GLOBAL PICKS
Gone are the days of extravagant luxury tourism which gave you a good experience but left behind large amounts of waste or negatively affected the environment. Today, sustainable travel is the new norm, especially when it engages the local community or utilizes eco-friendly practices to stay in harmony with nature.
You don’t have to give up your favorite amenities, either. There are plenty of luxury resorts that value sustainability, allowing you to have your cake and “green” it, too!
If you want to keep your carbon footprint low while also seeing the world and exploring its many treasures, here are just a few choices for the top sustainable luxury resorts around the world.
Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain Resort
Chengdu, China
Built as an accompaniment to Dujiangyan, a nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Six Senses resort features everything from spas to swimming pools in the splendor of nature. It embodies all that a luxury resort should be, but it was founded on sustainable principles. The building materials were locally sourced; the trash and wastewater are continually recycled. They even bottle their own water to cut down on plastic!
Mashpi Lodge
Mashpi, Ecuador
If you’ve ever wanted to sleep among the clouds, this is your chance. The Mashpi Lodge is an authentic rainforest lodge located 3,000 feet above sea level, providing incredible views through its floor-to-ceiling glass windows. You’ll love the lushness of the area, especially if you’re trying to be more environmentally conscious: The lodge contributes to several projects designed to protect and support the Chocó Rainforest that surrounds it.
Other Recommended Destinations
Mahali Mzuri
Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Kenya
Meaning “beautiful place” in Swahili, the Mahali Mzuri offers what’s essentially a glamping experience in the heart of Africa. You’ll stay in one of several tents at a safari camp, but it’ll be a fully stocked, almost boutique-like tent, so you’ll be quite comfortable. Meanwhile, your stay will support local tribes and local conservation efforts for the flora and fauna of the region.
Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
If you ever marveled at the brilliantly colored tree frogs in Planet Earth (streaming on HBO Max), you were looking at Costa Rican wildlife. You’ll love the bountiful ecosystems of this tropical paradise! They’re especially lovely when you can enjoy them guilt-free by booking a suite at the Cala Luna Boutique Hotel. From biodegradable toiletries to solar panels powering farm-to-table greenhouses, it’s sustainable in every way.
Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel
Monthey, Switzerland
Get your chill on with a trek through the Swiss Alps. Whitepod lives up to its name by housing guests in cozy geodesic “pods” that are basically miniature apartments. Designed for energy efficiency, they’re amazing to look at, and they’ll provide a great vacation story for when you get home. When you’re done snapping selfies of your accommodation, you might consider hiking, stargazing, ziplining, or dining at the gourmet restaurant on-site.
MahaRaja Eco Dive Lodge
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
In the past, there have been questions about the ethics of diving. But the MahaRaja Eco Dive Lodge has challenged them by becoming the first eco-friendly dive resort in the world. It exists in perfect balance with nature right down to the electric motors on its boats: They reduce noise and pollution for local sea life. This is just one of the sustainable practices that will assure you you’re in good hands at the MahaRaja.
Conclusion
Keep the luxury. Ditch the toxicity. With these sustainable travel resorts, you can go backpacking all over the world while still practicing ethical consumerism and eco-friendliness. Have fun!
For unforgettable experiences…
Journey Beyond Aspen to the best sustainable luxury resorts around the world.
About the Author
Jaycee Tamera
A retired preschool teacher turned freelance writer, Jaycee loves traveling and living frugally. When offline, she focuses on spending time with her plants and doing some yoga.