5 exceptional ecolodges around the world to travel with peace of mind

Putting the well-being of the planet first and enjoying the joy of travel is possible! To feel a little less guilty about flying, you can stay in an ecotourism property, a type of accommodation with minimal impact on the natural environment.

Here are 5 amazing eco-lodges that are proof that sustainable tourism is not boring:

1. Sendero – Chic hotel in Costa Rica

It is in Nosara, in the land of pure life, where the sublime Sendero hotel lies. The key word there is “well-being”, and that appeals to us! Because the boutique hotel is located next to a nature reserve, we choose one jungle room, to admire the lush jungle from our bed! We also use the outdoor shower on the balcony to connect with nature. Architecturally, Sendero is a perfect marriage of modern and traditional Costa Rican. You may also recognize the hallmarks of a hacienda, including the wooden beams, ceramic tiles, and grandiose arches (bonus points for using locally recycled materials!). With conservation of natural resources at the core of the concept, the hotel has established a rigorous waste management program. It collects and treats rainwater and black water. Surfers who come to brave the waves of Nosara will be able to stay there with a clear conscience! And that’s a good thing: just a stone’s throw from the establishment we find no less than 8 km of undeveloped beach.

More details and reservations: senderonosara.com

2. Casa Brava – Wild house in Portugal

Living on love and fresh water in harmony with nature: that is the mantra Bed & Breakfast Casa Brava. Nestled in the hills of the town of Loulé, in the Algarve, the establishment is an old stone farmhouse, completely renovated by a Parisian couple of Portuguese origin. Since 2017 it has been possible to stay in this intimate and unique place. “We attach great importance to ecological responsibility. We chose local building materials and traditional decoration techniques. We put old furniture in the spotlight,” explains Marco Pinto, co-owner of Casa Brava. The entire experience is designed so that nature, people and animals coexist in respect and harmony. Here the water from the natural pool is filtered through plants and stones, the ash from the wood stoves is reused to enrich the vegetable garden and only organic, local and seasonal dishes are on the menu. A homemade range of natural cosmetics is also offered.

More details and reservations: casabrava.pt

3. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge – “Green” luxury in New York

Doing ecotourism in the Big Apple? It is possible! All you have to do is drop off your suitcase at a place that respects the environment. We therefore choose the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. The establishment optimizes energy efficiency. From the trapezoid shape, which allows abundant natural light to penetrate, to the green roof, to the wooden access cards for the rooms and the zero waste cocktails served in the restaurant, everything has been designed to keep the impact on the environment minimal. Psitt! 1 Since the hotel is a chain, other establishments bearing this name have the same ecological concern. They are mainly found in the cities of Toronto, Copenhagen and Melbourne.

More details and reservations: 1hotels.com/brooklynbridge

4. TiPAREO – Exotic wooden lodges in the Caribbean

A popular destination in the Caribbean, Guadeloupe knows how to make people dream with its great variety of landscapes and its heavenly beaches that are among the most beautiful in the Antilles, not to mention its rich Creole culture. The ecological domain TiPAREO is a good option to settle there. Built with care for the preservation and improvement of the environment, this small hotel jewel offers villas in exotic wood, built in the pure tradition of old Creole houses. The latter particularly respect the bioclimatic architectural concept, which consists of taking advantage of the sun’s rays and natural air circulation. In addition, they are provided with energy and hot water thanks to panels and solar boilers. Here fruits, such as coconuts and bananas, are freshly picked. It is also impossible to resist a good hot chocolate made from the estate’s cocoa production. Too good to be true? Not really! This place is absolutely real! TiPAREO is located in Sainte-Rose, just a few kilometers from the beautiful town of Deshaies and the largest coral reef in the Lesser Antilles.

More details and reservations: tipareo.com

5. Highland Base – Spectacular campsite and hotel in Iceland

Going on an adventure in the Icelandic Highlands and discovering the beauty of the Kerlingarfjöll protected nature reserve is the trip of a lifetime! The Highland Base hotel complex has taken up residence in this wild area, between rivers and mountains. Open all year round, but only accessible by 4×4 (in winter it’s driven by a professional; it’s serious!), the place is simply magical. In this small village with Scandinavian architecture we find a hotel, luxurious small houses, rather rustic mini huts and a campsite accessible in summer. Everything was built in accordance with BREEAM certification standards, the main method for environmental assessment of buildings. The minimalist style of the complex does not compete with the landscape, which remains THE real star. Whether you have the soul of an explorer with refined tastes or a… backpacker Seasoned, this ecotourism place has a lot to offer us. And don’t forget to plan an afternoon to relax in the geothermal pools, inaugurated this year.

More details and reservations: highlandbase.is

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