28 BEST Eco Lodges & Resorts From All Around The World
This list of the world’s top eco-lodges and eco-resorts features some bucket-list-worthy destinations. They stretch across the globe from the plains of the African savannah to the Arctic Circle and even New York City.
These dream-worthy properties sustainably approach tourism and provide a space for guests to find harmony with nature. Some of our most memorable trips are to these incredible destinations. So, we’re happy to share some of the world’s best eco-resorts, hotels, and lodges.
What Makes An Eco Lodge?
There is no definition, governing body, or accreditation. An eco-lodge, hotel, or resort generally all follow sustainable practices. This can vary widely with everything from a small glamping tent to massive carbon-neutral resorts. At its core, an eco property prizes the environment and provides a space for guests to find harmony with nature.
They’re usually tucked away in cool spots like forests, beaches, or wildlife sanctuaries and are all about being kind to the planet. Safari lodges are a tremendous example as the luxury properties are often off-grid and utilize the funds from guests to protect thousands of acres of nature.
What’s super cool about these spots is their commitment to saving the planet. They’re like the superheroes of the vacation world, using less energy and water, powering up with renewables, and being super organized with trash. Plus, they’re all about helping local communities and keeping wildlife safe.
But it’s not just about being eco-friendly; it’s also about having a blast in nature. Many of our favorite eco-resorts work as stewards to show guests the importance of natural habitats and the environment.
You’ll find awesome activities like learning about the environment, spotting wildlife, and doing all kinds of outdoor adventures. It’s like getting in touch with nature while having the time of your life, all while doing your part to protect this incredible planet we call home.
What makes a great eco-lodge?
Here is what we look for in a good ecolodge:
- Community development
- Cultural respect
- Clear environmental guidelines
- Conservation efforts
- Education of guests and locals
- Recycling programs
- Reduction of waste
- Green building materials
- Use of non-permanent structures
- Alternative power sources
- Water treatment system
The Best Eco Lodges & Resorts
Lapa Rios Lodge, Costa Rica
Location: Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica (GPS)
To build 16 thatched roof bungalows in the heart of Central America’s last remaining tropical lowland rainforest, while preserving its ecosystem, must rank amongst the most remarkable achievements in the hospitality industry – a feat which Lapa Rios Lodge has somehow accomplished.
This achievement hasn’t gone unnoticed either. Renowned names have acknowledged Lapa Rios Lodge as one of the foremost models of sustainable tourism. It was also the first of its kind, setting the stage for ecotourism in the country. From beachside yoga classes to open-air dining, this place strikes the perfect balance of eco-luxury tourism. It’s easily one of the best hotels and places to stay in Costa Rica.
Learn More About Lapa Rios
Phinda Forest Lodge, South Africa
Location: Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Built with the vision of leaving the world a better place, Phinda Forest Lodge stands among the pioneering eco-lodges in the world. In the heart of Zulu territory at the Phinda Private Game Reserve, this lodge offers its guests the opportunity to experience sophisticated luxury with responsible tourism.
The lodge’s 16 rooms are generously spaced apart, providing a sense of seclusion and privacy. Adding to the magical experience, each room features floor-to-ceiling glass windows, creating a connection with the forest. Every day, guests can embark on game drives and enjoy iconic wildlife sightings within 73,800 acres of diverse landscape.
How To Book A Safari
Safari lodges do not operate like hotels and work with travel agents to ensure their guests’ travels in Africa run smoothly. We love booking safaris with Timbuktu as they provide straightforward website pricing and tremendous service.
Bambu Indah, Bali
Location: Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Staying at Bambu Indah is akin to being a part of the jungle habitat, thanks to the harmonious coexistence this lodging shares with its natural surroundings. The treetop rooms are constructed entirely from bamboo and teak, presenting a fusion of traditional luxury and wilderness lifestyles.
This ecologically conscious establishment leaves no footprint behind. The guests get rejuvenating yoga sessions under the open sky and invigorating baths in freshwater pools. Meals are prepared from organic ingredients and served in bamboo leaves, with papaya stems for straws.
Furthermore, the lodge offers all modern electronic amenities, powered exclusively by solar energy. Ubud is a destination worthy of a lodge such as Bambu Indah, with its heady mix of temples, yoga studios, rice paddies, and restaurants. It’s one of our favorite spots in Bali; we’ve spent months around the town.
Book A Stay at Bambu Indah
Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador
Location: Reserva Privada Mashpi, Ecuador
Mashpi Lodge is a rainforest retreat consisting of a three-story, upscale glass and steel structure. Despite the modern design, the lodge is entirely sustainable and offers an immersive experience in Ecuador’s cloud forest.
The lodge places you in the habitat of over 400 endemic bird species, trees, and frogs. Guests can ride on the Dragonfly Canopy Gondola and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the forest from above the canopy, observe toucans from the Life Centre, and hike across the misty forest to rivers and waterfalls, with white-faced monkeys and spotted cats eyeing your every move from their perches in the trees.
Few locations in the world are home to more biodiversity. The fortunate few who can visit are in for an unforgettable journey of exploration and directly help support the reserve. In our article, you can read more about our time at the Mashpi Lodge.
Check Rates For The Mashpi Lodge
Shinta Mani Wild, Cambodia
Location: Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia
Shinta Mani Wild in Cambodia is a luxurious eco-resort committed to the preservation of endangered species in the Cardamom mountains. This retreat offers 15 private tents, each in the most breathtaking locations, such as right by the riverbank, above a boulder, behind waterfalls, high above the tree line, etc.
The type of tent you choose determines the unique experience you’ll have. Shinta Mani Wild also provides action-packed adventures for its guests, including picnicking at the waterfalls, swimming at The Cistern, kayaking, ziplining, foraging in the forests, and embarking on expedition boats, to name a few.
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Nimmo Bay Wilderness, British Columbia
Location: Nimmo Bay, BC, Canada
Nimmo Bay Wilderness stands as a secluded, eco-friendly resort on British Columbia’s untamed west coast, offering an intimate encounter within the Great Bear Rainforest. This family-owned luxury retreat presents nine cozy chalets nestled amidst mountains and waterfalls, all powered by a hydropower turbine.
Here, exhilarating adventures bring you up close to coastal rainforest inhabitants. Anticipate sightings of orca whales, humpbacks, bear cubs, rare birds, and abundant wildlife. Days in the wild culminate with exquisite meals, featuring freshly caught seafood, forest-sourced spices, herbs, and organic farm produce.
Ulaman Eco Retreat, Bali
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Ulaman Eco Retreat in Kaba Kaba village offers a luxurious wilderness experience while staying committed to eco-friendliness. The 20 state-of-the-art villas of the retreat are powered by hydro turbines and constructed entirely from sustainable materials like bamboo and rammed earth.
Each villa is riveting with its unique décor and offers breathtaking views of nature with rivers flowing underneath the balconies. Beyond sustainability, this wellness center is devoted to connecting guests with Balinese culture. It offers diverse activities such as cliffside yoga, nature meditation, village tours, the Balinese Melukat karma-purification ritual, rice field hikes, and more.
Check Rates For The Ulaman Eco Retreat
Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Borneo
Location: Borneo, Sabah, Malaysia
Sukau Rainforest Lodge is an award-winning wildlife and nature destination in the misty rainforests of Borneo. Located on the banks of the Kinabatangan River, this lodge offers the utmost luxury and comfort while staying true to its commitment to the earth. At the lodge, guests can catch a glimpse of wild orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys.
The 20 villas in the retreat host heart-racing adventures such as wildlife boat tours, rainforest treks, and much more. However, one of the most startling realizations of a stay at Sukau is just how little rainforest we have left. Every year, commercial palm oil plantations encroach on the lodge as they fight to preserve vital habitat for thousands of species.
Whitepod, Switzerland
Location: Vaud, Switzerland
If you have always dreamt of sitting on top of the Swiss Alps, gazing at the majestic peaks, enjoying hearty Swiss cuisines, and gathering around warm campfires, you need to book a stay at Whitepod.
This environmentally conscious retreat consists of geometric-shaped domes and cozy cabins in nature’s heart. Each accommodation is furnished with wood-burning stoves, animal hides, and more sustainable materials. The mountain air heals the soul, whereas the hidden trails in the mountains and skiing, hiking, dog sledding, and snowboarding adventures heal the body and mind.
Check Rates for Whitepod
Keemala, Thailand
Location: Phuket, Thailand
Nestled above Kamala Village, Keemala offers uniquely enchanting villas designed and furnished in harmony with nature. Constructed with minimal impact on surroundings, these villas embody sustainability. Guests of Keemala enjoy breathtaking views of Phuket’s green wilderness, the village, and the Andaman Sea, with private pools and sky-view bathtubs overlooking the ocean.
Organic produce composes each meal, with a menu emphasizing ethical eating and abundant vegan options. Built on the values of Buddhism, this holistic wellness retreat offers a chance to relax, meditate, cleanse, exercise, and purify your energies.
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Galapita Eco Lodge, Sri Lanka
Location: Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Far from the chaos of modern life, Galapita Eco Lodge in Buttala epitomizes a tranquil retreat. Situated alongside the Gem River within the wilderness, Galapita’s four mud huts offer serenity exclusive to a simpler lifestyle.
In this eco-friendly haven, guests can sleep beneath the stars, breathe unpolluted air, observe fireflies, partake in watersports, and lodge in modest accommodations by the riverbank. Alongside its wildlife-rich surroundings, the hut itself is a creation of nature. Thatched straw roofs, clay floors, and driftwood furniture ensure minimal environmental impact.
Ila Lodge, Zambia
Location: Kafue National Park, Zambia
Ila Lodge presents ten luxury tents of modern African style that harmoniously blend with Kafue National Park’s surroundings. Situated within one of Africa’s last untouched wildernesses, on the banks of the Kafue River, Ila is acutely mindful of its impact. From eco-friendly, locally sourced materials to solar power and Zambia’s first electric game drive vehicle, it epitomizes an environmentally conscious safari.
Experiences at Ila Lodge are unlike any other. One day, you could be out on Zambia’s first electric pontoon amidst elephants; the next, a giraffe might wake you up from your nap in the tent. You can read more about our time at the Ila Lodge in our blog post or see some of the landscapes in this YouTube video.
How To Book A Safari
Safari lodges do not operate like hotels and work with travel agents to ensure their guests’ travels in Africa run smoothly. We love booking safaris with Timbuktu as they provide straightforward website pricing and tremendous service.
Bentwood Inn, Wyoming
Location: Jackson Hole WY (GPS)
Bentwood Inn, an upscale B&B, lies seven miles from Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Amid one of the last intact ecosystems in the Northern Hemisphere, this eco-lodge assures impeccable service, attention to detail, and meaningful sustainability. Crafted from reclaimed wood from Yellowstone’s 1988 fires, rooms offer unique charm.
Winter brings wildlife tours, skiing, and cooking classes. Bentwood Inn offers an experience of a lifetime with its weekly live music, barbecues, and serene evenings amidst mountains, wildlife, and good company.
Check Rates On For Bentwood Inn
Hotell Heden, Sweden
Location: Gothenburg, Sweden
Hotell Heden may not be as opulent as the other lodgings on this list, but this two-story modern hotel is one of the few ecolodges established in the heart of a city. It was also the first one in Gothenburg to earn environmental certification.
A wind turbine powers it, and all its rooms feature a characteristic Scandinavian design and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The hotel’s wellness center includes a gym and sauna, while the lobby features a fireplace and a bar.
Check Rates For Hotel Liseberg Heden
Svart Hotel, Norway
Location: Nothern Norway
The soon-to-be-open Svart Hotel should stand out as one of the top eco-lodges across the globe. Located close to the Svartisen glacier in Norway, north of the Arctic Circle, the hotel proudly claims the title of the world’s first energy-positive hotel. Svart Hotel is committed to a sustainable future and an off-the-grid experience for its guests.
Located in the magnificently green Svartisen National Park, the hotel offers its guests unbeatable views and high-end luxuries, while leaving this world a little greener. This lodge is a high-design hotel with futuristic aspects that stun the mind. The energy-positive hotel makes more energy than it uses.
Two Seasons Coron Island Resort, Philippines
Location: Coron, Palawan (GPS)
Nestled on the stunning Malaroyroy Peninsula of Bulalacao Island, Two Seasons Coron Island Resort stands as a prime example of an eco-friendly paradise. It’s a true gem with 42 spacious bungalows boasting high ceilings, a sanctuary for turtles and giant clams, and the distinction of being the pioneering ecolodge on the island.
Each bungalow offers mesmerizing sea views, and the entire establishment operates as a self-sustaining marvel, leaving no negative impact on the environment. Thanks to solar energy powering the resort and a commitment to zero wastage, it’s a guilt-free escape. And that’s not all! Your vacation here is taken up a notch with a variety of thrilling activities awaiting you.
Check Rates For Two Seasons Coron Island Resort
Rewa Lodge, Guyana
Location: Central Guyana (GPS)
Nestled in the heart of Guyana, Rewa Lodge shines as a prime example of grassroots tourism, making a genuine impact on the lives of the Amerindian community. The lodge doesn’t just provide a stunning stay for guests; it also channels its funds into bettering the lives of the locals.
It contributes to essential facilities like churches, nurseries, primary schools, and even a dedicated health center for the community. Rewa Lodge isn’t just about offering a roof and some scenery. It encourages its guests to embrace a minimalist lifestyle, soak in the vibrant local culture, and leave minimal impact on the environment.
Linyanti Expeditions, Botswana
This remote mobile safari camp is located in the middle of one of the best wildlife corridors in Africa. It’s tough to think of a better place for a safari than African Bush Camp’s private concession located in the greater region known as Linyanti, located between the Greater Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta. It all plays into an ecosystem that is interlinked as the Linyanti Channel.
Over the years this extremely remote region of Botswana has grown in popularity for the access to wildlife it provides. We’d heard that it was a magical region to go on safari, and it truly was.
Linyanti Expeditions is one African Bush Camp’s newest lodge in the region with beautiful tents that feature star beds and decks that provide spectacular views out over the Linyanti Channel. It’s a magical camp guaranteed to provide a memorable safari.
The camp has a minimal footprint, uses solar power, bucket showers, eco toilets, and has no permanent structures. What’s better is that African Bush Camps is a leader in sustainable safaris, constantly giving back to the land we use and local people.
Linyanti Expeditions is all about getting back to nature and cutting ties with the modern world. Even better to ditch the game viewer when here and head out into the bush on foot in search of wildlife with African Bush Camp’s expert guides. It’s what Linyanti is known for, so make sure to go out on at least one walking safari!
Our last night in the camp had lions, hyenas, and buffalo wandering through — that morning we woke up to an elephant and her baby standing over our head, only a few meters from our bed. This camp is truly what African safari dreams are made of.
Travessia Beach Lodge, Mozambique
I always say if I could live one place in Africa it would be on the Mozambican Coast. Travessia Beach Lodge is located about an hour north of Inhambane deep in the palm groves and far from civilization. Travessia is family owned and operated. It is composed of just a few lovely casinhas that create a very intimate feeling. Rooms here are all raised structures that are not permanent and hot water is supplied by wood-fired boilers.
The lodge prides itself on hiring locals from the surrounding communities and creating jobs where people need them most. They have done multiple community development initiatives to help a rural village in the area. That means building a school, donating books, and maintaining the wells that supply valuable water.
All of this is powered by a range of solar panels. The best part is this hideaway is affordable with rooms starting at less than $200 a night! Read more about our experience at Travessia here!
Copal Tree Lodge, Punta Gorda, Belize
Location: Maa Mountains, Belize (GPS)
Nestled along the banks of Rio Grande and just a stone’s throw away from the Caribbean Sea, you’ll find an ecolodge that’s more than just a place to stay—it’s a sustainable paradise. This gem is tucked within the embrace of a vast 22,000-acre protected forest in the Maa Mountains.
This eco-lodge isn’t just a spectator; it’s a player in the sustainable food production game. With 16 private suites and a three-bedroom villa, this isn’t your average accommodation—it’s luxury with a conscience. All the furniture in the suites is crafted using naturally fallen tree boles. The lodge also gives back by planting thousands of new trees every year.
For fun-filled adventures, fly fishing, hiking in the mountains’ foothills, kayaking along the majestic Rio Grande, touring the farm, swimming in refreshing waters, or even zip-lining through the jungle’s canopy, Copal Tree Lodge has got you covered.
Check Rates For The Copal Tree Lodge
Bushmans Kloof, South Africa
Location: Western Cape, South Africa (GPS)
Ever heard of the hidden gem in South Africa’s Western Cape? Meet Bushmans Kloof, a family-owned lodge and ecological haven sprawled across a vast private reserve. In the heart of the stunning Cederberg Mountains near Clanwilliam, it’s a nature lover’s paradise.
With just 16 Cape Dutch-style beds, this eco-conscious retreat safeguards wide-open plains, captivating wildlife, and pristine mountain vistas. They’re not just preserving the land, they’re nurturing it back to life from overgrazed farmland just a generation ago.
How To Book A Safari
Safari lodges do not operate like hotels and work with travel agents to ensure their guests’ travels in Africa run smoothly. We love booking safaris with Timbuktu as they provide straightforward website pricing and tremendous service.
Campi ya Kanzi, Kenya
Location: Chyulu Hills, Kenya (GPS)
Nestled within Kenya’s Chyulu Hills on the Maasai Kuku ranch, Campi ya Kanzi is an award-winning eco-luxury lodge. With a main lodge and 8 rooms overlooking Kilimanjaro, it’s a rustic marvel. Activities include wildlife drives, guided walks, and cultural visits.
Expect a leisurely pace—no mini-bus rush here. Savor Italian-European-African cuisine crafted from the lodge’s garden or local sources. Dine at the Italian restaurant, veranda, or unique spots like a volcanic cave. Campi ya Kanzi is a rare gem within the 280,000-acre conservancy, co-owned with Maasai tribespeople.
The lodge’s surrounding landscapes range from montane forests to open grasslands. Wildlife—wild black rhinos and elephants—are literal neighbors of the guests.
How To Book A Safari
Safari lodges do not operate like hotels and work with travel agents to ensure their guests’ travels in Africa run smoothly. We love booking safaris with Timbuktu as they provide straightforward website pricing and tremendous service.
Taronga Wildlife Retreat, Australia
Location: Sydney, Australia
Tucked within Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, the Taronga Wildlife Retreat is an eco-friendly haven owned by Taronga Conservation Society Australia. Every guest check-in contributes towards animal care and global education programs. The 62 rooms at the retreat are specifically designed to grant close animal encounters and a direct view of the wildlife habitats and Sydney Harbor.
Fine dining and a cozy clubhouse enhance the allure of Taronga Wildlife Retreat. Since its launch in 2019, the retreat has worked towards environmental sustainability and showcased deep respect for wildlife. It minimizes its impact with solar panels, water recycling, and thoughtful timber use.
Check Rates For Taronga Wildlife Retreat
Secret Bay, Dominica
Location: Portsmouth, Dominica (GPS)
At Secret Bay, sustainability is seamlessly woven into every facet. This six-star haven boasts 16 residential-style villas perched atop a cliff, each with a private plunge pool, secret beach access, and breathtaking 180-degree views of the Caribbean Sea.
Crafted from local Guyanese wood, the villas flaunt gourmet kitchens, spacious indoor-outdoor living, and a grow box for planting and composting. Activities like rainforest hikes, yoga, paddle boarding, and kayaking embrace nature’s wonders.
Check Rates For Secret Bay, Dominica
El Monte Sagrado Living Resort & Spa, New Mexico
Location: Taos, New Mexico, USA (GPS)
Nestled in the vibrant beauty of Taos, New Mexico, El Monte Sagrado Living Resort & Spa isn’t just another luxury spot; it’s one of the top 20 in the state. But wait, there’s more beneath the surface.
This place has gone green with recycled water and a deep connection to New Mexico’s culture and traditions. The guest rooms boast stone tiles, and when you’re ready to unwind, their spa is where it’s at. Think deep-tissue massages, rejuvenating body treatments, and blissful facials.
Check Rates For El Monte Sagrado Living Resort & Spa
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, New York City
Location: Brooklyn, NY (GPS)
In the hustle and bustle of New York City, you might not expect to find sustainability at its heart, but that’s where 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge shines. They’ve turned the city that never sleeps into an eco-friendly haven. For eco-conscious guests, guilt-free enjoyment of the Big Apple is on the menu at 1 Hotel.
Farm-to-table dining, reclaimed materials in guestrooms, eco-friendly bedding, and filtered water all contribute. This place is all about energy efficiency, even down to the non-toxic bed linens. And that view! Imagine peeking out and being greeted by sweeping water vistas and the iconic Manhattan Skyline.
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Laguna Lodge, Guatemala
Location: Lake Atitlán, Guatemala (GPS)
Laguna Lodge Eco-Resort & Nature Reserve is an environmentally conscious lodge located in Santa Cruz la Laguna, on the shores of Lake Atitlán in Guatemala. The lodge was the first of its kind along the lakeshore and is nestled in its own nature reserve.
Only accessible via boat, the lodge allows guests to escape the rush of modern life and take sweeping views of the volcano-ringed lake.
Wolwedans, Namibia
Location: NamibRand, Wolwedans (GPS)
I’ve talked about Wolwedans a few times because it is one of my favorite camps in all of Africa. The Wolwedans Collection is set in among the worlds tallest sand dunes near Sossusvlei and waking up here every morning is a dream.
Wolwedans has consistently scored five flowers by the Namibian EcoAwards, the highest rating you can get. They actively reduce, recycle and reuse.
Wolwedans has a large “Basecamp,” where all camp water is treated, power generated, and waste managed. They operate a state of the art solar farm that powers all of their four properties that include WiFi. They also operate the only organic farm in the middle of a desert we know.
When we took the comprehensive tour of base camp, we knew we had made the right choice to stay there. Check out what our five-day safari in the Namib Rand was like!
Check Rates For Wolwedans
Plan For Your Trip
- Protect Your Trip: We don’t travel without travel insurance, nor should you. You never know what can happen while traveling, so it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo provides excellent short-term and long-term travel insurance plans.
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- Book a Rental Car: We use Discover Car to book all our rental cars! You can also read our top tips for renting a car abroad here.
- Travel Adapter: Make sure you find a good adapter to keep your personal electronics charged. Otherwise, you may be paying for a cheap one once you land. Purchase one here.
- Travel Backpack: We like the Nomatic Travel Backpack for our travels. Check the price here.
- Our Favorite Travel Shoes: Our answer to this question is always Allbirds! Check them out on their site!
- Get a Travel Credit Card: We travel worldwide for free because we have leveraged our spending into points. See how you can do the same with our favorite travel credit cards.