Solar energy? Biomass heating technologies? Yep, probably not what you're looking for when picking a hotel. But actually a number of hotels go the extra mile for the good of the environment, so you don't really have to think about it.
With solar-powered electricity, structural elements made from natural materials and downright beautiful scenery, you'll definitely find a destination where you can travel responsibly.
Below, we've compiled a big list of some of the top eco-friendly hotels in the world.
DDG Retreat, Casares, Andalusia
Where?
A beautiful eco bolt-hole, about one hours drive from Malaga, set in four hectares of natural woodland.
Eco credentials:
If you're looking for a burst of pure, guilt-free escapism, you're in the right place. The retreat's six casas are built to blend with the landscape and to protect the forest, losing only three trees in construction and replacing those trees with 100 others. It also has it's own water supply from underground reservoir, and the pool uses an ozone cleaning system instead of chlorine. A new tree is planted for every booking, they use local produce in the restaurant and, despite being super remote, free bike loans are on offer to discourage the use of cars.
Casas from £72 pp, room only. For more info click here.
White Pod, Switzerland
Where?
The Swiss Alps with incredible scenic views.
Eco Credentials:
First up, you sleep in luxurious pods that double as 'low impact accommodations'. This means you use minimal water and electricity, produce less waste and utilise renewable resources. Plus, you're living in the mountains - fresh air!
From £550 per night, to book click here.
Hix Island House
Where?
Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico
Eco credentials:
Designed and launched in 2000 as a hillside eco-retreat by the architect John Hix (he specialises in energy-efficient buildings), this house runs on batteries charged through solar power. It also recycles rainwater, was designed to catch cooling winds and returns grey-water to the environment. It features outdoor showers, but no phones, TV or air-conditioning.
Prices start from £91 per night for the Rectangular Gallery. For more info click here.
Basecamp Explorer Eagle View, Kenya
Where?
Mara Naboisho Conservancy, in a remote and undeveloped part of the Mara.
Eco credentials:
Voted one of the most sustainable lodges by the National Geographic, this hotel was built using recycled steel, sustainably sourced wood, certified bamboo and local materials. The electricity and hot water is powered by solar energy and, unlike many safari lodges built on ancestral Maasai lands, Eagle View supports the local community directly, paying a guaranteed income to each of the 500 families who own the Naboisho Conservancy.
Doubles from £558 including full board, airstrip transfer, walking tours & game drives. For more info click here.
The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Maldives
Where?
On its own little island in the Maldives.
Eco credentials:
This island is quite literally a dream come true. On top of that, it's self-sufficient, the sea water purification plants produce all their own water, it has it's own sewage recycling plant and reusable fuel generators, plus they grow the majority of the produce used in the restaurants.
Doubles from £218, B&B. For more info click here.
Fogo Island Inn
Where?
The the wild northern coast of Newfoundland, which is the most easterly province of Canada.
Eco Credentials:
Owner/founder Zita Cobb drew on the island’s past and area’s rich heritage to create this striking and unique retreat. In 2017, Cobb received the Order of Canada in Ottawa for her dedication for rural development. All the building materials were locally sourced and sustainable, and recycling, composting, renewable solar and wood-burning energy sources are in place throughout the inn. Plus, just look at it.
Double rooms from £914. For more info click here.
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba
Where?
The pretty island of Aruba, Caribbean
Eco credentials:
Firstly, this resort has won more than 24 environmental awards. And even before you've got there, their use of eco-friendly paper for marketing materials has saved 82 trees. They also use solar panels for hot water (and have the lowest per-occupied-room electricity usage of all hotels in Aruba), local suppliers and products and in-room dispensers for locally made shampoos, conditioners and lotions, which cuts down on plastics. Oh, and the bathroom water is treated and reused in the gardens, so the plants win too.
Doubles from £185, B&B. For more info click here.
Hotel Santa Teresa, Brazil
Where?
In the arty barrio of Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro.
Eco credentials:
Santa Teresa was built with sustainable natural materials such as coconut, burnt slate, banana tree fibres, wild cotton, and tropical hardwoods, Objets dart are sourced from local artisans, helping the artistic community and the furniture is made from sustainable Amazonian timber.
Doubles from £215, room only. For more info click here.
Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
Where?
North-west of San Jose, on the edge of the Parque Nacional Volcan Arenal, Costa Rica.
Eco credentials:
This was Costa Ricas first carbon-neutral resort, dedicated to protecting 700 acres of surrounding forest. All of the resort's water is naturally heated by the neighbouring Arenal volcano, and it features low flow showers to help conserve water.
Doubles from £159 B&B. For more info click here.
Coco Palm, Maldives
Where?
Dhuni Kolhu, Maldives.
Eco credentials:
The island grows fruit, vegetables, spices, herbs, and orchids in its own garden. There is an on-site drinkable water production and bottling plant, and glass bottles are used to reduce the use of plastic. The Sea Turtle Nest Protection Programme monitors turtles, prevents poaching, and releases baby turtles into the ocean to increase survival chances, plus the Coral Nursery Programme helps to regenerate and preserve the broken reef.
Beach Villa (for two) from £167, B&. For more info click here.
Where?
Pembrokeshire, Wales.
Eco credendiats:
The Grove sources food locally and from their own kitchen garden, use fresh, UV filtered spring water from their own boreholes and produces fresh honey from its two bee hives. The hotel itself uses energy-saving light bulbs and LED lighting, and solar panels supply electricity. A wildlife pond, bird boxes, planted wild meadows and trees, and ancient hedgerows sustain many species of birds, butterflies and other wild life.
Doubles from £180, B&B. For more info click here.
Fattoria San Martino, Italy
Where?
Montepulciano, Tuscany.
Eco credentials:
The hotel is all about the organic. It features organic sheets, honey, and soap in each room. There's even organic paint on the walls and no electrical circuits (it makes for a better nights sleep, apparently). The interiors are simple and made from wood, stone and natural fibres, plus there's an organic swimming lake, and a 'bio pond' with a completely natural filter system.
Doubles from £125, B&B, for more info click here.
Casas Bioclimáticas, Canary Islands
Where?
Tenerife, Canary Islands.
Eco credentials:
Las Casas Bioclimáticas ITER (bioclimatic houses) are the worlds first village of carbon-free homes.Oopened in March 2010, the 24 villas are all autarkic (do not depend on external energy sources) and were developed by the Institute for Renewable Energy in Tenerife (ITER). Each house is fitted with sensors that test temperature, humidity and air movement.
House for 2 people from £111 per day (room only, self catering). For more info click here.
Titanic Spa, Yorkshire
Where?
Huddersfield, Yorkshire
Eco credentials:
You'll get your own private borehole, which provides pure filtered Yorkshire water. The spa also uses solar power generated electricity, features two electric car parking stations, sells organic, Fair Trade, locally- sourced food. The spa also uses eco brand NEOM Organics. Doubles from £220, B&B, for more info click here.
