Planning a holiday used to be about luxury or adventure. Today, travelers are adding a new filter—sustainability. Whether you’re trekking through a rainforest or lounging by the ocean, where you stay makes a significant difference. That is why the best eco resorts are gaining popularity worldwide.
Eco resorts are not just hotels in the natural world. Some use solar power. Others grow their food. Many are deeply tied to the local communities they support.
In this guide, we highlight ten eco resorts around the world that combine natural charm with responsible design. These places demonstrate that travel can be both enjoyable and beneficial.
“Sustainability is not a luxury. It is the future of travel.”
What Makes a Resort Eco-Friendly?
Before we explore the resorts, let’s understand what qualifies a place as an eco-resort. Features to look for include:
- Renewable energy sources (like solar or wind)
- Water-saving systems and waste recycling
- Use of local, organic ingredients
- Support for conservation and wildlife protection
- Hiring from local communities
- Eco certifications (such as EarthCheck, Green Globe, or Ecotourism Australia)
The best eco resorts focus on reducing harm while adding value to guests, the environment, and local culture.
1. Soneva Fushi – Maldives
Tucked away in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi is a model for barefoot luxury and sustainability. The villas are built with natural materials, food is grown onsite, and glass is recycled in-house. Their waste-to-wealth centre is just one reason this resort often tops global sustainability lists.
2. Daintree Ecolodge – Queensland, Australia
Located within the world’s oldest rainforest, this lodge blends into the Daintree ecosystem. Guests stay in treehouses surrounded by tropical flora. The resort utilizes solar energy, supports Aboriginal culture, and participates in forest conservation. You can pair your stay with a visit to Western Australia’s national parks for a full eco-adventure.
3. Lapa Rios – Costa Rica
Set in a private rainforest reserve on the Osa Peninsula, Lapa Rios offers a wildlife-rich escape. The resort was built to preserve one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. No plastic bottles, no air conditioning—just fresh air and real immersion. Local guides lead nature walks and help protect rare species.
4. Six Senses Yao Noi – Thailand
Overlooking Phang Nga Bay, this resort seamlessly blends modern comfort with strong environmental principles. Organic gardens supply the restaurant, wastewater is reused for landscaping, and natural building materials keep the footprint low. Six Senses also funds marine life research and coastal cleanups.
5. Longitude 131° – Northern Territory, Australia
This eco-resort offers direct views of Uluru while following strict environmental controls. The property operates on solar power, utilizes low-impact infrastructure, and supports local Indigenous experiences. It is a good example of how sustainable tourism can blend education, luxury, and respect for culture. (Explore why sustainable tourism matters in our latest guide.)
6. Campi ya Kanzi – Kenya
This safari lodge is situated in the Chyulu Hills, co-managed in partnership with the Maasai community. It runs on solar energy, avoids single-use plastics, and funds education and health programs for nearby villages. Each guest’s visit directly supports land conservation and anti-poaching efforts.
7. Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel – Switzerland
Perched in the Swiss Alps, this resort features rooms constructed from geodesic domes. Energy use is kept to a minimum through insulation and low-light systems. In winter, guests hike or sled rather than use machines. The resort also contributes to mountain ecosystem studies and tree-planting projects.
8. Mashpi Lodge – Ecuador
Inside the Chocó Cloud Forest, Mashpi Lodge is a gateway to one of Earth’s most endangered biodiversity zones. Its design preserves 95 percent of the surrounding forest. Guests are offered science-based experiences, and the resort funds ongoing rainforest research.
9. Jetwing Vil Uyana – Sri Lanka
Built on a restored wetland near Sigiriya, this resort features reed-bed wastewater systems, solar panels, and a rewilded habitat for local wildlife. Bird lovers, in particular, will enjoy this quiet refuge. The stay includes cultural immersion and traditional cuisine featuring farm-grown produce.
10. EcoCamp Patagonia – Chile
EcoCamp uses dome-shaped tents inspired by Indigenous shelters. The resort operates on renewable energy and was one of the first hotels in Chile to achieve carbon neutrality. Hikes are guided by local experts who are trained in ecology and minimal-impact practices.
Why These Resorts Matter
Each of these eco resorts helps redefine what travel looks like. They demonstrate that luxury does not have to come at the expense of the Earth. Whether it’s composting in Costa Rica or water conservation in Sri Lanka, the changes may seem small. Still, when adopted globally, they shift the tourism industry in a more positive direction.
Choosing one of the best eco resorts is not just about comfort. It is a conscious choice to support businesses that value sustainability, nature, and community.
How to Choose Your Own Eco Stay
You don’t need to travel far to find an eco-resort. Here are some tips:
- Look for certified labels (like EarthCheck or Ecotourism Australia)
- Read how the resort handles energy, waste, and local sourcing
- See if staff are hired locally and if tours respect local cultures
- Check if the resort supports conservation projects
You can also explore our green travel planning guide for additional tips on how to travel more sustainably.
Final Thoughts
The best eco resorts are not just beautiful places to stay—they are part of a movement. A movement that blends comfort with care, experience with ethics. As travelers, we have the power to support this change every time we book a room, join a tour, or step onto a trail.
Next time you plan your getaway, ask not just where you will go, but what kind of place you want to support. A greener stay might just lead to a more meaningful journey.
