Going green while you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you have to keep it crunchy. There are plenty of luxe, eco-friendly getaway options for you to enjoy with a clear conscious, with nary a Birkenstock in sight. We’ve put together a list of our five favorites for you to explore.
The Whitepod Resort, Swiss Alps
Accessible only by foot, this collection of small domed structures offers travelers an otherworldly way to experience the Swiss Alps— with a focus on keeping this world clean, natch. Each geodesic dome requires 30% less energy than a traditional structure and all energy that is used comes from renewable resources; the domes are covered in white or green depending on the season to further cut down on heating/cooling consumption. The fab food and wine is sourced locally, the spa uses local, natural products and services with the water even coming from a local spring.
El Nido Resort, Philippines
Animal lovers, take note. Over the past two decades, The El Nindo Resort has transformed from a turtle reserve to a marine reserve until it was finally deemed a managed protected area in 1998. The resort, spread across a number of small islands, offers breathtaking diving, lush tropical forests, turquoise water and uber-luxe villas.
Macaw Lodge, Costa Rica
With a Certificate of Sustainable Tourism under its belt, the Macaw Lodge is a leader in eco-friendly luxury travel. The Lodge is tucked away deep in the Costa Rican tropical forests in the “transition zone” between the wet and dry forests, meaning that visitors get unrivaled access to a whole host of species not found anywhere else in the world. The Lodge offers bird walks, yoga workshops, botanical gardens and private villas with screened windows and doors for a truly tropical experience.
San Camp, Kalahari Desert, Botswana
Now you see it, now you don’t: it’s the motto of the San Camp in that after the end of every tourist season, the entire place is packed up and put away with no more than an over-turned rock left in its wake. While the desert oasis is not permanent— the luxury it provides most definitely is. Each tent is outfitted with Persian rugs, high-end antiques, vintage maps and hand-crafted furniture; not to mention private bathrooms and running water. The owners are 5th generation bush guides so you know you’ll be getting 5 star adventures.
Six Senses Eco Resort, Vietnam
The cadre of infinity pools, palm trees, airy, open interiors, celebrity chefs and spa professionals may make the Six Senses seem planted firmly on the side of luxury but it’s actually also recognized as an eco-friendly destination by Green Globe 21, a world tourism organization. All lodges are built with sustainable timber frames, the resort operates at low level using renewable resources and draws on local food, talent and resources to keep the resort going.
Traveling into the lap of luxury doesn’t mean you have to forget your eco-conscious roots. In fact, the two often go hand-in-hand, with the incredible natural resources surrounding these resorts only serving to enhance the experience of the guests. It’s a win-win for both you and Mother Earth.
About the Author
I’m Eric, and I’m the Editor in Chief of True North Athletics. I’m also an avid adventurer, digital nomad and traveler. I enjoy all types of outdoor sports, a good golf tan, and spontaneous weekend trips. I currently live in Brazil where I can be found frequently hiking the rain forest around my city!