Regenerative travel and eco-friendly efforts are dramatically being adapted by more and more establishments around the world – resorts being of no exception. These top 12 eco resorts guarantee luxurious sustainable comfort for every guest while at the same time committing to the support of the surrounding local communities and the preservation of the environment. For the sojourners looking to satisfy their earth-loving hearts, maybe it’s time you book a stay at the following eco resorts.
1. Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador
Mashpi Lodge is a rainforest hotel in the clouds. Considered to be one of the best nature resorts in the world, it truly is every nature lover’s dream. This luxurious Ecuador rainforest lodge is located in the Mashpi Reserve. This 2,500-acre private reserve is redefining the forest experience with its magically raw surroundings that is made up of 70% lush and rich greenery. Explore the astounding biodiversity, experience the incredible flora and fauna, and encounter 400 different species of trees, birds, and frogs that can be found nowhere else in the world. On top of all this, Mashpi Lodge collaborates deeply with the local community and has its people at the heart of everything they do.
mashpilodge.com
2. Mahali Mzuri, Kenya
Mahali Mzuri means “beautiful place” in Swahili. Founded by Sir Richard Branson, this 12-tented luxury safari camp in the Kenyan Bush is certainly a place of beauty. Situated in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy in the wider Maasai Mara Ecosystem, you will surely have a front-row seat to the annual Great Migration and to the abundant game that roam around freely all year round – imagine lions, wildebeest, elephants, giraffes, and cheetahs right before your eyes. Mahali Mzuri, together with the local community, work to conserve and protect the wider Maasai Mara Ecosystem.
virginlimitededition.com
See also: Will Sustainable Travel be a Trend Post-COVID?
3. Svart, Norway
The first self-sustainable and bespoke resort in the world, the soon-to-open Svart aims to influence guests to care for nature preservation and also to teach them about the importance of global environmental issues. Some of its key pillars include: location nature preservation, greenhouse farming, and a sustainable operational and holistic approach of the guest journey. With an incredibly unique architecture that is both futuristic in design yet traditional in concept, this off-grid destination is truly a wonder to behold and be in. The breathtaking surroundings (which include a grand age-old glacier), unspoiled nature, and the committed environment-focused vision certainly make an experience at Svart a memorable and transformative one.
svart.no
See also: 10 Best Wellness Retreats in the USA
4. Three Camel Lodge, The Gobi, Mongolia
Three Camel Lodge is a luxurious eco-lodge set in the fascinating Gobi Desert. Characterized by rugged terrain, vastly different ecosystems, and exotic wildlife, there is much to explore in this wondrous part of the world. For guests to be able to fully immerse in the enchanting culture and ancient traditions of Mongolia, Three Camel Lodge’s carefully-designed luxurious “gers” feature traditional details of Mongolian living. Born out of a vision to create the country’s most inspiring and sustainable eco-lodge, Three Camel Lodge follows the three pillars of sustainable tourism: Environmental Stewardship, Natural and Cultural Preservation, and Community Empowerment.
threecamellodge.com
See also: Antarctica – The World’s Hidden Gem in Conservation
5. Whitepod, Switzerland
An eco-luxury hotel situated in the heart of the spectacular Swiss Alps, Whitepod features 18 luxurious “pods” and 9 suite-chalets. This hotel has its sights set on proving that it is very possible for both hospitality and environmental conservation to coexist. Their cozy pods feature an innovative geodesic structure, which effectively achieves energy efficiency and has a low impact on nature. Each pod is heated by a pellet stove, which makes this hotel’s form of heating sustainable. Also, transportation around the area is limited, which means walking is the only way for guests to reach their pod from the reception – walking through the enchantingly peaceful forest with its breathtakingly pure landscape is all part of the Whitepod experience. Here, nature is luxury.
whitepod.com
See also: 10 Wellness Trends for 2023
6. Shinta Mani Wild, Cambodia
Shinta Mani Wild fuses world-class design, all-inclusive hospitality, and conservation. A stay at this luxurious eco resort makes a real difference in protecting unique and endangered species. Surrounded by lush greenery, this resort features three different types of tents for a luxuriously comfortable experience: Wild Tents, Waterfall Tents, and Two Bedroom Tents. Guests can enjoy fabulous first-class accommodation in unspoiled nature of the Cardamom mountains. With some of Cambodia’s, and the world’s, most endangered species living in these mountains, Shinta Mani Wild’s major goal is the conservancy of the surrounding evergreen forest and its beautiful wildlife. Shinta Mani Wild also won Hotel Design of the Year at the Destination Deluxe Awards 2020.
wild.bensleycollection.com
7. Soneva Fushi, Maldives
This island hideaway in the Maldives is everything your paradise dreams are made of: white-sand beaches, crystal clear azure waters, and private luxury villas. With 63 beachfront villas and eight Water Retreats, ranging from one to nine bedrooms, Soneva Fushi will wow you with their thoughtfully created, generously spaced, and luxuriously designed villas. And with the countless activities and experiences this resort offers, you will certainly be entertained throughout your stay. One must-do activity here is the eco-friendly surfing, which uses all eco-friendly gear and is the world’s first 100% sustainable surfing program. And of course, you cannot leave this place without experiencing one of its most sought-after activities: the sunset dolphin cruise.
soneva.com
See also: Top 10 Wellness Retreats in the Maldives
8. Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain, China
Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain is where ancient and modern meet. Located right in the heart of the scenic gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage & Natural Cultural site in nearby Dujiangyan, this resort takes the guest experience to new heights. The traditional architecture and landscaping allow everyone who steps inside to immerse in a deeply cultural experience. Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain also makes it a top priority to embody eco-friendly values, promoting and supporting sustainable environments and communities. Its goal is to prove that enhancing the guest experience and at the same time showing respect to nature can definitely go hand in hand. For this resort, sustainability is primary.
sixsenses.com
9. Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia
An ethical luxury resort in Cambodia, consider Song Saa Private Island as your carefree paradise and intimate escape. With luxury, serenity, and a deep connection with the environment, a stay at this resort is an all-around experience. With sustainability in mind, Song Saa was designed and built from local materials, by local hands, and imbued with local art and soul. This tropical getaway combines sophistication with sustainability, all while reflecting the beauty of the Cambodian coastline. It also has its own non-profit organization called the Song Saa Foundation, which is aimed at protecting the habitats of the Koh Rong Archipelago and improving the welfare of its communities. Song Saa Private Island also won Eco Hotel of the Year at the Destination Deluxe Awards 2020.
songsaa-privateisland.com
See also: Best 17 Private Island Resorts
10. Ulaman Eco Retreat, Bali, Indonesia
Ulaman Eco Retreat is the place to be for travelers who are seeking to live more consciously without sacrificing comfort and luxury. Tucked away in a secluded and lush part of Bali, this retreat provides an exotic tropical resort experience for every guest. This eco-friendly hideaway is the perfect combination of comfortable luxury and eco-conscious design. A hydro-turbine system is also currently in the works, fueled by the adjacent river and designed to power all of the resort’s future electrical usage. At this tranquil eco resort, you can relax, recharge, and unwind, all while leaving only the smallest ecological footprint possible.
ulamanbali.com
11. Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Mexico
An award-winning luxury beach resort in Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Banyan Tree Mayakoba perfectly blends Asian hospitality with Mexican passion and five-star resort services and facilities. This luxury eco resort proudly shows off untouched nature, abundant wildlife of indigenous fish and bird species, and the familiar Riviera Maya warmth and charm. The famed Riviera Maya coast, with its pristine coastlines and intricate coral reefs, gives every guest the opportunity to embrace the natural beauty of the surroundings. With the preservation and enhancement of the environment as its core value, Banyan Tree is plastic-free and practices proper resource conservation, supporting the local community, and providing protection to endangered marine turtles.
banyantree.com
12. Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia
Set on a clifftop plateau, Alila Villas Uluwatu boasts a breathtaking ocean panorama and unending sky views. For this luxury resort, sustainability is the new luxury. Its aim is to not only respect, but preserve the way of life and traditions of the local community. The resorts also strictly adheres to environmental sustainability policies – in fact, it is the first resort in Indonesia to receive the highest level of certification from EarthCheck as a Best Practice Building Planning and Design (BPDS) development. Situated on the southern coastline on Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, Alila Villas Uluwatu has a strategic location, being only 15 minutes away from the renowned Uluwatu Temple.
alilahotels.com
See also: Best Wellness Getaways in Bali
