Looking for an eco-hotel that walks the walk, not just slaps a green leaf on its website and calls it a day?
We’ve done the legwork to round up 10 eco resorts, and eco stays from around the world that are sustainable and actually worth booking.
These aren’t your average “we don’t change your towels every day” hotels. These are places making real efforts: solar-powered everything, locally sourced ingredients, and even Indigenous community ownership in some cases.
And yes, these are legitimate for 2025. We made sure they’re still open, thriving, and still bona fide eco hotels!
What Makes an Eco Hotel Legit?
The term “eco hotel” gets thrown around a lot. Similar to when vetting sustainable and ethical brands, there are verified certifications and practices to inquire about when it comes to eco hotels and eco stays in general.
Here’s what we looked for:
- Verified eco certifications (LEED, Green Globe, etc.)
- Renewable energy use
- Water conservation efforts
- Waste reduction and recycling
- Real connection to the local community
- Transparency about their practices
If a place is pushing jet ski tours and still using single-use plastics, it’s not on this list.
We strive to be eco-friendly travelers, but these eco stays go above and beyond!
10 Eco Hotels Around the World That Are Worth the Hype
1. Bambu Indah – Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
A bamboo dream nestled in the jungle, this boutique hotel blends antique Javanese homes with sustainable design. They use natural spring water, avoid single-use plastics, and source food from their permaculture garden.
2. Six Senses Yao Noi – Thailand
A luxury eco resort perched on the cliffs of Phang Nga Bay, Six Senses Yao Noi combines sustainability with serious wow factor. The resort uses organic gardens, water conservation systems, and plastic-free operations to back up its barefoot-luxury vibe.
3. Adrère Amellal – Siwa Oasis, Egypt
Completely unplugged. This desert lodge uses no electricity, serves organic local meals, and is hand-built from traditional mudbrick. Pure desert magic, with actual eco integrity.
4. Jetwing Vil Uyana – Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Built within a manufactured wetland, this eco resort features sustainable architecture and works to preserve the area’s rich biodiversity. It’s also just a tuk-tuk ride from Sigiriya Rock.
5. The Lodge at Chaa Creek – Cayo District, Belize
On a private 400-acre nature reserve, this family-run eco resort has been a leader in sustainable tourism since the ’80s. Think solar power, composting, and immersive rainforest experiences.
6. Chalalán Ecolodge – Madidi National Park, Bolivia
Owned and operated by the Indigenous People of San José de Uchupiamonas, this ecolodge is deep in the Bolivian Amazon. It blends culture, conservation, and community-led travel.
7. The Brando – Tetiaroa, French Polynesia
A luxury eco resort with serious cred. Powered by solar energy and a deep seawater cooling system, it offers barefoot luxury with a side of sustainability.
8. Proximity Hotel – Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
LEED Platinum-certified and proud of it. This hotel uses solar panels, energy-regenerating elevators, and even restored a local stream. Industrial chic meets eco-friendly in the best way. Plus, it’s in our home state of NC, so we are proud parents…kinda.
9. Bardessono Hotel and Spa – Yountville, California, USA
This Napa Valley gem is geothermal-powered, toxin-free, and surrounded by organic gardens. Oh, and did we mention it’s gorgeous?
10. The Ranch at Laguna Beach – California, USA
Built into a canyon, this place recycles glass into golf course sand, sources food from its half-acre farm, and works hard to protect the coastal ecosystem. Chill luxury with an eco-conscious soul.
How to Tell if an Eco Stay Is Actually Sustainable
Not every hotel using the word “eco” deserves your stay. Some quick tips:
- Look for real certifications (not just buzzwords)
- Read reviews for mentions of eco practices
- Check their about page: are they transparent?
- Bonus points if they work with local communities
Coming Soon: A Game-Changing Eco Hotel in Norway
Although it’s not yet open, Svart Hotel in Norway plans to become the world’s first energy-positive hotel, situated above the Arctic Circle and powered entirely by solar energy.
We discovered this excellent hotel through someone who is constantly exploring new ecotourism jobs that are making a positive impact on sustainability.
If it launches as promised, it’ll set a new standard for what eco hotels can be.
Sustainable practices are blooming everywhere, from eco hotels to eco-friendly florists!
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Great question! Generally, an eco hotel is a more traditional lodging option with sustainable features. In contrast, an eco resort typically includes more on-site amenities (like spas, restaurants, and tours) that also follow eco-friendly practices. But the lines are getting blurrier as more properties level up their sustainability.
Look for actual certifications (LEED, EarthCheck, Green Globe), specific sustainability practices listed on their site, and transparency. If it sounds vague or too buzzwordy, trust your gut — or better yet, check reviews.
Not exactly. Ecotourism is a broader travel philosophy focused on nature, sustainability, and local culture. Staying at an eco hotel can definitely be part of ecotourism, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. If you want to learn more, check out our full post on examples of ecotourism.
