9 of the World's Most Luxurious Eco-Tourism Retreats

Eco-tourism is becoming increasingly popular—in 2018, a report by Sustainable Travel International revealed that 87 percent of travelers are interested in sustainable travel. Though this is a somewhat subjective term, 46 percent of survey respondents defined “sustainable travel” as staying in eco-friendly or green accommodations. Their reasons for choosing this kind of lodging included a desire to reduce their environmental impact (40% of respondents), to have a locally relevant experience (34%), and to feel good about their choice of accommodation (33%.)

Luxury eco-tourism can fulfill all these traveler preferences. Resorts and hotels operating under a responsible eco-tourism model are typically boutique properties that prioritize sustainability in a pristine natural environment. Rather than provide a generic luxury experience, these resorts offer one-of-kind comforts and help guests connect with nature in a meaningful way.

In this post, we’ll explore a handful of luxury eco-resorts and retreats from Mexico to Fiji, and the unique experiences they each have to offer.

Cuixmala Resort – Mexico

Nestled on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, the Cuixmala eco-luxe resort forms part of a 25,000-acre compound that was formerly owned by financier Sir James Goldsmith.

This lavish hotel offers expansive views across a sprawling nature reserve and the Pacific Ocean. As well as the main house, the property includes several secluded bungalows. There is also a two-mile private beach, a ranch and organic farm, and a range of onsite activities, including turtle conservation programs, horseback riding, and snorkeling.

Tivoli Eco Resort – Brazil

Designed by celebrated architect Jacobsen Arquitetura, the Tivoli Eco Resort lies on the northern coastline of Bahia, Brazil.

Comprising several apartments made from only natural materials, each with its own pool, the Tivoli Eco Resort provides expansive views across the Atlantic, making it the perfect spot for quiet reflection.

Lapa Rios Resort – Costa Rica

Thanks to its lush green jungles and dense vegetation, Costa Rica is a hotspot for eco-tourism. The Lapa Rios Resort is an environmentally sustainable retreat that is powered by a combination of solar energy and pig waste.

Initially created as a nature reserve, the property protects local flora and fauna as well as supports local communities. It was built with recyclable materials, and 80% of the resort’s waste is recycled.

Yun House Eco Resort – China

The Yun House Eco Resort is a truly unique destination. Comprising nine converted farmhouses, the resort is situated at the heart of a traditional Chinese village in northeast Yangshuo County.

The resort’s architects adopted a sensitive approach to development, modeling the building to honor the local culture and natural environment. Yangshuo is famous for its dramatic karst peaks that rise abruptly from the land. Constructed from timber and bamboo, the resort has an organic feel that harmonizes with the surrounding village.

Six Senses Resort – Vietnam

Situated on Vietnam’s Con Dao Island, the Six Senses Resort is an award-winning property that combines sustainability with luxury, culminating in a 35-room hotel with cantilevered roofs and natural ventilation.

Surrounded by green hills and situated on the beach, Six Senses Resort includes suites with indoor/outdoor areas and private infinity pools offering calming views of the nearby ocean.

The Brando – French Polynesia

Located on the Tahitian island of Tetiaroa, which was once exclusively used by Polynesian royalty, the Brando is a luxury resort with a comprehensive focus on sustainability.

From its coconut oil power station to its seawater air conditioning system, the Brando is a tropical paradise that prides itself on being carbon neutral.

Besides minimizing its ecological impact, the resort is actively involved in protecting local plant and animal life via its dedicated research station. Resident marine biologists monitor marine flora and fauna, analyze tides and sea temperatures, and nurse injured sea turtles back to health.

Southern Ocean Lodge – Australia

This spectacular lodge is located on Kangaroo Island, just off Australia’s south coast. Perched on top of a cliff, with sweeping views of the azure ocean and expansive coastline, the Southern Ocean Lodge features luxurious rooms with sea-view bathtubs and heated bathroom floors.

Resort guests are invited to take part in guided tours, including trips to Seal Bay, where visitors can observe sea lion families up close. Nearby Flinders Chase National Park is an untamed natural wilderness, offering glimpses of indigenous wildlife as well as expansive sea views.

Bay of Fires Lodge – Tasmania

The Bay of Fires Lodge offers luxury accommodation within a short walk of pristine, white sandy beaches.

The lodge is perched on a hilltop above the shoreline and is surrounded by a national park. It is also the only building within 20 kilometers, which lends a sense of solitude and calm.

Offering breathtaking views, the location is an area of cultural significance to the local Aboriginal community. It was constructed with eco-awareness in mind: all materials for the timber and glass pavilions were flown or brought in by hand so that no roads were created to disturb the environment.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort - Fiji

Located in the Savusavu region of Fiji’s second largest island, Vanua Levu, the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is a family-friendly retreat that places emphasis on marine conservation. (Jean-Michel Cousteau is the son of famed ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau and a prominent oceanographer in his own right.)

As the only resort in Fiji with its own on-site marine biologist, the property presents vacationers with a unique opportunity to take part in educational talks and guided walks, as well as offering snorkeling expeditions for small groups.