Eco resorts are the sustainable luxury accommodations of your dreams! Plan your next holiday knowing you’ll be making a positive environmental and socio-economic impact at these luxury sustainable lodging options. Selections on this list are backed with certifications from global sustainability leaders or are taking significant action to earn appropriate accreditation.
Certified Eco Resorts
Playa Viva, Mexico
Situated along Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Playa Viva is dedicated to providing guests luxury sustainability with the B-Corp certification to prove it. According to the company website, their power is 100% solar-generated. Local community programs engage the next generation of sustainable minded leaders, especially within the hospitality industry. The motto at Playa Viva says it all: “Where your vacation meets your values.”
Mana Earthly Paradise, Bali
Another B-Corp certified eco resort is Mana Earthly Paradise in Bali. With its eco-villa village-style design, you can enjoy private luxury in your own dedicated yet responsible space. Small touches like refillable water stations instead of bottled water are just a few examples of the property’s dedication to sustainability. On-site dining focuses on probiotic foods, so your stay will truly rejuvenate you from the inside out.
Aquila Eco Lodges, Australia
Accredited by Eco Tourism Australia, the Aquila Eco Lodges are where sustainable luxury hotel service blends seamlessly with outdoor adventures in the heart of Australian bushland. Several Google reviews note the impressive architecture of the property, which is located in the Southern Grampians of Victoria, Australia. Visit a nearby winery, book a tee time at the golf club, or take breakfast in bed–whatever four-star luxury means to you.
Felder Alpin, the Italian Dolomites
Felder Alpin, an 11th-century farmhouse converted to boutique lodge, is perched among the peaks of Italy’s breathtaking Dolomites. Notably, the family-owned and operated business holds the Sustainability Label South Tyrol. The certification is based upon the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria and recognizes tourism entities that ensure the protection of nature, human beings and cultural traditions. Specializing in gastronomic experiences, Felder Alpin is where world class dining pairs perfectly with unparalleled views of one of the world’s most scenic mountain ranges.
Blue Apple Beach House, Colombia
When it comes to sustainable luxury hotels, Blue Apple Beach in Colombia is leading the way in responsible indulgence. Priding themselves on their livable wages for employees and B-Corp certification, Blue Apple Beach is located on an island property 20 miles from Cartagena Bay. Our favorite thing about this eco resort is that you can visit for the day or book an extended stay on the property.
Evergreen Lodge, Rush Creek Lodge & Firefall Ranch, Yosemite National Park, USA
If seeing Yosemite National Park is on your bucket list, look no further than these three sister properties. Evergreen and Rush Creek both hold B-Corp certifications, with Firefall following in the same footsteps of sustainable resort best practices. At all of these locations, visitors are immersed in the iconic surrounding landscape of Yosemite. These sustainable luxury hotels invite guests for the ultimate all-season American wilderness resort experience.
Valamar Hotels & Resorts, Croatia
For a sustainable resort on the Mediterranean, check out the Valamar Holiday Hotels and Resorts in Croatia. Locations are dotted along the Adriatic Coastline from Dubrovnik to Porec ranging from camping villages to resort properties. The parent Valamar group is a member of the Croatian Business Council for Sustainable Development, dedicated to responsible treatment of the environment, employees and local communities.
Batu Batu, Malaysia
“Nature is at the core of everything we do,” states the website for Batu Batu island resort. The Malaysian resort is a member of both the GSTC and the Long Run, a coalition of nature-focused tourism partners dedicated to promoting holistic sustainability. Clearly, Batu Batu is the eco resort pulling out all the stops when it comes to outdoor inspiration and conservation. The property was designed using traditional Malaysian craftsmanship and local materials and artisans. In addition, guests enjoy activities ranging from biologist-led tours to the Turtle Watch Camp.
Nomad Beach Resort, Kenya
Nomad Beach Resort on the coast of Kenya leads the way for sustainable resorts, one award at a time. The Ecotourism Kenya Gold Award, TravelLife Gold Award Sustainability in Tourism, and the Sustainable Tourism Africa Summit Awards Runner Up are just a few badges of honor worn by Nomad Beach Resort. In between beach naps and ocean frolics, take an excursion on a traditional Kenyan dhow. Or, visit the Nomad Farm where permaculture farming provides fresh harvest to the first-class restaurant on site.
Six Senses, Locations Worldwide
The name says it all at the Six Senses sustainable resorts and luxury hotels. The international hospitality group is committed to tapping into that little something extra that you only find from a truly extraordinary experience. At all properties, mental and physical wellness is paramount, from restorative spa treatments to nourishing food prepared with locally-sourced ingredients. What’s more, Six Senses pioneers the plastic-freee movement as part of the United Nations’ Global Tourism Plastics Initiative.
Greenwashing & EcoTourism
The increasing interest of travelers to opt for sustainable accommodation options is promising. However, greenwashing has become a major issue hindering genuine sustainability efforts. All of the eco resorts on this list are properly accredited by recognized organizations, but it’s important to be able to recognize greenwashing when doing your own research.
What is Greenwashing?
Greenwashing is the practice of making misleading claims about the environmental conscientiousness to appear more eco-friendly than they truly are. The deceptive nature of greenwashing can erode consumer trust and undermine genuine environmental initiatives. Preying upon environmentally-conscious travelers, greenwashing is disingenuous at best and exploitative at worst.
How to Spot Greenwashing
Identifying greenwashing can be difficult and overwhelming. Still, it’s important to be able to spot a few telltale signs of greenwashing. First, keep an eye out for vague verbiage, particularly on websites and in-room signage. Green-colored branding also sometimes indicates a facade of eco-consciousness. Lastly, claiming significant sustainability status without any recognizable accreditations can be a red flag that a company doesn’t take its environmental responsibility seriously.
