Eco-Luxury Getaways: Sustainable & Extravagant
From private tents to lavish lodges in the jungle, sustainable luxury travel is redefining the art of indulgence.
Eco-friendly travel allows us to explore in style while ensuring that the environment is not negatively impacted. Gas emissions, excess waste, and overconsumption are often part of our enjoyable journeys, but by minimising these small aspects of our trips, we can contribute to a cleaner and better world. Eco-luxury travel has been growing in popularity as travellers have shifted their focus to more meaningful and sustainable experiences that benefit the planet and local communities. By being more eco-conscious, it must be wondered whether opulence and sustainability can truly coexist? The answer is a resounding yes! And here are the accommodations that prove that:
1 Hotel, South Beach - Miami, USA
This renowned hotel combines wellness with environmental awareness in every detail. The Bamford Wellness Spa, named the best hotel spa in Florida for 2024, offers luxurious treatments such as massages, facials, and body therapies, creating a serene retreat for its guests. However, the hotel’s commitment extends beyond personal wellness to environmental well-being. To address the climate crisis, 1 Hotel employs a water filtration system, uses non-toxic materials, and integrates green systems for temperature and lighting control. These actions ensure that the luxurious experience of the hotel is also one that minimises harm to the environment.
The hotel also runs programs for children, teaching them about the importance of nature and environmental awareness. These activities instill a sense of responsibility and wonder, fostering the next generation of eco-conscious travelers. Through their Certified Sustainable Gatherings, 1 Hotel ensures that events are organised meticulously, with minimal environmental impact, utilising reusable goods, offering low-emission menus, and providing environmentally friendly amenities. Additionally, a portion of proceeds is directed towards initiatives that combat environmental injustice. This shows their dedication not just to sustainable operations, but to actively supporting causes that fight for the planet’s well-being.
The hotel group has taken significant strides in offsetting carbon dioxide emissions by incorporating plants that eliminate toxins and absorb harmful gases, achieving impressive results that continue to grow. Additionally, the hotel supports local farmers and fishermen by sourcing food and goods regionally, ensuring that its operations positively impact nearby communities. The 1 Hotel brand, known for its impeccable service, has successfully combined luxury with sustainability, making a meaningful environmental impact wherever it operates.
1 Hotel, South Beach
Nayara Gardens, Costa Rica
If you are looking for a place where you can wake up amongst the trees, hear the tropical birds whistling, and feel completely one with nature, Nayara Resorts turns this dream into reality. These retreats transform eco-lodging into a luxury experience, seamlessly blending into their natural surroundings—whether it’s the jungle, desert, or sea. The resorts focus on offering guests a deep connection with the environment, allowing travellers to experience the magic of nature in ultimate comfort and luxury.
In addition to offering relaxation through their spa, Nayara Resorts place great value on exploration and observation. Guests can enjoy activities like bird-watching or kayaking on rivers, led by guides who share a deep passion for nature. Beyond providing exceptional service, as shown by being named the best resort in Central America by Travel + Leisure, Nayara Resorts are deeply committed to sustainability. Their dedication to protecting the environment is evident in their eco-conscious efforts, from energy-efficient infrastructure to the careful sourcing of materials.
They use solar power, harvest rainwater, and maintain carbon neutrality. Their dishes are made from local and seasonal resources, directly supporting the surrounding community. This commitment helps reduce the resort’s carbon footprint while ensuring guests enjoy fresh and local cuisine. The resorts go even further by preserving the rainforest, creating a sanctuary for sloths, collaborating with Arenal National Park’s reforestation initiatives, and striving to become completely plastic-free. Their efforts show that luxury and environmental responsibility are not mutually exclusive.
With warm hospitality and genuine care for the rainforest, Nayara Resorts give guests a deeper appreciation of the environment while still delivering top-quality service and care. It’s this combination of service and sustainability that makes Nayara Resorts such a standout in eco-luxury travel.
Amangiri, USA
Located in the desert of southern Utah, amidst the ember-colored sandstone cliffs and canyons, Amangiri is a secluded resort that is perfectly blended into its environment. The resort was built using local stones and materials to reflect the landscape of its surroundings, with a structure that was designed with minimal impact on the environment. Additionally, the resort features large windows to provide both panoramic canyon views and more natural lighting, reducing energy consumption.
From the design to the inner workings of the hotel, sustainability is a large priority. Environmental practices such as sustainable energy through solar panels, water-conservation fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient construction are followed to minimise water and power consumption. This thoughtful approach allows the resort to reduce its environmental impact while offering guests an unforgettable experience. Preserving nature and its animals is also important to Amangiri. The resort supports land conservation efforts by working with local wildlife organisations, ensuring that the local fauna and flora are protected. They also encourage and prioritize the restoration of local flora species, using environmentally friendly practices that don’t consume too much water. These efforts showcase the resort’s dedication to sustaining the natural landscape that attracts guests from around the world.
The sustainability efforts at Amangiri are incredibly impressive, especially when paired with the luxurious offerings provided to guests. Guests who stay at Amangiri enjoy private suites with a personal desert-view pool, incredible gourmet dining with local organic foods, and eco-friendly activities such as stargazing, guided biking trips, wellness programs, and spa treatments. The resort strikes an exemplary balance between providing guests with unparalleled luxury while prioritising sustainability. As a result, Amangiri is recognised and awarded for being one of the top eco-luxury destinations on the planet, and it serves as a perfect model for other hotels of how to harmonise with nature.
Our eco-friendly partners provide more than just a sense of calm; they empower those who stay by showing that their choices can positively impact the environment. These accommodations remind us that we don’t have to give up enjoyment to benefit the Earth—luxury and sustainability can thrive alongside one another. This mindset can extend beyond travel; these stays can inspire us all to adopt sustainable practices in our own homes.
Eco-luxury is only growing from here, and these destinations confirm that it can be both effortless and indulgent. With travellers becoming more conscious of their environmental footprint, eco-luxury offers the perfect combination of sustainability and extravagance. With more resorts and accommodations taking steps to reduce waste, minimise energy use, and support local communities, the shift toward eco-consciousness is shaping the future of luxury travel and paving the way for even more luxurious yet sustainable experiences.