The world's top 10 genuine 'eco chic' stays

Some of the world’s most beautiful resorts have jumped on the eco-warrior bandwagon to offer a high-end experience that doesn’t cost the Earth.

These 10 eco-chic accommodations will allow you to live the luxe life with a clearer conscience.

Eco-friendly tourism is no longer a niche, it’s now a movement; and eco warriors are no longer just socks-and-sandals-wearing hippies with mung bean-heavy diets.

With a greater understanding of the need to reduce our carbon footprint, luxe-loving travellers are seeking ways to travel lighter without sacrificing quality.

While any hotel that labels itself ‘eco-friendly’ likely has practices in place to reduce water, waste and energy consumption, these resorts are going the extra mile.

1. Areias do Seixo, Portugal

Located on the Portuguese coast, just 35 minutes from Lisbon, Areias do Seixo is an architectural stunner; its concrete, steel, glass and wooden buildings blend beautifully into the surrounding landscape of sweeping dunes and sparkling ocean.

All rooms (bar one) have sea views, an open fireplace, wooden patio, a spacious bathroom with rainwater showerheads, large cosy beds, and a few have jacuzzis.

There’s a tranquil spa, an outdoor swimming pool (solar heated in winter), a restaurant and bar, cinema room, yoga and pilates classes, complimentary wine tasting, and bicycles for free use.

The hotel runs on a zero-paper policy with all hotel information provided digitally, including menus and wine lists. To reduce energy consumption including ‘vampire consumption’, small electrical equipment is disconnected from the power source where possible and all lighting is LED, with energy produced from photovoltaic panels.

The resort also supports local homeless programs by donating any food leftovers from events, and aims to keep the local waterways healthy by volunteering staff to assist with regular clean-ups.

Areias do Seixo, Portugal — The luxe eco-friendly tree room at Areias do Seixo in Portugal.

2. Campi ya Kanzi, Kenya

Luxury Campi ya Kanzi camp is located on a private game ranch supported by the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and has breathtaking views of Mt Kilimanjaro.

Beautifully constructed from local materials (lava rocks, thatched grass roofs), the intimate space sleeps 16 guests in eight safari tents (each with a private verandah, ensuite and cushy interiors), as well as a private villa for families that can sleep up to 10.

In between safaris, guests can relax in the central lodge, where meals are served, and watch out for animals at the nearby waterhole.

All food is cooked in ‘Agha’ stoves where charcoal made from coffee husks is used; this eco-friendly charcoal is a project of the United Nations Environmental Program.

Energy is produced by photovoltaic panels. All carbon emissions are fully offset into the REDD+ Chuyly Carbon Project.

Campi ya Kanzi Kenya private game ranch maasai eco stay — A room in Campi ya Kanzi constructed from local materials offers a luxurious stay.

3. Whitepod, Switzerland

Whitepod is a unique proposition sitting at an altitude of 1400 metres at the foot of the Dents du Midi mountain range, the start of the Swiss Alps.

Set on 200 hectares, the resort comprises 15 geodesic pods, all equipped with wood burning stoves, organic luxury bedding, bathrooms and breathtaking views of the Alps.

The Pod House hosts breakfast, a sauna, massage area, and bar, and the place is abuzz with activities throughout winter and summer: hiking, skiing, dog sledding, paragliding, horse riding, mountain biking, to name just a few.

The domes are the hero here: made of minimal material with a round design means airflow is ambient, equating to 30 per cent less energy consumption than a conventional building.

Night lighting in the resort is limited to conserve energy. Most incredibly, the colour of the pods is adapted to each season to blend in with the natural landscape: white in winter, green in summer.

Whitepod eco chic stay Switzerland — Whitepod’s geodesic pods blend into Switzerland’s natural enviroment.

4. Soneva Fushi, Maldives

Soneva Fushi is set on a privately owned island in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. With the philosophy of ‘no news, no shoes’, this tiny piece of paradise offers one- to nine-bedroom luxury villas, nestled among tropical foliage.

Guests will not want for anything, thanks to the services of a personal butler; 11 types of pillows to choose from; 500 wines; nine dining options; a private observatory and cinema (where there’s complimentary popcorn and more than 60 flavours of ice-cream).

There are also incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as enjoying a private picnic on a deserted island or island-hopping in a traditional fishing boat.

Soneva banned imported bottled water and now bottles its own drinking water – still and sparkling – to reduce carbon footprint.

To help preserve its incredible environment, the resort has employed a full-time marine biologist who undertakes a range of activities such as monitoring the house reef, training hosts and taking guests on excursions.

Bicycles and buggies are the mode of transportation to ensure zero-exhaust and low noise level. Wood waste is made into biochar and charcoal that is used at the resort.

Cycling Maldives Soneva Fushi eco chic stays — Cycle around Soneva Fushi’s blissful private island in the Maldives.

5. Zeavola Resort, Phi Phi Don Island, Thailand

Located on beautiful Phi Phi Island, Zeavola offers a rich tropical experience on the dazzling white sands of Laem Tong Beach.

With a barefoot luxury vibe, each villa (with beach access or private pool) boasts earthy interiors with teak flooring, spacious living areas and rainfall shower-heads.

Energy-saving light bulbs and sensor-controlled lighting are used; all the resort’s water is sourced from local wells and rain-water while excess water is used on the jungle-like gardens.

All natural waste is shredded and mulched then recycled into the gardens. too.

Resort staff cook meals for the Laem Tong school on a daily basis and host a party for the children every year.

The infinity pool at Zeavola Resort, Phi Phi Don Island, Thailand.

6. Nuo, Beijing

Inspired by the art and culture of the Ming Dynasty, Nuo Hotel has some of the most spectacular design credentials in Beijing.

The hotel has more than 400 sleek rooms, featuring understated furnishings, marbled bathrooms, freestanding tubs, and curated artworks.

Dining options encompass six restaurants/cafes topped by a stunning rooftop bar while much of the produce served hails from ‘green’ farms around Beijing.

Awarded LEED gold level certification in environmental building design, Nuo is making efforts to lower carbon commissions, including the installation of a high-performance air purification system and electric car charging stations.

Nuo hotel Beijing — Nuo in Beijing was awarded the LEED gold level certification in environmental building design.

7. Pavilions Himalayas, Pokhara, Nepal

Nestled in a valley near Phewa Lake in Pokhara, Nepal, Pavilions Himalayas sets a green benchmark in the high Himalayan country.

There are 15 beautifully styled villas (powered by solar energy and biogas) with fireplaces, Jacuzzis and stunning views of the remote landscape while the pool, set against sprawling farmlands, is the perfect spot to while away afternoons.

The in-house toiletries are biodegradable and made from natural Nepalese ingredients.

The resort has an evident local focus in terms of staff and sourcing produce and also actively supports children’s charities operating in the area.

Take in the stunning views from the Pavilions Himalayas, Pokhara, Nepal.

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8. Hotel Tierra Patagonia, Torres del Paine, Chile

Hotel Tierra Patagonia sits on a promontory where the South American pampa meets Sarmiento Lake, offering magnificent views of Torres del Paine.

Simply-styled interiors complete with handcrafted furniture, locally sourced textiles and L’Occitane amenities in the rooms complement a large central space sans cosy fire.

The thoughtful architecture, constructed from sustainably harvested Lenga wood, aiming for minimal heat loss, blends well with the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve landscape.

Tierra is involved in a local citizen campaign to help support the reforestation of Chilean Patagonia, with the aim to plant one million native trees.

Tierra Patagonia, Torres del Paine, Chile — Tierra Patagonia in Torres del Paine, Chile blends well with the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve landscape.

9. Proximity Hotel, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA

This modern city hotel features custom-designed furnishings, commissioned art and innovative design throughout the public spaces, some designed by artist-in-residence Chip Holton.

The spacious rooms are furnished with specially designed Magi bedding, and there’s a vibrant Euro/French bistro, a fitness studio and pool.

Proximity Hotel was the first hotel in America to receive the LEED Platinum certification from the US Green Building Council; it claims to use 39 per cent less energy than a conventional hotel.

Solar panels cover 4000 square-feet of the roof; recycled materials were used to construct the bar, shelving and bistro tabletops; and complimentary bikes help reduce the hotel guests’ carbon footprint too.

Proximity Hotel, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA — Inside the City Suite at Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA.

10. The Green House, Bournemouth, UK

This exquisitely restored Grade II Victorian villa is located in the heart of Bournemouth on the southern coast of England.

The 32 rooms are furnished with handcrafted pieces, cushy beds draped in goose down duvets and organic linens, with solid wood furniture carved from felled local trees.

Much of the Green House’s energy is generated on site using a combined heat and power unit and the green ethos permeates smaller details too: wallpaper is made in the UK using vegetable inks and the hotel car runs on cooking oil recycled from the kitchen.

The hotel is also involved in a number of community initiatives, such as the buying of hives to address bee-population decline which, of course, produce local honey.

For more on ethical and sustainable travel and wildlife experiences visit our Conscious Traveller section.

Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK.

Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

Why is it so hot in Europe?

Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

How travel is impacted

A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius — A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris — People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.

The world’s top 10 genuine ‘eco chic’ stays