As eco-conscious travelers seek experiences that combine luxury with sustainability, eco-friendly resorts (eco resorts) and eco lodges are becoming increasingly popular worldwide.
These destinations provide unique getaways while promoting sustainable practices that protect the environment.
Let’s take a look at why eco resorts are gaining popularity and the benefits they bring to travelers, the environment, and the sustainable tourism industry.
Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in nature, support local communities, or reduce your carbon footprint, these eco resorts and lodges offer an eco-conscious travel experience like no other.
What Are Eco Resorts?
Eco resorts actively minimize their environmental impact through sustainable practices. These can include energy-efficient designs, renewable energy sources like solar panels, water conservation, and sourcing local, organic food.
Many eco resorts also offer outdoor activities that highlight the natural beauty of their surroundings, like hiking, wildlife tours, and kayaking.
Benefits for Guests and the Environment
Staying at eco resorts benefits both travelers and the planet. Guests often enjoy lower costs due to reduced energy consumption, and many eco resorts invest in conservation projects that protect local ecosystems.
These resorts reduce pollution by using fewer chemicals, implementing waste management programs, and encouraging eco-friendly transportation like bicycles or electric vehicles.
Benefits for Guests and the Environment
Eco resorts are beneficial to the environment in many ways as well. By utilizing renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines, these resorts can significantly reduce their reliance on nonrenewable sources of energy such as fossil fuels.
Additionally, eco resorts tend to use fewer chemicals in cleaning supplies which helps keep pollutants out of water systems and reduces air pollution from emissions created by burning fossil fuels for electricity or heat production.
Finally, many eco resorts encourage guests to participate in “green” activities such as bike rides or hikes instead of driving motorized vehicles which further reduces emissions from automobiles.
Eco Resorts and Eco Lodging Destinations
Ecolodge La Estancia – Bolivia
Ecolodge La Estancia is a serene sanctuary nestled along the southern shoreline of Bolivia’s mythical Lake Titicaca. Here, you will find yourself immersed in an atmosphere of pre-Incan terraces, 4010 meters above sea level.
This destination offers sweeping views over the lake and surrounding Andes mountains! Experience unprecedented relaxation as you reconnect with nature and learn more about local Aymara culture – all at this unique eco lodging destination.
Ecolodge La Estancia invites you to experience total comfort and rustic charm amidst stunning views of Lake Titicaca, the Andes Mountains and more.
The cabins are locally sourced using noble materials with minimal environmental impact – like adobe structures – along with eco-conscious features such as black stone floors for absorbing heat, water recycling programs, single energy heating systems and much more.
Highlights:
- Locally sourced construction materials
- Water recycling and solar heating
- Immersion in Aymara culture
Blancaneaux Lodge – Belize
When Francis Ford Coppola first encountered the hidden beauty of Belize, he was immediately smitten.
Purchasing his own private oasis in the form of an abandoned lodge called Blancaneaux, it soon became a beloved retreat for members of Francis’ family before publicly opening its doors to visitors in 1993 and carving out a place among tropical paradises around the world.
Nestled in the breathtaking Chiquibul Forest Reserve, Blancaneaux Lodge is an idyllic eco-friendly retreat near ancient Mayan ruins.
The eco lodge holds 20-luxury hideaways where waterfalls tumble into turquoise pools above the jungle canopy.
Surrounded by lush plants and abundant wildlife such as jaguars, tapirs and ocelots – guests can explore nature’s wonders while reconnecting with local cultural heritage.
At Blancaneaux Lodge, nature is at the forefront. Thatch and bamboo blend seamlessly into their surrounding Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve home while screened doors and vaulted roofs provide natural air-conditioning – a feature that belies its traditional materials.
As an innovator for renewable energy in Belize, they have been powering property operations with hydroelectricity from Privassion Creek since over 20 years prior – leading environmental initiatives through carbon emissions reduction & sustainability practices to ensure lasting ecological impact on this paradise destination.
Highlights:
- Hydroelectric power since 1993
- Mayan ruin explorations
- Blend of traditional thatch and bamboo designs
Misool Resort – Indonesia
Misool is a private island resort and conservation centre located in remote southern Raja Ampat, Indonesia. You’ll find the island hidden deep in an archipelago of uninhabited islands, 165 km (105 miles) from the nearest port, and the nearest village is 20 km away by boat.
The island is surrounded by the richest reefs in the world, at the very heart of marine biodiversity. There simply are no richer reefs on earth.
By joining forces with the Misool Foundation, they strive to protect some of Earth’s most diverse coral reefs. To do so effectively, local communities must be empowered and given a platform through which they can reassert their traditional rights over these ecosystems.
The mutual benefit for sustainable tourism – both economically and ecologically- is at the core of the Misool mission; aiming to show hosts, governments and guests that this model provides a more prosperous alternative than logging or mining would offer beyond simply protecting biodiversity.
Your stay at Misool directly supports our numerous conservation initiatives and provides sustainable employment opportunities to local people, entirely decoupled from the extraction of marine resources.
You can read more about how your stay supports local conservation projects via the Misool Foundation.
Highlights:
- Marine conservation and community empowerment
- World-class diving opportunities
- Remote island paradise
The Algonquin Eco Lodge
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and be immersed in nature at Algonquin Eco-Lodge. Located just 3 hours from Toronto or Ottawa on the southern border of beautiful Algonquin Park, this eco lodge is an adventure enthusiasts’ paradise no matter what season it is!
With over 40 km of groomed trackset trails inside the park for snowshoeing, skiing, dog sledding and more – plus canoe trips along our private lake – this premier wilderness experience offers some of Canada’s best outdoor activities with incredible views to boot.
This eco lodge is beautifully secluded within the Algonquin Park forests, where even telephone poles can’t reach. This eco lodge is completely off-grid and yet, with the alternative energy they create from the waterfall (use 100% micro-hydro electricity), the lodge still provides all the finer comforts.
Highlights:
- Off-grid, 100% micro-hydro powered
- Seasonal outdoor activities like dog sledding
- Surrounded by Algonquin Park’s wilderness
Xigera Safari Lodge – Botswana
Located in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Xigera Safari Lodge takes conservation and sustainability seriously.
Their commitment extends beyond simply protecting this delicate Okavango Delta ecosystem for future generations – energy production is optimized to reduce its impact on the environment while single-use plastics are eliminated.
The lodge also strives to empower their local community through responsible operations practice.
The resort has also partnered with Wild Entrust Africa, an esteemed not-for-profit organization committed to preserving the wildlife and habitats of Botswana’s Okavango Delta through science, education, and sustainable development.
In collaboration with The TreadRight Foundation they now look forward to supporting Xigera Safari Lodge in this beautiful region for longterm sustainability programs.
Highlights:
- Renewable energy and plastic-free operations
- Support for local conservation projects
- Set in the heart of the Okavango Delta
Kura Eco Resort – Costa Rica
Kura is a pioneering force in the realm of sustainable luxury hospitality. By actively engaging with environmental conservation initiatives, Kura contributes to enlightened travel experiences that promote social responsibility and mindful living.
Kura has strictly prohibited the use of single-use water bottles, which require vast quantities of fossil fuels and nonbiodegradable materials for production – not to mention their lack of recyclability when used.
On top of that, in Costa Rica all drinking water is safe – so reusable containers from the hotel can be taken advantage off instead! Furthermore, they’ve replaced traditional straws with locally crafted bamboo stalks – a compostable solution ensuring less non-recyclable trash at its finest!
The onsite organic garden oasis takes advantage of the Japanese Takakura composting system to grow fresh and flavorful ingredients. The inviting greenhouse brings in the likes of microgreens, kale, peppers, basil, spearmint and more… all without any pesticides!
The Kura eco resort has also made teak wood a center piece of decorations. Not only is teak fast-growing, but it also doesn’t demand any chemical treatments or finishers—keeping the furniture’s natural feel in tact. The king sized beds to restaurant tables all feature beautiful elements of this eco-friendly material!
They also take the sustainable health and well-being of the staff very seriously. They provide access to a company doctor in Uvita for an affordable monthly fee so that each employee can enjoy free healthcare consultations with their children at no additional cost.
Career advancement and opportunities for local staff is also of high importance. From cross-training courses to internal promotions, every year Kura has staff success stories.
For many of the staff members who simultaneously study at university, Kura makes sure to accommodate their timetables with flexible working schedules.
Highlights:
- On-site organic farming
- Bamboo straws and plastic-free initiatives
- Staff wellness programs and career advancement
Polwaththa Eco Lodges – Sri Lanka
Polwaththa Eco Lodges are an enchanting getaway located 19km east of Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Nestled in a pristine natural environment and comprised of 15 lodges with basic amenities, this eco-lodging destination offers one-of-a kind experiences like yoga lessons best enjoyed amidst the scenic beauty of nearby mountains (the famous Knuckles mountains) as well as cultural interactions that support local school projects for added reward.
Enjoy treks through nature trails and quaint villages; go on day tours to historic places such Dambulla, Sigiriya and Wasgamuwa or just relax at your lodge while appreciating spectacular views – whatever it is you decide to do!
Experience responsible travel which promotes sustainability by following 3Rs practice initiatives within 5 km radius from us too.
Highlights:
- Yoga retreats and nature trails
- Cultural projects supporting local schools
- Eco-friendly principles within a 5 km radius
Hotel Belmar – Costa Rica
Hotel Belmar, located within the stunning Monteverde Reserve of Costa Rica’s cloud forest and renowned for its hospitality around the world, offers luxurious excursions that embrace nature.
Their mission is “The Art of Nature” – a phrase which encapsulates the commitment to preserving this special environment while providing guests with unforgettable experiences in elegance and warmth.
For over 30 years Hotel Belmar has earned accolades as an iconic leader in sustainability, receiving five levels of awards celebrating environmental stewardship and local impactful initiatives.
Hotel Belmar employs and trains over 95% of its staff locally, giving opportunities to the local residents, and makes sure to buy as many of its goods as possible from local providers to help the local economy.
Their efforts to remain eco friendly and sustainable for the local area remain impressive, with efforts such as air drying facilities to reduce the use of electric dryers, solar panels for water heating, rain water harvesting, chemical-free lawns and gardens, use of locally produced, organic goods to reduce carbon footprint, recycling, composting, and reuse of containers and many more.
Highlights:
- 30+ years of sustainability leadership
- Solar-powered water heating and rainwater harvesting
- Focus on local employment and economic sustainability
Bentwood Inn – Wyoming, USA
As a part of the Preferred Hotel Group’s “Beyond Green Collection,” Bentwood Inn is dedicated to preserving resources and protecting Jackson Hole’s legacy as an eco-friendly tourism destination.
The company is continuously assessing their water, energy, solid waste and food preparation operations with comprehensive sustainable initiatives that ensure guests have unrivaled experiences without compromising environmental standards.
The eco destination will also implement many upcoming sustainable initiatives including but not limited to:
- Installation of a water sub-meter that monitors the use of the water each month (maintained with software that tracks usage and alerts regarding leaks)
- Commitment to install renewable energy systems by 2024
- A founding business member of 1% For the Tetons
- An enthusiastic supporter of local, national, and international conservation programs, with financial contributions made to the International League of Conservation Photographers, the IUCN Tapir Research Group, Working Bikes, and many others
Over the last three years, Bentwood Inn has decreased its carbon footprint by 20% (on average) each year. They have also provided housing for three full-time employees, eliminating the need for them to travel to work.
The Jackson Hole Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory found that 65% of GHGs in the Jackson area come from ground transportation. As a small business in the area, they want to do our part to lower this percentage.
Highlights:
- Focus on renewable energy by 2024
- Participation in international conservation programs
- Offsetting transportation-related GHG emissions
Feynan Ecolodge – Jordan
Located in the heart of Jordan’s Dana Biosphere Reserve, Feynan Ecolodge provides a completely off-grid experience. Powered by solar energy, the lodge offers eco-conscious travelers a chance to connect with the Bedouin community and participate in stargazing, nature hikes, and cultural exchanges.
Highlights:
- Solar-powered, off-grid operations
- Collaboration with the local Bedouin community
- Stargazing and desert excursions
Pacuare Lodge – Costa Rica
Pacuare Lodge sits on the banks of Costa Rica’s Pacuare River and offers a blend of adventure and sustainability. The lodge is committed to conservation and education, supporting reforestation programs and wildlife protection.
Visitors can explore the rainforest via zip lines or rafting while contributing to sustainable tourism.
Highlights:
- Reforestation and wildlife protection programs
- Adventure activities like rafting and zip-lining
- Solar-powered and eco-friendly design
Six Senses Zighy Bay – Oman
Set in Oman’s Musandam Peninsula, Six Senses Zighy Bay is a luxurious eco-resort that integrates sustainability into its operations.
The resort is powered by renewable energy, with a strong focus on reducing water and energy consumption. Six Senses also runs a farm-to-table program, growing organic produce for its restaurant.
Highlights:
- Farm-to-table dining with organic ingredients
- Water conservation initiatives
- Renewable energy-powered resort in a remote location
Lapa Rios Ecolodge – Costa Rica
Situated in the Osa Peninsula, Lapa Rios is a pioneer in eco-tourism. This award-winning ecolodge is surrounded by a private nature reserve teeming with wildlife.
Guests can enjoy wildlife tours while knowing their stay directly supports conservation efforts in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.
Highlights:
- Private nature reserve supporting conservation
- Wildlife tours through the rainforest
- Sustainable practices throughout the lodge
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel – Peru
This luxury eco-resort, located in the cloud forest near the iconic Machu Picchu, is known for its deep commitment to environmental stewardship.
Inkaterra supports biodiversity research and reforestation programs, while offering guests a unique cultural and ecological experience through guided nature walks and bird watching.
Highlights:
- Located near Machu Picchu
- Reforestation and biodiversity research programs
- Cultural and wildlife-focused experiences
Soneva Fushi – Maldives
Soneva Fushi, located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is a luxury eco-resort that uses solar energy and recycles 90% of its waste.
The resort also operates its own organic gardens, which supply much of the food for its restaurants. Soneva Fushi provides guests with a blend of barefoot luxury and eco-conscious living.
Highlights:
- Solar-powered resort in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- On-site organic gardens and waste recycling
- Barefoot luxury in the Maldives
Chumbe Island Coral Park – Tanzania
Chumbe Island Coral Park is a private nature reserve off the coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania, renowned for its pristine coral reefs and forest.
The eco-lodge uses solar power, rainwater catchment, and composting toilets, and it supports environmental education and coral reef conservation initiatives.
Highlights:
- Coral reef and forest conservation projects
- Solar power and rainwater harvesting
- Eco-education programs for local communities
