Since we’ve all become more aware of our impact on protecting the planet, we’re seeking out environmentally friendly travel destinations. Whether it’s being more energy-efficient, choosing natural or reclaimed building materials, improved waste management, conservation projects, or supporting local communities, these eco-hotels around the world prove that we don’t need to sacrifice luxury to do our bit for the planet.
1. Three Camel Lodge, Mongolia
Sustainability drives every decision at the only eco-lodge in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert. The lodges were constructed using traditional Buddhist temple methods by local people with the view to protect their beautifully stark surroundings and serve as an active community resource whilst providing an unrivaled guest experience. Three Camel Lodge supports its local community by protecting local fossil sites, supporting the local community, safeguarding livestock, and retaining the Gobi way of life by keeping alive traditions and practices – as well as offers its guests a chance to make a lasting impact too.
Single-use plastics are completely eradicated and every guest is given a metal water bottle to refill throughout their stay at purified water stations. All waste is diverted away from landfills and composted on-site to be reused in their greenhouses. Almost all of the lighting is solar-powered, and they only use LED bulbs. Over 50% of supplies, services, and experiences are sourced within 50 miles, and the rest are supplemented in their on-site organic greenhouse.
2. Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel, Switzerland
The minimal, natural, cozy interior of these energy-efficient pods in the Swiss Alps is the ultimate relaxing retreat overlooking breathtaking mountains with soft furnishings and eco pellet stove burners, “where nature is luxury”.
Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel’s specially designed geodesic pods maximize ecology at every touchpoint. Water and energy are limited each day to enable a low impact stay, and the pods are even adapted according to the season so they blend into the incredible landscape. Waste is carefully recycled and ingredients are purchased locally where possible. Plus, the staff are all from the local area and walk to work because motorized transport is limited – a welcome breath of fresh air (literally) from hectic city life. Admire the spectacular surroundings, do some sightseeing at Lake Geneva, or take part in local adventures like canyoning, ziplining, and hiking.
3. Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam
This idyllic, remote world-class beach resort is the perfect oasis to get away from it all, whether you want to soak up the rays by your private infinity pool, get the blood pumping with thrilling water sports in the crystal-blue sea, or unwind with an indulgent spa treatment. This dreamy sanctuary nestled among lush vegetation in Con Dao National Park is dedicated to playing an active role in reducing its ecological and carbon footprint. For starters, it was constructed from reclaimed teak including over a thousand recycled antique wooden panels. They serve local, organic food and use nontoxic biodegradable cleaning products.
By optimizing their beach for turtle egg-laying, Six Senses Con Dao has enabled more than 2,000 endangered sea turtles to successfully hatch and be released into the wild in 2020. Last year, it also impressively reduced electricity and water usage in their accommodation collected 4,000 kilograms of ocean waste, and eliminated plastic bags from local market shopping. To support their local community, as well as educating young people in the local area, they were able to provide clean drinking water, study tools, and English classes to students.
4. Campi Ya Kanzi Eco Lodge, Kenya
If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury African safari experience, look no further than Campi Ya Kanzi Eco-Lodge for a unique combination of 5-star luxury, wilderness adventure, awe-inspiring wildlife, and authentic immersion into the Maasai culture. Carbon-neutral Campi Ya Kanzi is a place where you can admire volcanic summits covered in a rich green cloud forest, as well as mesmerizing wildlife and biodiversity.
The lodge runs Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, employs Maasai people, teaches them to build, and only uses local materials and renewable resources. The camp is powered by solar energy, and despite the water being their scarcest resource, their water needs are completely covered by rain cropping with special filters. Food scraps are composted for use in the organic vegetable garden, and meals are cooked using eco-friendly charcoal. Imagine this: a home away from home – awake from your four-poster bed under a luxury canvas safari tent, then enjoy a cup of tea on your porch as you look out at local wildlife visiting the watering hole.
5. Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador
If your idea of heaven is being at one with nature, this one’s for you. At one of the most unique hotels in the world, peeking through the cloud forests of biodiversity hotspot, Ecuadorian Chocó, lies the breathtaking Mashpi Lodge, where you might catch sight of a “howler monkey while soaking in the indoor jacuzzi or wake up to the flitting of a velvet-purple coronet just outside your room,” according to National Geographic.
Mashpi leads rainforest preservation projects to protect the diverse and unique ecosystems that thrive here and offer guests an immersive experience. At the heart of their reservation efforts is Mashpi Reserve – dedicated to research, education, ecotourism, and community support of the local biodiversity – something they encourage their guests to get involved with during their stay.
For the wildlife enthusiast, Mashpi is the ultimate nature retreat deep in the wilderness where you explore and learn about the lush wildlife and tropical inhabitants by day and return to unwind in an understated, stylish haven at night. A magnificent modern creation of panoramic floor-to-ceiling glass windows nestled among abundant greenery and steaming clouds enables guests to really feel like they’re living and breathing the heart of the rainforest. The structure itself was carefully planned and built to prevent further damage to the trees respecting the natural space it occupies. Mashpi says, “The magic here is palpable and its raw, untouched essence is so thick you can always taste it.”
Wander where?
Whether you want sand between your toes, thrilling adventures, or breathtaking views, these eco-hotels across the world are doing their part for the planet through improving social responsibility, biodiversity, energy efficiency, and protection of local resources, cultures, and environment. The only question is, where to explore first?
