Where Luxury Meets Sustainability
The world is full of ecolodges and resorts but when it comes to luxury, some are just so much better than others. If you're looking for a vacation that's eco-friendly but doesn't skimp out on the opulence, we've got you covered.
These are the most luxurious eco resorts in the world.
Daintree Wilderness Lodge, Australia
When it comes to one of the world’s best combinations of luxury and sustainability, Daintree is among the best. The local Kuku Yalanji tribe helps run this ecolodge and it’s situated in the world’s oldest rainforest, the Daintree Rainforest.
With a landscape that’s full rugged mountains, beautiful beaches, majestic waterfalls, and lush forests, the area is home to an abundance of wildlife. Of note, the region is home to 65% of Australia’s bat and butterfly species, 30% of the country’s frog, reptile and marsupial species, and 18% of the bird species.
Daintree Wilderness Lodge, Australia (cont’d)
At the Daintree Wilderness Lodge, you’ll stay in treehouse villas that ensure a minimal impact on the surrounding ecosystem. Activities at the lodge include hiking tours through the ancient forests, and painting workshops featuring pigments made from local ocher.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Paark is also nearby (less than an hour) for those looking to explore one of the world’s best places to dive.
Ecocamp Patagonia, Chile
This ecolodge was the first hotel in Patagonia that features a certified Environmental Management System. It also offers incredible views of the Torres del Paine granite peaks.
The design of the camp was inspired by the Kaweskars, a nomadic Indigenous group that once lived in the region.
Ecocamp Patagonia, Chile (cont’d)
Visitors stay in geodesic dome suites, that feature en suite bathrooms, wood stoves, and open terraces that provide breathtaking views of the landscape.
The camp is designed to be carbon-neautral, and all electricity is provided via photovoltaic panels and micro-hydro turbines. They also have a strict recycling program and use composting toilets.
Rondon Ridge, Papua New Guinea
Rondon Ridge is one of the best resorts in Papua New Guinea and its totally eco-friendly. Water at the resort is filtered on-site, and guests are given reusable water bottles when they arrive.
Electric vehicles are used for nature tours, which limits the amount of pollution they create.
Rondon Ridge, Papua New Guinea (cont’d)
Rondon Ridge has apartment-style rooms that overlook the stunning Wahgi Valley. Electricity is generated by a zero-emission hydroelectric system that operates on water from nearby mountain springs.
Produce for the on-site restaurant comes from local Indigenous farmers and many of the staff are from the local villages.
MahaRaja Eco Dive Lodge, Indonesia
Welcome to the world’s best eco-friendly dive resort. Nature conservation is the focus here, and it’s one of the best places to see beautiful marine life.
Notably, MahaRaja is home to the first dive shop to use electric-powered boats, which don’t use fuel and reduce noise pollution in the sea. To keep their carbon footprint small, the lodge is almost completely solar-powered and the bungalows were built with locally-sources wood from farms, to limit the effects of deforestation.
MahaRaja Eco Dive Lodge, Indonesia (cont’d)
Guests at MahaRaja can explore the waters around the lodge, but they must pledge not to interact with or harm the marine wildlife. Water for the lodge comes from a nearby spring and rooms feature biodegradable toiletries, like corn-based toothbrushes.
All produce for the restaurant is locally sourced, and the lodge has made vegan versions of traditional Papuan dishes.
Lapa Rios Lodge, Costa Rica
Lapas Rios is an award-winning ecolodge that’s been voted one of the best resorts in Latin America by prestigious companies like National Geographic, Conde Nast Traveler, and Travel & Leisure. This ecolodge is situated on the Pacific Ocean, right next to the Corcovado National Park.
The area is home to some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful wildlife, including four different species of monkeys, and endangered species like scarlet macaws, harpy eagles, jaguars, and white-lipped peccaries.
Lapa Rios Lodge, Costa Rica (cont’d)
Guests at Lapas Rios can stay at one of the lodge’s 16 thatched-roof bungalows. The bungalows are cooled by the ocean breeze and the lodge also works with local community grupos to build schools, playground, and install solar panels and water pumps in nearby villages.
And with a top-notch open-air restaurant and Ayurvedic massages, being eco-friendly comes with a relaxing dose of luxurious treatment,
Feynan Ecolodge, Jordan
National Geographic recently named Feynan Ecolodge as one of the world’s Top 50 Ecolodges.
This ecolodge is at the forefront of sustainability in the Middle East. It’s completely solar-powered via photovoltaic panels, has natural ventilation, and all of the lodge’s water comes from a nearby spring.
hikinginjordan, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Feynan Ecolodge, Jordan (cont’d)
Feynan donates a large portion of their revenue to fund conservation efforts in Dana, a 320km2 region with the highest level of biodiversity in Jordan.
At the lodge, guests can go hiking or biking through the wildlife reserve, or spend time with a Bedouin shepherd to learn about the local culture and cuisine.
Tactical Technology Collective, Flickr
Campi Ya Kanzi Eco Lodge, Kenya
Meaning “Camp of the Hidden Treasure”, Campi Ya Kanzi provides unparalleled views of Mount Kilimanjaro and is surrounded by three national parks. It’s also owned by the Massai people, a group of nomadic pastoralists who have lived in the region for 500 years.
The landscape here is full of mountain forests, lush grasslands, and scorching savannas. It’s also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including more than 400 species of birds and more than 50 species of mammals.
Chris 73, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Campi Ya Kanzi Eco Lodge, Kenya (cont’d)
This is one of the smallest ecolodges on the list, and it only has room for 12 guests. T
he tents here are sustainably built, with lava rocks, thatched roofs, and Massai decorations. Guests at Campi Ya Kanzi can embrace the luxurious life with king-sized log beds, stunning verandahs, running water, and flush toilets.
Three Camel Lodge, Mongolia
Located in right next to the Gobi Altai mountains, Three Camel Lodge features 35 gers, the yurts that are used by nomadic peoples in Mongolia. The gers are made from circular wood frames that are covered in furs and felts.
Inside, you can stay warm and cozy with wool carpets, wood stoves, camel-hair blankets, and hand-made furniture.
Three Camel Lodge, Mongolia (cont’d)
Guests at Three Camel Lodge can take part in unique activities like throat-singing, visiting local nomadic communities, and helping with excavations in the Flaming Cliffs.
Guests can also explore the area with a hike, or just sit back and take in breathtaking views of the Gobi Desert.
Phinda Forest Lodge, South Africa
Phinda is often considered to be among the world’s first eco lodges. It’s situated in the KwaZulu-Natal game reserve and has been praised by National Geographic for the amazing mix of luxury and sustainability.
The resort has secluded rooms that allow guests to experience a calming Zulu Zen atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows provides breathtaking views of local wildlife like antelope, jackals, and warthogs.
Phinda Forest Lodge, South Africa (cont’d)
Fun is guaranteed at Phinda, since the lodge offers so many cool activities. Some of the best-rated excursions include drives through the game reserve, walking safaris, and tours of the Endangered Wild Cats Project facility.
You can also go scuba diving in India Ocean’s Sodwana Bay, which is one of the world’s best places to dive.
Topas Ecolodge, Vietnam
Located in the hills of Vietnam’s Sapa Valley, Topas Ecolodge provides stunning views of the Hoang Lien National Park. This lodge features 33 granite bungalows that overlook beautiful mountain peaks and rice farms.
There’s no TV or Wi-Fi here, and the lodge has a top-notch recycling program and reduces food waste by providing leftovers to local livestock. The lodge also uses meat and vegetables from its own farm.
Topas Ecolodge, Vietnam (cont’d)
Even the luxury at Topas is eco-friendly. The infinity pools are heated by a system that uses 85% less energy than other pools. And their spa specializes in relaxation with traditional Red Dao herbal baths.
If you’re looking for outdoor adventures, there’s no shortage of hiking and biking trails around the lodge.
Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort, Belize
Situated near the Maya Mountains, Hamanasi is the perfect place for eco-friendly thrill-seekers.
The resort has an endless list of excursions but some of the most notable ones include scuba diving in the Belize Barrier Reef, hiking tours through the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, and drumming lessons with the locals in nearby Hopkins Village.
Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort, Belize (cont’d)
Hamanasi is part of a pilot project to support sustainable tourism in the Caribbean. The resort has allocated ten acres of property to be used a nature reserve and hires 90% of its staff from nearby communities.
Other sustainable initiatives at Hamanasi include eco-friendly cleaning products, rainwater collection, and an extensive composting and recycling programs.
Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort, Canada
Hidden away in British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest, this resort offers unparalleled views of breathtaking fjords and waterfalls, majestic mountains, and incredible forests. This is one of the world’s oldest ecolodges and has been operated by the Murray family since the early 1980s.
It’s also one of the most remote ecolodges, and you can only get there by taking a helicopter or a floatplane.
Sam Beebe, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort, Canada (cont’d)
Nimmo Bay is a popular destination for nature-lovers since it offers great opportunities to see local wildlife like whales, bears, and sea lions. There’s are also lots of thrilling activities to take part in, including kayaking, hiking, and fly fishing.
The resort has a partnership with local First Nations communities, which is where they get most of the ingredients for the restaurant. The cedar hot tubs, riverside wooden chalets, and floating docks with cozy fire pits are also made with sustainability in mind.
Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge, Costa Rica
This jungle lodge is situated on 170 acres of nature preserve and is two hours away from the nearest town. You’ll also have to take a boat to get there.
Sustainability initiatives at the resorst include a hydroelectric turbine for water conservation, hybrid solar convection for making hot water, solar electricity via photovoltaic panels, and a state-of-the-art wastewater management system that features nine septic tanks.
Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge, Costa Rica (cont’d)
Hiking is the main draw at Casa Corcovado, but you can also enjoy the resort’s outdoor lounge, swimming pool, margarita bar, and secret pool that’s fed by a natural spring.
And as an added bonus, all of the staff at the resort are from the local Tico community, and they have their own residences on the property.
Secret Bay, Dominica
This five-star eco resort feature six luxurious villas that are made out of sustainably sourced local hardwoods.
The resort is perched atop a cliff that gives incredible views of the ocean and the tropical gardens on the property are home to 20 different bird species. Guests can also relax in their own private plunge pool.
Secret Bay, Dominica (cont’d)
Secret Bay is the perfect destination for beach-lovers. Tibay Bay Beach is just minutes away, and feature a sea cave that’s perfect for an unforgettable adventure.
The area is also home to some of the most beautiful coral and marine life, which you can get close to with snorkeling or diving. Kayaking and paddle-boarding are also popular here.
Hacienda Tres Rios Resort, Mexico
This is one of the bigger eco-friendly destinations on the list, featuring 273 rooms, and six different restaurants. The resort has a 2,500-acre organic farm and this is where most of the fruits and vegetables for the restaurant come from.
The resort is situated at the place where three rivers intersect with the Caribbean Sea and provides stunning views of coastal dunes and mangrove forests. Kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling are popular here.
Андрей Бобровский, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Hacienda Tres Rios Resort, Mexico (cont’d)
Guests at the resort can enjoy on-site amenities like the spa, French café, and bars. King-sized cabana beds on the beach are the perfect way to relax and take in the brilliant blue ocean.
Sustainability at Hacienda Tres Rios is ensured by elevated roads and buildings that don’t disturb the mangroves, rainwater collection systems, and an impressive recycling program. The resorts is also home to the Tres Rios Nature Park, which features 10 freshwater sinkholes, 131 species of animals, and 120 species of plants.
Two Seasons Coron Island Resort & Spa, Philippines
This five-star eco resort is renowned for being the home of a Giant Clam and Sea Turtle sanctuary.
Guests can stay in one of the 42 bungalows, and sustainability is ensured by features like solar panels to heat the water, and a desalination plant that produces more than 21,000 gallons of fresh water each day.
Two Seasons Coron Island Resort & Spa, Philippines (cont’d)
Two Season Caron is miles away from the nearest town, and guests can marvel at pristine mangrove forests and beautiful coral reefs. The resort offers an array of activities, including kayaking, submersible scooters, and diving courses.
It’s also a zero-waste resort, and it features an innovative sewage treatment system.
Kura Design Villas, Costa Rica
This luxury eco hotel has six spacious rooms that feature king-sized beds, plush couches, and private balconies that overlook the ocean. At first glance, it doesn’t seem very eco-friendly, but sustainability is at the core of this resort.
Kura Design Villas, Costa Rica (cont’d)
The pool uses salt water and treated septic water is reused for irrigation. Many of the ingredients for the food at the hotel is harvested from a nearby hydroponic garden. Rooms at Kura feature biodegradable soap, and LED lights that a powered by solar panels.
The hotel will help you arrange excursions to see the surrounding landscape, but relaxing in their infinity pool that overlooks the jungle is one of guests’ favorite things to do here.
Kawilal Hotel, Guatemala
Built into a lush hillside, Kawilal is the first hotel in Central America to receive LEED-NC Gold certification.
It features 19 rooms with grassy roofs and natural cooling provided by the evening breeze. Guests can relax with exclusive spa treatments, jacuzzi, and incredible restaurants.
Rene Hernandez, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Kawilal Hotel, Guatemala (cont’d)
The thermal pools and hot saunas are the most popular attractions at Kawilal Hotel. The Thermal Circuit provides a unique opportunity for healing and is the mineral-rich water is heated by the Pacaya Volcano, which is nearby.
Peter Andersen, CC BY-SA 2.5, Wikimedia Commons
The Green Hotel, India
This picturesque eco hotel features incredible libraries, beautiful verandas, and 31 themed rooms that are decorated with antique furniture.
The award-winning gardens here are some of the best in India, and local craftsmen have helped to decorate the property. Other sustainable features include using solar power and recycled water for irrigation.
The Green Hotel, India (cont’d)
The food at the Green Hotel is the main draw here. Their restaurant features vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes and the Malgudi Coffee Shop—run by local women—features world-class French pastries.
You can also relax easy knowing that the resort’s profits go towards charitable and environmental projects all across India.
Las Nubes De Holbox, Mexico
This pristine beachfront eco hotel is right next to the Yum Balam Nature Reserve and is hidden away from the nearby town. The 28 rooms here feature traditional Mexican décor and each room has its own balcony that provides stunning views of the ocean.
All the buildings are connected by a rooftop deck, which is the perfect place for stargazing.
Las Nubes De Holbox, Mexico (cont’d)
The restaurant at the hotel only uses locally-sourced ingredients, and everything is made from scratch. In addition to a relaxing spa day, guests can enjoy some kayaking, paddle-boating, and biking in the area.
The hotel’s cocktail bar also provides stunning views of the sunset.
Hotell Liseberg Heden, Sweden
This eco hotel is located right in the middle of Gothenburg, right next to the busy Heden Square. 179 rooms are spread out over three courtyards, and the cozy rooms feature contemporary Scandinavian artwork.
Amjad Sheikh, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Hotell Liseberg Heden, Sweden (cont’d)
The electricity at the hotel is 100% renewable and is generated by their on-site wind turbine. The uniforms for staff are also eco-friendly and a made with more than 50 recycled polyester that’s made from old bottles.
Since the resort is in the middle of the city, it’s close to cool attractions like the Volvo factory and the Gothenburg Botanical Garden.
C T Johansson, CC BY-SA 3.0 , Wikimedia Commons
Hotel Nascar, Sardinia
Located on the island of Sardinia, off the coast of Italy, this hotel is named for an 11th century temple nearby. Each of the 12 rooms here has its own unique theme and many also have balconies that overlook the sea.
The restaurant feature local ingredients and cuisine, and all of the furniture and decorations are hand-made by local artisans and with local materials.
Hotel Nascar, Sardinia (cont’d)
Guests at Hotel Nascar can enjoy a number of massage treatments, and spend time at the tennis courts, playground, and nearby beach.
The local marina also offers boat tours to nearby coves and beaches which are perfect for exploring. Wine and nature tours are also popular here.
Yesuitus2001, CC BY-SA 2.5, Wikimedia Commons
Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas, Costa Rica
Sustainability is everything at Cala Luna, with one of the on-site sea turtle reserve being one of the more unique aspects about this property.
This hotel also features one of the biggest solar power installations in Central America—1400 solar panels create enough power for the whole property.
Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas, Costa Rica (cont’d)
Furniture for the rooms at Cala Luna is made on-site and the resort uses eco-friendly cleaners and biodegradable toiletries. The spa also uses all-natural ingredients and produce for the restaurant is sustainably sourced from local farmers.
Copal Tree Lodge, Punta Gorda, Belize
Hidden among 22,000 acres of protected rainforest in the Belize’s Maa Mountains, this eco lodge is one-of-a-kind in the country. The lodge’s farm produces 70% of the ingredients for the food, while fresh seafood is procured from local fishermen.
To reduce waste, the resort use biodegradable garbage bags, reusable water bottles, and hand-carved wood furniture made from trees that naturally fell.
Copal Tree Lodge, Punta Gorda, Belize (cont’d)
At Copal Tree Lodge, guests can visit the on-site distillery and learn more about sustainable farming, organic chocolate, and lodge home-made rum.
The open-air restaurant is the perfect places to grab a bite to eat, and the spa features several relaxing treatments for you to indulge in.
Ian Peter Morton, Shutterstock
Laguna Lodge Eco-Resort & Nature Reserve, Guatemala
Situated on the legendary Lake Atitlan, Laguna Lodge is renowned for its private nature reserve. The lodge is park of the Mayan highlands and provides incredible views of the pristine ocean nearby and a trio of majestic volcanoes.
Guests will have to take a boat ride to get there, but it’s well worth it for the incredible opportunities to relax and recharge.
Murray Foubister, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Laguna Lodge Eco-Resort & Nature Reserve, Guatemala (cont’d)
The rooms at Laguna Lodge are inspired by the natural landscape and made with volcanic stone and palms, and feature hand-made king beds, woven textiles, and antique Indigenous decorations.
The award-winning restaurant features a large stone fireplace that’s creates a warm atmosphere, and relaxation is guaranteed at the Hummingbird spa, lava bar, and lakeside pavilion.
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