Best Eco-Resorts, Destinations and Gear for Earth Day

Traveling sustainably continues to rank high in importance as travelers look to offset the impact of their adventures.

Whether choosing a greener hotel, learning about local flora and fauna, or choosing a destination dedicated to sustainability, a planet-positive getaway is possible on Earth Day and year-round.

From immersive tropical oases to stateside stays, below please find details on the luxury properties, destinations, airlines, gear and exciting attractions that celebrate Earth Day every day.

RESORTS

Ambergris Cay, Turks & Caicos 

A private island, luxury resort nestled on the southeast corner of the string of Turks and Caicos Islands that surround the world-famous Caicos Banks, Ambergris Cay is the ultimate destination with access to over 1,100-acres of mostly untouched land ready to be explored. A luxury boutique hotel with all-inclusive amenities, Ambergris Cay features 18 bungalows, eight villas and a collection of privately owned homes and luxury accommodations, ranging from three to six bedrooms. From delectable dining experiences with the option to design any dish ‘your way’ to resort activities such as nature walks, yoga and watersports in addition to complimentary air transfers, the Ambergris Cay experience ensures guests have a memorable stay – one that is tailored to their paradise preference.  The private island resort is home to over 150 plant species including cacti, mangroves, and native grass and shrubs. The thriving setting also features barrier dunes, freshwater sinkholes, coastal trails, and other elements that are home to additional natural inhabitants. The island features its own glass bottling plant that produces the resort’s water bottles, and a growing solar plant for power usage across the island resort.

Sonesta Resorts St. Maarten

From multigenerational, family-friendly Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa to serene, adults-only Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, guests can enjoy the lively Dutch Caribbean at this pair of all-inclusive oceanfront hotels. From multiple pools and water activities to daily live music, fitness and island excursions, outdoor enthusiasts can explore all that St. Maarten has to offer from a natural setting. Keeping in mind preservation of the surrounding natural landscape, the properties implemented solar panels years ago that supply nearly 100% of Maho Beach Resort’s energy during the peak hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In more recent eco-forward news, the resorts have increased the production capacity for the solar panels by 30% to now provide power to Ocean Point Resort as well. Additional plans for solar power energy sourcing include supplying for Casino Royale and further powering energy usage at Ocean Point Resort.

Coco Collection, Maldives

Comprised of two different boutique island resorts, Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, Coco Collection creates a unique Maldivian experience ranging from luxe amenities to eco-forward initiatives for guests to enjoy during their stay. The resorts’ marine life development (including coral and tree planting), Chef’s Garden, the Olive Ridley Project (a turtle rehabilitation program), and more, create a way for guests to get involved in their conservation efforts. Each island resorts’ location lends way to a richly diverse marine biodiversity and the resorts strongly believe in protecting the beautiful surroundings they invite guests to enjoy. The resorts host educational programming that takes guests on a journey along with associates on coral tree planting sessions, reef clean-ups, and fish ID snorkeling. Coco Collection’s onsite marine educators provide guests with the opportunity to learn more about the underwater ecosystem through guided experiences. Including a link here with more information on the resorts’ sustainability efforts.

Ocean Club Resorts, Providenciales in Turks & Caicos

Located directly along the world-renowned Grace Bay Beach, sits Ocean Club Resorts, two all-suite properties that provide the ideal open-air setting and direct beach access for guests of all ages to enjoy. The resorts were the first properties to be Green Globe Certified in the Turks & Caicos Islands. Leading the way in sustainability, the resorts had to pass a series of rigorous eco-friendly tests and audits that measured their efforts and ultimately deemed them certifiable by the globally recognized Green Globe program. A few of the eco-forward initiatives that made the resorts eligible for the certificate include: placing cloth reusable shopping bags in each suite; replacing plastic straws with paper and Styrofoam containers with paper boxes; use of LED lighting, encouraging guests in each suite to reduce water and energy use waste during their stay. By purchasing eco-friendly products, partnering with like-minded vendors and making sound eco-operation decisions while continuing to provide a high level of service for their guests, the resorts create a more sustainable travel destination. Additionally, the resorts have recently premiered a carbon footprint calculator, providing guests with the opportunity to offset the eco-impact of their stay, and implemented new solar panels at the Ocean Club (East) location to supply for utility use.

Summer Senses – Paros, Greece

Experience an eco-conscious island getaway at Paros’ premier luxury destination, Summer Senses, where the essence of summer thrives. Located on the Aegean Sea with its unrivaled natural beauty and surrounded by lush green gardens, this 5-star resort dedicates itself to both the well-being of its guests and our planet. With a focus on sustainability, Summer Senses offers an ideal heaven for eco-conscious travelers. Solar panels serve as the primary source of heating water at the resort to reduce their reliance on conventional energy sources. To keep the resort’s pristine gardens and fresh produce watered, Summer Senses has an eco-friendly irrigation system powered by collected rainwater to preserve freshwater resources. The property encourages guest participation in sustainability efforts, promoting towel reuse, water conservation, and proper waste disposal through its recycling program. At Summer Senses, guests can enjoy a relaxing and unforgettable vacation while minimizing their contribution to carbon emissions, aligning with the resort’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Hotel Belmar, Costa Rica

Located along the cloud forest mountain ranges of Costa Rica, Hotel Belmar is paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers and culinary enthusiasts. Nestled in the Monteverde region, a playground for wildlife and an international birding destination, Hotel Belmar is an award winning, upscale, planet positive hotel that is globally recognized as a leader in responsible tourism. Committed to creating opportunities that allow guests to connect with nature, the hotel offers tours of their farm Finca Madre Tierra (named first carbon-neutral farm in the country) offering a real Costa Rican farm experience for guests while learning about sustainable agriculture, and thrilling eco-adventures with a purpose at SAVIA, their private reserve where guests can hike, zip-line, walk on suspension bridges, climb a hollow Ficus tree, meditate in sensorial gardens and curiosity pods, bird watch or enjoy a picnic above the forest canopy. The property recently debuted a a new menu at signature Restaurante Celajes that further highlights organic produce and ingredients sourced from the hotel’s expanded organic garden, Finca Madre Tierra, and local foraging. Local suppliers have been vetted for sustainability practices and principles to ensure that each dish not only delights the palate but also honors the environment and supports local communities. In keeping with new trends, haute cuisine techniques are combined with healthy traditions, including pickling and fermenting, to imbue every dish with intense flavor and wellness properties.

Fairmont Mayakoba – Riviera Maya, Mexico 

Nestled in the heard of the Riviera Maya, Mexico, Fairmont Mayakoba is committed to sustainability and plays an active role in giving back to the planet and community. Since May 2015, the resort has begun collaborating with the reef restoration program in partnership with Oceanus AC, a local organization dedicated to the conservation of coral reefs. For the implementation of this initiative, Oceanus installed three nurseries in the Puerto Morelos National Park. Fairmont Mayakoba obtained healthy fragments of the more significant colonies of coral, which are transferred to the site of restoration of the hotel. Fairmont Mayakoba encourages guests to participate through a snorkel tour to get to know the nurseries actively and better understand the process that Fairmont follows to preserve the corals. Guests can participate in a snorkel tour to see the work being done to restore the reef firsthand through the coral reef restoration program, where they learn about the ecosystem and restoration program. Fairmont’s goal is to train and certify local coral reef restoration groups to recover from the current erosion and teach everyday eco-conscious practices. Further information about the hotel’s commitment to sustainability can be found HERE.

XCARET 

Xcaret, a leader in sustainable tourism recreation for more than 30 years, began adding hotels to its portfolio of offerings in Riviera Maya in 2017, opening three all-inclusive luxury and ultra-luxury resorts in front of the Caribbean Sea. Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Hotel Xcaret Arte and La Casa de la Playa feature eco-integrating architecture and design and are infused with passion and respect for nature. Nestled deep in the Mayan jungle, Xcaret relocated 80% of the trees and plants that were moved during the construction of the resorts, honoring their commitment to preserve and conserve nature. The resorts, which offer family-friendly and adults-only options, pay homage to Mexican culture and use many décor items handmade by local Mexican artisans in their suites. Among their many sustainability efforts, the resorts use salt instead of chlorine to treat their pools and bodies of water, provide guests with reusable cups, fill over 2,600 daily bottles of water on-site and grow organic herbs in their on-site garden for use in restaurants, among many others. Other sustainable programs and actions implemented by Xcaret to care for the environment include the conservation of the ecosystem through nurseries and reforestation efforts where over 91.5 hectares of mangroves have been successfully reforested, and the Sea Turtle, Elkhorn Coral and Red Macaws conservation programs focused on awareness, monitoring, restoration, and reintroduction of the species. Each resort offers a large variety of culinary options in restaurants led by renowned and Michelin-starred chefs; a comprehensive spa and wellness program set among natural rock and rivers at the award-winning Muluk Spa; transportation to and from the airport; as well as the All-Fun Inclusive® program providing guests unlimited access to the most iconic parks in Cancun and Riviera Maya including Xcaret park.

Velaa Private Island Maldives

Nestled within the constellation of islands that form the Noonu Atoll in the Maldives, Velaa Private Island takes innovation and environmental impact to the next level by spearheading the largest coral regeneration project on the islands. An elegant fusion of Maldivian culture with contemporary luxury, Velaa Private Island is the only ultra-luxury property in the Maldives to sit on a natural island and this distinction means that the white sandy beaches and beautiful coral reefs that surround the property are holy unique. A global bleaching event in both 1998 and 2016 demolished 60% of the reefs in the Maldives, and Velaa has actively worked to counteract these effects with its innovative in-house coral biologist team. For over five years, the property has diligently worked to transplant over 8,000 nursery grown corals, increasing the coral growth on the island by 5%. In addition, the team uses innovative technology known as Biorock developed by the Global Coral Reef Alliance and Blue Regeneration to employ safe, extremely low voltage currents to produce natural building materials in the sea that allow the reefs and natural marine life to grow and thrive. Guests can arrange an immersive tour of the stunning coral garden and see the spectacular regrowth firsthand, discovering the diverse array of wildlife that is located within the house reef.

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa

Located along the crystal-clear waters in South Walton, Florida, the resort has planned a weekend-long celebration and team up with a local organization as a way for guests to learn about and get involved in the preservation of the pristine coastline. Throughout the week and leading up to Earth Day, guests staying at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa will have the chance to learn more about turtle conservation from the South Walton Turtle Watch team, watch local artist Dan in the Sand create a special Earth Day sand sculpture, participate in the resort’s own Sandcastle Building Contest, enjoy complimentary snow cones along with a stilt walking balloon artist at the Barefoot Deck and participate in a beach clean-up (in exchange for a drink or ice cream), enjoy blue and green snow cones, receive nature-themed temporary tattoos, taste the resort’s locally-sourced on-site culinary offerings, and of course, appreciate the natural beachfront setting. Additionally, the resort will be providing a way for guests to further contribute to turtle conservation efforts by purchasing their own Theo the Sea Turtle, stuffed animal, in honor of Earth Day at Hilton Sandestin, proceeds will go to South Walton Turtle Watch. Events and activities are available for guests of all ages of the resort to enjoy from April 19 – 22, 2024.

DESTINATIONS

Loreto, Baja California Sur

For travelers seeking a sustainable, eco-adventure paradise, look no further than Loreto, Baja California Sur and the Bay of Loreto National Marine Park. As one of the most naturally rich pockets of marine life on the planet and situated in an area consisting of the Bay of Loreto, the Gulf of California and parts of Baja California Sur, the park has been a naturally protected marine park since 1996, on the Ramsar list of Wetlands of International Importance since 2004 and since 2005, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With nature abound, the Bay of Loreto National Marine Park has picturesque settings perfect for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving or kayaking, which can all be done under specific regulations followed by the park to ensure that conservation of the environment always takes priority. As one of the most robust centers of marine life and nature in Baja California Sur, the Bay of Loreto is dedicated to its environmental goals and have achieved some of their objectives using subzones, zone-specific regulations suited to individual ecosystems, and through community education, ensuring that future generations understand the ecological importance of the park. Sustainable-minded travelers in Loreto can charter tour operators to take to all kinds of eco-adventures in the sparkling bay, or in their downtime, discover the hidden beauty and rich culture on display in the town of Loreto.

Grenada

Grenada, a captivating ecotourism gem nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, with unspoiled rainforests, crystal-clear waters and breathtaking mountain peaks offer nature enthusiasts an island escape unlike any other. Beyond its incontestable beauty, Grenada leads the way in sustainability efforts with strategic goals, setting the standard for the Caribbean. Aligned with its Vision 2035, Grenada has set ambitious climate resilience goals and is dedicated to establishing marine protected areas, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and investing in renewable energy and electric vehicles. These strategic initiatives not only set Grenada apart as a leader in sustainability but also contribute to the preservation of its rich natural heritage for generations to come.

Where to Stay:

• Mount Cinnamon Beach Resort | Grenada
  • One prime example of Grenada’s commitment to sustainability is Mount Cinnamon Beach Resort. Proudly Green Globe certified for a decade, Mount Cinnamon embodies eco-conscious luxury. With a focus on reducing energy, water and waste while also restoring coral reefs; the resort’s Sustainability Management Plan is committed to the protection of Grenada’s natural resources. Located above Grand Anse Beach, Mount Cinnamon’s breathtaking views and white sandy beach make it an ideal spot for couples, families and friends to experience a sustainable hideaway. Experience Grenada’s untouched beauty with Mount Cinnamon’s Earth Day Everyday package, featuring farm-to-table cooking classes, rum tastings and snorkeling excursions. Priced at US $1,025.00 for two, with 25% of proceeds benefiting local charities, this package invites guests to immerse themselves in the island’s splendor while giving back to the community. Marvel in Grenada’s abundant natural wonders this Earth Month and embark on an eco-conscious stay in this sustainable Caribbean paradise.

• Six Senses La Sagesse | Grenada
  • Slated to open this spring, Six Senses La Sagesse will offer another prominent eco-friendly stay option in Grenada. The property is making strides in sustainable tourism under the leadership of Krisma McDonald (linked image here), the Director of Sustainability. Krisma’s vision is to transform Six Senses La Sagesse into a shining example of sustainable tourism in the Caribbean, especially noting that Krima is the first dedicated role in Grenada to focus on sustainability in a resort/hotel. With nearly a decade of experience in conservation, project management and advocating for sustainable practices, Krisma brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Before joining the Six Senses family, Krisma held notable positions such as National project coordinator for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Global Environment Facility project manager at Sustainable Grenadines Inc. She is also an active member of several environmental affiliations, including the Caribbean Youth Environmental Network (CYEN) and the Grenada Green Group (G3).

GEAR

LOJEL

A carry essentials brand that aims to spark human connections made through travel and everyday journeys, LOJEL seamlessly blends innovation with design and exceptional craftsmanship; all while remaining true to one of their defining principles “conscious consumption”. LOJEL’s effort to become more conscious of environmental impacts is evident through the brand’s “Design for Repair” model. The brand is increasing the longevity of their products by giving consumers the tools to fix their luggage. While many brands are quick to embrace the “dispose and replace” model, the LOJEL design team is developing a system of modular, standardized parts that allow travelers to repair their own luggage easily and quickly, minimizing waste that ultimately ends up in a landfill.