In the world of luxury travel, we’re on a quest for memorable experiences that also cherish our planet. Eco Luxe Escapes presents the perfect fusion of indulgence and eco-conscious living offering you the best of both worlds.
From stunning architecture to eco-friendly amenities, we look for details designed with sustainability in mind. Whether dense forests surround a visitor, or there is a stay in a villa overlooking breathtaking cliffs, or if the visitor lounges on untouched beaches, our selection of global escapes ensures you revel in nature’s splendour comfortably.
These selected resorts not only offer unparalleled luxury and privacy but also demonstrate a profound commitment to environmental conservation, community engagement, and sustainable practices. These Eco Luxe Escapes are leading the way in sustainable tourism by implementing initiatives like reef conservation, rural and village tourism, and farm-to-table dining.
Here’s a broader look at some standout eco-luxe resorts around the world:
Six Senses Svart, Norway
Hotel Svart, set against Norway’s Svartisen glacier and propelled by Net Zero Labs AS, transcends architectural beauty to become a beacon for sustainable innovation globally.
Positioned to be the world’s first energy-positive hotel, this property boasts a stunning location at the foot of a majestic glacier, setting new benchmarks for sustainability within the hospitality sector. With a commitment to carbon-neutral, transformative travel experiences, the hotel is poised to become a must-visit destination for travellers who prioritize environmental consciousness.
Svart’s architecture marvels with a blend of futuristic design and traditional essence, nestled off-grid amidst majestic natural beauty, including a historic glacier. This unique destination, with its pristine surroundings and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, promises a visit that’s not just memorable but deeply transformative.
This initiative seamlessly merges with each stage of Hotel Svart’s lifecycle, addressing sustainability challenges head-on while fostering impactful innovations. The goal extends beyond solving present issues to launching successful, sustainable solutions worldwide as independent ventures, showcasing a commitment to advancing eco-friendly practices globally.
People often wonder about Svart’s essence, noticing a profound transformation pre and post-visit. Team Svart curates immersive experiences to reconnect you with nature, from the primal forests to the exhilarating chill of ice water. Highlighting such experiences, the Taste of Svart culinary expedition, led by Chef Danièl Rougè Madsen, merges Arctic wilderness with gastronomic artistry against the Svartisen glacier’s backdrop.
Seasonal activities, from midnight sun excursions in July when the glacier treks are magical. to vibrant autumnal treks in September, against the backdrop of the towering, dark mountains plunging into the sea, promise a unique blend of adventure and tranquillity.
Saffire Freycinet, Tasmania, Australia
In the breathtaking landscape of Tasmania, Saffire Freycinet stands as a beacon of eco-luxury. With its organic architecture and sustainable practices, the resort aims to rejuvenate its surroundings.
Saffire Freycinet’s design philosophy mirrors the untouched beauty of a pre-Western coastal haven, aiming to blend its luxurious accommodations seamlessly with the natural splendour of its surroundings. Drawing from the palette of its peninsula setting—highlighting the pink hues of the Hazards mountains, pristine beaches, and the lush local flora—the resort crafts an immersive experience that marries the exterior’s wild grace with the interior’s refined comfort.
Employing materials like timber, stone, and leather, the resort not only elevates the guest experience but also fosters a deep connection with nature’s elemental beauty. It boasts energy-efficient practices such as insulation, double glazing, and the use of sustainable materials.
The Eco-luxury resort is deeply committed to sustainable tourism through its focus on the protection of healthy sites and the healing of damaged ones, including the re-vegetation of the area with native plants and bushfire management.
They also actively engage with the community, supporting local employment and conservation efforts, such as the protection of the Tasmanian Devil through the Wildcare Tasmania’s Nature and World Heritage fund.
Saffire Freycinet is a perfect example of luxury that enhances rather than competes with the natural world
Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Mexico
In the heart of Riviera Maya, Banyan Tree Mayakoba exemplifies luxury in harmony with nature. Nestled in the Riviera Maya, it blends seamlessly with the natural beauty of its surroundings. It’s set within the private Mayakoba development, surrounded by lush mangroves and waterways, offering guests a serene escape.
The resort combines Asian hospitality with the vibrant culture of Mexico, creating a unique experience of luxury amidst nature. The resort’s architecture and operations are designed to preserve the local ecosystem. Holding EarthCheck Platinum and PROFEPA certifications, the resort is recognized for its sustainable practices. The resort is actively conserving resources and has initiatives supporting land, community, and marine life conservation. The resort engages in community cleanups and participates in reef conservation and sea turtle protection, showcasing their commitment to environmental and community stewardship.
It offers programs like farm-to-table dining experiences that highlight local and sustainable ingredients. The program also highlights the rich culinary heritage of the region and also sources ingredients from local farms and suppliers, ensuring freshness and supporting the local economy.
Nature’s best experiences are to be enjoyed here at Cenotes, which are natural sinkholes created millions of years ago when limestone caves collapsed and filled with water. These range from open-air pools to caves with pools linked by underwater tunnels. These crystal-clear waters are a snorkelling and diving paradise in the Riviera Maya and are home to fish, turtles, and a variety of marine life. With thousands of cenotes near Playa del Carmen, the Riviera Maya offers countless unique and exciting underwater worlds to explore.
At Mayakoba, guests can enjoy snorkelling in the coral reefs, cycling through nature trails, and learning about Mayan culture. Nearby, explore the cenotes and ancient ruins of the Riviera Maya, close to the vibrant Playa del Carmen.
Six Senses Bhutan
Six Senses Bhutan is a collection of five lodges across the Himalayan Kingdom, each showcasing the diversity and special character of its location. These five lodges are located at Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang and Paro. The properties range in size and facilities, however, each includes a pioneering spa and wellness offering, wholesome and sustainable cuisine, sleep health and self-discovery.
The lodges offer an immersive journey into the Himalayan Kingdom’s stunning landscapes and rich culture. Each lodge, from Thimphu to Bumthang, is designed to reflect its environment and local architecture, providing guests with experiences that range from trekking and archery to spa treatments and farm-to-table dining.
With a strong emphasis on sustainability, the resorts manage energy, water, waste, and chemical usage conscientiously. Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness, emphasizing sustainable development, environmental protection, cultural preservation, and good governance, is deeply integrated into Six Senses Bhutan’s operations.
Activities for guests are designed to enhance their connection with nature and the local culture, including guided nature walks and cultural tours, taking in ancient monasteries and majestic mountains as you go and wellness programs that utilize natural and local traditions.
Mahali Mzuri, Kenya
In the heart of Kenya, Mahali Mzuri, which translates to “beautiful place” in Swahili, stands as a testament to luxury and conservation. Founded by Sir Richard Branson, this exclusive safari camp with 12 tents offers an unparalleled wildlife experience in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, part of the Maasai Mara Ecosystem. Every tent is equipped with a private deck for exclusive views, a spacious area for restful sleep, and an en-suite bathroom for ultimate comfort.
Mahali Mzuri offers an exclusive vantage point on the awe-inspiring Great Migration and an up-close experience with Africa’s diverse wildlife, including lions, wildebeest, elephants, and more, in their natural habitat. This unique setting ensures an unforgettable safari adventure, surrounded by the wilderness year-round.
Activities include experiencing wildlife at its best. Safari adventures here are never the same; each drive brings its own set of thrills. Safaris in Kenya burst with the sights of wildlife, enveloping romantic scenery, and expansive dramatic views. The variety of wildlife roaming the Kenyan plains is vast, including wildebeest, elephants, zebras, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, impalas, and gazelles, just to name a few. The drama of nature is on full display, offering guests an experience that is nothing short of jaw-dropping.
With no fences separating the Mara and Olare Motorogi conservancies, outstanding game-viewing opportunities abound. Territories of lion prides intersect here, engaging in the struggle for dominance, while approximately 150,000 Loita wildebeest choose to reside here year-round, adding to the spectacle of natural drama.
For those seeking a thrill, consider booking a hot-air balloon safari. And if you’re staying in the conservancy for more than a few days, a day trip to the Masai Mara National Reserve is also a great option.
The camp’s dedication extends to working with local communities to preserve the breathtaking natural beauty of the Maasai Mara Ecosystem. Embedding sustainability and community at the core of its operations, the camp has forged strong connections with the local Maasai landowners. Presently, over 80% of the staff hail from the local communities, with many being part of the team since the camp’s inception.
In collaboration with benevolent guest donors, the camp has dedicated the past decade to elevating the living standards within local communities, with initiatives focused on education, water, sanitation, and health. One of the most notable achievements is the development and continued support of a local school catering to 300 students, which now boasts a dining hall, computer lab, living accommodations, toilet facilities, a school meal program, and a rainwater harvesting system aimed at combating malnutrition.
Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia
Alila Villas Uluwatu is situated on one of Indonesia’s highest planes, fully embodying the essence of Bali throughout the property. It offers a peaceful and secluded getaway, featuring stunning views of the untouched ocean and providing a sense of spaciousness that encourages reflection and exploration. This resort is located on the Bukit Peninsula in Bali, an area known for its breathtaking cliffs that descend to untouched white sands.
Alila Villas Uluwatu in Bali, Indonesia, epitomizes eco-luxury, blending stunning architectural design with environmental sustainability. Perched on a clifftop plateau, this resort offers breathtaking ocean views, with villas designed to harmonize with the natural landscape.
The resort offers a variety of activities, including surfing and other water sports. It is famous for its excellent surf spots like Kedonganan, Balangan, Jimbaran, and Padang Padang, drawing surfers from everywhere. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the Bali National Golf Club, designed by Nelson, located nearby.
Dining at the resort is a journey through centuries-old culinary traditions presented in modern styles. The Warung, an inviting open-air venue, features local dishes bursting with flavour prepared with fresh, seasonal, and organic ingredients. Local chefs carefully curate each menu to provide an unparalleled dining experience that connects guests with the area’s culinary heritage.
The resort is committed to innovative sustainability, holding a Platinum EarthCheck certification. Their sustainability efforts include on-site organic gardens, the use of biodegradable products, and a strict no-plastic policy as part of the zero-waste initiative. Other environmental initiatives include rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and the use of locally sourced materials in its construction. It’s also committed to social responsibility, supporting local communities through education and cultural preservation projects
India: CGH Earth Experience Wellness – SwaSwara, Gokarna
Nestled along India’s Konkan Coast’s pristine wilderness, SwaSwara is a 26-acre retreat designed with the earth’s hues, embodying simplicity and purity. This haven is dedicated to nurturing your Prakruti – the unique essence that defines you. It aims to clear life’s clutter, offering a tranquil space for rejuvenation and joy with your loved ones, blending calmness, renewal, and exhilaration seamlessly.
SwaSwara, located in Gokarna along India’s southwestern coast, is a CGH Earth Experience that blends holistic wellness with ecological practices. The architecture and design of SwaSwara celebrate local materials and craftsmanship, aligning with its commitment to sustainability and minimal environmental impact. This resort emphasizes wellness in an environment that respects and integrates the local landscape and culture. The architecture is constructed using local materials and traditional methods, minimizing its environmental impact.
This wellness retreat emphasizes holistic healing through Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation amidst the serene beauty of Om Beach. It offers personalized wellness programs, organic cuisine, and experiences that connect guests with nature and local culture, promoting a journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation. SwaSwara’s farm-to-table dining experiences feature organic produce grown in its gardens, promoting health and sustainability.
At SwaSwara, mornings can start with the thrilling sight of Hornbills or the White-bellied Sea Eagle, thanks to the sanctuary’s diverse birdlife. Guests can explore this avian paradise through guided bird-watching walks. For adventure seekers, hikes across Om Beach or treks to Half-moon Beach offer breathtaking scenery.
Boat rides to Mirjan Fort and local harbours reveal the area’s rich history and vibrant culture. Culinary enthusiasts can join the chefs for interactive South Indian cooking classes, learning healthy recipes and cooking techniques. Additionally, reignite your creative spark with art sessions guided by the resident artist, exploring various mediums and rekindling childhood joy.
Habitas AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Habitas AlUla is nestled among the sandstone cliffs and ancient cultural heritage sites of AlUla, offering a unique blend of luxury and environmental consciousness.
The resort emphasizes community and cultural exchange, featuring local cuisine, art, and music, thus encouraging guests to engage with the local culture in a meaningful way. Habitas AlUla not only offers an escape to the breathtaking landscapes of Saudi Arabia but also represents a model for sustainable tourism development in areas of significant historical and cultural value.
Set in the timeless beauty of an ancient oasis within the Ashar Valley’s desert canyons, guests are enveloped by the tranquillity of sandstone cliffs and palm groves. The resort’s pathways meander towards 96 guest villas, categorized into three levels: the luxurious Celestial Villas, cosy Alcove Villas, and scenic Canyon Villas.
These paths also lead to a variety of serene spots including a yoga deck, the Thuraya Wellness and fitness centres, the Tama Restaurant, the Ashar Deck lounge, and a sprawling infinity swimming pool. Crafted from ethically sourced organic materials, each space harmonizes with its desert surroundings.
Dedicated to offering experience-led stays, the brand curates activities that encompass art and culture walks, canyon trekking, yoga, meditation, and breathwork, catering to the adventurous and the tranquil alike.
The resort is built with a commitment to sustainability and perfectly among Eco luxe escapes, utilizing modular construction techniques and materials that minimize its impact on the natural and historical surroundings. It offers a sanctuary for those seeking to connect with nature, history, and themselves, providing activities ranging from star gazing and horseback riding to cultural tours that explore the rich heritage of the region.
By incorporating Habitas AlUla into the eco-luxe escapes portfolio, the diversity and reach of sustainable luxury travel are further highlighted, showing that it is possible to experience the world’s most extraordinary places responsibly and luxuriously.
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