Where are the best places to visit for an eco-friendly break?

We all love to travel, but many of us are becoming increasingly mindful of our carbon footprint and are looking to stay somewhere that has strong values when it comes to sustainability. However, who says that luxury and sustainability need to be mutually exclusive? You can enjoy an eco-friendly break without sacrificing the finer things in life. Wherever you go in the world, here is our round up of some of the best go-to green destinations you need to add to your travel bucket list.

Botswana

Considered to be one of the one of the ‘greenest’ safari camps on the planet, the Zarafa Camp in Botswana is one of the country’s most luxurious places to stay. Guests can take advantage of the camps exclusive game viewing experiences and will stay in a luxury tent with an open layout bathroom which comes complete with a roll top bath, a private plunge pool and outdoor shower.

All the camp’s electricity comes from its dedicated solar farm, while ‘bio gas’ plants recycle waste into usable cooking gas on which to cook the most delicious meals.

Wildlife lovers will rejoice in the ample wildlife watching opportunities as 40% of Africa’s entire elephant population are in Botswana. Solar-powered boats and electrical vehicles are used for game viewing, with the aim to offer visitors a carbon and emission-free game viewing experience.

Italy

If you are in search of a secluded retreat which offers a holistic approach to not only your holiday but your well-being too, then you should look no further than the award-winning Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda.

Situated in a 27-acre nature reserve, surrounded by olive groves and overlooking Lake Garda, this stunning eco-spa is dedicated not only to provide a holistic approach to guest health and well-being, but also to protecting the environment.

The resort is also completely carbon neutral too and prides itself on its commitment to sustainability

Retreat and relax in the innovatively-designed spa which is home to a saltwater pool and an infinity pool overlooking the lake.

Cambodia

Song Saa Private Island is Cambodia’s first luxury private island resort and has some seriously strong eco-friendly credentials.  They have recycling and waste initiatives in place and are involved in a variety of sustainability projects in nearby villages. They even have their very own Song Saa Foundation where guests can get involved with various community initiatives.

All the villas have an ocean view, a private pool and come with an effortlessly cool design which includes four-poster beds, Moroccan lanterns and carved statues giving it a real eco-chic feel.

Dine outside and enjoy the 360-degree views of the ocean which makes for a spectacular view point for both sunrise and sunset.

Switzerland

Situated in the pristine Swiss Alps, the Whitepod Eco Resort provides you with an eco-friendly yet glamorous experience. Guests can stay in a James Bond style pod which comes with your very own Bond style bed, champagne bar and private sauna.

White Pod’s philosophy is very much about saving the environment whilst getting away from it all. The pods are minimal impact which means that they utilise minimal water and electricity and only use renewable resources wherever they can. 

Kenya

Campi ya Kanzi (Camp of the Hidden Treasure) is an award-winning, boutique eco-lodge in Kenya that sets a new standard for luxury safaris that are also ecologically low-impact. It demonstrates that you can have the comfort and service of a top hotel without compromising on your green credentials.

Not only can you enjoy a luxury break, but you will be helping to support a meaningful conservation project. Campi ya Kanzi was built using only local materials that had fallen from trees naturally and their water is sourced from the rain using their special catchment system.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is leading the way as one of the world’s most successful eco-tourism destinations and is renowned for its abundance of pristine beaches, lush rainforests, volcanoes, fascinating wildlife and incredible natural beauty. Impressively, 98.1% of the country’s electricity came from renewable sources in 2016 alone.

The Lapa Rios Lodge is surrounded by over 1000 acres of protected rainforest and sits adjacent to the Corcovado National Park which is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Guests will stay in a thatched roof bungalow and can take advantage of the salt-based pool, yoga classes and Ayurvedic massages. They have several community-based initiatives which includes installing water pumps and solar panels to supply clean water and electricity to local communities.

Vietnam

The Topas Ecolodge is the only one of its kind in Vietnam and sits in an idyllic location in the spectacular Sapa valley. The lodge is based on sustainable principles to ensure it has a minimum impact on the surrounding environment. It provides employment opportunities to people from nearby villages and uses local products and goods to bring economic benefits to the community. Why not travel to Sapa by bus from Hanoi? The journey takes around eight hours and you can even take an overnight sleeper bus. Whilst you are in the region, why not take part in a trek thorugh the mountains? 

Why not speak to your Personal Travel Expert to organise a fabulous eco-friendly break today?