With growing awareness of the impact of human activities on the environment, people are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint, even when they are on holiday. Eco-friendly holidays are becoming increasingly popular, allowing travelers to enjoy their vacation while taking care of the environment. Some ways to have an eco-friendly holiday include staying in eco-friendly accommodations, choosing sustainable modes of transportation, such as cycling or public transport, and engaging in environmentally responsible activities. Additionally, people can reduce their environmental impact by eating locally sourced food and being mindful of water and energy usage.
What Is an Eco Lodge?
Eco lodges are holiday accommodations intended to prioritize ecotourism and environmental sustainability. They are built with environmentally friendly building materials and employ practices to conserve water, minimize waste, and protect local wildlife. They often use renewable energy sources like solar or wind power to meet their energy needs.
Why Stay At An Eco Lodge?
Staying in eco lodges can provide a unique and authentic travel experience. They are often located in pristine natural environments and offer opportunities to connect with nature and local communities. By choosing an eco lodge, travelers can support environmentally conscious businesses and contribute to preserving the local ecosystem.
Help Local Economies and activities (Photo By Norbert Braun)
Eco lodges often provide educational opportunities, such as guided nature walks, workshops, and cultural activities, to help guests learn about the local environment and its efforts to protect it.
Eco Resort, Eco Lodge, And Eco Hotel. What Is The Difference?
Eco lodges, eco resorts, and eco hotels share similar principles but differ in scale and focus. Eco lodges are often smaller, more intimate establishments, while eco resorts and eco hotels cater to a broader range of guests with varying facilities and services.
Different eco lodges include nature-focused, cultural, adventure, and luxury, each offering unique experiences and catering to different interests.
Staying at an eco lodge is an opportunity to support local communities, protect the environment, and learn about sustainable living.
What A Good Eco Lodge Holiday Should Involve
- Minimize environmental impact
- Support local communities and economies
- Engaging in educational experiences
- Prioritize responsible tourism practices
- Promote conservation and sustainability
Photo By Norbert Braun
What You Should Consider When Choosing an Eco Lodge
- Research the eco lodge’s sustainability practices and certifications
- Consider the location and its impact on the environment
- Look for accommodations that support local communities and economies
- Seek out lodges that offer educational opportunities and experiences
- Determine the type of eco lodge that aligns with your interests and preferences
To Get The Most Out Of Your Eco Lodge Experience
- Participate in on-site activities and workshops
- Engage with local communities and cultures
- Learn about the surrounding environment and wildlife
- Be open to adopting sustainable practices
- Share your experiences with others to promote responsible tourism
20 Best Eco Lodges Around The World
Best Eco Lodges in OCEANIA
Daintree Wilderness Lodge – Cape Tribulation – Queensland, Australia
Photo By manny-moreno
Daintree Wilderness Lodge, located in the heart of Cape Tribulation, is an eco-friendly oasis within the lush, ancient Daintree Rainforest. This boutique accommodation offers guests an immersive experience in one of the oldest and most diverse ecosystems. Featuring seven private, eco-sensitive cabins, each designed with a blend of comfort and sustainable materials, guests can indulge in a secluded retreat.
The lodge prides itself on promoting responsible tourism with minimal impact on the delicate rainforest environment.
Thala Beach Nature Reserve – Port Douglas, Australia
Photo By David Clode
Thala Beach Nature Reserve is an eco-conscious holiday destination located on a private headland between Cairns and Port Douglas, offering guests a luxurious and sustainable retreat surrounded by the beauty of Australia’s tropical north. This eco lodge comprehends 83 timber bungalows.
Set amidst 58 hectares of rainforest, Thala Beach Nature Reserve is committed to preserving the environment and the surrounding natural beauties promoting sustainable ecotourism practices.
Kokohuia Lodge, New Zealand
The-2nd largest living Kauri tree in New Zealand
Kokohuia Lodge is a luxurious eco-retreat on a stunning hillside in Omapere, overlooking the Hokianga Harbour in New Zealand’s Northland region.
The lodge is committed to minimizing its environmental footprint, with solar power and rainwater harvesting systems in place to ensure a sustainable stay.
Kokohuia Lodge’s on-site dining emphasizes farm-to-table cuisine, using locally sourced and organic ingredients. Guests can enjoy various activities, such as guided nature walks, kayaking, and exploring nearby attractions like Waipoua Forest and its ancient kauri trees.
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley – Australia
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is an ultra-luxurious conservation-based resort in the heart of the Greater Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Australia. This retreat, set on 7,000 acres of stunning wilderness, combines natural beauty, indulgent comfort, and eco-friendly practices.
The resort features 40 elegantly designed and spacious private villas with a private pool and sweeping views of the valley. The architecture and interiors blend with the surrounding landscape.
At Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, sustainability is essential, with a solid commitment to environmental conservation and the protection of local wildlife. Guests can participate in various immersive experiences, including guided nature walks, wildlife safaris, and mountain biking, all designed to connect them with the region’s breathtaking beauty.
Best Eco Lodges In SOUTH AMERICA
Caiman Ecological Refuge In Pantanal – Brazil
Pantanal – Jaguar in the Wild (Photo By Abraao Paes)
Caiman Ecological Refuge is in the heart of Brazil’s Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland. The refuge spans over 53,000 hectares and is dedicated to preserving and conserving the Pantanal’s flora and fauna with ongoing research and conservation projects, including the Hyacinth Macaw Project and the Oncafari Jaguar Project. This retreat allows guests to explore the region’s rich biodiversity and immerse themselves in the beautiful wilderness.
The refuge comprises two distinct lodges, Baiazinha Lodge and Cordilheira Lodge, each offering a different ambiance and style while emphasizing sustainable design and practices. The 16 guest rooms across the lodges blend with the surrounding environment.
The Lodge At Chaa Creek In San Ignacio, Belize
Xunantunich, Mayan RuinsPark – Belize (Photo By Stephanie-Klepacki)
The Lodge at Chaa Creek is an enchanting eco-lodge nestled in a private 400-acre nature reserve along the banks of the Macal River in Belize’s Cayo District. This retreat offers luxury, sustainability, and adventure, connecting guests to the region’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
Chaa Creek features a collection of 23 accommodations, including palm-thatched cottages, tree-top suites, and villas, all blending with the surrounding jungle landscape. The lodge is dedicated to responsible tourism and environmental conservation, promoting sustainable practices and supporting local community projects.
Guests can do various activities for those seeking to explore ancient Mayan sites. The nearby ruins of Xunantunich and Cahal Pech offer fascinating glimpses into Belize’s rich history.
Lapa Rios Lodge, Costarica
Osa Peninsula (Photo By Eelco Bohtlingk)
Lapa Rios Lodge is an eco lodge perched on a ridge amidst a 1,000-acre private rainforest reserve in the remote Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica. It offers an experience that combines luxury, sustainability, and immersion in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.
The lodge features 17 luxurious bungalows, each designed with local materials and traditional craftsmanship, boasting private decks, outdoor showers, and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding rainforest. Lapa Rios Lodge is committed to environmental conservation and community development, strongly focusing on sustainable practices and supporting local initiatives.
Guests can enjoy activities, including guided nature walks, waterfall hikes, and wildlife watching. For those seeking water-based adventures, the nearby Golfo Dulce offers kayaking, surfing, and dolphin-watching opportunities.
Eco Camp Patagonia In Torres Del Paine National Park, Chile
Torres del paine, Patagonia (Photo By Monica Volpin)
EcoCamp Patagonia is an innovative and sustainable eco lodge in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. Designed and inspired by the region’s indigenous Kawésqar people, the camp offers an experience in one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes.
The lodge features a collection of geodesic dome accommodations, providing guests with comfort, eco-friendliness, and connection to the wilderness. Each dome is designed with minimal environmental impact, utilizing sustainable materials and renewable energy sources.
Best Eco Lodges In EUROPE
Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel, Switzerland
Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel is an innovative and sustainable mountain retreat in the picturesque Swiss Alps, offering guests a unique blend of luxury, adventure, and minimal environmental impact. Nestled in the enchanting village of Les Giettes, this eco-conscious hotel features 18 geodesic dome pods that combine modern design with rustic charm, providing an intimate and cozy stay amidst the breathtaking alpine landscape.
Each pod is meticulously designed with energy-efficient heating and large bay windows that offer unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Whitepod is committed to minimizing its environmental footprint, utilizing renewable energy sources, and implementing sustainable practices throughout the property.
Guests can indulge in various activities, such as skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking, all while marveling at the majestic beauty of the Swiss Alps.
Les Echasses Golf & Surf Eco Lodge In Saubion, France
Landes Forest (Photo By les argonautes)
Les Echasses Golf & Surf Eco Lodge is a serene and sustainable retreat in the picturesque Landes forest near the Atlantic coast of southwestern France.
The lodge features nine modern and stylish cabins raised on stilts inspired by traditional Landes architecture.
Les Echasses is committed to sustainability and minimizing its environmental impact, incorporating renewable energy sources, responsible waste management, and eco-friendly practices throughout the property. Guests can enjoy outdoor activities, such as golfing at the on-site 9-hole golf course, surfing at the nearby beaches, or exploring the lush forest on foot or by bike.
Sapmi Nature Eco Lodges – Gallivare, Sweden
Historical picture of Sami people
Sapmi Nature Eco Lodges is a unique eco-retreat located in the wilderness of Swedish Lapland, offering guests an immersive experience in the heart of the traditional Sámi culture and the breathtaking Arctic landscape. This sustainable glamping experience, owned and operated by local Sámi people, provides a genuine connection to the region’s rich heritage, environment, and wildlife.
The lodges feature luxurious and spacious Lavvu tents, each thoughtfully designed with traditional Sámi aesthetics and modern comforts. Guests can enjoy warm and cozy accommodations amidst the enchanting surroundings with minimal environmental impact.
Sapmi Nature Eco Lodges offers a range of Sámi cultural experiences led by knowledgeable and passionate hosts.
The Eco-Frontiers Ranch, Poland
The Eco-Frontiers Ranch is a charming and sustainable ranch in southeastern Poland’s picturesque Bieszczady Mountains.
The ranch features two rustic and cozy wooden cabins, providing guests with a comfortable and intimate stay in harmony with the surrounding landscape. The Eco-Frontiers Ranch is committed to sustainable practices, utilizing renewable energy sources, responsible waste management, and supporting ecotourism activities.
MIDDLE EAST
Feynan Ecolodge, Jordan
Desert Dana, Feynen-Jordan. (Photo By Franz P. Sauerteig)
Feynan Eco-lodge is a remarkable eco-friendly escape in the heart of Jordan’s enchanting Dana Biosphere Reserve. This lodge offers an experience that combines authentic Bedouin hospitality, sustainable practices, and immersion in the region’s stunning natural beauty and ancient history.
The eco-lodge features 26 rooms, built with traditional adobe architecture.
Guests can enjoy various immersive activities, such as guided nature walks, wildlife watching, stargazing, and exploring nearby archaeological sites, including ancient copper mines and Byzantine ruins. The eco-lodge also offers authentic cultural experiences, such as traditional Bedouin tea-making, bread baking, and interacting with the warm and welcoming local community.
The on-site dining experience showcases delicious vegetarian Jordanian cuisine prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Best Eco Lodges In AFRICA
Campi Ya Kanzi Eco Lodge, Kenya
(Photo By Jan katy)
Campi Ya Kanzi Eco Lodge is an authentic safari experience in the heart of the Chyulu Hills in southern Kenya. This lodge offers guests an immersive experience that combines luxury, sustainability, and an authentic connection to the region’s awe-inspiring natural beauty and vibrant Maasai culture.
Campi Ya Kanzi is committed to environmental sustainability, utilizing eco-friendly practices, and supporting local community development and conservation efforts with ecotourism experience guided and directed to the thriving of the Masai people and culture.
The lodge also offers breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and is situated within a 280,000-acre private Maasai-owned reserve, providing a truly exclusive and immersive experience.
Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, Botswana
Okavango delta (Photo By Colin Watts)
Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is an eco-friendly retreat in Botswana’s heart of the Okavango Delta.
Many waterways, banks with papyrus, and floating islands teeming with diverse fauna define the enchanting landscape of Sandibe. The lodge boasts exclusive access to a sprawling 22,500 hectares (55,600 acres) of wildlife-rich land bordering the Moremi Game Reserve.
Guests can indulge in various activities, such as guided game drives, bush walks, mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) excursions, and birdwatching. The lodge also offers unparalleled opportunities for up-close wildlife encounters, as the Okavango Delta is home to many African species, including elephants, lions, leopards, and countless bird species.
The on-site dining experience features African-inspired cuisine prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Phinda Forest Lodge, South Africa
Phinda Private Reserve (Photo By Mandy Henry)
Phinda Forest Lodge is an eco-designed luxury safari lodge located within the diverse Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa.
The lodge features 16 glass-enclosed suites.
Phinda Forest Lodge is committed to minimizing its environmental impact, utilizing sustainable practices, and supporting local community development and conservation efforts. The lodge is within a 2,471-acre private reserve, offering guests exclusive access to various unique habitats and abundant wildlife.
Several Phinda Adventures are available, including expert-guided walking and tracking safaris, sleep-out beneath the starlit sky, an infrared Night Eye drive, and conservation activities such as rhino notching or pangolin tagging.
The Phinda Private Game Reserve is home to many African species, including cheetahs, leopards, lions, zebra, rhinos, wildebeest, buffalo, baboons, monkeys, nyala, impalas, and several bird raptors.
Best Eco Lodges In ASIA
Three Camel Lodge, Mongolia
Mongolia, Gobi Deset (Photo by Jonte-J)
Three Camel Lodge is a eco-friendly retreat located in the heart of the vast and enchanting Gobi Desert in Mongolia. This lodge offers guests a truly immersive experience that combines traditional Mongolian culture, sustainability, and a genuine connection to the region’s mesmerizing natural beauty.
The lodge features a collection of 40 traditional Mongolian Gers (yurts), providing guests with a comfortable and intimate stay that reflects the rich nomadic heritage of the region.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Borneo
Probocis Monkey In Borneo (Photo By Rick Wallace)
Sukau Rainforest Lodge is an eco-friendly retreat nestled along the banks of the Kinabatangan River in the heart of Malaysian Borneo. This lodge offers guests an experience that combines sustainability, exceptional wildlife encounters, and an authentic connection to the region’s captivating rainforest ecosystem.
The lodge features 40 well-appointed rooms and villas, thoughtfully designed using traditional Bornean architecture that blends with the surrounding rainforest environment.
The lodge also supports local community development and conservation efforts, ensuring a sustainable and eco-conscious experience.
The Kinabatangan River area is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including the emblematic Proboscis Monkey, Orangutans, Pygmy Elephants, and many bird species.
Topas Ecolodge, Vietnam
Sapa valley (Photo By Louis Hoang)
Topas Eco-lodge is an extraordinary eco-friendly retreat perched atop a hill in the breathtaking Sapa Valley of northern Vietnam. This lodge offers guests an unforgettable experience that combines sustainability, traditional H’mong and Red Dao culture, and an authentic connection to the region’s stunning terraced rice fields and mountain landscapes.
The lodge features 33 rustic bungalows designed using local white granite and traditional craftsmanship, providing guests with a comfortable stay that blends with the surrounding natural environment. Each bungalow has private balconies with magnificent views of the lush Sapa Valley.
It is important to note that the restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients to minimize its environmental impact.
Capella Ubud, Bali – Indonesia
Capella Ubud is a luxurious resort in Bali’s lush rainforest and terraced rice fields in Indonesia. This unique and enchanting camp with tented villas offers guests an experience that combines sustainability, bespoke design, and an authentic connection to the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
The lodge features 22 ultra-luxurious and spacious tented suites, each designed with a blend of traditional Balinese aesthetics and contemporary touches, providing guests with a comfortable and intimate stay that merges with the surrounding rainforest environment. Each suite boasts private saltwater pools, indoor and outdoor living spaces, and stunning jungle or rice terrace views.
Capella Ubud is committed to minimizing its environmental impact, utilizing eco-friendly practices, supporting local community development, and preserving Bali’s cultural and natural heritage. The lodge’s construction carefully avoided removing trees, showcasing its dedication to environmental conservation.
Conclusions
Eco lodges offer great luxury, cultural immersion, and environmental consciousness. They testify that responsible travel can maintain comfort and authentic experiences. Travelers can enjoy unique and breathtaking destinations and play an active role in conserving our planet’s beauty and supporting local communities.
As the awareness around sustainable travel grows, the need for sharing and promoting eco-friendly options becomes crucial. So, if any of these eco-lodges have inspired you or have your own experiences to share, please leave a comment below. And please share this article with fellow travelers.
