Eco-Friendly Hotels You Need to Experience

Are you looking to plan a vacation where you can feel good about your environmental impact? While it might seem difficult to find eco-friendly hotels, there are actually quite a few out there that are well worth your time.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best eco-friendly hotels in 2024. From Resorts in Belize to Homestays in Thailand and everywhere in between, we think you’ll be surprised by just how luxurious and cutting-edge these properties are!

So, if you’re ready to explore some amazing new hotels while also doing your part for the environment, keep reading. You won’t regret it!

Finding an Eco-Friendly hotel is just one aspect of sustainable travel, but it’s an important one! Read on to find out more.

Eco-Friendly Hotels in South America

When you think of vacationing in South America, what comes to mind? Beautiful landscapes, interesting history, delicious food, and amazing culture.

All of that is definitely part of the equation, but another important consideration is how environmentally friendly your hotel choice is.

Many eco-friendly hotels are popping up throughout the region, and they can make your trip even more sustainable and enjoyable.

Here are some top picks for eco-friendly hotels in South America!

Treehouse Lodge – Peru

Contributed by Alisha from Travel Today Work Tomorrow

Deep in the lush Amazon forests of Peru is where you can find the luxurious Treehouse Lodge.

Enjoy the sounds of the rainforest as you spend the night high above the jungle floor in one of their incredible treehouse bungalows connected by suspension bridges, some 60 feet or more above the ground.

Besides being a 5-star all-inclusive hotel, the Treehouse Lodge prides itself on being eco-friendly. The entire lodge operates off a solar power system for its electricity and eliminated single-use plastic from the hotel.

For drinking water, the hotel sources its water by capturing fresh rainfall and purifying it. To get the water for the showers, toilets, and sinks, they pull and purify from the Amazon River.

The best time to visit the Amazon is during the dry season, between July to December. However, the Treehouse Lodge is open all year round.

To get to the secluded Treehouse Lodge, you will need to fly to the small city of Iquitos, Peru, and then travel by riverboat up the Amazon River.

During your stay at the Treehouse Lodge, they offer many unique excursions with a private guide.  Consider taking a jungle walk through the Amazon, fishing for piranhas, or booking a sunset cruise with pink river dolphins among other bucket-list adventures.

A visit to the eco-friendly and unbelievable Treehouse Lodge is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Mundo Nuevo Eco Lodge- Colombia

Contributed by Dan from Layer Culture

Mundo Nuevo Eco Lodge is a special place located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range near Minca in Colombia. Visitors can arrive here to learn all about permaculture, coffee, and cacao.

The staff is very helpful when it comes to mealtimes such as breakfast and dinner. The Lodge provides delicious vegetarian meals where all the guests eat together in a communal setting.

Transporting yourself to this mountain location is not only one of the best things to do in Minca for the sake of visiting the eco-lodge itself but there is an abundance of nature that is hard to find elsewhere.

Nothing beats a stroll around the organic fruit gardens whilst taking in the mountain top views during the day.

Then the breathtaking sunset views in the evening, are somewhat of a feature because guests head to the bottom of the garden to watch the stars and the sun as it falls off the edge of the mountain range.

From a permaculture gardening perspective, here you can see and learn about different techniques, some of which are adopted from the local indigenous tribes.

There is a delicious coffee on offer that is available to guests all day long, and it’s the same coffee that is grown on the nearby farm.

The leaders of this project have an initiative that groups like-minded entrepreneurs together who are positively contributing to the local environment. So, if you find yourself in Colombia a trip to Minca and the eco-friendly Mundo Nuevo Eco Lodge is a must.

Eco-Friendly Hotels in Central America

When most people think of Central America, eco-friendly hotels likely aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, there are a number of hotels in the region that pride themselves on being environmentally responsible.

Whether it’s using solar energy instead of traditional electricity or recycling wastewater, these hotels are doing their part to help preserve Central America’s stunning natural landscapes.

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option while traveling in the region, read on for our list of the best green hotels in Central America.

Bambu Eco Lodge – Guatemala

Contributed by Natasha from Planes, Trains and Karcz

Nestled within the lush Guatemalan jungle – and overlooking the positively mesmerizing Lake Atitlan – is the stunning, all-natural Bambu Guest House.

It’s upon these turquoise shores that you’ll find this phenomenal eco-lodge (that happens to double as a retreat center) which is specifically known for its focus on Permaculture, yoga, and holistic health.

There’s perhaps no better example of this than Bambu’s very own architectural design, as each accommodation space is crafted with a seamless blend of sustainability and luxury; utilizing simple yet dazzling organic materials such as wood, stone, glass, and – you guessed it! – bamboo.

When visiting the Lake Atitlan region, consider doing so during the months of November through April when Guatemala’s tropical climate is at its most temperate.

There will certainly be no shortage of things to keep you busy at that time of year either, as local organizations prepare to welcome peak-season travelers! 

Start by catching a ride on one of Guatemala’s signature lanchas (a water taxi) to travel the same way the locals do; by boat, and village-hop amongst the scenic hillside.

From there, get adventurous with some cliff-jumping at the Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve in San Marcos, browse the Panajachel street markets, or simply hang out at the Bambu’s in-house farm-to-table restaurant and indulge in one of their mouthwatering organic dishes while taking in a sunset over the surrounding volcanic range.

No matter how you opt to spend your time in the Mayan Heartland, rest assured it will be a rejuvenating and surreal experience!

Nemi Eco Villa- Mexico

Contributed by Lora from Explore with Lora

There’s no shortage of luxury hotels in Puerto Vallarta, but one that’s both luxurious and eco-friendly is Nemi Eco Villa. It’s located in Amapas, a hillside neighborhood less than a 5-minute drive away from the city center of Puerto Vallarta. 

Sustainability is built into each aspect of the design of Nemi Eco Villa. The building was constructed using all repurposed, local, or sustainable materials.

The initial building blocks for the villa were used shipping containers, and all other materials were locally sourced, including recycled fruit crates and pallet wood.

The bedrooms all run from solar power, and the whole villa is designed to take advantage of natural airflow so that the need for AC or fans is minimal.

In addition, the villa features an all-natural swimming pool with no salt or chemicals that create a safe, holistic swimming experience. Lastly, the cooks at Nemi use local and/or organic products where possible for the gourmet breakfast and snacks provided.

The best time to visit is from December to March when the weather is consistently sunny, warm, and dry. This also coincides with the whale-watching season, and you may even spot whales from the villa!

The villa is just up the hill from Los Muertos Beach and Zona Romantica, so water sports and nightlife will be easy to access.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Puerto Vallarta that’s eco-friendly but doesn’t compromise on luxury, look no further than Nemi Eco Villa.

Hotel Azulik Tululm – Mexico

Contributed by Shelley from Travel Mexico Solo

Azulik is the hotel that put Tulum, Mexico on the map as a bohemian eco-destination. It set the standard for the “Tulum look,” with bamboo details, reclaimed wood, and an Instagram-worthy look that meets eco-friendly philosophy.

From the moment you enter the lobby, you’re transported to a tropical jungle paradise. There are bridges going through the Tulum jungle canopy, connecting one part of the hotel to the next.

Everything is indoor-outdoor, so you always feel like you’re in nature, even when technically indoors.

There is only one villa with a private shower, but there are communal showers on the beach.

Villas don’t have electricity, only candlelight — lowering your carbon footprint and reducing light pollution near the resort so you can see the stars.

Azulik is its own private village, and once you enter, you won’t want to leave! The hotel sits beachfront on the Caribbean Sea, and there are restaurants on-site, like the famous Kin Toh.

There’s also SFER IK Museum, showcasing eco-art, and Mantli Spa, offering holistic healing services.

With Azulik Tulum now on your radar, you might be wondering how to get to Tulum, Mexico!

There’s no airport in Tulum, so you’ll fly into Cancun International Airport, then head two hours south to Azulik. Since Tulum is such a popular Mexico destination, you have several options for Cancun to Tulum transportation.

The best time to visit Tulum is from November to March, during the dry season. For lower rates at Azulik, opt for the summer months.

Makaaba Hotel- Mexico

Contributed by Daria from The Discovery Nut

Located along the Lagoon of Seven Colors, Bacalar is one of the best up-and-coming destinations in Mexico.

Renowned for its spectacular shades of blue, Bacalar lagoon is home to stromatolites, some of the oldest organisms on the planet that look like mounds of dirt but are actually made up of layers of Cyanobacteria. 

Locals are protective of the lagoon and take great pride in educating visitors about it. Take a sailboat tour or kayak around the lagoon, and you will spot multiple signs around the lagoon warning against getting close to stromatolites and telling you how to behave around the lagoon. 

This attitude is also reflected in local tourism, as many hotels strive to stick to sustainable practices and minimize their impact on the environment. One of the best sustainable hotels in Bacalar is Hotel Makaaba, an eco-resort located a few steps away from the Bacalar lagoon.

The centerpiece of this hotel is a swimming pool that uses the rainwater collected and filtered through a special system. 

The hotel has a beautiful on-site garden with tomatoes, herbs, papaya trees, and chili peppers that are used in cooking and are nourished by compost from the hotel’s kitchen.

Hotel Makaaba doesn’t use single-use plastics such as cups and utensils and many of its drinks are served in special containers that can be refilled. 

Guests enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner which are all made from local ingredients, and more often from the hotel’s garden. There is also a bar on-site that offers Mexican craft beers and mezcal.

The best time to visit Bacalar is from March through June when temperatures are warmer and crowds are thinner. Winter is a busy season when prices are the highest, as many visitors seeking warmer temperatures come to Bacalar.

Summer often brings precipitation just like the rest of Quintana Roo State, where Bacalar is located.

Eco-Friendly Hotels in Asia

As a traveler, you’re probably looking to reduce your carbon footprint while you’re on the road. One great way to do this is by staying at eco-friendly hotels.

There are many of these types of resorts throughout Asia, and they offer some great benefits. Not only will you help the environment by staying here, but you may also find that these resorts have better amenities than traditional hotels.

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly getaway in Asia, read on for our list of the best resorts in the region!

Borneo Rainforest Lodge- Malaysia

Contributed by James from Travel Collecting

A great eco-friendly lodge is the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, which is located in the Danum Valley in Malaysian Borneo, one of the few remaining pockets of primordial rainforest in Borneo.

Borneo Rainforest Lodge is the only accommodation located in the Danum Valley Conservation Area. The lodge is eco-friendly in many ways. The main lodge building is a large, airy room with ceiling fans and open sides, facing an escarpment covered in the jungle overlooking the nearby river.

The guest rooms are reached over a raised wooden walkway and they all have ceiling fans rather than air-conditioning, and solar-powered water heaters, in order to be more eco-friendly.  

The lodge is an all-inclusive resort.  All hikes in the surrounding jungle are done with a local guide, not just so that guests don’t get lost, but also so that they stay on the path and minimize the impact on the environment.

All guides and other lodge staff are locally hired, which helps provide a positive economic impact on the local community. 

Other eco-friendly features include recycling waste, composting kitchen waste, use of eco-friendly detergents and bug sprays, using local products to reduce the carbon footprint, and even organizing environmental education programs in the surrounding areas. 

The best time to visit Borneo Rainforest Lodge is the dry season, from April to September. 

Feynan Ecolodge- Jordan

Contributed by Claudia Tavani from My Adventures Across the World

Feynan Ecolodge is definitely the best – not to mention the most eco-friendly hotel in Jordan. You will find it in Dana Nature Reserve, among the most enchanting places to visit in Jordan.

This is not a place that randomly uses the label “eco-friendly”: it truly lives up to its name!

The building is in adobe and has no electricity other than in the main lobby, where you will be able to charge your phone and camera batteries; and in the bathroom, where the light remains dim.

As soon as night approaches, the staff goes around to light candles in the common areas and in the guest rooms. The candles and the silence of the desert give Feynan Ecolodge a truly romantic atmosphere.

As there are no buildings nearby (there is only a Bedouins camp a 15 minutes walk away) there is no artificial light, which means this is also a great place to admire the stars. In fact, guests can walk up the roof and make use of the telescope to gaze at the sky. 

The hotel also serves delicious meals, all of them vegetarian. The lack of electricity makes it in fact impossible to store meat and fish. Meals are served buffet-style in the gorgeous dining room. 

The hotel works closely with the local community and hires guides to take guests on hikes. The sunset one is particularly recommended!

Lanta Casa Blanca- Thailand

Recommended by PlacesofJuma

The Lanta Casa Blanca is a really amazing choice for a beautiful Eco-friendly hotel. This small but fine 4-star hotel is located on the island of Koh Lanta in Thailand and is one of the absolute best hotels on the popular vacation island. 

Only opened in 2019, Lanta Casa Blanca Hotel was then the first “Green Resort” and thus this hotel is a pioneer of Eco-friendly Hotels on the island.

What’s great is that this hotel puts a lot of emphasis on minimizing water consumption, plus wastewater is treated and reused.

The use of plastic or other non-biodegradable products are minimized and solar panels are used to produce green energy.

The Lanta Casa Blanca is a fairly new, familiar, and pretty bungalow complex right on a dream beach – the Relax Beach, which incidentally captivates with a wonderful atmosphere. Just stunning are the chic rooms with natural materials, the gorgeous pool, and the relaxed atmosphere.

The bungalows are available in different price ranges and sizes. Guests love the blue and white colors, combined with the many recycled wood and bamboo elements that create a friendly environment.

The completely open breakfast restaurant right by the sea is also lovely, from where you can enjoy a coffee and a wonderful view of the tropical dream beach.

Getting to the hotel is easy to organize and the hotel will help you with that! The nearest airport is in Krabi on the mainland. A pick-up by minibus takes about 2 – 3 hours, depending on traffic and the ferry at the hotel.

Soneva Kiri- Thailand

Contributed by Mariellen from Breathedreamgo

Thailand is a fantastic vacation destination, with countless beach resort options. But if sustainability and patronizing an eco-friendly hotel matter to you, the best luxury resort in Thailand is Soneva Kiri.

Located on beautiful Koh Kood in southern Thailand, Soneva Kiri is in its own class when it comes to both luxury and sustainability. 

The expansive resort covers the entire tip of the island, and the huge villas are spaced well apart from each other. Almost everything at Soneva Kiri is made of natural materials such as wood and stone, and the property is extremely lush and green.

The resort’s “no shoes, no news” philosophy invites guests to relax, walk in bare feet, and enjoy nature. Even the spa is open to the elements, with treatment rooms looking out over the ocean.

The spa features a forest bathing area where guests can sip herbal tea and enjoy bird songs after their treatments. 

As a casual guest, you can enjoy all of the luxurious dining and recreation options available at Soneva Kiri without knowing about their extensive eco practices. The resort won a World Responsible Tourism Award for its efforts, which include facilities for treating cooking oil, recycling greywater, water harvesting, and organic gardening.

They produce 40-50 percent of the fruits, vegetables, and herbs they use, and have also nurtured back to life a local coral reef, among other measures. 

Eco-Friendly Hotels in the Caribbean

Eco-friendly hotels in the Caribbean are becoming increasingly popular as more and more people look to reduce their environmental impact while on vacation.

There are a number of ways that these hotels are able to achieve this, such as by using solar power, investing in energy-efficient appliances, and recycling grey water. Many of these hotels also make an effort to source local produce and use environmentally friendly cleaning products.

As a result, staying at an eco-friendly hotel in the Caribbean can help you to enjoy your vacation without harming the environment.

Paraiso Caño Hondo- Dominican Republic

Contributed by Chris from Punta Cana Travel Blog

Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is famous for its never-ending all-inclusive resorts, but there is much more to explore than just beaches and developed resort areas.

Only 2.5 hours northwest of Punta Cana, close to Sabana de la Mar, you can find Los Haitises National Park, one of the most important national parks of the Dominican Republic with one of the highest biodiversity in the entire Caribbean.

The only accommodation in the park is a stunning eco-lodge called Paraiso Caño Hondo (and its neighboring sister hotel Altos de Caño Hondo), which is located amidst stunning nature.

It features amazing views, several natural swimming pools, and – as a particular highlight – plenty of waterfalls right on the property. This creates an omnipresent sound that is extremely peaceful and lets you enjoy nature to the fullest.

But Paraiso Caño Hondo is not only an eco-lodge in the Dominican Republic just 2.5 hours away from Punta Cana, it also is a very eco-friendly hotel. All the rooms are constructed with natural materials such as bamboo, timber, or local stones.

Furthermore, you get in close but respectful contact with nature on their excursions through the Los Haitises National Park, avoiding any mass tourism tours.

Last but not least, this eco-friendly hotel is an important source of employment and income for the inhabitant of the adjacent local village, Sabana de la Mar, which otherwise doesn’t have much of a share of the Dominican Republic’s impressive tourism.

The best time to visit Paraiso Caño Hondo is during the dry season from December to April, but you can also go during the other months of the year, as the Dominican Republic is a good country to travel to year-round.

Eco-Friendly Hotels in Europe

Are you looking to travel to Europe, but worried about the environmental impact of your trip? Worry no more – there are plenty of eco-friendly hotels in Europe that will let you enjoy your vacation without harming the planet!

In this blog post, we’ll tell you all about some of the best green hotels in Europe, so you can rest easy knowing that you’re doing your part to protect the environment.

Masseria Il Frantoio- Italy

Contributed by Maria and Katerina from It’s All Trip to Me

In the stunning countryside of Puglia in Southern Italy, just outside the whitewashed town of Ostuni, Masseria Il Frantoio is more than just another accommodation option. It’s a unique eco-friendly hotel that promises to make your trip to this rugged region in Italy’s South all the more memorable. 

Masseria Il Frantoio has been a glorious farmhouse since the 1500s. Nowadays, all the spaces in the old farm, including the stables, have been repurposed, renovated, and turned into elegant rooms that combine luxury with tradition.

However, the highlight of a stay at Masseria Il Frantoio is the dining experience that’s offered on its grounds. 

The restaurant at Masseria Il Frantoio serves superb food, made with seasonal organic ingredients and based on century-old Apulian recipes. The farm-to-table concept is omnipresent here.

The vegetables, olive oil, and wine used are produced on the farm itself whereas the dairy and meat products are sourced from nearby farms. 

Surrounded by olive trees and vineyards, Masseria Il Frantoio is just a 10-minute drive from Ostuni, one of the most picturesque towns in Southern Italy. The best time to book a stay at this hotel is in the spring or autumn when the weather is mild and the summer crowds are nowhere to be seen. 

Since Puglia is one of Italy’s most authentic regions, Masseria Il Frantoio can serve as the best base from which to explore the surrounding countryside, towns, and villages on a fantastic road trip that you will cherish for life. 

Casa Olea-Andalusia

Contributed by Paulina from Paulina on the road

Casa Olea hotel is a well-known traditional farmhouse, which is eco-friendly in many aspects. Nestled in the heart of Andalusia, near Priego do Cordoba, this hotel attracts visitors from all across the world, especially those who are environment-conscious. 

The green Casa has taken many green initiatives including using 100% green energy for heating water, installing solar panels, and using a biomass boiler for all underfloor heating. The biomass is generated using recycled waste.

They have taken help from local artisans for most of the building work including hand-forged balconies, hand-made ceramic tiles in all washrooms, and more. They also source the ingredients for food from local suppliers. 

The hotel features a free private car park, a restaurant, and a swimming pool. The venue is just 10 minutes away from Casa Museo de Castil de Campos and 25 minute walk from Cementerio Municipal. 

Guests can enjoy a luxurious stay without causing any harm to the environment. Along with the luxurious stay, you can also enjoy walking and biking along the routes of olive groves and white villages.

Experience local cuisine and drinks at the dining room, which also features log fires in winter. This place is especially preferred by couples. 

You can explore Andalusia’s culture by visiting Alhambra in Granada and Mezquita in Cordoba by taking a one-hour drive. If you wonder where to eat in Granada during the exploration, try out cuisines at Teteria Restaurante Diwan. Also, do not miss out on olive oil tasting at a local olive mill during the harvest.  

Eco-Friendly Hotels in Africa

Africa is a land of beauty and wonder, home to an abundance of wildlife and stunning landscapes.

For eco-conscious travelers looking to enjoy a safari adventure while minimizing their environmental impact, there are a number of fantastic eco-friendly hotels throughout the continent. Here are just a few examples!

Bom Bom Resort- Sao Tome and Principe

Contributed by Heather from Conversant Traveller

Bom Bom Resort is a stunning eco-resort in Sao Tome and Principe. This tiny island nation lies off the coast of West Africa in the Gulf of Guinea and is a paradise for nature lovers and explorers who want to get well and truly off the beaten track.

Bom Bom is hidden away on the northern tip of Principe island, surrounded by ocean, beaches, and rainforest. It’s one of the best places to stay in Sao Tome and Principe.

Principe is a World Biosphere Reserve, and the hotel strives to protect this precious natural environment while still providing top-notch services to its guests.

Conservation and sustainability are at the heart of the operation, with locally sourced timber for construction, a food waste composting scheme, and the use of recycled materials for packing. Soaps are locally made too.

Principe cuisine is all about fresh organic produce, with very little imported from the outside world. Expect to enjoy fish and crustaceans harvested from the sea and fruits and herbs that are farmed right here on the island.

HBD, who own Bom Bom, has established the Principe Trust Foundation, which seeks to increase biodiversity knowledge and protection through turtle monitoring, botanical sampling, and coral evaluations. Visitors can get involved in projects and initiatives during their stay.  

Adventurous souls can spend their days snorkeling off the beach, hiking through the jungle, and taking boat trips to hidden bays. Whale watching and exploring ruined cocoa and coffee plantations are fun too.

Eco-Friendly Hotels

I love to travel, and this beautiful planet has so much to offer! We all need to work together to help protect our resources and preserve the world for future generations of travelers. Whether you are heading out for a Girls Getaway, a solo trip, or a romantic honeymoon, think Eco Friendly before you book!

Thank you for staying with us as we explored some of the best eco-friendly hotels in the world. We hope that by providing this list, we’ve helped to make your travel planning a little bit easier and more sustainable. What are some of your favorite tips for traveling responsibly? Let me know in the comments below – I’d love to hear from you!

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