Top Eco-chic Properties

Eco-chic Properties

Green hotels mean the world to our planet. Eco-friendly vacation properties are the ones that make an effort to make sure they minimize the carbon emissions they produce.

It is important for people to support businesses that either aim to offset their carbon footprint or include sustainable architecture directly in their planning.

TULUM, MEXICO Azulik

The architecture of Azulik, which includes villas, restaurants, designer stores, an art gallery, and a clothingoptional beach club, was designed to evoke treehouses, complete with elevated walkways and suspended bridges that allow the surrounding forest to flourish.

The resort has done away with Wi-Fi, televisions, and electric light, and each of the 48 villas has been hand-built using local wood in such a way that air conditioning is unnecessary.

MALLORCA, SPAIN Es Racó D’artà

When you stay at Es Racó D'artà, you can expect to focus on your health in every aspect. A basic wooden slab serves as the front desk, and maybe most controversially, all public areas have their mobile phone signals intentionally disabled.

For Esteva, it's not enough to just pay lip service to environmental concerns; the estate has its own biomass plant, solar and geothermal electricity, and ecological water-treatment system. And nearly everything is biodegradable, locally produced, and organic.

LIMPOPO, SOUTH AFRICA Garonga Safari Camp

Garonga Safari Camp resort makes a conscious effort towards environmental impact management. They follow the route of waste minimization, implementation of solar plants, use of borehole water, and many more. The end goal is to reduce carbon footprint to the extent possible.

The chic ensuite tents feature a private outdoor deck along with a relaxing hammock, swimming pool, private dining, and indoor and outdoor shower. The luxury ensuite villas are ideal for couples and honeymooners, and they feature a private main area with bush views.

SOUTH AFRICA Grootbos

The Grootbos Foundation was established in 2003 to actively protect endangered species and to empower local communities through a range of sustainable project types. The organic menu at Grootbos features food gathered as close to the reserve as possible, with many coming directly from the in-house farm -- for an equally conscientious dining experience.

And the world has taken notice; Grootbos has been honored with a number of accolades for its outstanding contributions to the betterment of society and the environment.

WYOMING, USA

Hotel Terra

Wyoming's first LEED-certified hotel is Hotel Terra. The hotel uses sustainable practices and green materials everywhere, from the recycled steel used in its construction to the aluminum water bottles used by guests. Low-flow fixtures, dual-flush toilets, and native landscaping that doesn't need watering are just a few examples of the hotel's water-saving features, which have reduced annual water use by 34%.

By employing cutting-edge green technologies such as water recycling, energy and waste management, and the use of eco-friendly materials in its architecture and decor, guests are able to lessen the amount of carbon dioxide emissions they are responsible for by more than 60%.

Other than that, solid wastes are recycled, and a significant amount of ingredients they use are locally sourced. ITC Gardenia is the first hotel in Asia to have a Platinum Rating under LEED.

POTTUVIL, SRI LANKA Jetwing Surf

Jetwing Surf, designed in harmonious coexistence with its surrounding, boasts the use of natural materials such as coir, iluk grass, cadjan, and wood, with minimal disturbance to the coastal environment. The open architectural design reduces the need for artificial illumination. While wastewater is biologically treated and soaked into the soil, and the treated laundry wastewater is used for irrigation.

The luxurious seashell-shaped cabanas feature a rustic facade with a luxurious contemporary interior. Its architectural design exhibits the brilliance of tropical modernism found across Sri Lanka.

PHUKET, THAILAND

Keemala Eco Resort

Keemala Eco Resort centers its focus on psychological and physical well-being. They are dedicated to increasing their understanding of the human body and the holistic treatment of both the body and mind. Guests can enjoy sustainable dining as more than half of the ingredients used for cooking are sourced from the in-house The Enchanted Garden.

Mahali Mzuri, meaning ‘beautiful place’ in Swahili, work along with the local community to help form conservancies and protect the wider Maasai Mara Ecosystem. The conservancies are formed to guarantee an economically viable system and fair income for every landowning member in this area.

MASHPI, ECUADOR Mashpi Lodge

The eco-chic resort Mashpi has a research station involved in finding unique ecosystems that exist within the Mashpi Reserve. They have successfully discovered a new orchid and frog species, and the end goal is to gain more knowledge about the surrounding ecosystem and then share it with the local community to ensure better conservation of a fascinating yet fragile bioregion.

The luxurious retreat with floor-to-ceiling windows offers stunning views of the lush green forest surrounding this exquisite property. Each of the 12 luxurious and super stylish tents is designed to deliver the utmost pleasure. They feature an ensuite bathroom and an inviting private deck with unmissable views.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM One Aldwych

Some things are harmful to the environment, and most of the time, business owners don’t even recognize them. It’s a great thing that One Aldwych did.

All of the hotel's toiletries come in biodegradable packaging, and the hotel's swimming pool is cleaned with minerals rather than chlorine. As a result of these efforts, One Aldwych has been recognized by Sustainable Travel International as the only UK hotel to get the Luxury Eco Certification Standard.

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, situated on Huvadhoo, the largest and deepest atoll in the Indian Ocean, is a must-see for anyone searching to stay at eco-luxury hotels. Since its opening in late 2009, the property has received a number of awards for its eco-friendly policies and procedures.

Some of their sustainable movements include scientific-based water conservation, the application of circular economic principles for their waste, responsible sourcing, and providing aid to help local destinations thrive.

THE GOBI, MONGOLIA Three Camel Lodge

The Three Camel Lodge has successfully eliminated single-use plastic water bottles, and developed a comprehensive management program that diverts lodge waste from landfills and composts, and re-uses it onsite. The property uses solar power and only LED lights and actively reduces its carbon footprint by sourcing supplies, services, and ingredients from local vendors.

This eco-friendly chic resort is an exhibition of locally curated hand-carved wood furnishings. They welcome their guests into spacious and enchanting Mongolian Gers, one of the most natural dwellings in the world.

SVARTISEN GÅRD, NORWAY Svart Hotel

By understanding their clear obligations towards nature, Svart Hotel in Norway is committed to making a unique, sustainable environment through the use of green technologies and nature-friendly practices.

“We estimate the hotel to save 85% of its annual energy consumption and harvest enough solar energy to cover both the hotel operations, including its boat shuttle operation and the energy needed to construct the building,” their website explains.

In Tierra Patagonia, LED lighting is installed inside to cut down on energy consumption, and natural materials from the area are used to make the furnishings and textiles. The design of the building itself is fascinating, though, as it requires no air conditioning in the summer and only minimal heating in the winter by making use of the sun at all times of the year.

In addition, we appreciate that Tierra Patagonia plants a tree in honor of each guest.

MONTHEY, SWITZERLAND Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel

Every operational choice is made with the goal of preserving the natural world; this includes limiting the use of motorized transport within the camp, controlling the amount of water and energy used, and giving preference to a product that is acquired locally.

Whitepod's participation in Swiss Triple Impact and Ecoluxury membership demonstrates the company's dedication to promoting a sustainable model of business.

BALI, INDONESIA

Ulaman Eco Retreat

Uluman's goal is to deliver the utmost in opulence without impairing the natural environment in which it exists. The property is built using sustainable materials available on-site. You will notice the use of Bamboo and Rammed Earth at every corner and the ecoconscious farm-to-fork menu.

The eco-chic retreat features 19 stateof-the-art villas that can accommodate up to 45 guests. Check out the gorgeous Cocoon Upper Deluxe that offers a gorgeous eco interior with a hanging balcony.