Are you the kind of person who would like to make Mother Earth a little bit happier when you’re visiting another country?  Sure, you have to fly to travel but wouldn’t it be nice to stay in a hotel made with sustainable materials?  If so, then read on as we present the 12 most beautiful eco-friendly hotels in the world.

1.  Marataba Trails Lodge,  South Africa

The remote Marataba Trails Lodge is ensconced within Marakele National Park roughly two hours out of Pretoria.  This place is perfect for those who need to digitally detox and go off the grid.  The canvas-roofed rooms have no Wifi or any other similar distractions.  The lodge only hosts eight guests at a time.  The place is solar-powered and offers several different trails to explore the local Kransberg mountain range, gorges, and surrounding settlements. 

2.  Hoshinoya Karuizawa, Japan

Hoshinoya Karuizawa is located in the Nagano Prefecture just a short drive from the city of Tokyo.  The ceiling-high windows, continuous lines, and neutral colors of this resort hotel not only make it attractive but allow it to blend into its natural surroundings as well.  The resort is mainly powered by hydroelectricity via a system known as Energy in My Yard (EIMY).  One of the highlights here is the hot spring baths that date back to 1914. 

3.  Hix Island House, Puerto Rico

Hix Island House may only be a 22-minute flight away, but it’s well isolated from the hustle and bustle of the capital city of San Juan.  Designed by Canadian architect for which it is named, John Hix.  The buildings here were strategically constructed to take advantage of the popular cooling trade winds.  Hix used the famous wabi-sabi philosophy.  Adapt to nature.  Invite the imperfect and earthy into daily life and use natural materials.

4.  Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel, Switzerland

The Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel is ensconced in Valais.  This place is both minimalistic and yet luxurious.  It is located an hour and a half out of Geneva.

Here you will stay in a dome that comes complete with transparent PVC walls.  In the winter, you’ll be warmed by an old school wood-burning stove.  In the summer, the color of the day is green camouflage in order to blend in with the green hills there.

5.  Jetwing Vil Uyana, Sri Lanka

Jetwing Vil Uyana is a family-owned hotel located in Sigiriya.  It’s situated in a man-made wetland and a popular nature reserve that’s home to hundreds of amphibians, birds, butterflies, and mammals.  The owners use a sustainable strategy that is respectful of the environment and yet does not sacrifice in terms of comfort.  This place is only a few hours away from the bustling capital of Colombo.  You can see everything from atop Sigiriya Rock.   

6.  Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas, USA

You’ll find the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas in Las Vegas in the state of Nevada.  Here you will discover that ecotourism can indeed be posh.  This ultra-chic hotel reportedly has energy-saving lights, is cleaned with environmentally-friendly products, and even serves organic cuisine.  Need further proof that this Asian-inspired, luxury hotel is environmentally conscious?  Check its LEED rating.  It’s Gold!  So feel good about enjoying its sleek pools and great cocktails too.  

7.  Lefay Resort and Spa Lago di Garda, Italy

The famous five-star  Lefay Resort and Spa Lago di Garda is in Gargnano on the lovely Lago di Garda (Garda Lake) roughly 60 miles from the city of Verona.  Amidst this lovely landscape of natural terraces, rolling hills, and olive trees you’ll discover the absolute epitome of Mediterranean refinement.  The resort features a facade of stone and wood respectful of architectural integration.  Even the pool overflow is recycled for irrigation!

8.  Lisu Lodge, Thailand

The Lisu Lodge is located in the lush valley of well-known Chiang Mai.  It’s named after the neighboring Lisu tribal village.  The lodge is involved in a local program that allows guests to interact with the locals in an effort to conserve the heritage of Thailand.  You can take a bicycle tour and sample some tea at a nearby tea plantation.  Here you’ll also dine on traditional Thai meals and relax by an outdoor campfire too.

9.  h2hotel, USA

Not far from stunning San Francisco, California is the city of Healdsburg.  Here you will find the refined and discreet h2hotel.  It is famous for its green roof.

The hotel has a grass roof that actually manages the flow of rainwater in order to reduce the impact on neighboring Foss Creek.  It also helps preserve the city’s microclimate by reducing the amount of heat thrown off by the building.  Don’t forget to sample the hotel’s duck fat popcorn either!

10.  Park Hyatt Hyderabad, India

Don’t let the pristine suites and imposing facade of the Park Hyatt in Hyderabad fool you.  This virtual palace proves ecology and extravagance can go hand in hand.  This hotel employs policies and programs that make it water efficient.  

It also uses technology that reduces its carbon footprint and conserves energy as well.  In 2011 it earned a Gold certification from the folks at LEED.  Visit the Golconda citadel and fort too. 

11.  Finca Rosa Blanca Inn, Costa Rica

The fine Finca Rosa Blanca Inn is just a quick trip from famous San José.  Not far from active volcanoes, this inn is ensconced within an organic coffee plantation.  Open since 1985, the owners have worked hard to offer travelers eco-friendly accommodations that leave as little a trace as possible.  Their methods include everything from reusing coffee pulp as fertilizer to using an underground electrical system that is more wildlife-friendly.

12.  VIVOOD, Spain

You will find this landscape hotel in the Valencian town of Benimantell about an hour out of Alicante.  The goal here is to make being eco-responsible luxurious and to focus on nature awareness and local products.  Architect Daniel Mayo designed these minimalist, earth-toned, prefabricated suites that fit in with the leafy décor.  Veteran visitors say they appear to “extend towards the horizon.”  Don’t miss the stunning sunset here either!  

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