Must-Visit Eco Accommodations: 45+ Unique Eco-Friendly Escapes Worldwide

Nestled within Ecuador’s Chocó rainforest, Mashpi Lodge occupies 3,200 acres of lush cloud forest, recognized as a remarkable biodiversity hub. At this National Geographic Lodge, visitors have the opportunity to observe various bird species under the guidance of a naturalist, encounter rare butterflies, and enjoy invigorating swims in natural pools.

Sierra Grande Lodge in New Mexico grants entry to more than 500,000 acres of exclusive wilderness, contributing to the conservation mission aimed at rewilding America.

Explore the concealed pathways, awe-inspiring landscapes, and captivating indigenous culture in Northern Hanoi, Vietnam, while staying at Topas Ecolodge. The lodge offers guided treks into Hoang Lien National Park, a renowned global biodiversity hotspot.

The Duba Expedition Camp in Botswana, a collaboration between Great Plains Conservation and the Okavango Community Trust, provides an unparalleled opportunity to witness Africa’s magnificent wildlife up close.

The everyday philosophy at this Six Senses sanctuary, fashioned from reclaimed teak, including over a thousand upcycled antique wooden panels, might just be – “No shirt, no shoes, no problem.” This resort is perched on a prime stretch of beach within Con Dao National Park, just a short 45-minute flight from bustling Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Sustainability takes center stage here, featuring initiatives such as locally-sourced and organic cuisine, the absence of plastic water bottles, and the use of eco-friendly, biodegradable cleaning products and amenities. Activities like windsurfing, body boarding, and sailing are readily available at your doorstep. However, for many guests, the preferred pastime is simply immersing themselves in the pristine natural beauty that envelops the private villas.

Set against the backdrop of the Dana Biosphere Reserve, a desert painted in hues of gold and crimson by ancient wadis, Feynan Ecolodge is owned by Jordan’s Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature. Bedouin hosts guide guests in immersive experiences, including crafting flatbread over an open fire and exploring ancient copper mines dating back 4,000 years to the time of the Roman Empire.

Nestled within a sprawling 28,167-acre rainforest reserve in southern Mato Grosso, Brazil, you’ll find Cristalino’s charming wood-and-tile bungalows thoughtfully designed to make the most of refreshing breezes and natural daylight. The serene Cristalino River offers abundant chances for canoeing, swimming, guided nature hikes, and wildlife encounters. From the playful presence of rare giant otters in their aquatic habitat to Brazil’s unique red-nosed bearded saki monkeys gracefully navigating the canopy above, the wildlife here is truly captivating.

Nestled at the conclusion of Borgarfjörður Valley in Iceland, the captivating Hotel Húsafell is embraced by a picturesque landscape of undulating hills, glacier-fed rivers, and snow-capped mountains. This lodge offers guests the chance to unwind in geothermal pools, explore hiking trails, and witness the northern lights during specific times of the year.

Encompassing a vast expanse of one million acres of wilderness accessible by helicopter and featuring remote backcountry accommodations accessible solely by float plane, Winterlake Lodge presents boundless opportunities for adventure. Six cabins nestled along the lakeside position visitors to experience the untamed beauty of the surrounding landscape, allowing them to embark on journeys to every peak, rapid, and glacier in view. Upon returning, guests are greeted by a breathtaking setting framed by the majestic peaks of the Alaska Range and Tordrillo Mountains.

Located on the island of Príncipe, Sundy Praia’s tented villas are nestled between lush emerald forests and picturesque sandy beaches. Guests have the opportunity to observe endangered sea turtles, catch sight of exotic tropical birds, and embark on sea kayaking adventures. 

Nestled within the verdant Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi offers a tranquil escape in the Maldives. The resort boasts its vegetable garden, solar power facility, and recycling center, emphasizing sustainability and self-sufficiency.

Embark on a journey to the unspoiled island resort by &Beyond in the Indian Ocean. This is one of a few eco accommodations that provides breathtaking views of Bazaruto National Park, which stands as Mozambique’s sole marine reserve.

Energize your senses at our cozy, family-run wilderness retreat nestled in the midst of Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest, along the untamed Pacific Ocean shoreline, a world away from the ordinary.

This carefully preserved plantation house, under family ownership, can be found 44 miles to the south of the historic city of Mérida on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Santa Rosa seamlessly integrates environmental conservation with community initiatives, including direct support for the growth of small businesses run by local Maya women. Visitors have the opportunity to engage with village craftsmen, indulge in age-old Maya dishes like chicken pibil, take a dip in concealed cenotes, and explore an on-site botanical garden.

Perched along the coastline of Chile’s Chiloé Island, Tierra Chiloé Hotel & Spa is embraced by stunning sea cliffs and vibrant forests. This retreat serves as an ideal hub for those seeking opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and boating adventures.

Estancia Los Potreros in Argentina offers horseback expeditions to secluded waterfalls, guided by experienced gauchos. 

For more than two decades, the secluded rainforest retreat, Inkaterra Machu Picchu, has been a steadfast supporter of continuous scientific research. The founder and president of the lodge, José Koechlin, a Peruvian, underscores their responsibility to preserve the abundant biodiversity found in Peru, which encompasses more than two-thirds of the Earth’s diverse ecological life zones.

A rugged journey along a lengthy dirt road leads to Bulungula, situated on South Africa’s “Wild Coast.” Here, you’ll find ten charming whitewashed rondavels, traditional thatched huts, co-owned and operated by Xhosa villagers. These structures harness the power of the sun, wind, and rain to fulfill daily energy requirements. This rustic lodge warmly embraces budget-conscious travelers as part of its extended family, while also contributing to the economic development of the rural community. 

Tap into your regal spirit at Ashford Castle, a historic 800-year-old estate located in Mayo, Ireland. In addition to the extensive 20 miles of trails, a golf course, and scenic lake hikes, guests can indulge in activities like falconry, archery, or horseback riding. This is one of the best eco accommodations, giving guests a taste of luxury and royalty.

While staying at Six Senses Zil Pasyon in the Seychelles, visitors have the option to embark on a kayaking journey to Île Cocos Marine National Park. With a beautiful scenery and enchanting ambiance, this establishment is one of our top picks for eco accommodations around the world.

Families gather at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat on Australia’s Gold Coast to enjoy a variety of activities, from embarking on a hike to one of the 500 nearby waterfalls, complete with a ready-made picnic, to exploring the enchanting glowworm grotto. This is one of our top picks for eco accommodations in Australia!

Situated in French Polynesia, The Brando is the realization of actor Marlon Brando’s ecological vision, offering an extensive array of activities. These range from guided naturalist tours reminiscent of a tropical safari to thrilling water sports and captivating snorkeling excursions. This is one of the best eco accommodations that offers fun activities for guests during their getaway.

Nestled within the lush rainforests of northern Australia, Thala Beach Nature Reserve enjoys an ideal position between the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Visitors to this National Geographic Unique Lodge can partake in guided forest hikes, snorkel in waters teeming with wildlife, and gain insights into Aboriginal legends through interactions with a knowledgeable local community member. 

At Sápmi Nature Camp in northern Sweden, reindeer herders generously impart their knowledge about the indigenous Sápmi way of life. This is one of the best eco accommodations worth staying at during your travel to Sweden.

For years, Lapa Rios in Costa Rica has stood as a symbol of conservation within this lush lowland tropical rainforest, where guests are guaranteed numerous sightings of the region’s abundant wildlife. This is one of the few eco accommodations where you can enjoy being in nature while taking a break from the crowded city.

Embark on a journey to discover the unique South African fynbos vegetation at Grootbos, located on the Western Cape. Be sure to partake in the resort’s distinctive flower safari for an unforgettable experience. This is one of the best, most peaceful eco accommodations out there, offering you a pleasant getaway.

Discover a tranquil retreat on Lizard Island, the sole development in Australia’s pristine paradise. This lodge grants you exclusive access to your personal piece of the world’s largest reef ecosystem, the Great Barrier Reef. This is one of the best eco accommodations worth staying at in Australia.

Located in the heart of Patagonia Park, The Lodge at Valle Chacabuco is a conservation initiative preserving nearly 200,000 acres. This is one of the largest eco accommodations out there.

Tsara Komba Lodge in Madagascar offers an excellent opportunity to observe lemurs and chameleons in their natural habitat. Meanwhile, during your stay at the Prince of Wales’s Guesthouse in the rural Transylvania region of Romania, you can experience the eerie and captivating sound of wolves howling at night.

Aristi Mountain Resort & Villas offers a blend of Greek village life with its stunning features of crystalline rivers, profound gorges, and towering peaks. If you enjoy the village aesthetic, this is one of the perfect eco accommodations for you, tucked away for travelers to enjoy.

Perched on the brink of a volcanic outcrop, affording early morning panoramas over Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park in Mongolia, Three Camel Lodge resembles a pastoral settlement with its collection of 50 gers (yurts). This is one of the most scenic eco accommodations worth exploring.

At Il Ngwesi, a safari lodge located on the periphery of Kenya’s Northern Frontier district, your hosts are Maasai warriors who belong to the community that owns and operates the lodge. This is one of the best eco accommodations allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Concordia Eco Resort, a historic establishment, offers eco-friendly villas and rustic ridge line cabanas set within the most serene and immaculately preserved parts of St. John. The canvas solar cabins at this resort on St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, were trailblazers in the early stages of ecotourism.

Perched atop a hill with commanding views of New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula, Manawa Ridge seamlessly combines sustainable living with exciting outdoor adventures. This is one of the most scenic eco accommodations that’s worth a visit!

Jakes, a family-run getaway in Jamaica, exudes a Rasta atmosphere. They provide river excursions, snorkeling adventures, and even arrange their own triathlon event. This is one of the few family-run eco accommodations that we love!

Situated in the Toledo District, which is among Belize’s most secluded and diverse regions, guests can partake in a chocolate-making workshop or go kayaking on the Rio Grande. Be sure not to overlook the unique “snorkel with the chef” encounter at Copal Tree Lodge.

Every September, the UNESCO-recognized Cape Floral Region comes alive with an explosion of vibrant hues, boasting some of the most significant collections of floral varieties on the planet. Bushmans Kloof, once a century-old farmhouse and now a nature reserve, safeguards 18,532 acres of this exceptional ecosystem, which is inhabited by endangered Cape mountain zebras and hosts archaeological sites featuring San rock paintings dating back 10,000 years.

The wood initially used to construct this Nicaraguan lodge was sourced from trees brought down by Hurricane Felix in 2007. Jicaro has since emerged as a prominent model of sustainability in the region. This is one of the best eco accommodations by the water!

In the 1980s, while many Greeks were drawn to coastal tourism, two visionary locals chose a different path by heading to the mountains of Crete. Their mission: to rejuvenate an abandoned medieval village, crafting a retreat that celebrates living in harmony with nature. Today, this secluded stone village, Milia, beckons travelers seeking an authentic off-the-grid experience. Explore untamed mountain trails, enjoy peaceful nights in rustic cottages, and savor genuine Cretan cuisine, including mouthwatering dishes like roasted rabbit paired with mizithra goat cheese and spearmint, all complemented by Milia’s exceptional organic wine.

Nestled on Lake Atitlán’s scenic shore in Guatemala, Laguna offers six artfully designed suites that seamlessly combine adobe bricks, river stone, and vibrant textiles. The lodge’s sprawling 100-acre nature reserve spans from the lakeshore to an elevation of 1,305 feet, featuring ancient Maya trails winding through the remaining primary tropical dry forest. This unique habitat is home to endemic birds like the belted flycatcher. For adventure enthusiasts, there are opportunities for exhilarating cliff jumping into the deep waters.

Chumbe’s seven eco-bungalows on a sunny coral island in the Zanzibar archipelago exemplify unparalleled environmental sustainability. Rainwater is efficiently collected for daily use, solar energy powers the facilities, and composting toilets ensure the surrounding marine park remains free from pollution. Visitors can immerse themselves in the historical towns of Zanzibar, snorkel the vibrant private reef while donning masks and fins, and in the evenings, enjoy a lantern-lit dining experience featuring Tanzania’s traditional Swahili cuisine.

Guests arrive for the adventure and find themselves enchanted by the romance at Pacuare, nestled within 25,000 acres of pristine rainforest in the Talamanca Mountains of Costa Rica. This biodiverse region is inhabited by magnificent wildlife such as jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, and sloths. At this lodge, candlelit dinners complemented by exquisite wines are a signature offering, reflecting the owners’ passion for Costa Rican cuisine. Following dinner, guests can retire to one of the spacious canopy beds and be lulled to sleep by the soothing melodies of nature.

As the sun paints the sky with its vibrant sunset hues, diners at Kabini’s riverside open-air restaurant are treated to a serene conclusion to their action-packed days. Travelers embark on wildlife excursions in India’s Nagarhole National Park, seeking elusive Bengal tigers and observing India’s largest gatherings of Asian elephants, alongside other iconic species like leopards and wild dogs. The lodge actively preserves the Kuruba heritage, offering engaging storytelling sessions, captivating dance performances, and river adventures aboard handcrafted coracles.

Embark on a remarkable journey to EcoCamp Patagonia, a renowned sustainable dome hotel nestled within Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chilean Patagonia. It offers all-inclusive programs to trek, engage in multi-sport adventures, encounter wildlife, and foster a deep connection with nature.

Nestled within an eco-sanctuary, you’ll discover 13 airy bungalows skillfully fashioned from reclaimed driftwood. Although reaching it is no simple task, this secluded gem, situated in Indonesia’s Raja Ampat archipelago at the heart of Southeast Asia’s celebrated Coral Triangle, offers unparalleled access to a thriving underwater realm abundant with marine diversity. In fact, the variety of fish and coral found here surpasses the number of bird species inhabiting the Amazon rainforest.

In 2016, filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola unveiled Coral Caye in Belize, a secluded private island enveloped by a vibrant array of marine species. This is one of the must-visit eco accommodations on our list!

In the heart of Bolivia’s Madidi National Park, intrepid explorers are greeted by indigenous guides at Chalalan Ecolodge, a perfect starting point for jungle expeditions. This is one of the many eco accommodations that provide kayaks and other fun water activities.