People travel, a lot and if they were to travel less, it might be better for the environment. But this would mean you have to give up exploring the wonders of the world, and that just cannot be.
So, why not visit some of the most beautiful eco-friendly hotels and resorts instead. Many may think that eco-tourism has a lot to do with eating tofu and staying in a less than glamourous tent somewhere, but you’ll be surprised to know that some of best eco-friendly resorts oozes luxury.
1) Campi ya Kanzi, Kenya
This resort has two goals, one is to allow guests to create an unforgettable experience during their stay and the other is to preserve the wildlife and cultural heritage of the Maasai. The resort boasts state of the art technology to minimize environmental damage. Water comes from rain cropping, electricity from 120 photovoltaic panels, hot water from solar panels and food is cooked using an eco-friendly charcoal. You can relax and have a good time without worrying about the damage you might be doing to the environment.
For more information, visit their website.
2) Hotel Punta Islita, Costa Rica
Located on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste, Hotel Punta Islita is a luxury resort that features infinity pools, 4-poster beds that are draped in gauze and a fabulous spa. This groundbreaking sustainable hotel showcases Costa Rica’s natural and cultural gems. Spend your days at this resort relaxing while spying on some of the most beautiful and rare frogs.
For more information, visit their website.
3) Longitude 131, Australia
Located behind the famous Ayers Rock in Australia’s Nothern Territory, the eco-friendly resort of Longitude 131 is built into 15 massive luxury tents and it features just about any indulgence mankind could ask for. The fact that the resort doesn’t use any actual building makes it great for the environment that it’s in. Everything but everything runs on solar power at this resort, from the air conditioning to lighting.
For more information, visit their website.
4) Tierra Patagonia, Chile
Tierra Patagonia has got the idea of eco-friendly right with a layout that doesn’t require much air-condition use during the summer and little heat during the winter. The resort also uses low-energy LED lighting and high-grade insulation. They also sourced all their external material locally and turned to local designers Alexandra Edwards and Carolina Delpiano for the interiors. The hotel also plants a tree for every guest that comes to stay as part of the reforestation efforts.
For more information, visit their website.
5) San Camp, Botswana
Located near the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, which is the largest system of salt flats in the world, the San Camp is designed by bush-guide Ralph Bousfield and chic safari expert Catherine Raphaely. The custom-made white canvas tents fuses well with the landscape that surrounds it. The stylish camps comes features its own bathroom that comes with hot and cold running water.
For more information, visit their website.
6) Chaa Creek, Belize
This is one of the first eco-lodges that has opened in Belize. It had a humble beginning when it was just a few villas for backpackers but it quickly transformed into a 5-star resort that’s complete with a spa. The spa uses local Mayan oils and herbs to help infuse harmony into your body together with the opulent surroundings.
For more information, visit their website.
7) The Whitepod Hotel, Switzerland
A lot like the Longitude 131, Whitepod doesn’t use an actual building either and if you love the white beauty of the Swiss Alps, then this is the place for you. Guests that come to stay will spend their time in futuristic looking tents that have been designed to look like observatories. The colour of the tents also change depending on the season. During winter, the tents are white in colour and for the warmer months, they turn green. Thanks to the low-impact design of the resort, it won the World Prize for Sustainable Tourism.
For more information, visit their website.
