Tourism is the largest industry in the world. The effects of this industry on the environment can be seen immediately, and it’s only growing with a projected 1.8 billion tourists by 2030. From the depletion of natural resources to pollution and waste problems, tourism contributes to more than 5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. So what’s the answer? Eco-tourism. Eco-tourism offers a greener alternative, with potential benefits for both the environment and the economies of the tourist destinations. Traveling consciously and take care of the planet by staying at eco-friendly hotels. Here are 10 Eco-Friendly hotels perfect for a creative retreat.
Don’t forget to plan your creative retreat before your trip.
Eco-Friendly Elements
- Constructed with sustainable materials
- Green and sustainable solutions
- Water and Energy Conservation
- Serving Locally Grown Food
- Recycling and Composting Program
- Cultural Tourism Activities
Azulik is a 48-villa eco-resort in Tulum, Mexico. This mystical destination brings together nature, art, and ancestral wisdom for healing and wellness. All of the villas are hand-built from wood with eco-friendly materials sourced locally. Each accommodation style celebrates one of the four natural elements, with a focus on relaxation, rejuvenation, and healing. The buildings of AZULIK are immersive works of art that inspire through the irregular lines and asymmetric harmony of organic architecture. AZULIK says they aim to reconnect individuals and tribes –both native and contemporary– with themselves, with one another, and with the environment.
Creative Activities
- Gastronomy
- Dive into the Gran Cenote
- Explore the ancient Maya city of Tulum
- Holistic wellness and ancient rituals at Azulik
- Scuba diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean sea
In a richly forested mountain setting, 90 minutes and a world away from Tokyo, Hoshinoya Karuizawa showcase retreat provides the ultimate fresh-air escape with award-winning ecotours, acclaimed birdwatching, and healing hot springs. After a day on woodland trails, relax with seasonal cuisine, spa, and treatments inspired by Zen precepts, or enjoy a cypress-bath soak in the privacy of your spacious guestroom. Hoshinoya Karuizawa is an eco-hotel that embraces the local community and culture and is also a self-sustaining resort that respects the environment. Beyond sustainable practices, this eco-hotel has teamed up with wildlife organization Picchio, which offers a range of eco-tourism experiences.
Creative Activities
- Eco-Tours
- Horse Riding
- Cultural Hikes
- Meditation Bath
- Hot Spring and Spa
Rancho Margot is a sustainable & off the grid eco-lodge located in El Castillo, Costa Rica. With 17 deluxe bungalows that can house up to 4 people, their facilities are an ideal space to relax, enjoy, and disconnect from the stress of city life. Each bungalow has its own terrace on which you can enjoy the incredible views while relaxing or working on a creative project. Rancho Margot is a family enterprise where everyone is welcome. In addition to a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for creativity, they also host a sustainable living program. Improve your eco-literacy, learn new skills, have a holistic experience to improve well-being, and immerse yourself in the local community with volunteering opportunities.
Creative Activities
- Sky Adventures Arenal Park
- Immersion and Volunteer Programs
- Guided Yoga Class
- Guided Ranch Tour
- Arenal Eco Zoo
Are you looking for an eco-friendly hotel for a creative retreat in the land that inspired Stephen King?
Inn By The Sea is a luxury hotel committed to green initiatives located on the coast of Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Luxury and sustainability come naturally at this beachfront hotel with 57 rooms featuring elegant, coastal-themed décor. They strive to blend luxury, service, as well as minimizing the impact of hotel operations with eco-friendly initiatives including, a garden habitat for wildlife, a fitness center with recycled rubber floors, energy and water conservation, and many more.
The surrounding area is rich in scenic and recreational opportunities. Enjoy your creative breaks by visiting their sea-inspired spa treatment center, find activities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts, and take in the spectacular ocean views while eating at their restaurant that serves fresh, local, and vegan-friendly cuisine.
Creative Activities
- Two Lights State Park
- Portland Head Lighthouse
- Crescent Beach State Park
- Fishing
- Walking Tours
Situated on the coast of Bali, between Mount Batukaru and terraced rice fields, Soori Bali is a hidden refuge and eco-friendly hotel perfect for creative guests who seek to enrich their hearts and souls through authentic experiences. Crafted out of locally sourced materials such as sandstones and indigenous volcanic rocks, which creates a natural cooling effect, Soori Bali is committed to the environment and community. Following a long list of green initiatives, they are certified by the world’s largest certification program for sustainable travel, EarthCheck.
Perfect for creatives, Soori Bali is a place where guests come to do more than relax and escape – they come to be re-energized. Keeping things pure, their restaurants use fresh produce from nearby farms and spices from their own garden. Their Spa guides you towards a lasting sense of wellbeing through holistic healing and nurturing treatments. And they are surrounded by scenic wonders and activities for those seeking spiritual and recreational delights when taking breaks from creative work.
Creative Activities
- Surfing
- Countryside Bike Tour
- Take a Balinese Cooking Class
- Scuba Diving or Snorkeling
- Explore Rice Terraces
Located in Napa Valley, Bardessono is an eco-friendly hotel and spa experience that soothes, calms, and renews its guests with natural surroundings and a mindful approach to living the good life.
With a LEED Platinum certification, Bardessono is committed to a mission of sustainability and luxury. The facilities include an environmental design, solar-powered energy, water sourced from geothermal wells, organic cleaning products, a recycling and composting program, and many more green initiatives.
For the traveling creative, connect with other passionate creatives, and discover new perspectives in Yountville, a bustling community of artists and culture. Explore art galleries, museums, performing arts, hot air ballooning, walk to wineries, bike along vineyards, and more during your stay. And at the end of the day, excite your palate at Bardessono field-to-fork restaurant & bar, which offers seasonal dishes fresh from the garden and healthy selections from within and around Napa Valley.
Creative Activities
- Hot Air Balloon Over Napa Valley
- Art and Wine at Ma(i)sonry Gallery
- Bike Tours
- Yountville Art Walk
- Wine Tours
Nestled in the Italian countryside, Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda is an eco-friendly hotel with a bio-architecture design integrated into the local landscape. The interiors use natural materials from the area. They have a technological center that produces electricity, heating, and cooling through clean, renewable sources for a reduction in CO2 emissions of 1.130t year. The facility is orientated towards maximum water savings and even has a rainwater harvesting system.
Surrounded by gentle hills and natural terraces rich in olive trees and woods overlooking the lake, this is a magical place. It features a spa center, indoor and outdoor pools, panoramic views of the lake, delicious cuisine, and comfortable, bright, and spacious suites.
Creative Activities
- Italian Cooking Class
- Bike Tours
- Wine Tasting Tours
- Boat Tours
- Garda Thermal Park
Fairmont Kea Lani is an award-winning oceanfront paradise in Maui, Hawaii, committed to responsible tourism practices and sustainable hotel management. Since 2001, they have launched over 50 environmental initiatives including, the installation of 2,236 solar panels, sponsored reef and beach clean-ups throughout the year, donating all used soaps and amenities to Clean The World Foundation, and many more green initiatives.
The resort hosts an award-winning spa that offers experiences that combine the highest quality products with ancient Hawaiian traditions. Fuel your creative energy with island-inspired cuisine with your choice of six dining venues featuring four bars and one market.
When you need a creative break, jump into one of the three swimming pools, immerse yourself in authentic cultural experiences, and you’re never too far from ocean activities, known to boost creativity and well-being.
Creative Activities
- Surfing
- Scuba Diving and Snorkelling
- Take a Helicopter Tour
- Harvest your own meal at O’o Farm
- Attend a Luau
Six Senses in Con Dao Vietnam is a relatively new resort but has already made an impact with their commitment to environmental responsibility and a unique luxury experience for peace of mind. Six Senses is a community where everyone takes an active role in improving the ecological and carbon footprint of the resort and spa operation. National Geographic Traveler magazine rated them as one of the world’s top eco-lodges.
Surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes and stretched along 1.6 Kilometers of sandy beach, Six Senses is contemporary in design yet draws on the essence of a traditional fishing village. With 50 villas, each with private infinity pools and dreamy vistas, creative guests can relax with ease. The villas are single and duplex and have up to four bedrooms. When you’re taking a break from your creative projects, there’s plenty of activities for all ages ranging from water adventures, bicycle rides, fishing, hiking, and plenty of wellness and spa experiences.
Creative Activities
- Fishing
- Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
- Con Dao National Park
- Bicycle Tours
- Hiking
Camp Glenorchy is New Zealand’s first Net Zero Energy Retreat & Cabins. Nestled between the Humboldt and Richardson Mountains at the head of Lake Wakatipu, Camp Glenorchy aims to create a destination experience that “educates, inspires and delights visitors.” Whether you’re seeking time outdoors, memorable adventures, or some quiet time away, Camp Glenorchy is designed to inspire its guests. The resort serves as an example of sustainability in everything they do, hoping visitors will bring some of these ideas back to their own homes and communities.
With a long list of sustainable activities, they hope to share their commitment to a healthy relationship with the natural environment by creating a place where people feel comfortable, healthy, and inspired. The facilities use 50% less energy than similar facilities and generate 105% of the energy they need to use onsite. Their facilities also using 50% less water than similar facilities, operating within their water balance by collecting and treating rain and wastewater.
When taking breaks from your creative projects, experience everything that Glenorchy has to offer with a long list of outdoor activities, sustainability workshops, arts, and cultural events, wellness experiences, and end the day sipping the finest Otago wines and local food.
Creative Activities
- Walking Tours
- Glenorchy Air Scenic Flights and Helicopter Tours
- Scenic Lord Of The Rings Tours
- Photography Tours
- Arts & Sustainability Tour
Zach is an international writer, photographer, filmmaker, martial artist, and creator of Creative Enso, the Zen art of creative living. His goal is to empower and inspire creatives to live healthier, happier, and more creative lifestyles.
