Traveling Green: Top Luxury Resorts for Eco-Conscious Travelers

Today’s most forward-thinking hotels are proving that indulgence and sustainability can go hand in hand. From private island sanctuaries to sleek urban retreats, eco-luxury properties are redefining what it means to travel responsibly. These destinations don’t just provide world-class comfort and service—they also lead the way in conservation, renewable energy, and community impact. Here are five exceptional eco-luxury hotels around the globe that set the standard for sustainable indulgence. 

Soneva Fushi Resort – Baa Atholhu, Maldives

Often considered the pioneer of barefoot luxury, Soneva Fushi has woven sustainability into every detail of its operations. The resort runs almost entirely on solar power, recycles 90% of its waste, and has banned single-use plastics since 2008. It also features an on-site Waste-to-Wealth Center where glass, aluminum, and wood are repurposed into new materials—including a glass-blowing studio that turns discarded bottles into art. Organic produce is grown in the resort’s gardens, dramatically reducing food miles, while marine conservation programs help protect fragile coral reefs and local fish populations. Staying here means indulging in overwater villas and jungle hideaways while directly supporting one of the Maldives’ most ambitious sustainability programs.

Six Senses Zighy Bay – Zighy Bay, Oman

Nestled between dramatic mountains and a secluded bay, Six Senses Zighy Bay delivers an unforgettable setting with a light environmental footprint. Organic gardens supply fresh ingredients for its restaurants, and a comprehensive composting system ensures food waste is returned to the soil. The property has committed to eliminating all single-use plastics, and its Earth Lab gives guests insight into the resort’s sustainability projects, including coral reef restoration and community support programs. Villas are built using natural stone and wood, blending seamlessly with the desert landscape while minimizing environmental disruption.

The Brando – Tetiaroa, French Polynesia

On the pristine atoll of Tetiaroa, The Brando sets the gold standard for eco-luxury. The resort runs entirely on renewable energy, using solar panels, coconut oil biofuel, and a pioneering seawater air-conditioning system that cuts energy use by 90%. Wastewater is treated and reused for irrigation, while rainwater and organic gardens further reduce resource consumption. As the world’s first LEED Platinum-certified resort, The Brando was built with sustainable materials and continues to operate as a carbon-neutral property. Beyond infrastructure, it partners with the Tetiaroa Society, funding conservation projects such as coral restoration, turtle monitoring, and invasive species removal, while also safeguarding Polynesian culture through educational and community initiatives.

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

Situated in Brooklyn Bridge Park, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is an exemplar of urban eco-luxury that seamlessly integrates nature into the cityscape. A LEED Gold–certified sanctuary, the hotel features energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, LED lighting, occupancy-based thermostats, and HVAC energy recovery to minimize its environmental footprint. About 25 % of its rooftop is lush green space, which helps absorb CO₂, produce oxygen, and mitigate the urban heat island effect. The design embraces local heritage and sustainability through furnishings made from reclaimed materials—such as heart-pine from the Domino Sugar Factory—and natural, Brooklyn-made artistry. The hotel also supports the community and the planet through charitable partnerships and by using its platform to elevate causes that matter.

Fogo Island Inn – Joe Batt’s Arm, Canada

Perched on the rugged shores of Fogo Island, Fogo Island Inn embodies regenerative design rooted deeply in respect for nature, culture, and community. The inn’s low-impact construction preserved the land’s ancient features—collecting and restoring mosses, grasses, and plants post-construction—and employed local materials like wood paneling and rocks. Built with a high-insulation steel frame and triple-glazed windows, its energy-efficient systems include solar panels, wood-fired boilers, heat-recovery ventilators that exchange all indoor air every 15 minutes, and sustainable greywater and rainwater recycling to reduce waste and conserve resources. Handcrafted furniture and textiles are made on the island using local materials, while lighting is minimized to protect natural darkness. The building’s modest footprint and thoughtful design help it blend into the landscape, while its operations—including water conservation, renewable heating, and ecological wastewater treatment—demonstrate a radical commitment to sustainability and cultural integrity.