In a world where wanderlust and environmental consciousness collide, a new breed of traveller has emerged – one that seeks not only to explore the world but also to leave it better than they found it. Embark on a virtual voyage to explore the wonders of sustainable travellers’ highlights from visiting eco villages. From the lush rainforests of Costa Rica to the serene retreats of Scotland, we’ll unravel the secrets of these eco-friendly havens and discover why they’ve become a beacon for sustainable travel enthusiasts.
Exploring Sustainable Travel in Eco Villages
Yulia Saf – Miss Tourist
What I love about eco-villages is their commitment to the environment. They often rely on renewable energy resources, implement waste recycling practices, and source food locally. During my stay in an eco-village in Bali, I was amazed that it ran completely on solar power.
The accommodation in these eco-villages is an adventure in itself. I have stayed in everything from treehouses in Costa Rica to yurts in Mongolia. However, what truly sets these accommodations apart is their dedication to sustainability. One particular eco-village in Portugal I visited was furnished entirely with recycled materials. It was not only eco-friendly but also a testament to innovation and creativity.
One of the highlights for me when visiting these eco-villages is their immersive cultural experience. For example, I worked alongside locals in an allotment in Spain, which gave me a firsthand understanding of their greener lifestyle. You can find more about this experience on my blog, miss-tourist.com.
Visiting an eco-village is not just about travel but also about embracing a more sustainable and enriching lifestyle that honours our planet, Mother Earth.
Luxury Meets Sustainability in Eco Villages
Nadia Podrabinek – Why This Place
Glamping in eco-villages is a truly enriching experience that seamlessly blends the comfort of modern amenities with the raw beauty of nature. What I love about these places is their commitment to sustainability and the environment. It’s not just about luxury tents with comfortable beds, but about reducing our carbon footprint and being responsible travelers. You’re not merely a tourist here; you’re part of a community that values the environment as much as you do. There’s also something incredibly refreshing about waking up to the sound of bird songs, the smell of fresh air, and the sight of magnificent landscapes right outside your tent. It redefines travel, giving it a new dimension that is much more meaningful and impactful.
The eco village I visited offered a fascinating blend of comfort and sustainability that truly redefined my camping experience. Instead of traditional tents, we stayed in luxurious, fully-equipped eco pods. These pods were not only spacious and seamlessly integrated into the natural surroundings but also had all the modern amenities one could wish for – comfortable beds, a kitchenette, a private bathroom, and even Wi-Fi. However, the village’s commitment to eco-friendliness stood out the most. The pods were powered by renewable energy, with wastewater being treated and reused. The food served was locally sourced and organic. It was a remarkable fusion of luxury and nature, one that provided an immersive experience unlike any other.
Photos: Nadia Podrabinek
Eco-Friendly Glamping in Costa Rica's EcoHaven
Hammer Tsui – A Fun Couple
My visit to EcoHaven, a remarkable eco-village nestled in the heart of the Costa Rican rainforest, included a truly exceptional glamping experience that I’ll cherish forever. The accommodations were nothing short of luxurious, as I resided in a spacious safari tent perched on a wooden platform, elegantly designed to blend seamlessly with the lush surroundings. What made this glamping experience stand out was its unwavering commitment to sustainability. The tent was powered by solar panels, ensuring a comfortable stay while minimizing the environmental impact. The large mesh windows allowed me to wake up to the sounds of nature, providing a truly immersive experience.
The farm-to-table dining was another highlight, with ingredients sourced from EcoHaven’s own organic garden and local farms. Dining in the open-air common area, surrounded by the rainforest canopy, added a touch of magic to every meal. The village also offered a range of communal activities, from guided rainforest hikes to yoga sessions and cooking classes focused on sustainable techniques using local ingredients.
Balancing adventure and relaxation, EcoHaven allowed me to explore jungle trails in the morning and unwind in a hammock on my tent’s private deck in the afternoons, soaking in the serene ambiance of the rainforest.
Cozy Chalets and Eco-Friendly Vibes in Glamping Gozdne Vile
Anna Krizova – Camino Adventures
Back in 2021, my husband and I stayed at Glamping Gozdne Vile, which was one of our highlights of that year. When we arrived, we were welcomed very warmly. However, just half an hour later, a thunderstorm started and we had to move into one of the “chalets” (small, triangle-shaped houses) we booked there. I can’t even begin to describe how cosy these places are – ours was equipped with an incredibly comfortable bed and had a fantastic, panoramic view of the valley. We even had a hot tub just outside the chalet.
I’m pretty sure that this glamping village we stayed at was actually eco-friendly. While we had no expertise to check this, the owner claimed that the chalets were made out of untreated, ecological larch wood, as well as that the bedding inside each of these small homes was made out of natural materials. But I can definitely confirm that the whole experience felt very eco-friendly, in the sense that we were surrounded by breathtaking nature with no garbage or anything similar in sight. We’re planning to return there either this autumn or next year in the spring.
Costa Rica's Eco Lodge - A Sustainable Dream
Marc Bromhall – Surf’s Up Magazine
I’m a surf travel blogger and have stayed in a fair few eco lodges in different parts of the world. The ethics of these places means that you feel good about yourself and your choice to stay in a place which has a low impact on the environment.
The best one I stayed was in the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. What I liked about it was the fact that it was almost entirely off-grid (I think about 15% of the electricity came from the national grid) and grew all its own fruit and vegetables and procured milk and eggs from local farmers. It was a vegetarian eco lodge which meant that it actually imported very little food, apart from pasta and rice. The lodge itself was entirely constructed using local materials – indigenous woods and slate.
Photo: Marc Bromhall
Findhorn Ecovillage - A Pioneering Sustainable Living Experience
Ethan Williams – Traveling Gossip
During one of my enlightening journeys, I found myself in the Findhorn Ecovillage, nestled in the northeastern part of Scotland. The sense of harmony between the community and the environment was palpable. Here, the modern world met age-old traditions in the quest for sustainable living.
What truly struck me about Findhorn was its innovative approach to eco-living. They’ve been pioneers in the field for decades, and it shows. The village is powered significantly by wind turbines, making a bold statement about renewable energy. The Living Machine is another marvel; it’s a natural wastewater treatment system that uses plants and microorganisms to purify water.
My accommodation in Findhorn was a charming, eco-friendly home built with sustainable materials. The use of whimsical designs, inspired by nature, particularly stood out. It was as if the house was whispering tales of the forests and the sea, with every brick and beam speaking of eco-conscious choices.
The community gardens were a delightful surprise. They practice organic gardening, ensuring that the food on your plate is as pure as the intentions behind this village. The community also emphasizes spiritual development and holistic well-being, showcasing that sustainability isn’t just about the environment, but also about nurturing the soul.
In my days at Findhorn, I realized it wasn’t just an ecovillage. It was a bold statement to the world – a testament that humans can indeed live in symbiotic harmony with nature, using the best of ancient wisdom and modern innovation.
Final Thoughts on Eco Villages for Sustainable Travelling
As we bid adieu to this adventure through the realm of eco villages, remember that sustainable travel is not just about the destinations; it’s about the mindset. It’s about realizing that every footstep can leave a mark, and it’s our choice whether that mark is one of sustainability or disregard for the planet. So, the next time you plan your getaway, consider the road less travelled—the one that leads to eco villages, where luxury meets nature, and where every moment spent aligns with a greener, more responsible future.
Photo: Alpine Nature Experience
And if you’re considering becoming a part of this incredible journey, whether as an eco village host or an intrepid traveller, don’t forget to explore the possibilities of Hypedome’s state-of-the-art glamping domes. These eco domes blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, offering comfort, sustainability, and a unique connection to the environment. Imagine waking up to the sounds of nature in the cosy embrace of an eco dome, where your comfort is as paramount as your commitment to eco-consciousness.
So, in the grand story of life, we are all just travellers passing through. Make your journey count by treading lightly and leaving a legacy of sustainability for generations to come. Happy eco-travels, and may your adventures always lead to a brighter, greener tomorrow!