Top 10 eco-lodges for your next eco-adventure
For many of us, our natural homes are our safe haven. However, getting away has been very eco-friendly and attractive thanks to eco-resorts around the world. These innovative retreats are committed to conservation, seclusion, cultural sensitivity, and of course, style. Whether you’re planning a getaway for next year or hoping to cash in on a last-minute trip, consider one of these top 10 eco-lodges for a green option.
10 Hotel Gaia Napa Valley, USA
This fantastic hotel is honored to be the first property in the United States to receive Gold certification through Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). The United States Green Building Council designates points earned in six different categories for buildings to achieve LEED certification. One of these categories is sustainable site design, which is Gaia’s specialty. Tiles and rugs are recycled, wood is harvested only from a managed forest, and the well-manicured grounds look carefree without the need for fertilizers or chemicals. The property itself is equally remarkable. It is an hour’s drive from San Francisco, deep in the heart of California’s wine country. While the Gaia’s location is remarkable, enjoying its eco-friendly spa is even more so.
9. Machaca Hill, Belize
This eco-resort is amazing! It lies deep within the 11,000 private nature reserves at the southern tip of Belize. This desirable rainforest retreat features fascinating treehouse rooms, orchards on the grounds, as well as natural aromatherapy. Machaca Hill’s main concern is to reduce the travel footprint of its guests. This results in an eco-adventure complete with all local food, produce, and staff. Not to mention the added benefit of nearby Mayan ruins, Belize City, and snorkeling/diving excursions. Machaca Hill is remarkable to say the least.
8. Sjogetorp, Sweden
Urnatur is one of the best self-sustaining hermitages in the world available. It is located three hours southwest of Stockholm in the Holaved forest. Urnatur offers its guests six handmade cabins and a couple of tree houses. Lighting needs are met by kerosene lamps, and the premises are heated by solar power and wood fires (wood, of course, is harvested solely from trees downed by the storm). Menu items, all sourced locally, including crawfish from the lake, wild-picked berries, and tea made from local herbs, will help guests forage and prepare. They even store food in a dirt fridge if needed. There is also a communal wolf’s cradle ‘living room’ complete with a peat roof covered in seasonal strawberries, as well as an event room in the communal ‘Tin Castle’. For those interested in a more hermitage experience rather than luxury, Urnatur may be your next stop on your eco-tours.
7. Clayoquot Wilderness Retreat, British Columbia
No ecotourism list is complete without mention of this facility. Clayoquot Wilderness Retreat is located on the banks of the Bedwell River in British Columbia. Here guests can view bears, whales, porpoises, moose and bald eagles while sea kayaking, hiking or enjoying a healthy horseback ride. Back at the main lodge, guests can enjoy their eco-friendly spa, as well as their famous meals with an abundance of British Columbia items. What’s on the menu? Halibut, tuna and just about every type of salmon available not to mention loads of fresh local fruit including figs, blueberries, currants and yellow gold berries. Clayoquot also offers variety to its guests thanks to its extensive organic garden. Clayoquot doesn’t just care about his adventurous guests; they also offer a lot to their community. Clayoquot is involved in numerous environmental legacy programs, including restoring salmon streams, mapping bear habitat, and teaching local people the virtues of ecotourism.
6. Maho Bay Camps, US Virgin Islands
This magnificent resort first opened its doors in 1976 and its owner, Stan Selengut, has been honored with high praise ever since. The amazing complex is remarkable! St. John lies just a few miles east of St. Thomas, an overdeveloped area in the US Virgin Islands. Other than location, however, it has little in common with its neighbor. More than 60 percent of St. John and its nearby waters are part of the Virgin Islands National Park, a Caribbean magnet for eco-adventurers. Hiking trails crisscross the arid, semi-tropical terrain and pass through some 800 species of foliage. The community also has a “Trash to Treasures” program. Resort trash is recycled into art and other crafts. The resorts offer 114 tents that are woven into the tapestry of the stunning landscape. Each home is made up almost entirely of recycled materials and runs solely on solar panels and wind power.
5. Mocking Bird Hill, Jamaica
Port Antonio is one of the most ideal places in the world. Overlooking twin harbors and hidden in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, it presents the best of both worlds: exotic beach and lush tropical jungle. The small but remarkable resort, Mocking Bird Hill, calls it home. Mocking Bird Hill is a 10-room inn renowned for its complete fusion of luxury and eco-friendly practices. Mocking Bird Inn offers guests an indulgent spa with massage oils made from local indigenous herbs. On the grounds is Mille Fleurs, their acclaimed restaurant offering local and organically grown dishes. Even the art present throughout the Inn is created by local artisans and artisans. An additional highlight of this eco-resort is a bamboo raft trip down the Rio Grande. If you’re looking for serenity, beauty, and eco-friendly practices, you can’t go wrong with Mocking Bird Hill.
Four. White Rose Farm, Costa Rica
Finca Rosa Blanca is a quiet retreat nestled in the country above the urban bustle of Santa Barbara. This retreat recently received 5 stars from the country’s green tourism commission. This is the highest rating a resort can receive. Owners have even been asked to train other resort owners on environmentally friendly practices. Obviously a resort like this recycles but they do a lot more. This inn actually houses a recycling center that educates the entire area about the practice. Local artisans provide the artwork in the suites, including painters, welders, and a local senior center. The Inn also offers innovative restaurants where all vegetables are organically grown in your own personal greenhouse. Their pool is also ecological, since it is heated by large solar panels and, although the use of chlorine is prohibited, they have opted for an ionization system that keeps the water clean and safe for the environment. It should also be noted that the Inn uses a portion of its revenue to help fund the local high school. The owners have been so successful that they have now even opened a second boutique hotel. The Arenas del Mar recently opened. It is located near the Manuel Antonio National Park.
3. Sumba, Indonesia
Nihiwatu is located on a small exclusive island in eastern Indonesia. This eco-resort is the true model of social and environmental responsibility. Nihiwatu was created out of a desire to conserve both biodiversity and culture. Today, it does just that. Nihiwatu offers its guests seven luxury bungalows and three two-bedroom villas. The resort works tirelessly to serve its guests and the local islanders. 95 percent of its staff are from the island itself, and the resort strives to create opportunities for all islanders. It positions itself as an agent for land and ocean. The result? Guests can look forward to an incredible Indonesian experience, including world-famous diving and picturesque scenery. They can also have the satisfaction of helping to make the world a much better place.
two. Sian Ka’an Ecological Center (CESiaK), Mexico
On the Yucatan peninsula, near the Mayan ruins of Tulum, is the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. It is the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site. CESiaK takes green to a new level. On its combined 1.3 million acres of beach and wetlands, guests are offered their own private elevated cabana. CESiaK operates entirely on solar and wind power. They also use rainwater for water needs, as well as a wetland waste treatment system. This eco-resort is not only serious about its policies, but also serious about offering its guests the best possible experiences. Sea kayaks are readily available, abundant bird watching, local fishing, hikes with local naturalists, and plenty of hammocks available for a lazy afternoon. The possibilities are endless. Additionally, all proceeds fund education and conservation programs at Sian Ka’an, including dune restoration and propagation of native plants. This resort should be at the top of anyone’s list.
1. Hotel Punta Islita, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Hotel Punta Islita is a true gem in Costa Rica. While it currently resides in tropical dry forest, the area was once denuded due to poor land practices. Punta Islita changed all that. Not only has the damage been reversed, but the area is now home to more than 400 species of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, as well as numerous types of indigenous foliage. Punta Islita is dedicated to reforestation, wildlife protection, as well as hiring local staff and utilizing local products, all while providing its guests with a complete luxury vacation experience. While Punta Islita offers guests complete indulgence through luxurious spa treatments and sensational private villas, it also offers guests unique educational experiences. These range from lessons in traditional cooking preparation to expeditions with sea turtles. This is in collaboration with the Costa Rican Ministry of the Environment. Punta Islita also offers a lot to its community. Proceeds are used to fund a community art museum, a regional recycling program, and a day care center.
While most of our eco-friendly practices occur closer to home base, natural living doesn’t have to just happen at home. Green travel can enrich the soul, give back to a community, and give your family just what they need for their next getaway!