Find your next holiday destination and do good for the Planet.

The best thing about January is that we can start planning our next trip. Christmas is behind us (and the big expenses that go with it!), we are back at work, a bit depressed and scrolling through e-mails advertising airline sales and whatnot.

These past few days I have been DAY DREAMING of being on a tropical beach, sipping on a drink under a palm tree, and I am sure you have too!

I have been wondering where I could go next and thought: what if you picked the hotel first and that will be the destination?!

You might think it is weird, but let me explain.

Firstly, chances are you will go somewhere you never thought of before. Secondly, as an architect/designer, I LOVE discovering beautiful hotels, I’d be willing to go wherever to see a specific building. Thirdly, in the spirit of being more eco-conscious, I am trying to find eco-resorts or lodges to stay at to reduce my environmental impact. We all know travelling is not good for the environment, but a life without travel is just not a life.

I started paying the extra carbon emission fee, to reduce my “flying footprint” . I also started saying no to single use items during my flights. Check out my travel essentials here. Trust me, having your own things makes your flight a lot comfier!

So, I have compiled the most amazing Eco lodges located by the beach. Not resorts, not hotels, LODGES.

What is an Eco-Lodge?

If you wonder what the difference is, hotels are considered to be located more in cities, while resorts are located on bigger properties and offer fancy amenities like spas etc. They are generally the most luxurious.

Lodges are more often located in pristine natural environments, a bit remote. The architecture is usually more in line with the local culture and traditions, conscious about its environmental impact. They also usually have around 10 rooms, meaning you actually get to know people and never have to fight for a lounge chair by the pool!

I don’t know about you but this is exactly the kind of place I want to stay at!

The last reason why you should choose your destination based on the accomodation is that these eco lodges promote eco-tourism and often offer some sort of unique experience. Think diving in a marine reserve, participating in a local green initiative or getting to know the locals.

Let me know which one of these eco lodges is your favourite in the comments below!

1. Laguna Lodge, Guatemala

Laguna Lodge is located on Lake Atitlan, in its own nature reserve, running on solar energy, collecting rainwater and working towards zero waste. The suites are straight out of a movie with a million dollar view.

2. Jicaro Island Lodge, Nicaragua

At the Jicaro Lodge, you get to stay in a 2 storey Casita nestled in a patch of jungle. Go kayak on the lake, explore the forest or visit the base of the Monbacho Volcano.

The lodge works closely with the community and is near self sufficient.

3. Dirk Hartdog Island Eco Lodge, Australia

On the west coast of Australia, the Dirk Hartdog Island Eco-Lodge describes itself as a “Rustic Luxury Retreat”.

Right on the beach, it is simple and relaxed but quite exclusive. If you are after a proper Aussie experience with a bit of luxury, this is your best bet!

4. Chumbe Island Coral Park, Zanzibar

6 km west of the largest island of Zanzibar, Chumbe Island offers Eco-bungalows that have a near zero impact on the environment. You cannot get more authentic than this!

If you want to feel like Robinson Crusoe, this is the perfect place for you.

5. Lapa Rios Lodge, Costa Rica

Set in a 1000 Acre Rainforest Reserve, the Lapa Rios Lodge is located in the middle of the last remaining tropical lowland rainforest, spot rare monkeys and the occasional sloth from you open air bungalows with ocean views.

The lodge is self sufficient, they grow their own organic products, educate the community about sustainability and employ local staff only.

6. Swell Lodge, Christmas Island

Nestled in the middle of a National Park, Swell Lodge is very eco-committed. From solar power to composting toilet and compostable everything. They also offer eco-activities such as turtle nesting excursions. Christmas Island is also where you can see thousands of red crabs migrating!

7. Sundy Praia, Principe

Located on as Island 130 miles of West Africa, stay in a stunning tented villa overlooking the sea. Explore the amazing wildlife or go meet the locals.

The Sundy Praia Lodge is a pioneer in recycling initiatives and is thriving to completely eliminate plastic from the island

8. Tsara Komba Lodge, Madagascar

We have a WINNER! this one is my favourite of all, I already e-mailed boyfriend saying this is where I want to go next! I mean look at it!

The Tsara Komba Lodge is the village’s top employer, they leased the village land for 99 years so villagers would not get evicted, AND! They started a non profit that has restored dwellings, cleaned water pipes to the village and built a child care. Just this should make us go there! Cherry on top: the eco lodge is simply stunning and the things you can see and do there are once in a lifetime opportunities.

I'll see you there!

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