Fine Arts anyone?—take a jog through the Public Garden, kayak on the Charles River, or bike the Minuteman Bikeway.

Eat>>
Check out the upscale, 100% organic Grezzo (it means “raw” in Italian) in the North End. Or reserve a table at Mare, Boston’s top-notch sustainable seafood restaurant.

Info>>
Nine Zero: ninezero.com; 866-906-9090. St. John the Evangelist Monastery: ssje.org; 617-876-3037. Grezzo: grezzorestaurant.com;  857-362-7288. Mare: mareorganic.com; 617-723-6273.

For more green restaurants, hotels, and activities around Boston, check out Bean Town is Green Town.


Take>>

World of Good Cute as a Button Jewelry Roll + Helter Shellter Necklace

Preserve Razor + Toothbrush, made from recycled plastic

TerraNova Organic Essential Oil Perfume (in Butterfly Orchid or Mimosa Kiss scents)

Also recommended>>

EBoost Daily Health Booster drink mix (with vitamins C, B6, and B12; zinc; and green tea extract)

Aubrey Green Tea facial care travel set (includes cleansing lotion, rejuvenating mask, toner, and SPF-15 moisturizer)

Natural Factors Stress-Relax Tranquil Sleep (with 5-HTP, L-theanine, and melatonin)