As consumers become aware of the negative impact their holidays have on the environment, eco-friendly travel alternatives are becoming increasingly important. This is especially evident in the hospitality industry, with the proliferation of eco-lodges – accommodations designed to have a minimal impact on the environment – around the world. Many environmental organizations employ local residents, provide environmental education programs, and benefit their communities.
While eco-lodges are often located in remote locations such as Costa Rica, they can also be found in major metropolitan areas such as New York City.
Read on to discover some of the best ecosystems around the world.
Secret Bay: Dominica
Sustainability is woven into every aspect of Secret Bay, an award-winning castle resort in Dominica. The resort’s 16 free-standing, secluded villas are built on top of a cliff with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. The residential style villas are built from local Guyanese wood and feature gourmet kitchens, a private plunge pool and spacious indoor and outdoor living areas. They even come with a box for growing plants, gardening, and composting. Guests are encouraged to spend time in nature, including rainforest hiking, yoga, paddle boarding and kayaking.
Secret Bay’s sustainable practices include supporting healthy coral reefs, using local ingredients for food served on site, using biodegradable food packaging and replacing single-use plastic entirely. Secret Bay’s dedicated green team also ensures the resort’s waste is recycled and composted.
Recent guests have rated the resort highly, saying how much they appreciate the privacy and tranquility of the villas.
EcoCamp Patagonia: Chilean Patagonia
Located in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, EcoCamp Patagonia is the world’s first geodesic dome hotel. Sustainable dome accommodation is available in conjunction with multi-day treks organized by Cascada Expediciones, the ecocamp’s parent company. Superior domes provide heating and private bathrooms, while suite domes have private bathrooms with hot water and composting toilets, plus low-emission wood stoves. Suite dome lofts with plenty of space for families, as well as standard domes with basic amenities are also available.
EcoCamp Patagonia’s sustainability practices include sourcing food ingredients locally, employing local community members, and using hydropower and solar energy.
Guests consistently praise the EcoCamp Patagonia staff – especially the guides.
Soneva Fushi: Maldives
While Soneva Fushi’s private island villas and bungalows are a bucket list item for many travelers, there’s another reason to love this Maldives resort: it’s 100% carbon neutral and has been in operation since 2012.
Soneva Fushi, located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, recycles or reuses 90% of its waste, as does Maker’s Place, a completely carbon-neutral island studio that turns plastic and aluminum into works of art, practical objects and building materials. Construction of a resort. Also worth considering is the resort’s glass recycling program: Soneva’s experienced team of glass experts works with guests to create their own pieces of glass art to take home. All of the art you see in the on-site studio is made from recycled glass.
Previous guests have raved about the resort, saying it is unlike anything they have ever seen. Soneva’s other properties in the Maldives (Soneva Jani) and Thailand (Soneva Keri) also engage in ecotourism.
El Monte Sagrado Living Resort & Spa: Taos, New Mexico
Taos, New Mexico boasts a rich natural landscape that is integrated into the design of the urban eco-home El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa. The hotel’s infrastructure incorporates recycled water, plants, fish and rocks into a self-sustaining environment that not only gives the resort a natural aesthetic, but also helps capture rainwater and wastewater. The rooms are decorated in Egyptian, Balinese, Tibetan and Indian style with stone tiles and decor.
Meanwhile, the Living Spa uses organic products and treatments to help you relax. Next to the spa and pool, guests can relax in the hotel’s biolariums filled with lush greenery and flowers. The resort also has a bar and restaurant, both of which are particularly well received.
Post Ranch Inn: Big Sur, California
The luxurious Post Ranch Inn seems to blend into the cliffs and coastline of Big Sur, with a biophilic architectural design offering stunning views and an eco-friendly lifestyle—perfect for a romantic getaway in California. All rooms are built from natural and environmentally friendly glass, stone, steel and COR-TEN wood (including mahogany obtained from wine barrels). Ocean House’s private rooms feature curved, living ceilings covered in wildflowers and grasses. North rooms have private outdoor bathtubs, while south rooms have double-sided fireplaces.
The property provides habitat for the California red-legged frog, Smith’s blue butterfly and other endangered species. The hotel also supplies the ingredients used in the on-site restaurant. Guests can explore the area with guided walking tours, educational bird watching and outdoor yoga classes, or they can take advantage of one of the hotel’s Lexus hybrid vehicles to explore other nearby attractions. Recent guests rave about the Post Ranch Inn, especially the accommodations and food.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge: New York City
Staying at this LEED Gold certified hotel will not only give you beautiful views of the waterfront and Manhattan skyline, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing you’re doing something good for the environment. In the hotel lobby, the on-site restaurant serves farm-to-table cuisine, as well as fresh produce at the farm stand and locally sourced produce at the adjacent café.
Each room at 1 Brooklyn Bridge features recycled décor and plenty of natural light, as well as sustainably sourced linens and filtered water faucets. Much of the hotel’s furniture and art is made by local artisans. Recent reviews have been mixed, although most guests agree that the views from this hotel can’t be beat.
In addition to New York, 1 Hotels also has eco-friendly hotels elsewhere in the U.S., as well as in Cabo San Lucas, London and China.
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Autograph Collection: Denver
Sustainability is woven into every aspect of Brown Palace Hotel & Spa, with guests receiving biodegradable key cards at reception, ordering from a redesigned menu in the restaurant and using locally sourced water in their low-flow showers. . The spa treatments use honey from five colonies of bees living on the hotel’s rooftop. In the kitchen, meals are prepared using ingredients from the tower’s garden and leftovers are composted.
Previous visitors praise the hotel’s eco-friendly nature and rave about its downtown Denver location, historic buildings, elegant bars and afternoon tea offerings.
The Green House: England
Greenhouse proves that going green doesn’t have to be expensive. Situated on the south coast of England, approximately 100 miles southwest of London, the greenhouse meets strict sustainability standards. Guests can relax in comfortable beds and enjoy fresh seafood and local produce from the surrounding Bournemouth town. The 32-room hotel boasts recycled furniture, locally woven carpets and wallpaper made from vegetable inks. The hotel also features a community garden on site and supports environmental initiatives at nearby schools.
Guests say the conservatory is ideal for a romantic getaway (and is therefore also a popular wedding venue). Former visitors especially appreciate the friendly staff.
Conscious Hotels: Netherlands
Conscious Hotels describes its sustainability efforts using the term “ecosexuality,” emphasizing eco-friendly interior design. The brand has four hotels in Amsterdam, all of which offer 100% organic and vegetarian food and drinks, offer water-efficient shower heads, use renewable energy from Dutch windmills and reduce overall waste.
At the Conscious Vondelpark, the rooftop is a green sanctuary and the lobby features a wall of living plants. On the other side of town, at the brand’s Museum Square, you can rent rugged Roetz bikes to explore Amsterdam’s top attractions. Conscious Hotel Amsterdam City (The Tire Park) is equipped with solar panels on the roof. Another reason to love conscious hotels? For every direct booking, a tree (or several) is planted.
Bakoti and Tara Beach Resort: Aruba
At first glance, Bakoti and Tara Beach Resort looks like a typical adults-only Caribbean resort with a spa, pool, beach access and fine dining. But in fact, it is the first and only certified carbon-neutral resort in the Caribbean, with the lowest energy consumption per room in Aruba.
In addition to solar panels and water-saving faucets, notable practices include monthly beach clean-ups with hotel staff and guests, donating uneaten food to local farmers, and waiving all-inclusive fees. free every morning). Moreover, Bakoti and Tara Beach Resort sponsor various animal welfare groups on the island. In addition to the hotel’s eco-friendly technology and amenities, guests say they appreciate the tranquil environment.
Pacuare Lodge: Costa Rica
A pioneer in sustainable tourism, Pacuare Lodge preserves 840 acres of rainforest along the Pacuare River in Costa Rica. Its villas, built with minimal environmental impact, feature stone pools with spring water and solar-heated outdoor showers, among other luxurious amenities. Pacuare Lodge also employs local staff and is involved in a variety of community initiatives, including supporting wildlife conservation.
Previous guests have raved about the farm-to-table dining experience at Neri Avari, where a fully plant-based menu is available for vegetarians. Activities at the lodge range from hiking to waterfalls to relaxing with natural spa treatments at the Java Joe Spa and even meeting with members of Costa Rica’s largest indigenous culture, the Cabecars.
Lapa Rios Lodge: Costa Rica
A sister resort to Pacuare Lodge, Lapa Rios Lodge is committed to protecting its community and environment on 1,000 acres of protected rainforest in Costa Rica. Naturalist guides lead a variety of exciting tours, from scuba diving to night cruises. You can also meet a local family at Rancho Peru. Unsurprisingly, most guests agree that the views are stunning.
Eco-friendliness is also built into biodegradable toiletries, locally sourced ingredients for food served in the on-site restaurant, and open-air bungalows handcrafted by local artisans. Located on the Osa Peninsula, Lapa Rios Lodge is also an all-inclusive Costa Rican resort.
Cristalino Lodge: Brazil
Located in the Amazon Rainforest Reserve, one of the most ecologically rich places on the planet, the award-winning Crystalino Lodge is committed to conservation and environmental well-being. Designed as an ecotourism destination, the lodge offers tours for visitors to learn about the many birds, monkeys and other native animals.
Naturally ventilated rooms with outdoor baths or showers and private gardens (in most cases) add to the lodge’s charm, as does the Brazilian cuisine. Recent guests rave about every aspect of this hotel, from the location to the wildlife viewing.
Kaga Kamma Nature Reserve: South Africa
A stay at the Kaga Kamma Nature Reserve, which is entirely powered by solar power, brings visitors closer to South Africa’s unique wildlife. Reptile education classes help guests learn about local species, and rock art tours teach participants about the ancient civilizations that once inhabited the area. Explore the area on nature trips, ATV adventures or hikes.
If fresh air and untouched nature aren’t your thing, choose an open-air room where you can sleep under the stars. Recent guests agree that the staff at Kaga Karma is top notch.
Chobe Bakwena Lodge: Botswana
Chobe Bakwena Lodge is a group of luxury chalets built from simple materials such as sand, grass and sustainably sourced wood. The circular shape of the residence helps maintain a comfortable temperature without using energy, and the electricity here is generated by solar panels.
The lodge supports local businesses with handcrafted decor and furnishings. Bike tours, village walks and other activities help guests explore the area. Travelers appreciate the lodge’s location within Chobe National Park, where elephants are often seen
Wildlife Retreat in Taronga: Australia
Australia is known for its unique flora and fauna, and the wildlife retreat at Taronga is a great place for travelers to explore. Located just 7 miles northeast of downtown Sydney, this eco-retreat sits within Taronga Zoo’s wildlife sanctuary and allows guests to interact with and learn about native species. Visitors can take comfort in knowing that proceeds from each stay go to support animal conservation and education efforts across the country.
Additionally, the posh hotel complies with sustainable building standards, such as recycled water, solar energy and low-energy appliances. While the wildlife is a highlight, guests also praise the service and food.
Picking ParkRoyal Collection: Singapore
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore has been setting sustainability standards for the hospitality industry since its launch in 2013. Built as a “hotel in a garden”, this luxurious oasis in the heart of Singapore’s city center is adorned with greenery – both inside and out – that will stand out to most travelers.
All the gardens, plants and waterfalls combined will more than double the hotel’s land area. Open hotel hallways reduce energy use and promote ventilation. Additionally, guest rooms use water and light sensors to conserve energy, while restaurants serve meat-free dishes and eco-friendly cocktails.
Six Senses Con Dao: Vietnam
Travelers agree that pristine private beaches are the highlight of this Vietnamese island resort, not only because of its beauty but also because they can happily coexist with the local wildlife – especially With sea turtles. Each year, resort staff help care for and safely release baby sea turtles into the wild, and guests are invited to participate.
Beaches and hotel grounds have been kept plastic-free to further protect wildlife. To help with this initiative, each guest receives a reusable water bottle upon arrival. Residents are also invited to attend the hotel’s weekly English classes where they can help local children improve their language skills.
Olas Tulum: Mexico
Close to the beautiful town of Tulum, this property has been thoughtfully designed. Guests at Olas Tulum especially appreciate the property’s secluded beachfront location, which helps maximize coastal breezes for air circulation. The rooms also use solar energy for power. Much of the food is sourced from regional family farms, and kitchen waste is composted on site. The lodge sits near the entrance to the 1.3 million acre Biosphere Reserve, making it ideal for anyone looking for a tranquil getaway filled with natural beauty. Daily spa treatments and yoga classes are also available.
Mas Salagros EcoResort: Spain
About 15 miles north of Barcelona sits Mas Salagros EcoResort, a luxury lodge built on the plot of a 15th-century farm. Due to the property’s fertile land and location on a nature reserve, the founders of Mas Salagros decided to make their hotel as sustainable as possible. Adhering to Europe’s highest standards of eco-building, they have achieved their goal by using sustainable materials, energy-efficient power and innovative waste management practices to minimize the hotel’s impact on the environment. .
Hiking, organic cooking classes with an on-site chef and eco-friendly thermal baths are just some of the activities visitors can enjoy at Mos Salagros, although the staff at this five-star hotel is the highlight.
About 30 miles from Reykjavik, the ION Adventure Hotel almost blends into its volcanic surroundings. Built with sustainable materials and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide uninterrupted views of the beautiful countryside and (depending on when you visit) the Northern Lights, this hotel is ideal for anyone who loves nature. Want to contact
The neighboring Hengel volcanic mountain serves as a geothermal energy source to provide electricity and hot water to guests. Inside, the furniture is made from rocks, reclaimed wood and recycled materials. The sinks are even made from recycled tires. Guests can enjoy access to local cuisine, herbal bathing facilities and tours with local guides who are experts on the land. Although it is an eco-friendly hotel, recent guests note that it should not be confused for an adventure hotel with lots of activities.
