Eco-Friendly Travel: Best Sustainable Stays Around the World
As the world becomes more conscious of the environmental impact of tourism, eco-friendly travel has gained significant traction. Travelers are now seeking sustainable stays that minimize their carbon footprint while still offering unique, comfortable, and immersive experiences. From eco-resorts nestled in lush rainforests to solar-powered lodges overlooking pristine beaches, the options are vast for those who prioritize eco-tourism.
In this guide, we’ll explore seven of the best sustainable stays around the world. These eco-resorts emphasize renewable energy, waste reduction, and support for local communities, allowing guests to enjoy nature responsibly.
Soneva Fushi, Maldives
Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi is a luxurious eco-resort that perfectly blends sustainability with opulence. The resort prides itself on its “no news, no shoes” policy, which promotes relaxation in harmony with the environment. Powered largely by solar energy, the resort operates with a zero-waste philosophy, recycling most of its waste and even composting food scraps to nourish its organic gardens.
- Why It’s Eco-Friendly: Soneva Fushi operates on solar power, has a glass-blowing studio recycling bottles from the island, and runs a desalination plant to provide fresh water.
- Eco-Friendly Activities: Guests can participate in marine conservation projects, stargazing at the resort’s observatory, and snorkeling with manta rays in the nearby reefs.
- Location: Maldives
Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel, Switzerland
Situated in the Swiss Alps, Whitepod is an eco-luxury hotel that offers a unique stay in geodesic pods, designed to minimize their environmental footprint while maximizing comfort. The pods are energy-efficient, equipped with pellet stoves for heating, and are strategically placed to reduce land impact. Whitepod’s commitment to sustainability extends to its food sourcing, with most ingredients coming from local, organic farms.
- Why It’s Eco-Friendly: The pods require minimal energy for heating, and the hotel engages in responsible water use and sustainable forestry practices.
- Eco-Friendly Activities: Guests can hike the surrounding trails, take part in wildlife spotting, and engage in yoga retreats or wellness programs.
- Location: Switzerland
El Nido Resorts, Philippines
El Nido Resorts in the Philippines offers eco-friendly travel experiences across its four properties located in the Palawan archipelago. The resorts operate under a sustainability program that emphasizes the protection of the surrounding marine life and ecosystems. Solar panels provide much of the energy used at the resort, and the property has an extensive water conservation and waste management system in place.
- Why It’s Eco-Friendly: The resort supports marine biodiversity through reef restoration, uses solar power, and operates plastic-free by providing guests with reusable water bottles.
- Eco-Friendly Activities: Kayaking, snorkeling with sea turtles, and exploring limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons.
- Location: Palawan, Philippines
Feynan Ecolodge, Jordan
For travelers looking for a desert escape with minimal environmental impact, Feynan Ecolodge in Jordan’s Dana Biosphere Reserve is the perfect destination. The ecolodge runs entirely on solar power and was designed to have a low-impact footprint in the arid landscape. Feynan works closely with the local Bedouin community, employing them at the lodge and sourcing food locally, thus directly benefiting the surrounding economy.
- Why It’s Eco-Friendly: Feynan is 100% solar-powered and follows a zero-plastic policy. It also provides eco-friendly soaps and organic meals made from local ingredients.
- Eco-Friendly Activities: Star-gazing tours, desert hikes, and Bedouin cultural experiences.
- Location: Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan
Chumbe Island Coral Park, Tanzania
Chumbe Island Coral Park is a private nature reserve off the coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania, that focuses on marine conservation and sustainable tourism. This eco-lodge is entirely off-grid, running on solar power and using rainwater harvesting and composting toilets. The coral park offers a serene, immersive experience for those interested in nature, without the disturbance of mass tourism.
- Why It’s Eco-Friendly: The eco-lodge is built from natural materials, employs rainwater harvesting, and leads coral reef conservation efforts.
- Eco-Friendly Activities: Snorkeling in the coral park, birdwatching, guided forest walks, and learning about marine biology.
- Location: Zanzibar, Tanzania
Lapa Rios Lodge, Costa Rica
Set deep within the tropical rainforest of the Osa Peninsula, Lapa Rios Lodge is a sustainable resort that exemplifies eco-tourism in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. The lodge has won numerous awards for its commitment to sustainability, with 100% of its energy sourced from renewable resources. The resort’s conservation efforts help protect 1,000 acres of lowland tropical forest, home to countless species of wildlife.
- Why It’s Eco-Friendly: Lapa Rios is 100% carbon-neutral, runs on renewable energy, and engages in forest conservation and reforestation projects.
- Eco-Friendly Activities: Rainforest hikes, birdwatching, wildlife safaris, and river kayaking.
- Location: Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam
Located on the pristine Con Dao Archipelago, Six Senses Con Dao is a luxury eco-resort that operates with a strong focus on sustainability. The resort is powered by solar energy and designed using sustainable materials. Six Senses actively supports local wildlife conservation efforts, including a turtle hatchery program where guests can participate in releasing baby turtles into the ocean.
- Why It’s Eco-Friendly: Six Senses uses solar energy, sources water from an on-site plant, and participates in marine conservation.
- Eco-Friendly Activities: Snorkeling, scuba diving, turtle conservation, and hiking through Con Dao National Park.
- Location: Con Dao Archipelago, Vietnam
Why Eco-Friendly Travel Matters
Eco-friendly travel is essential in reducing the negative impact that mass tourism can have on the environment. By choosing sustainable stays, travelers help support properties that prioritize resource conservation, minimize waste, and actively engage in protecting local ecosystems and communities. Staying at eco-resorts or eco-lodges ensures that travelers contribute positively to the environment, while still enjoying unforgettable experiences in some of the world’s most beautiful destinations.
When planning your next vacation, consider these sustainable stays that offer both luxurious comfort and eco-friendly initiatives. Not only will you enjoy an exceptional travel experience, but you’ll also be playing a part in preserving our planet for future generations.
With the growing trend of eco-tourism, more travelers are now seeking sustainable options. These resorts and lodges not only provide a comfortable and luxurious stay but also emphasize the importance of protecting the environment and supporting local communities. Whether you’re exploring tropical rainforests, relaxing on a private island, or trekking through the desert, these eco-friendly destinations promise unforgettable experiences that align with the principles of sustainable travel.