Stunning Luxury Resorts That Take Care of the Planet

If your dreams of staying at a pampering resort have ever been spoiled by a pang of eco-guilt, we have some good news for you: You can have your organic, locally sourced cake and eat it, too. 

While not all resorts have sustainability in mind, curbing environmental impact definitely seems to be on the mind of more and more vacation resorts. And it makes sense — being green is actually good for business! Eco-conscious travelers can now enjoy all the perks of a relaxing vacation in secluded beaches and tropical jungles without worrying about causing irreparable harm to the surrounding ecosystems. 

Want to start planning your next environmentally friendly vacation? We’ve rounded up the 20 best sustainable resorts in the world and ranked them from good to the absolute best in ecotourism.

Location: Stateline, Nevada

Average cost: $$$

Number of guest rooms: 154 rooms and suites

Noteworthy amenities: Electric vehicle charging stations, canoes, heated lakeside pool, s’more-making in a fire pit

A Tahoe vacation is a bucket list must-do for outdoorsy types. Hiking and biking trails abound, and in the warmer months, you can swim in or canoe along the impossibly clear lake. But you can’t truly enjoy the great outdoors unless you’re taking care to preserve it, which The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe completely understands. 

The resort uses water from Lake Tahoe for its cooling system and cold-water needs. This combined with sourcing local materials and extensive bike lanes to discourage the unnecessary use of cars helps it reduce its carbon footprint. At this resort, you’ll get quiet and rustic wrapped up in chicness and sustainability.

Location: Savusavu, Fiji

Average cost: $$$$

Number of guest rooms: 25 bures

Noteworthy amenities: All-inclusive packages, children’s activity club, Cousteau dive center

This resort is the love project of one of the most famous environmentalists in the world, Jean-Michel Cousteau. (Yes, the son of Jacques Costeau.) It was the first property in Fiji to begin recycling, was built for minimal interference with the island’s natural environment and participates in reef-restoration initiatives. 

You can spend most of the day exploring the underwater wonders of Savusavu or enjoying beachside walks with the refreshing ocean breeze. But we’d encourage you to also add some unique activities to your vacation, like helping a marine biologist plant mangroves around the island.