These 5 eco-hotels delight nature lovers with hands-on experiences
More and more, vacation destinations are proving that luxury and eco-tourism are not mutually exclusive. At these five places, you can vacation with a good conscience.
February 7, 2023
Reef rescue in Seychelles
Beautiful reef, beautiful place to stay. © Raffles
Guests in the dreamlike island paradise will not only want to see white sand and crystal clear sea, there is also a dream of a colorful underwater world to be discovered. To ensure that this remains as it is, there is a coral protection program in place. In cooperation with the environmental organization Nature Seychelles, the luxury resort Raffles Seychelles is committed to improving the ecological diversity of the sea. It also aims to promote eco-tourism on the island, and to strengthen the resilience of endangered reefs. Guests can get up close and personal with the conservation project during guided snorkeling tours.
Raffles Seychelles
Anse Takamaka Baie Saint Anne Praslin, Baie Ste Anne, Seychelles
Web: raffles.com
Tel: +248 4 296 000
Price: Doubles from about € 950
Supporting Communities in Patagonia Park
The rugged beauty fascinates. © Patagonia Park Argentina
The newly expanded Patagonia Park Argentina is the dream destination for adventurers who want to hike panoramic roads, and observe wildlife and camp under the stars off the beaten track. The wild beauty of South America can be experienced here in all its glory. The park is 180,000 square meters in size. Run by the Freyja Foundation and financed by the organization Rewilding Argentina, it is one big adventure playground for nature fans. Best of all, trips to less-visited parts of the world help boost the local economy.
La Posta de Los Toldos
RN 40, a 57km al sur de Perito Moreno, Z9040 Perito Moreno, Santa Cruz, Argentina
Web: lapostadelostoldos.com
Tel: +54 297 520-4576
Price: double from €290
Clean beaches in Crete
Ingredients fresh from the farm. © Cretan Malia Park
The beautiful Greek island is a natural beauty. To keep it that way, the Design Hotel Cretan Malia Park is committed to sustainability on many levels. The conservation of resources is driven forward as well. The guests do not have to do without luxury. In the context of various cooking classes, cultural exhibitions, and beach clean ups, they can participate in the sustainable vision, as much or as little as they like. A great example is the Phāena Farmers program. This involves training employees in how to run an organic farm. Cretan Malia Park commits to buying some of the produce. In this way, the operators have an income even in the low season, and the guests of the hotel always have fresh food.
Cretan Malia Park
Malia 700 07, Greece
Web: cretanmaliapark.gr
Tel: +30 2897 031461
Price: double incl. breakfast from approx. €140
Gardening on Langkawi
Breathtaking nature everywhere you look. © The Datai
The Malaysian island is a dream for eco-tourism. Its lush nature, densely overgrown hilltops, and white sandy beaches characterize the panorama. The iconic luxury resort The Datai Langkawi has made the protection of this natural jewel a priority. Experienced naturalists and marine biologists teach guests young and old about nature. Those who wish to can learn all about sea turtles, upcycling, and organic food production. A special feature is the "Little Gardener" program. Guests can help plant the resort's own garden.
The Datai Langkawi
Jln Teluk Datai, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
Web: thedatai.com
Tel: +60 4-950 0500
Price: double incl. breakfast from approx. €820
Protect turtles on Aruba
The Adults-Only hotel is committed to the environment. © Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort
The Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort also proves how luxurious eco-tourism can be. It is one of the most romantic and at the same time sustainable accommodations in the Caribbean. Its creator, the Austrian Ewald Biemans, has been committed to active animal and environmental protection for decades. Waste management, reduced energy consumption, and regionality are firmly rooted in the hotel's DNA. Guests are actively involved as well. They can help fence turtle nests, participate in beach cleanups, or generate electricity on the cardio machines in the gym. Pretty cool stuff!
Bucuti & Tara Beach
L.G. Smith Boulevard 55B, Oranjestad, Aruba
Web: bucuti.com
Tel: +297 583 1100
Price: double incl. breakfast from approx. €670
