5 exceptional eco-lodges around the world

Going on a trip and having the well-being of the planet at heart are concepts that don’t always go well together, especially when it comes to taking a plane. Fortunately, it is possible to make responsible choices at your destination. Among other things, you can stay in an ecotourism establishment, a type of accommodation has a minimal impact on its natural environment.

Here are 5 eco-lodges that are proof that sustainable tourism can impress:

1. Sendero – Chic hotel in Costa Rica

It is in Nosara, in the land of pure life, which hides the sublime Sendero hotel. There, the watchword is “well-being”. As the boutique hotel is next to a nature reserve, we opt for a jungle room, to admire the lush jungle from our bed! We also take advantage of the outdoor shower, on the balcony, to connect with nature. Architecturally, Sendero is a perfect marriage of modern and traditional Costa Rican. You can also recognize the characteristics of a hacienda, including the wooden beams, ceramic tiling and grandiose arches (bonus points for using local recycled materials!). As the conservation of natural resources is at the heart 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 therefore be able to stay there with a clear conscience. And that’s good: we find, just a few steps from the establishment, no less than 8 km of undeveloped beach.

More details and reservation: senderonosara.com

2. Casa Brava – Wild house in Portugal

Living on love and fresh water in harmony with nature: this is the mantra of 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 eco-responsibility. We chose local building materials and traditional decoration techniques. We highlight old furniture,” explains Marco Pinto, co-owner of Casa Brava. The entire experience is designed so that nature, humans and animals coexist in respect and harmony. Here, the water from the natural swimming pool is filtered by plants and stones, the ash from the wood-burning fireplaces is reused to enrich the vegetable garden and only organic, local and seasonal foods are found on the menu. A homemade range of natural cosmetics is also offered.

More details and reservation: casabrava.pt

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

Doing ecotourism in the Big Apple? It’s possible! All you have to do is drop off your suitcase in a place that cares about the environment. We therefore opt for the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. The establishment optimizes energy efficiency. From its trapezoidal shape, which allows natural light to penetrate in abundance to the green roof, including the access cards to the wooden rooms and the zero waste cocktails served in the restaurant, everything has been designed to reduce waste. minimal environmental impact. Good to know: 1 Hotel being a chain, other establishments bearing its name have the same ecological concern. They are found in particular in the cities of Toronto, Copenhagen and Melbourne.

More details and reservation: 1hotels.com/brooklyn-bridge

4. TiPAREO – Exotic wood lodges in the Caribbean

A popular destination in the Caribbean, Guadeloupe knows how to make people dream with its wide variety of landscapes and its heavenly beaches among the most beautiful in the Antilles, not to mention its rich Creole culture. To settle down there, the TiPAREO ecological domain is a good option. Built with a concern for preserving and enhancing the environment, this little hotel gem offers villas in exotic wood, built in the pure tradition of old Creole houses. The latter notably respect the bioclimatic architectural concept, which consists of taking advantage of the sun’s rays and natural air circulation. They are also supplied with energy and hot water thanks to panels and solar water heaters. Here, fruits, like coconuts and bananas, are freshly picked. It’s also impossible to resist a good hot chocolate made from the estate’s cocoa production. Too good to be true? No way! This place is definitely real! TiPAREO is located in Sainte-Rose, just a few kilometers from the pretty town of Deshaies and the largest coral reef in the Lesser Antilles.

More details and reservation: 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 protected nature reserve Kerlingarfjöll is the trip of a lifetime! The Highland Base hotel complex has taken up residence in this wild territory, between rivers and mountains. Open all year round, but accessible only by 4 x 4 (in winter, this one is driven by a professional; it’s serious), the place is simply magical. In this small village with Scandinavian architecture, we find a hotel, luxury tiny houses, quite rustic mini cabins and a campsite accessible in summer. Everything was built in compliance with BREEAM certification standards, the main method of 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 whether you are 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 baths, inaugurated this year.

More details and reservation: highlandbase.is