From the rainforests of Costa Rica to the snow-capped trees of Sweden, these eco-retreats offer a luxuriously sustainable adventure you will never forget.
LAPA RIOS ECOLODGE, COSTA RICA (pictured above)
Immerse yourself in the Costa Rican jungle, have breakfast with the local monkeys, or sip your tea listening to the native birds sing. Lapa Rios is surrounded by one of the most biodiverse rainforests on the planet, where you can see hundreds of species of wildlife, all in the same 24 hours. These bungalows exist in harmony with the land, hand-made from bamboo and recycled materials with a lowimpact build to ensure that this is an eco-retreat you’ll never forget. www.laparios.com
ECOCAMP PATAGONIA, CHILE
Inspired by the nomadic Patagonian people, these dome-shaped suites are like something out of a dream. Nestled in the heart of the Torres del Paine National Park and surrounded by the beautiful mountain range, you will find nothing but breathtaking adventure here. Each dome is made to blend in with its surroundings and offers the best carbon neutral services to help you reconnect with nature, and disconnect from the busy modern world. www.ecocamp.travel
TOPAS ECOLODGE, VIETNAM
Hidden away in the Sapa Valley, the Topas Ecolodge crowns atop a hill that mingles with the clouds. Founded upon the ideals of sustainability, and run by the local people, this getaway offers a return to nature. The Ecolodge grows its own vegetables, and food waste is returned to the local village to be reused in their households. The property is surrounded by the beautiful Hoang Lien National Park full of hiking and mountain bike trails. www.topasecolodge.com
IL NGWESI, KENYA
Tucked on the edge of the Kenyan Mararoi hills, this eco-lodge is completely run by the local Maasai people, who are known to treat their guests like a member of the family. The buildings are made entirely out of local materials, complete with a thatched roof and clay walls, and offer an immersive cultural experience where you are one with the African wildlife. Il Ngwesi proudly owns 8,500 hectares of conservation land and as a result, the ecosystem has flourished. www.ilngwesi.com
SAL SALIS NINGALOO REEF, AUSTRALIA
What better way to experience the breathtaking beauty of our Australia than by sleeping in a luxury tent along the beach, far away from the worries of civilisation. Lining the coast of Exmouth, Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef offers a rustic outback experience that showcases the biodiversity of the sea and the bush. Swim alongside whale sharks or spot an echidna, relax in a hammock or go for a stroll along the beach. www.salsalis.com.au
SÁPMI NATURE CAMP, SWEDEN
Experience the nature of the Artic Circle in these traditionally built lavvu tents hidden away in the trees of Sjavnja nature reserve. Run by a local Sami family, this eco-retreat is free from electricity, everything is powered by either firelight or the beautiful northern lights above. You can borrow traditional wooden skis and traverse the snowy landscape or envelop yourself into the local Sami culture and learn the heritage of the land. www.sapminature.com
LAS NUBES DE HOLBOX, MEXICO
Las Nubes de Holbox is the perfect example of how a relaxing getaway doesn’t need to come at the expense of the wildlife. They operate by coexisting with the natural world around them, offering you a tropical paradise while fostering sustainable practices. They operate by having responsible consumption, biodegradable products, waste-free food, and even ensure that all lights are dimmed during turtle hatching season, as to not mimic the moon that guides baby turtles to the sea. www.lasnubesdeholbox.com
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This article was originally published in Issue 17 – Shine a Light. You can purchase this issue and enjoy more enchanting content here.
