7 of the Worlds Coolest Eco Hotels

While some of the world may be preparing for Earth Day in a classic way — swapping light bulbs, planting a tree, riding bikes to work — international travellers have the option to tread the globe a little more lightly. If you’re planning a vacation this April, pack your bags and celebrate Earth Day by exploring local culture, local cuisine and the world’s coolest eco hotels. From small budgets to extravagant furnishings, here are some of the most awesome eco accommodations:
Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa
The Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa is situated quite comfortably between the beautiful hillside and Patagonia’s Lake Sarmiento. Tierra Patagonia is well known for their award winning architecture and their status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Inside each warmly lit room features handmade furnishings and flooring by the craftsmen of Chile. All resources have been purchased from local and natural materials to ensure that not only the ambiance of the hotel is natural, but the heart of the creation as well.

Rancho Humo, Costa Rica
Rancho Humo, located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, is a 50,000 acre private nature reserve. Once run as a cattle farm, Rancho Humo has quickly turned into one of Costa Rica’s most unique wetland rescue projects. While their various ecosystems (mangroves, wetlands, pastures and rainforests) may be their focal point, Rancho Humo also offers an incredible eco experience in their new Five Leaf resort. With limited space available, Rancho Humo offers a quiet getaway with local furnishings and delicious cuisine.

Grand Canyon Lodge, North Rim
The Grand Canyon Lodge offers you a cozy western log cabin amidst the beautiful lush trails of the Grand Canyon. While there’s plenty of time for rest and relaxation, they offer various hikes, incredible views and an entire national park worth exploring.
The Grand Canyon National Park boasts breathtaking sights and colors of the surrounding rock formations. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of America’s most precious natural wonders.

Emerald Glamping, Ireland
There are many glamping sitesacross the world today and while they’re all rather unique in their own way, Emerald Glamping is one of the coolest places I’ve ever visited. Located quite literally in the middle of nowhere, Emerald Glamping offers a peaceful getaway for families, friends and couples.

You can take your pick between a yurt or a cabin and experience all there is to do in the surrounding nature. Climb up the hills for a beautiful view, join in on a Grand Canal adventure or take a guided tour through one of the Irish Canoe Trails. Emerald Glamping is located between the coast of Doolin and the city of Dublin in a small region called Offaly.

Campi ya Kanzi, Kenya
Campi ya Kanzi is the only safari lodge that is situated on a Maasai-owned reserve. The name literally translates into the “Camp of the Hidden Treasure”. Some of these treasures include the incredible view of Mount Kilimanjaro, the amazing and luxurious comfort of their ecolodges and the numerous opportunities for spotting wildlife.
The camp itself offers two luxurious tented suites and six beautifully decorated tented cottages. They are run on 100% solar energy, sourcing their water from the rain and serving up some of the best local cuisine.

Borderlands, Sri Lanka/Nepal
Borderlands is located in one of the most unique places in the world. Borderlands Sri Lanka was built upon a hill which overlooks the Kelani River and Borderlands Nepal which sits on the Mighty Bhote Kosi river. The riverfront thatched roofed cabins and tents provide guests private access to the river and spectacular scenic views. Deep within the lush green nature, Borderlands provides incredible activities and opportunities to explore including canoeing, kayaking, hiking, water rafting and ocean safaris.

Selva Verde Lodge, Costa Rica
Located in Sarapiqui, Costa Rica, Selva Verde Lodge is a couple hours drive from the large city of San Jose. While Selva Verde offers beautiful lodging accommodations to explore the beautiful wildlife in the area, it is also a Costa Rican rainforest reserve spread across 500 acres of diverse tropical flora and fauna.

The lodge works constantly with conservation projects and partners and also provides an educational program for visitors and guests.

So while I’d still encourage you to put that reusable water bottle in your backpack, recycle your old clothing and buy organic local souvenirs, there’s nothing wrong splurging on a unique and totally awesome eco hotel experience while you’re at it.
Have you ever spent your vacation in an eco-hotel, green lodge or glamp site? What was it like? Which accommodations would you add to the list?
 
Jenna Davis
Jenna is a Canadian content creator and freelance travel blogger currently based in Dusseldorf, Germany. She focuses on sustainable and philanthropic travel experiences across the globe. Connect with Traveldudes on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.