Eco-friendly hostels and hotels can be found in every corner of the globe, however, finding one that is reasonably easy on the pocket and a dramatic, spectacular place to stay can be challenging. But look close enough and you will find there are far more of these places than you may have thought. Moreover, these hostels tend to be situated right in the heart of nature with some of the most jaw-dropping sceneries and regions of outstanding natural beauty right on the doorstep of your eco-friendly holiday accommodation.
The Siberian rail journey is one of the top 10 things to do on many backpackers lists and I’ll bet you will be surprised to learn that at some point in your long journey you’ll encounter a hostel that is clean, green and very environmentally friendly. The Baikalar Eco-Hostel is located in the eastern regions of Siberia. It has been built right on the shore of Lake Baikal and as timber built hostels go this one is right up there with going natural and green. Which is amazing when you consider that the Russian Federation does not have a great reputation when it comes to green living.
Eco-friendly in a Warm and Exotic Location
However, if you are looking for somewhere a little warmer, then take a boat trip to the Bungalows of Nuli Sapi in Papua New Guinea. Here it’s all about the mountains, rainforests, fish and exotic aquatic life, as well as a number of tiny villages and not a car or motorbike in sight.
The Middle East may be a little closer for most travelers reading this, so why not look into Jordan and discover the Dana Nature Reserve. Here there are guest houses that are built into the sides of tall cliffs, giving you an incredible view of the valley. You’ll also have the chance to bathe in the Dead Sea at the bottom of the valley and we all know about the natural healing properties this body of water gives.
What about the USA?
If you are looking for a green and environmentally-friendly place to stay this year in the good old United States then look no further than the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range. Head for the town of Taos (in New Mexico) and stay in buildings that have been designed solely out of recycled materials.
South American Adventures
Chile is a country well known for its green values and the tiny village of Chepu boasts several rivers, a tropical forest, and solar panels generating power for everything from boiling water to having a shower. Even the electricity is provided for by the wind and all the outhouses and buildings are constructed from wood taken from the forest.
You will all have heard of the eighth wonder of the world of Machu Picchu in Peru, so why not stay close by and check out the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, which is built so high up it is often shrouded in a cloud forest. Orchids, butterflies, and birds will surround your room as you share as one with nature.
Living as One with Nature in Africa
You can live right among the forest in Africa by sleeping in the jungle at the Chole Mjini Lodges. Here you will actually live up in the trees and by day you’ll venture down to go snorkeling and diving in its many exotic islands. The Chole Mjini Lodges are located in Tanzanian coastline region.
The Raw Natural Beauty of Africa
But if you really want to experience Africa at its rawest, most natural environment then come along to the road to Bulungula. Here you will experience life living with the Xhosa tribe in the heartland of South Africa. Showers here are basically rain water heated up by a paraffin pipe and the accommodation is a round thatched house called rondavels. Here you should expect to cook out in the open on a fire and live as the Xhosa have been living for hundreds of years, in a setting that takes you right back to nature.
But one of the most exciting places to stay in 2014 for eco-friendly and natural surroundings is in Costa Rica. Look for an ecologically friendly lodge called Lapa Rios. The lodge looks out over the shores of the Golfo Dulce, a tropical water bay with dolphins, whales,and other exotic sea creatures.
You will be very safe here as you live as one among nature. You will be located within a private nature reserve where you’ll seat on a wooden balcony with tropical plants and trees growing right into your porch area. Don’t be surprised if a toucan comes and sits on your balcony while you sip at a freshly squeezed orange juice or a locally picked lemon squash with ice.
The world is a big place with so many great eco lodges. Let us know in the comments if we missed any great places that others should know about.