When creating yourtravel bucket list, what types of hotels spark your interest? For me, I love staying at eco friendly hotels that infuse that sense of sustainable luxury that I crave. I want to feel connected to the destination, nature, and culture while enjoying a rejuvenating retreat experience. Getting away from it all, unplugging, and being at one with myself and my surroundings brings inner peace and joy.
It’s where my desire to have a luxury travel experience meets sustainability. Feeling connected to nature and knowing these hotels also conscientious stewards of the destination and its surroundings is a wonderful feeling. Now, pack your bags and get your passport ready! These eco friendly hotels will give you the urge to travel (if you haven’t caught a case of wanderlust already)!
Experience Sustainable Luxury at These Eco Friendly Hotels
Take a journey with me to different parts of the world that all have one thing in common: sustainable luxury! This is just scratching the surface of all the fantastic sustainable hotels across the globe. While there are many to choose from (and more popping up all over the world), these stood out to me the most for not only their sustainability efforts but also the way they immerse their guests in the natural beauty of the area. I can’t wait to explore these properties in my future slow travel adventures! Let’s go!
Forestis (Dolomites, Italy)
For those of you who thrive in the mountains and peacefulness of nature, add Forestis to your travel bucket list! The views from these rooms look absolutely breathtaking. There’s a spa that bases its treatments on healing from within through the forest and mountains that surround the area. This spot checks all of the boxes for complete bliss and serenity!
What makes it a sustainable hotel?
- All materials at Forestis are sourced in South Tyrol
- For every tree cut down to build the hotel, two more trees were planted
- Any time a guest opts out of housekeeping, a new tree will be planted
- The hotel runs entirely on renewable energy with a no-waste policy
- Food is sourced from local suppliers and farmers
The Brando (Tetiaroa Atoll, French Polynesia)
If you’re searching for a way to go off the grid on what feels like your own private island, The Brando has all of this and more to offer. Swaying palm trees and crystal blue waters await you in a secluded island paradise. With 35 private villas across the island, you’ll have privacy and the ocean on your doorstep, what more could you ask for?
What makes it a sustainable hotel?
- Uses a solar-powered system for energy and coconut oil as a biofuel
- A/C cooling system uses cold water pumped from the deep ocean, reducing energy usage
- Sustainable development events such as beach cleanups and coral replanting
- Reuses wastewater for irrigation
- Composts all food waste for its garden
Cielo Lodge (Golfito, Costa Rica)
If you’re looking foreco friendly hotels in Costa Rica, experience the natural beauty of the rainforest and native wildlife like no other at Cielo Lodge. From exotic birds flying by and monkeys swinging in the trees, you’ll feel fully immersed in the jungle. This open-air sanctuary with canopy suites overlooking the rainforest gets you up close and personal with the true essence of Costa Rica.
What makes it a sustainable hotel?
- The owners have planted over 4,000 trees to help restore the area
- Solar and micro-hydro energy are used to power the lodge
- Only biodegradable soaps and cleaning products are used
- All drinking water comes from the nearby river
- Partnered with local initiatives to protect local wildlife
Es Racó D’artà (Mallora, Spain)
Find yourself tucked away in the large rural estate of Es Racó d’Artà with Mediterranean forest and lush farmland surrounding you. Nearby, you’ll find Cala Torta Beach, which is one of the best-kept secrets of the area. This well-being retreat helps you reset and center yourself with spa treatments and meditation exercises. Unwind and find your own unique piece of Mallorcan life.
What makes it a sustainable hotel?
- Geothermal and solar energy heats the building
- Their saltwater pool is cleaned by ionization
- All wastewater is treated in a reed-bed system and returned to nature
- Food leftovers are composted on-site
- Toiletries come in recycled plastic or maize fiber bottles
Saffire Freycinet (Tasmania, Australia)
A luxurious all-inclusive resort experience in Australia, Saffire Freycinet overlooks a sweeping mountain range that surrounds the alluring bay. Each of the 20 suites offers breathtaking views of the stunning natural wonders in the heart of Freycinet National Park. Unwind at the spa or take in one of the picturesque walks as you connect with the magnificent scenery. Embrace the untouched wilderness of Tasmania when you stay at this hotel.
What makes it a sustainable hotel?
- Highly energy-efficient hot water usage and lighting
- Natural cycle air flow systems
- Modwood is used as a wood alternative where possible
- Efforts to help save the local population of Tasmanian devils
- Limiting further impacts on the landscape
Slow Travel and Sustainability
Which of these eco friendly hotels will you be adding to your travel bucket list? It’s so hard to choose! I love embracing sustainable luxury when I travel to unwind and reset. These hotels are the perfect way to experience slow travel at its finest!
One of the best ways to practice slow travel is by taking in each moment for what it is. Live life on your own terms by limiting distractions and feeling at one with yourself and your surroundings. Forget about having a packed itinerary and focus on the here and now. That can mean leaving space for a solo walk off the beaten path or having a meal where you savor all the local ingredients as you eat. Practice letting go and embracing the unknown as you take on new adventures.
Follow my Instagram to get more inspiration for slow travel tips and destinations! Where in the world will I end up next? Stay tuned to find out!
