Top Eco-Resorts to Visit in 2026
By Georgia Baillieu, Savvy Travels Co.
Published July 07, 2026
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Earth Forward Group is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or compensated by any of the companies, products, or websites mentioned herein. We do not guarantee the accuracy, suitability, or performance of any referenced websites or products.
Photo by YOSHIE SALAZAR ERAMIL on Unsplash
As travelers become more conscious about their impact on the planet, eco-resorts are redefining what luxury travel looks like. Eco-tourism is no longer a niche pursuit, it’s a movement reshaping how we see the world. Traveling is no longer just about which destination you choose to visit, it’s also about how you travel and making conscious choices to minimize your footprint once you arrive. From luxury private island retreats to remote jungle lodges, these are eco-resorts to check out in 2026. Going beyond the basic sustainable practices (think coral farming, educational programs and land rehabilitation) they ensure guests have immersive experiences that connect them with nature and culture in an authentic way while leaving the lightest footprint possible.
Soneva Fushi - Baa Atoll, Maldives
About the resort:
Soneva Fushi is a luxury resort situated in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is a leader in sustainable luxury. It boasts over 60 villas, ranging in size from one to nine bedrooms, either nestled within the jungle or perched over the island’s turquoise water. In order to lessen your luggage burden, the resort supplies everything from phone chargers, books and raincoats to mosquito repellent and an extensive range of children’s toys and games. They request that single-use plastic is not brought into the resort - they provide glass water bottles and all necessary toiletries - and if it is, that you take it with you when you leave.
Why it’s amazing:
Soneva Fushi has been carbon neutral since 2012, built around the belief that businesses should serve a greater purpose than just shareholder returns, a philosophy rooted in sustainable living. There is extensive solar infrastructure and the resort is also designed around sustainable building principles, maximizing natural ventilation so guests can rely less on air conditioning.
Soneva Fushi has a holistic approach to carbon neutrality and for emissions it is unable to eliminate, it has developed a carbon offsetting program. The Soneva Foundation Coral Restoration Program in the Maldives is the largest coral restoration project in the Indian Ocean, using techniques that aim to grow climate-resilient coral. The Foundation has also planted millions of trees throughout Nepal, Mozambique and the Philippines, including mangroves in Myanmar.
Wilderness Bisate - Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
About the resort:
Wilderness Bisate is an award-winning eco-lodge and one of the best places in Africa to see mountain gorillas in the wild. Its six chic nest-like forest villas overlook the Bisoke, Karisimbi and Mikeno volcanoes, connecting guests directly with nature. A rejuvenating spa, garden-to-table restaurant and expansive surroundings bring together warm hospitality and a deep commitment to conservation.
Why it’s amazing:
Leading the way in Rwanda’s sustainable tourism, Wilderness Bisate has a reforestation program (that guests can also take part in) and a native plant nursery onsite, playing a pivotal role in rehabilitating vital habitats. Invasive species are removed and repurposed for things like firewood throughout the resort, making way for the replanting of native trees. Wilderness Community sustainability is central to its mission: the “Children in the Wilderness” program sponsors environmental and educational projects throughout local schools aiming to empower the next generation of conservation leaders. Sustainability is also woven into everyday life with onsite gardens providing fresh herbs and produce.
Photo by Vitor Monthay on Unsplash
About the resort:
A private, family friendly island where kids can safely roam free exploring and climbing trees. Born from the idea a group of friends had when they yearned for the carefree and nature-filled holidays they had grown up with in Australia. The selection of different sized beach and pool villas are all built using traditional Indonesian architecture with contemporary design. Nikoi Island is not about being lux, but an escape that gives back to its guests and its people.
Why it’s amazing:
A Long Run Alliance Global Ecosphere Retreat, this boutique private island has sustainability at its core. A fine example of sustainable building in practice, the driftwood structures with alang alang grass roofing cool naturally while water is heated through solar energy. The majority of food served at the restaurant is locally sourced from their vegetable gardens and poultry farm on mainland Bintan, while most of the organic waste is composted and used to either enrich soil or feed the chickens - a model of sustainable living in action.
Two thirds of the 37-acre private island remain a pristine protected sanctuary while the non-native species were removed to make way for the autochthonous species to thrive. Through the Island Foundation, of which Nikoi Island was a founding member, conservation in the archipelago is deemed essential. As part of the conservation program, Nikoi Island is a successful nesting ground for endangered turtle species including the Hawksbill and Green turtles. Guests are invited to watch the hatching from a safe distance and learn about the importance of environmental conservation.
Photo by Meg von Haartman on Unsplash
About the resort:
This award-winning eco hotel combines sustainability, wildlife conservation and luxury. The 36 rustic dwellings are built on five distinct habitats, and are all equipped with modern amenities. A tranquil oasis with spa and wellness facilities, a plunge pool and a library to switch off and relax.
Why it’s amazing:
Built on abandoned farmland that was transformed into a flourishing wetland ecosystem, the structure is spread across a variety of different habitats - lakes, marsh, paddy fields and forest. The man-made lakes, entirely filled with rainwater, not only eradicate the competition for water with local farmers, but also help with natural cooling in the resort’s lounge and library. Thoughtful sustainable building choices like these are what sets Jetwing apart. All wastewater at the resort is also repurposed, treated and used for irrigation.
The Jetwings Youth Development Project is committed to community sustainability through education. Young people from neighbouring villages are given the possibility to partake in free hospitality training, giving them long term employment opportunities. For the younger ones, the resort also supports education in schools about conservation and Sri Lanka’s biodiversity.
Photo by Berti Benbanaste on Unsplash
Lapa Rios - Osa Peninsuala, Costa Rica
About the resort:
A luxury resort immersed in luscious rainforest. Surrounded by monkeys, sloths, hundreds of tropical birds and frogs; Lapa Rios Lodge’s seventeen suites, villas and bungalows are a truly captivating experience. Accommodation is decorated with weavings and craftwork made by indigenous and local artists. Offering small group excursions, the resort allows guests intimate encounters with the surrounding rainforest’s flora and fauna.
Why it’s amazing:
Set amongst one thousand acres of rainforest, rich in biodiversity (over 2.5% of the world’s known species) that borders on the Costa Rican coastline, Lapa Rios is committed to preserving some of the last remaining lowland rainforest in Central America. Community sustainability sits at the forefront of Lapa Rios’s values, with all employees coming from local communities. The resort champions education, providing funding and equipment for environmental education for local students to learn about clean energy alternatives, waste management and responsible consumption.
All the tours offered onsite - kayaking, snorkelling, whale watching and diving - utilize local suppliers to generate income within the community. Traditional culture is also incorporated into experiences offered by the resort with visits to a family-run farm and the Local Medicine Tour.
Photo by Ishan @seefromthesky on Unsplash
Song Saa Private Island - Cambodia
About the resort:
Song Saa is a female-founded private island eco-luxury resort in the Koh Rong Archipelago. It combines self care and environmental care in a remote sanctuary. The 24 ocean view villas that make up this Cambodian retreat are made from reclaimed timber and partly furnished with repurposed decor, seamlessly weaving sustainable building and sustaining living into the guest experience. Guests can enjoy a range of spa treatments and wellness activities as well as water sports such as snorkelling and kayaking as well as rainforest treks and night boat trips to see phosphorescent plankton.
Why it’s amazing
Song Saa Foundation is committed not only to preserving the natural environment but improving the welfare of local communities. The Foundation played a major role in establishing the first Marine Protected Area in Cambodia - over a million square meters - which focuses on the conservation of coral reefs and nurseries, mangrove protection and reef monitoring. It also created the first Solid Waste Management Center in the Archipelago, collecting and processing over 176 metric tons of trash over the past decade. Within the local community, Song Saa runs medical missions throughout the year to provide free healthcare to nearly 5,000 patients. All members of the hotel team also dedicate a certain number of hours each month volunteering to maintain the wellbeing of the Koh Rong Archipelago.
As the need for a green shift becomes more and more vital, the tourism industry is following suit. Eco-tourism is no longer a niche choice,it is the future of meaningful travel. So this year, why not choose to stay in places that embrace sustainable living, protect the environment, support local communities and offer meaningful experiences without compromising comfort or style. Travel well and tread lightly.