Traveling impacts our environment, but that doesn’t mean we must stop traveling. We can be more sustainable travelers by being smart. From sustainable travel items to choosing eco-friendly hotels around the world to engaging in ethical animal tourism, we can all do our part to travel smarter.
As awareness of environmental issues grows, many hotels are making efforts to reduce their impact on the planet. From using renewable energy sources to implementing water conservation measures, these hotels are leading the way in sustainable tourism practices.
If you are passionate about protecting the environment and want to support businesses that share your values, consider staying at one of the most eco-friendly hotels around the world. These are recommended by those who have actually stayed in these hotels! If there’s somewhere you loved that’s not on the list – let me know in the comments & I’ll add it as a reader favorite.
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Africa
Attitude Hotels – Mauritius
The Attitude Group has eight 3 and 4-star hotels across Mauritius. Each hotel invites its guests to have an authentic Mauritius itinerary by encouraging them to take part in ‘Otentic Experiences’. These include having dinner with a local family, listening to a live Sega music concert and using its free app to get off the beaten path.
Onsite, the hotels feature artworks created by local artists and guests can shop for locally-made, crafts and souvenirs certified by the Made in Moris label. 5% of each purchase goes to the Green Attitude Foundation which funds sustainable development projects around the island.
Locality is a theme which also runs throughout the dining concepts and spas. Ingredients are locally grown and support Mauritian farmers. Plus, single-use plastic has been removed from the guest experience. You receive a reusable Dopper bottle which can be filled up at water fountains across the hotel grounds.
Instead of sachets of tea and coffee in your room, you’re invited to visit the Bulk Shop, a zero-waste station offering refills and eco-friendly products. It also sells natural, reef-friendly sunscreen.
If you stay at Lagoon Attitude, head over to the Marine Discovery Centre where you can learn about the marine world. Afterwards, grab a snorkel and follow a marine biologist into the protected Anse La Raie Lagoon to see how many species you can spot. Visit from June to mid-October for a chance to see migrating humpback whales with a responsible tour operator recommended by Attitude.
Asia
Alunan Resort, Malaysia
Alunan Resort, located on the smaller of Malaysia’s Perhentian Islands, is among the most eco-friendly resorts I know of. For starters, it’s easy to be a zero-waste traveller at Alunan. Being a boutique resort in a marine park, it takes the problem of plastic waste seriously. There is no plastic bottled water (and hardly any other plastic packaged amenities) in its 4-star rooms, but there are numerous filtered water stations around the grounds instead. And if you haven’t brought your own water bottle, they’ll lend you one. At its excellent restaurant, water is served in refilled glass bottles, and sugar comes to the table in little mason jars rather than in sachets. From the metal straws to the card-and-twine luggage tags, the resort strives to avoid plastic waste, a journey they have continued over the past decade.
In addition, Alunan employs a local marine biologist and hosts the Alunan Coral Project where they propagate coral fragments rescued from around the island. The staff fix the fragments to weights (so that they don’t roll around with the currents), and ‘plant’ them in the coral nursery to continue growing. The fragments are then used to rehabilitate damaged reefs around the Perhentian Islands. Guests can adopt coral fragments, and follow their growth on the Alunan website.
Visit the Perhentian Islands between May to September, outside of the northeast monsoon season. Snorkel and scuba dive around the marine park, take the hobie cat out for a sail, and enjoy a massage at the in-house spa for a memorable island vacation.
Castaway Resort, Koh Lipe, Thailand
Located on Sunrise Beach in Koh Kipe, Thailand, Castaway Resort is one of the best eco-friendly hotels in the world, seamlessly blending luxury with sustainability. The resort is committed to preserving the island’s natural beauty, by using traditional Thai practices to make it more sustainable.
The resort is built keeping traditional Thai architecture in mind. All their bungalows are made with natural hardwood sourced from local sustainable farms, with handmade thatched roofs. This combination allows for well-ventilated, naturally cooler bungalows that do not require air conditioning. Yes, all their rooms are non-AC on a tropical island and you won’t miss it!
The resort also has a very sophisticated water treatment system at par with the American National Parks standard. Their system treats all wastewater before returning it safely back to the environment. They also do not sell or promote buying packaged drinking water. There is a water dispenser kept at the cafe and reusable glass water bottles are filled twice daily in the rooms.
Castaway Resort also partners with other initiatives like Trash Hero, Lanta Animal Welfare, and Save Koh Lipe for beach clean-ups, awareness programs, animal rescue, and more.
The best time to visit Koh Lipe is during the winter months from November until March. These months see little to no rain with low humidity and moderate temperatures.
Koh Lipe is best known for its scuba diving and snorkeling. Castaway Resort has its own dive shop too, Castaway Divers from where you can sign up for scuba diving programs, or rent snorkeling gear to go snorkeling off Sunrise Beach to the nearby islands Koh Kra and Koh Usen. You can also rent a paddleboard or a kayak from the dive shop and explore other nearby islands.
Coconut Lagoon, India
CGH Earth Coconut Lagoon is a beautiful heritage resort on the banks of the largest lake in India, Lake Vembanad in Kerala. With its traditional villas, lush surroundings, intertwining canals, and stunning views of the backwaters, it’s a slice of heaven that offers a unique, eco-friendly experience.
The villas at the resort are built from the remnants of ancient Kerala homes instead of entirely new materials and fitted with energy-efficient lighting and appliances. The resort harvests rainwater, uses solar power to heat water and has its own water bottling unit to avoid using plastic bottles. They manage waste by recycling plastic, upcycling dry waste, and turning wet waste into biogas and compost. When you visit the resort, you can tour the grounds to see these eco-friendly measures in action.
Additionally, they actively participate in environmental conservation efforts, including mangrove restoration and biodiversity protection, like the preservation of the endangered ‘Veechur’ cattle, whom you might bump into at the resort!
They also source locally grown produce for their restaurants, supporting local farmers and reducing their carbon footprint. They consider the resort an extension of the village, so they support local communities by providing education, healthcare, and employment.
In the evenings, a local lady arrives on a canoe to give tea to the guests, which is delightful!
There is plenty to do at the resort, including bird watching, riding a canoe or kayaking to see pink water lilies, getting an Ayurveda massage, riding eco-friendly electric bikes to discover life on the backwaters and more. Visit between October and March, when it is neither blazing hot nor rainy so you have the best experience at Coconut Lagoon.
Gibbon Experience, Laos
The Gibbon Experience of Northern Laos is a tourism-based conservation program. Set up in 1996, this unique location works in conjunction with the Nam Khan National Park, where you’ll find the treehouses that comprise that provide accommodation. More than 80 local people are employed in this enterprise that not only provides an alternative to commercial cropping and slash and burn practice but also protects the environment of the critically endangered Laotian black crested gibbon.
Accommodation at the Gibbon Experience is located in eco-friendly treehouses, all of which sleep around 8 people – although there is a honeymoon option for just two people. Your bed is in a mosquito-proof “tent” in the treehouses, which tower above the forest floor. The only way to access the treehouses is via zip line, after a hike of several hours. However, there are freshwater showers in the treehouses!
The hotel of the Gibbon Experience provides three full meals a day, so after you’ve hiked and zip-lined to your heart’s content, you can relax as your breakfast, lunch, and dinner are “flown in” via the ziplines and the local team.
This is an eco-hotel experience with a difference, with funds going directly to the local economy, while also protecting the rainforest. There’s also something spectacular about waking at dawn to hear the black gibbons singing.
Himalayan Orchard Huts, India
When most people think of India, they don’t picture mountains and blue skies for miles. But Northern India is exactly like that – it’s the Himalayas after all.
Tucked away on the side of a mountain in this beautiful region of India is a unique and special guest house, Himalayan Orchard Huts. It’s literally on the side of a mountain – there is no road access. Guests are dropped off on the road at the bottom of the mountain and trek up the 1000 meters to the guest house. Porters and/or donkeys are used for luggage.
With no road, all you hear is the river running through the valley and parrots. This is the kind of place you come to get away from it all, and relax. But there is plenty to do, if you’re so inclined. Take a day or multi-day trek from the guest house, swim in the mountain water pool, practice yoga, and participate in guided meditation. Take a trip to Chamba to explore the 10th-century temples, or do a day trip to Kajjiar, known as the Switzerland of India.
The guest house is named for the apple orchards on the property, but they grow just about everything else too. It’s a real farm-to-table experience; all food is home-cooked using organic ingredients produced on the property. Cooking is done on a traditional clay oven. There are chickens for eggs and cows for milk (and homemade yogurt and butter). Waste is kept to an absolute minimum. It’s a family-run business, but they employ local help.
Guest rooms are simple but clean and comfortable. Almost all come with spectacular verandah views of the valley. Visitors can even drink the tap water – Himalayan Orchard Huts has their own natural mountain source.
Himalayan Orchard Huts. Photo by Suzanne Wanders Dehli
Sir Bani Yas Desert Islands Resort, United Arab Emirates
Sir Bani Yas Desert Islands Resort and Spa by Anantara in Abu Dhabi is more than just a luxury hotel. Set in a wildlife sanctuary home to giraffes, cheetahs, oryx, antelopes, turtles and other endangered species, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
The island hosts various habitats including wadis, plains, beaches, mangrove forests, and acacia forests supporting many species on land, in the air and in the sea.
While the sanctuary takes care of the mangroves, marine life, and so on, the resort, with its sister resorts of Sahel Villas and Yamm Villas, respects local heritage by incorporating it into its decor and activities, like pearl diving and falconry.
As much as possible, food is sourced from local farms and fishermen supporting local businesses and a robust food waste management system is in place.
Through activities on the island, the resort creates awareness of environmental issues. For example, guests are invited to plant mangrove saplings to help regenerate the forests and learn about endangered species on wadi treks. The island is also vehicle-free part from the few essential ones, keeping the air unpolluted.
The best time to visit is during the winter months, ideally between November and March. If you enjoy hot weather, October and April can be doable too.
While many activities are possible during your stay, the wildlife drive, horseback riding and kayaking in the mangroves looking for turtles should be at the top of your list.
You’ll leave knowing your visit to this most popular eco-friendly retreat in UAE had minimal impact on the island wildlife.
Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam
Con Dao islands, a protected marine park, are located off the south coast of Vietnam in the South China Sea. There are thick forests on these islands, as well as lovely beaches, secluded bays and coral reefs. A hidden gem for sure, not on the usual Vietnam itinerary for travellers. Six Senses resort is located on Con Son, the largest island in this chain.
Six Senses offers unparalleled luxury and serenity, with spacious villas facing the ocean, delightful cuisine options at multiple on-site restaurants, its own private strip of white sandy beach, and more. There are many activities to do at the resort, from extensive spa treatments to yoga and meditation sessions. The resort can arrange tours for Con Dao Prison Tour, scuba diving trips, and Turtle discovery tours (turtles’ nesting and hatching during the May-Oct season).
Six Senses Con Dao resort has a reverse osmosis plant at the property that provides still and sparkling water in glass bottles to its guests. There is absolutely no plastic usage at this beach resort, not even straws. In fact, after watching a documentary at the resort on how plastic straws can injure turtles, my daughter gave it up forever!
In cooperation with Con Dao Park authorities, Six Senses has beautifully restored their beach so that green turtles can come and lay eggs. The resort offers training programs on sea turtle conservation for their hosts and the local community. Further, they offer English classes and ‘Climate warrior’ courses to local children on the island.
The best time to visit Con Dao is from November to April. This season has cool temperatures and low rainfall. There are daily direct 45-minute flights connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Con Son.
Sumberkima Hill Retreat, Indonesia
Sumberkima Hill Retreat in West Bali is a stunning eco-friendly hotel that is perfect for travelers seeking tranquility and an authentic connection with nature. This eco-conscious retreat goes beyond greenwashing by actively participating in environmental preservation and community support. The establishment of Metamorfosa, an NGO focused on coral reef restoration and reforestation, is just one example of the retreat’s commitment to sustainability. Guests are encouraged to engage in eco-friendly activities, such as sponsoring and planting corals and trees, which not only enhances their experience but also contributes to the local ecosystem’s health.
Supporting the local community is integral to Sumberkima Hill’s philosophy. By sourcing locally-produced products and integrating them into the local economy, the retreat ensures that its presence contributes positively to the surrounding area. This commitment to both environmental and social sustainability makes Sumberkima Hill a model for responsible tourism in Bali, which can be hard to find.
The best time to visit Sumberkima Hill is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the natural beauty of West Bali. During your stay, don’t miss out on kayaking to the beautiful Gili Putih, a tiny island that is perfect for a secluded beach picnic.
Snorkeling or scuba diving at Menjangan Island in West Bali National Park offers a glimpse into the vibrant underwater life and is a great example of the area’s successful conservation efforts. These activities not only enrich your holiday but also underscore the retreat’s values of eco-friendly and community-oriented tourism.
Europe
Euphoria Art Land – Cyprus
Located in Pyrgos village, around 15 km from Limassol city, Euphoria Art Land is an eco-friendly accommodation that consists of three houses, offered for adults only. The accommodation reminds visitors of the unique creations done by Gaudi in Barcelona. The houses have been built based on organic and bioclimatic architecture, using recyclable materials, such as thousands of mosaics created from tiles that were thrown away by the construction sites.
The model used to build the houses was inspired by various cultures, such as Ethiopia, Morocco, Latin America, and India. The houses were built with nature at the heart and the whole project took around 8 years to complete. Inspired by different cultures (Ethiopia, Morocco, Latin America, and India), each house offers a unique ambiance inside: The Earth House hosts African-themed statues and decorative pieces. The Blue House reflects the Indian style. The Color House showcases Latin American influences. These houses reflect environmental consciousness, from architecture to operations, minimizing the carbon footprint.
The optimal time to book one of the three houses is during the spring and autumn months, when the guests can enjoy the mild climate and engage in outdoor activities, like hiking and cycling.
Euphoria Art Land doesn’t offer only accommodation, but it also hosts artistic and musical evenings, Yoga and Wellness days. It also accepts visits from schools and universities that are involved in creative work, such as pottery making, traditional crafts, or mosaic creations. Euphoria Art Land offers a holistic eco-friendly retreat, providing visitors with opportunities to foster a deeper connection with nature, support the local community and cultivate a profound appreciation for sustainable living.
Hotel Botanique, Czech Republic
Located in the centre of Prague, halfway between the old town and business district, Hotel Botanique is an eco-friendly hotel not to miss. Newly renovated in collaboration with local Czech designers, the rooms are spacious and comfortable. The inspiration for the design being taken from nature is evident from the wall of plants in the reception area to the leaf-themed prints in the rooms. The hotel features a restaurant, bar, gym, conference room, business centre, market and lounge areas.
Botanique’s Be Green programme is a commitment to conserving the Earth’s natural resources and making a positive social impact by being a fairer employer. Resource conservation initiatives are in place across the hotel, from using less water by changing bedding less frequently to energy-saving systems and the use of sustainable materials. Recycling is widely available throughout the hotel and single-use plastics have been swapped in favour of reusable products. Ingredients served at breakfast, lunch and dinner are chosen seasonally and sourced locally with plenty of veggie and vegan options on the menu.
Botanique is the perfect base to explore Prague. See the astronomical clock chime outside the old town hall or cross Charles Bridge and explore the old town and hill-top Prague Castle. Prague is particularly magical in winter when a lively Christmas market can be found in the town square, or bask out on the riverbank and spot coypu in the warmer summer months.
Hotel Casa Amsterdam, Netherlands
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly hotel in Amsterdam, then Hotel Casa is a great choice. Located in Amsterdam East but with easy public transport connections to the attractions in the historic centre, to Amsterdam Centraal Station and to Schiphol Airport, Hotel Casa is a 3-star hotel with a modern, design-led vibe. With a cool restaurant, cocktail bar and coffee shop, and a roof terrace for the summer, it ticks all the boxes for a stylish city stay. But all that is secondary to Hotel Casa’s other major draw – its social conscience and green credentials.
In 1957, four friends came together to tackle a social problem; a critical shortage of affordable student accommodation in Amsterdam. They came up with a radical solution; create homes for students that could operate as a hotel in the summer months. The hotel income would offset the cost of the student rooms, allowing them to rent them out at lower rates. Today, Hotel Casa has hotel rooms all year round; if you stay during the academic year you’ll share the building with 360 students.
Green initiatives at Hotel Casa include a housekeeping on request policy, with a tree planted for every day a guest chooses to skip cleaning. Heating and cooling uses a heat/cold storage unit, 50 metres below the hotel. Hotel Casa was the first hotel in the Netherlands to achieve the BREEAM certification, which measures an organisation’s commitment to sustainability. They are also founding members of the Amsterdam Green Hotel Club.
The Stanglwirt, Austria
The Stanglwirt has been around for over 400 years and grew into a grand resort in the last decades. It is located in the Tyrolean alps, beneath the Wilde Kaiser, in a sleepy village known as Going am Wilden Kaiser.
Originally, an inn, the establishment has been in the hands of the Hauser family since 1722 and the family has since then been warmly welcoming guests and celebrities from all over the world at the Stanglwirt.
An organic farm is directly attached to the luxury 5-star hotel and the private Lipizzaner stud adds to the uniqueness of the establishment. They were the first to implement a hot water biomass plant in the 1980s and this system has been heating the hotel and water.
All rooms and corridors are built and decorated with solid wood and arolla pine has been used, which has a calming effect on people. The architecture mirrors the regional Tyrolean style and harmonizes with the natural surrounding.
Many locals have been employed at the Stanglwirt and a few got to work with special talents later on. The Stanglwirt attracts great people and the connections made there are always valuable.
All seasons are equally beautiful. Summer days invite you to go for a hike on the mighty Wilder Kaiser mountain range. In the winter you get to ski in one of the largest downhill skiing resorts in Europe, the interconnected SkiWelt, or in the best, the upscale Kitzbühel ski resort.
Going am Wilden Kaiser is also known as the Bergdoktor village, which is where one of the most popular German-speaking serials is being filmed. You can visit some scenic film sets and at the same time immerse in the unique culture of the region.
North America
1 Hotel San Francisco
Situated just across the street from San Francisco’s popular Ferry Building food court, 1 Hotel San Francisco is a comforting place to spend the night. Eco-friendly from the front check-in counter, where the living wall is covered with carbon dioxide-absorbing green plants, to the guest bathroom, where amenities are tucked within packaging that includes fun suggestions on how to repurpose them. Invested in using minimal paper, plastics, and single-use items, 1 Hotel stocks guest rooms with water glasses made from recycled wine bottles and provides a filtered water station on each floor where guests can refill their own water bottles. Furnishings are made with recycled wood, and the elevator features rustic wood walls made from recycled Bay Bridge beams. More eco-friendly amenities include a lobby “farm stand” with complimentary snacks that include lightly imperfect produce that is otherwise often discarded (it comes from the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market just across the street).
Guests can borrow E-bikes and purple, recycled aluminum pedal bikes at no cost. Even the hotel’s superb restaurant, Terrene, gets into the act with honey the chef harvests from two rooftop hives housing happy bees. 1 Hotel San Francisco is well-situated along San Francisco’s scenic Embarcadero waterfront. Within a few blocks, guests can enjoy many attractions, several of which have free admission. One is Pier 24 Photography, situated beneath the Bay Bridge on a revamped pier and displaying a large 20th-century and postwar photography collection. Another is the newish Salesforce Park, where visitors can take a gondola up 4 stories to a 4 blocks-long urban oasis that covers 5.4 acres–basically a botanical garden in the sky with 16,000 plants and 600 trees as well as expansive green lawns.
El Silencio Lodge & Spa, Costa Rica
Hidden in the cloud forest north of Alajuela in Costa Rica lies El Silencio Lodge & Spa, a unique and sustainable Costa Rican eco lodge that’s earned every one of its green certifications. El Silencio prides itself on being sustainable in many ways. Its organic design ensures the resort blends seamlessly into the surrounding ecosystem and through programs which reduce their environmental footprint and protect the natural resources of the cloud forest.
Because of El Silencio’s green initiatives, the lodge has been recognized with ICT’s (Instituto Costarricense de Turismo) highest level of certification for the sustainability of tourism in Costa Rica. Their Elite rating comes only after a rigorous evaluation of energy and water conservation, waste disposal, and recycling. El Silencio further supports the local community with more than 95% of the staff being from the local community and sourcing materials and food locally.
All certifications aside, the lodge is simply pristine in a lush and wet cloud forest setting which they help to protect through conservation and reforestation. Energy-efficient lighting, solar panels, and water saving technology are further hallmarks of the lodge’s commitment to conservation.
El Silencio offers visitors plenty of opportunities to step into the natural world to explore the cloud forest through guided hikes or on your own. They provide hiking guides and maps of local trails where you’re most likely to encounter wildlife like boisterous howler monkeys or the irrepressible white-faced capuchins.
The wet season in Costa Rica is May through November when it can, and usually does, rain almost daily. For most visitors, the dry season of December through April is the best time of year to visit.
Hobbitenango, Guatemala
Hobbitenango, right outside of the city of Antigua and nestled in the Guatemalan mountains, is a quirky eco-friendly lodge.
Hobbitenango is a Lord of the Rings-themed adventure park, complete with a tavern that looks straight out of the Shire, archery booths, and the largest tree swing in Central America.
Beyond that, though, it also happens to have three hobbit holes that you can actually stay the night in, built into the sides of grassy hills. In fact, the owner originally came up with the concept for Hobbitenango as he wanted to build eco-friendly accommodations in Antigua and came across hobbit holes in Wales.
These hobbit holes are environmentally friendly, given that earth-sheltered construction offers natural insulation and incorporates elements that harness passive solar energy, like the inclusion of south-facing windows to maximize natural light and heat. These rooms has also have lots of reclaimed items, like old wine or soda bottles, in its design, which offer additional natural light, as well as a quirky design element.
Perhaps, best of all, Hobbitenango has been wonderful for the surrounding community. Previously, the only jobs in the area were agriculture and construction, but, now, the park employs over 100 locals, who can gain invaluable experience in Guatemala’s booming tourism industry.
The best time to visit this area is from November through April, during Guatemala’s dry period. During this time, you’ll be able to enjoy Hobbitenango’s attractions, including multiple photo stops (like the famed mossy enormous hand that overlooks the surrounding mountains), mini-golf, and carnival games. Try to time your visit for sunset—the views here are spectacular, especially when the Fuego Volcano dramatically erupts every 15 to 20 minutes off in the distance!
Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge, Belize
If you are contemplating visiting Belize, a Central American country with a Caribbean feel, head inland to experience its jungle and Mayan ruins. Clustered around the town of San Ignacio, near the border with Guatemala, you will find a collection of jungle lodges catering to every budget level that travelers use as a base to visit Mayan ruins, explore nature, and go on cave adventures.
Within that group, find Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge. It is a relaxed eco-lodge with affordable rates, run by exceptional management, and offers outstanding farm-to-table cuisine, much of which is grown on the rich soil of the lodge’s extensive tropical garden. From the garden—which you can visit, discover and sample new fruits like abiu and vegetables like chaya.
On 50 acres along the east bank of the Macal River and just under a 30-minute drive from San Ignacio, this self-sufficient lodge runs on solar power—and a generator when that runs out. Additionally, this lodge is small. Accommodation options include six one-bedroom cabanas that can accommodate one to four guests.
While at Macaw Bank, you can sign up for early morning bird walks, go on jungle hikes, canoe if the river is the right level, or arrange a full range of off-site activities. Additionally, you can come here to unplug. The lodge offers communal Wi-Fi via an extender from the main house accessible from its open-air dining palapa. However, the signal is weak due to the lodge’s position, deep in the river valley, which means you will have a limited to non-existent cell signal or Wi-Fi in most places in the lodge. So, if listening to the trill of tropical birds against the backdrop of a river flowing by sounds ideal, Macaw Bank might be the perfect eco-lodge for you.
Ofland, Utah, USA
Ofland (formerly Yonder Escalante) is more than just a hotel. It’s a gateway to Utah’s stunning landscape, with a name derived from its stated ethos, “Of The Land.” Ofland’s accommodations, ranging from deluxe cabins to basic campsites, are designed to immerse you in Utah’s natural beauty, making your stay a truly unique eco experience.
The Deluxe Cabins feature ensuite bathrooms and small kitchenettes. The Campsites allow you to bring your own accommodation and have access to all the hotel amenities. Guests can stay in Tiny Cabins Or Vintage Airstreams. The eco-friendly Airstreams are vintage campers recycled into luxurious hotel rooms. The Tiny Cabins feature walls of glass and a small space with a queen bed and access to the bathhouses nearby with spa-like amenities. Using vintage items onsite extends to the creative and entertaining drive-in theater featuring classic cars for guests to watch the nightly movie.
Every room has access to an outdoor shower, connecting you back to nature. The Outdoor Lounge is the perfect place to meet other guests and take in the amazing landscape in its open-air gathering space
Ofland is ideally situated in Escalante, Utah, with access to some of the best National Parks in the world. It is a great home base for exploring several of Utah’s Mighty 5, including Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument. Check out the Lower Calf Falls and Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon hikes, both are highlights of a visit to Utah.
Oceania
Flying Fox, New Zealand
Flying Fox Whanganui in New Zealand offers a unique and eco-friendly experience nestled in the beautiful natural surroundings of the Whanganui River. This accommodation is not just a place to rest your head but a sustainable retreat that immerses you in the essence of eco-tourism. The lodges and cabins are designed with a minimal environmental footprint, blending harmoniously with the lush greenery and rugged landscapes of New Zealand’s North Island.
The property utilizes renewable energy sources such as solar power and employs eco-friendly practices like waste reduction and recycling. Guests can appreciate the efforts made to preserve the pristine environment while enjoying modern comforts and amenities. This responsible tourism ethos adds a layer of meaningfulness to your stay, knowing that you’re supporting a business that prioritizes environmental stewardship.
Moreover, staying at Flying Fox Whanganui allows you to connect with nature on a deeper level. The beauty of New Zealand is no secret, so why not stay somewhere that truly embraces it? From exploring the nearby native bush and river activities to participating in eco-friendly initiatives on-site, every aspect of your experience encourages mindfulness toward the environment. Whether you’re lounging in a cozy lodge or embarking on outdoor adventures, the eco-friendly ethos of Flying Fox Whanganui creates a memorable and sustainable travel experience in New Zealand.
South America
Ecocamp Patagonia – Chile
If you’re looking for a Patagonia resort that walks the walk, you can’t beat Ecocamp Patagonia in Torres del Paine, Chile. Ecocamp Patagonia was actually the first dome resort in the world, and they’ve been carbon-neutral since 2007!
Ecocamp goes beyond the basic green-washing by being powered by solar panels and micro-hydro turbines from a nearby river. Domes are equipped with composting toilets with a biofiltration system to replenish the soil. Ecocamp buys from their neighbors whenever possible, and reinvests in the preservation of Torres del Paine National Park.
This is also a fantastic resort for vegans and vegetarians, as the food served here is primarily plant-based, with delicious and creative vegan and vegetarian options for every meal. And of course it’s local!
Each day, there are three excursions at Ecocamp Patagonia: one easy and two more challenging. Easy excursions include a glacier cruise on Lake Grey and a gentle hike taking in the local flora and fauna; the most challenging excursion is hiking to the base of the towers, which should be on any Patagonia hiker’s bucket list! Groups are small and your Ecocamp guides keep you smiling.
The best thing about Ecocamp is being able to commune with nature in such a cozy, welcoming place. You can enjoy being wifi-free and steps from hiking trails.
Patagonia is spectacular in its summer months, from December through March. I recommend visiting in late November, early December, or late March to enjoy good weather with the quiet of shoulder season.
Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador
Mashpi Lodge in Ecuador is one of the most eco-friendly hotels around the world. Here is why; the hotel was built by the latest techniques and technologies to prevent damage to the surrounding forest. Therefore, it maintains the beauty of the forest around it without the touch of humans.
They also use the latest techniques to reduce the consumption of carbon blueprints and prevent air pollution. Therefore, visitors can enjoy a forest-like fresh air while contemplating on God-given nature.
With that being said, the Mashpi Lodge does continuous research and collaboration with scientists and organizations to prevent deforestation in the Ecuadorian Rainforest. Therefore, they sustain less stress on the ecosystem while keeping the forest clean for the tourist to enjoy an untouched paradise.
The best time to visit the Mashpi Lodge in Ecuador is from January through March. During this time, visitors can catch some surf and the sun on one of its beautiful beaches. However, if you seek a cruising trip, you can visit from August to September when tourists like to sail around the Napi River (Aka: Rio Napi). The river drains to the Amazon River where you can enjoy pink Dolphin watching, specially in the Cuyabeno Reserve and the Yasuni National Park.
However, the best time to hike the Andes mountain range in South America is from June to September. It is where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Ecuadorian Rainforest and highland cities. If trekking the Andes Mountain Range does not suit your style, you can choose to horseback riding at the Chilean lake.
Final Thoughts
No matter where you travel, you can make eco-friendly decisions. From what to pack to where to stay, sustainable travelers are learning how to be kinder to Mother Earth. Got a favorite eco-friendly hotel that isn’t on the list? Let me know in the comments and I’ll add it as a reader favorite!
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Happy to see hotels from India on this list. Being eco-friendly is the need of the hour, and I hope more and more business owners and individuals are more aware of environment-friendly practices.
It is great to see sustainable hotels popping up all over the world. Something that needs to happen more and more.
Great idea for a post…some of these look amazing. Hanging on to this one for future planning purposes!
It’s great to see a post like this. Some of these hotels look great & I’d love to spend some time in them!