In a world that is slowly but steadily making positive changes to counter our environmental impact, there are a number of hotels paving the way in the area of eco-tourism. With our selection of the Best Eco Resorts in Asia, you can sleep easy in your luxury suite or villa knowing you’re making a positive impact on the planet.
MALDIVES
SIX SENSES LAAMU
Address: Laamu Atoll 15090, Maldives (location map)
Instagram: @sixsenseslaamu
Discover Six Senses Laamu, a private island paradise where sustainability lies at the centre of everything. Exquisitely exclusive, Six Senses is the only resort in the Laamu Atoll in southern Maldives, surrounded by an array of marine life. Experience true luxury in a beachfront villa amongst lush greenery or enjoy the ocean breeze from your over-water villa. Whatever you choose, you’re guaranteed a luxurious villa thoughtfully crafted from natural materials that complement the surroundings.
There are plenty of experiences awaiting you at Six Senses, many of which offer educational guidance on sustainability and showcase the resort’s efforts in this area. Learn about the incredibly important marine life of the Laamu Atoll through Marine Conservation Presentations, Turtle Hatching and Marine Biologist Excursions. Get your hands dirty with an Organic Garden Tour led by resident chefs and get to know more about the resort’s environmental processes through a Heart of House Tour.
Sustainability Efforts:
✓ Waste management through the banning of single-use plastic, installation of segregation bins and on-site recycling
✓ 50% of water sales in all restaurant outlets go towards providing clean drinking water to local communities
✓ Manta ray conservation efforts in partnership with the Manta Trust UK. 125 resident manta rays and 400 resident sea turtles identified and protected by their Marine team
✓ 20,000 plastic water bottles avoided monthly by bottling desalinated sea water in reusable glass bottles
✓ Recycling all organic waste for mulching and converting to organic garden soil
- Prices for Six Senses Laamu, one of the best eco-resorts in Asia, start at US $838++ per night. Click for best available prices.
GILI LANKANFUSHI
Address: Lankanfushi Island, North Malé Atoll Republic of Maldives, Maldives (location map)
Instagram: @gili.lankafushi
Gili Lankanfushi prides itself on being more than just a pretty face, it’s a resort with a purpose and that purpose is to be mindful of its natural and cultural surroundings, as well as to be responsible for protecting them. Guests of Gili Lankanfushi can’t help but notice the natural beauty of the island, and are encouraged to live a more sustainable life, starting with their time on the island and continuing well past check-out. Although its primary focus is sustainability, rest assured no luxury is spared. Your time at Gili Lankanfushi will have you feeling revitalised and reborn after luxuriating in your private villa or residence.
At the heart of the resort lies Gili Veshi, which translates to Gili Environment and is the island’s in-house marine research facility. It’s here at Gili Veshi that guests can learn about the resort’s commitment to marine conservation, most notably the Coral Lines Project. The team at Gili Lankanfushi are attempting to reverse coral reef damage by growing new coral on ropes before transplanting them onto degraded reefs, improving the overall health of the surrounding One Palm Island Reef.
Sustainability Efforts:
✓ All buildings constructed using sustainably-sourced plantation teak, palm wood, bamboo and palm fronds, in addition to recycled telegraph poles
✓ All rooms provide organic toiletries in refillable natural containers and single-use plastic is banned
✓ Dedicated desalinisation plant provides bottled still and sparkling water for all guests
✓ Organic garden to grow own vegetables and herbs
✓ Maldives first ever Mechanical Biological Composter allowing the resort to compost 100% of the organic waste produced in all the kitchens and return it to the garden
- Prices for Gili Lankafushi, one of the best eco-resorts in Asia, start at US $1161++ per night. Click for best available prices.
THAILAND
KEEMALA
Address: 10/88 Nakasud Rd, Kamala, Kathu, Kathu District, Phuket, Thailand (location map)
Instagram: @keemalaphuket
Set amongst a canopy of lush tropical trees in the hills of Phuket lies Keemala, a luxury resort inspired by the values of Buddhism and designed to respect nature. Discover an evergreen wonderland that has been carefully designed to protect the ecosystem, where the natural resources were left practically untouched and the resort built around what was already there. Relax in your Bird’s Nest Pool Villa, built with recycled materials yet offering the finest luxury comforts including a private pool and ocean-view bathtub.
Guests are encouraged to meet the rescued residents of Keemala, such as the water buffalo, goats and peacocks, and learn about their significance in Thai culture. Take a walk through the enchanted garden, full of all the naturally grown fruit, vegetables and herbs used in the restaurants and cultivated with love and without the use of chemicals. On your menu, you’ll find no shortage of vegetarian or vegan meals, since Keemala has a strong focus on ethical eating.
Sustainability Efforts:
✓ Every villa has its own water treatment system, the quality of the treated water that is released back to the environment is in line or even exceeds the government standard
✓ Waste and rubbish is classified and treated efficiently including recycling and other methods
✓ Reduced usage of natural materials such as wood by using environmentally friendly synthetic material instead to help prevent further deforestation and other environmental impacts
✓ Only glass-bottled water is provided in the villas, paper straws are used, and toiletries packaging are made of cloth materials and recycled paper
✓ Buildings were designed maximising glass to increase natural daylight and minimise energy consumption
- Prices for Keemala, one of the best eco-resorts in Asia, start at US $486++ per night. Click for best available prices.
SONEVA KIRI
Address: 110 หมู่ 4 Ko Kut, Ko Kut District, Trat 23000, Thailand (location map)
Instagram: @discoversoneva
Delight in an island of unparalleled beauty, where luxury meets eco-friendly design, nestled amongst a tropical rainforest on an unspoiled island in Thailand. At the very core of Soneva Kiri lies their SLOW LIFE philosophy – Sustainable, Local, Organic, Wellness, Learning, Inspiring, Fun, Experiences. This guides the resort to its goal of creating unforgettable experiences that illuminate lives whilst treading lightly on the earth. Soneva has considered sustainability from the very beginning, from sourcing sustainable materials for construction to working hand in hand with local communities to better the environmental and social impact.
Get to know the island of Koh Kood by boat, meet the inhabitants of the local fishing village and be humbled by their way of life, or uncover an underwater world through diving expeditions. Maybe you have the kids in tow and you’re looking for an educating yet exciting way to keep them busy – look no further than the Den, a giant bamboo sculpture suspended in the treetops and a facility staffed with childcare experts dedicated to educating young guests about the environment.
Sustainability Efforts:
✓ Soneva Foundation supports the development of projects that have a positive impact on the environment, social and economic life
✓ Planted more than 500,000 trees in Thailand, creating over 300 acres of rich biodiversity and reducing CO2 emissions by more than 250,000 tons
✓ Organic gardens to grow herbs, fruit and vegetables for dining outlets, guaranteeing fresh ingredients and minimising carbon footprint through reducing supplier transportation needs
✓ All the drinking water served is filtered, mineralised, alkalised and bottled on-site in reusable glass bottles. 50% of the Soneva Drinking Water revenue goes towards the Soneva Foundation, which has given access to clean drinking water to over 750,000 people worldwide to date
✓ 100% carbon neutral
- Prices for Soneva Kiri, one of the best eco-resorts in Asia, start at US $698++ per night. Click for best available prices.
INDONESIA
BAMBU INDAH
Address: Jl. Baung, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia (location map)
Instagram: @bambuindah
Luxury is combined with local hospitality at Bambu Indah, and at the heart of it all lies a commitment to sustainability. You’ll feel a world away from any outside troubles, immersed in unspoiled surroundings and the beautiful Balinese landscape. In the comfort of your lavish, private house, sleep like never before under an innovative mosquito net designed to capture the cool air around you, minimising your need for air-conditioning or electric fans. Feed your body and mind with healthy dishes made with the freshest ingredients sourced right there on the grounds.
A wide range of educational eco experiences await you at Bambu Indah, starting with the Kul Kul Farm tour. Get to know your food before it arrives to your plate and see how each ingredient is lovingly and organically cultivated. Discover the Green Village along the slopes of the Ayung River and visit these structures pushing boundaries of innovation made entirely from bamboo, and don’t forget to swing by the Bamboo Pure Factory to see how the Green Village came to be.
Sustainability Efforts:
✓ LED and oil lamps light your way – there are no fluorescent lights on site
✓ Food scraps feed the livestock and compost is returned to the garden as a natural fertiliser
✓ No plastic policy – bamboo leaves are used as plates, papaya stems as straw
✓ 100% natural and organic Bambuh Indah private-label organic bath products are used
✓ Water from an underground well is filtered through reverse osmosis, which is filtered again and recycled through the freshwater pool
- Prices for Bambu Indah, one of the best eco-resorts in Asia, start at US $135++ per night. Click for best available prices.
NIHI SUMBA
Address: Hoba Wawi, Wanokaka, West Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia (location map)
Instagram: @nihisumba
On the remote island of Sumba in Southeastern Indonesia lies Nihi Sumba luxury resort. Voted Travel + Leisure’s #1 Hotel in the World two years in a row by readers around the globe, Nihi Sumba sets the benchmark in luxury as well as sustainable tourism. It is one of the very few hotels in the world that operates solely on biofuel and puts considerable effort into active recycling, organic farming, smart composting and water-recycling system.
Explore the beauty of the island on horseback, discover unspoilt waterfalls, snorkel the preserved reef and experience the island’s world-famous surf break. Rest easy in your luxury villa which has been constructed using sustainable materials and offers picture-perfect views of the turquoise sea and isolated beach, and have peace of mind knowing you’re actively contributing to the Sumba Foundation’s goodwill through the resort’s profits.
Sustainability Efforts:
✓ The Sumba Foundation has contributed to more than 70 humanitarian projects in the region – focusing on clean water, education and health; the most notable of which is seeing malaria rates go down by almost 70 per cent
✓ Food is made with ingredients grown on-site or locally sourced
✓ A portion of the resort profits go directly into the local community
✓ The resort is the biggest employer on the island contributing to the development of the local economy
✓ Building projects such as 60 water wells, 240 water stations, 16 primary schools and 4 medical clinics that provide reliable healthcare to over 25,000 people
- Prices for Nihi Sumba, one of the best eco-resorts in Asia, start at US $845++ per night. Click for best available prices.
BAWAH RESERVE
Instagram: @bawahreserve
So secluded is Bawah Reserve that its nearest neighbour is some 30km away, meaning you’ll feel totally removed from the outside world on this island paradise. Explore the untouched beauty of the collection of 6 islands, with 3 turquoise lagoons and more than a dozen private beaches. This is a retreat for luxury travellers looking for adventure as well as ultimate relaxation. Feel immersed in nature in the comfort of your Jungle Lodge, an ideal retreat for families. Perched within the lush rainforest treetops, delight in sea breezes and large open plan spaces with views overlooking the beach below.
At the centre of Bawah Reserve lies its dedication to sustainability. From design all the way through to current operation, sustainability is the focus, and Bawah Reserve’s vision is to protect and enhance the islands. This goes hand in hand with developing local communities on nearby islands to see the worth of caring for and nurturing this unique archipelago. Guests are invited to embark on a guided tour of the organic gardens that are responsible for all of the produce on your plates and learn how Bawah Reserve is paving the way for organic farming practices as well as innovative recycling efforts.
Sustainability Efforts:
✓ Water use reduction through rainwater collection and desalination processes
✓ Marine conservation by in-house marine biologists including the safe relocation of turtle eggs
✓ Ongoing reforestation efforts
✓ Minimal impact design and construction
✓ Installation of solar panels to reduce energy consumption
- Prices for Bawah Reserve, one of the best eco-resorts in Asia, start at US $1780++ per night. Click for best available prices.
MAHARAJA ECO DIVE LODGE
Address: Dokri Island, Batanta Utara, Raja Ampat Regency, West Papua 94884, Indonesia (location map)
Instagram: @maharaja_eco_dive_lodge
Discover an Eco Lifestyle like no other at MahaRaja Eco Dive Lodge in the West Papua region of Indonesia. Named in the Top 5 World’s Best Eco-Luxury Resorts by the Lonely Planet, MahaRaja caters for individuals looking for a unique vacation without leaving a harmful environmental footprint. Delight in a comfortable overwater lodge and sleep comfortably on your sumptuous bed knowing your made room is made entirely from natural, locally sourced material and powered by solar.
MahaRaja’s Eco Lifestyle is all about appreciation, respect and care for the environment, so no matter what activity you experience, you can guarantee that every consideration was made to ensure minimal environmental impact and maximum positive impact on the local community. At MahaRaja, sustainability goes further than environmental preservation, it incorporates the Papuan people at its core, encouraging guests to immerse themselves in their culture. You’ll spend an evening singing and playing instruments, learning their traditional dance, preparing authentic meals and creating lasting memories.
Sustainability Efforts:
✓ Built from completely natural, locally-sourced building materials
✓ Water comes from seawater desalination, collecting rainwater and tapping into natural water sources
✓ Hygiene and care products are locally prepared, using only organic, natural ingredients
✓ Their menu is entirely organic and exclusively vegan
✓ All boats are made in a traditional way from natural wood and are powered by electric solar-powered engines
- Prices for MahaRaja Eco Dive Lodge, one of the best eco-resorts in Asia, start at US $240++ per night. Click for best available prices.
SRI LANKA
JETWING YALA
Address: Palatupana, Kirinda 82614, Sri Lanka
Instagram: @jetwinghotels
On the edge of Yala National Park along a stretch of rugged, Indian Ocean coastline sits Jetwing Yala, a luxury resort deeply connected to nature. Fall asleep to the sounds of nearby wildlife and wake up to the gentle chirping of native birds peacefully coexisting with the resort. During the day, explore the breathtaking beauty of the neighbouring national park with a guided tour led by the resort’s resident naturalist and discover ancient Sri Lankan culture at nearby historical sites.
Dine confidently knowing that your meal was grown naturally in the resort’s organic garden, guaranteeing only the freshest produce makes it to your plate. Whatever can’t be grown on-site is sourced locally directly from farmers, including the fresh milk used to make the unique curd that is a staple ingredient in local recipes and a common feature in the Jetwing Yala menu
Sustainability Efforts:
✓ Home to Sri Lanka’s largest privately-owned solar park
✓ Reverse Osmosis Plant used to purify seawater to potable water
✓ All organic waste is treated and recycled onsite using a process-enhanced compositing machine
✓ Wildlife is often found on the premises, and are welcome to pass freely in keeping with their commitment to a harmonious coexistence
✓ Home to an onsite glass bottling plant, which is dedicated to minimising plastic waste and the overall carbon footprint from transporting bottled water
- Prices for Jetwing Yala, one of the best eco-resorts in Asia, start at US $136++ per night. Click for best available prices.
INDONESIA
CEMPEDAK ISLAND
Address: Air Gelubi, Bintan Pesisir, Bintan Regency, Riau Islands, Indonesia (location map)
Instagram: @cempedakisland
Just off the east coast of Bintan, Indonesia lies a secluded 17-hectare private island resort called Cempedak, an unspoilt paradise of pristine beaches dotted with marvellous white granite boulders. Rich in wildlife, the thick rainforest canopy is home to a range of birds including hornbills and eagles, and the island is a refuge for the critically endangered pangolin and a family of otters. Part of Cempedak’s commitment to sustainable tourism is its protection and conservation of the wildlife that calls the island home.
At the heart of Cempedak’s philosophy is the belief that opting for sustainability shouldn’t mean giving up luxury, which is showcased through the innovative and unique bamboo villa designs. Curved rooves made from local grass allows the villas to blend into their surrounds whilst providing protection from the elements and guests can delight in private plunge pools in every villa. From the very beginning, sustainability was front of mind when planning and constructing the resort. It’s easy to see why Cempedak Island is one of the best eco-resorts in Asia.
Sustainability Efforts:
✓ Bamboo straws made by a local family, eliminating the need for plastic straws and offering employment to locals
✓ Banning single-use plastic
✓ All organic material is composted, except cooked food and meat waste, which is stored in separate bins to decompose and is later fed to the chickens or fish
✓ On-site pond with Tilapia fish, farmed and used for staff meals
✓ Employment of locals to improve the local economy
- Prices for Cempedak Island, one of the best eco-resorts in Asia, start at US $341++ per night. Click for best available prices.
VIETNAM
SIX SENSES CON DAO
Address: Dat Doc Beach, Con Dao Town, Côn Đảo, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu 74000, Vietnam (location map)
Instagram: @sixsensescondao
Wonderfully secluded yet a mere 45-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City lies Six Senses Con Dao. Delight in modern elegance and spacious villas surrounded by lush greenery, each featuring a private infinity pool and endless activities to be enjoyed, from water sports to spa treatments. At the heart of Six Senses Con Dao is a commitment to sustainability, dedicated to actively improving the ecological and carbon footprint of the resort through everything it does.
Guests are invited to learn about the hotels best practices through complimentary Global Sensibility Workshops. These workshops teach guests how to make their own garden compost, showcasing how easy it is to set up this process in their own homes. They’re also encouraged to take a walk through the organic garden to see the fresh produce used in the restaurants and try their hand at harvesting mushrooms in the mushroom hut. Otherwise, roll up your sleeves and participate in local clean up efforts as the resort’s hosts take to the beach or streets to clean up the area of Con Dao.
Sustainability Efforts:
✓ Sea turtle incubation and research – 2,904 endangered sea turtles hatched and released into the wild
✓ Organic farming and composting
✓ Still and sparkling remineralised drinking water provided to all guests from an on-site reverse osmosis plant saving the use of 10,000 plastic bottles per month
✓ Each villa is equipped with solar panels
✓ Ongoing commitment to community education – English classes, environmental workshops, life skill activities
- Prices for Six Senses Con Dao, one of the best eco-resorts in Asia, start at US $646++ per night. Click for best available prices.
TOPAS ECOLODGE
Address: 24 Mường Hoa, TT. Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lào Cai, Vietnam (location map)
Instagram: @topasecolodge
A small lodge with a big heart, Topas Ecolodge sits perched on a stunning hilltop deep within the mountains of Hoang Lien National Park in North Vietnam. Each of the 33 bungalows has been inspired by rustic chalet homes, incorporating the use of natural materials sustainably sourced. Relax on your private balcony as you admire the surrounding mountainside from your vantage point within this certified National Geographic ‘Unique Lodge of the World’.
Topas Ecolodge believes that both the environment and the community should benefit from businesses, which is why the lodge is operated exclusively by some 100 members of the local community. This allows them the opportunity for employment and professional development. Experience local traditions and put your phone down as you immerse yourself in the local culture through a guided tour of the minority markets, a meeting point for the hill tribes to gather and sell goods.
Sustainability Efforts:
✓ Commitment to community development through employment opportunities
✓ Sharing resources to the local community – recyclable materials, food waste to feed livestock
✓ Glass recycling with an on-site glass crushing machine
✓ Implementation of a constructed wetland to treat the kitchen and laundry wastewater before it enters the fields
✓ Ongoing sponsor of the local school where environmental education is shared
- Prices for Topas Ecolodge, one of the best eco-resorts in Asia, start at US $359++ per night. Click for best available prices.
CAMBODIA
SONG SAA PRIVATE ISLAND
Address: Koh Ouen Private Island, Koh Rong Archipelago, Near Sihanoukville, Cambodia (location map)
Instagram: @songsaaprivateisland
Experience Cambodia at its finest at Song Saa Private Island, a secluded retreat in harmony with nature and created with sustainability in mind. Song Saa was inspired by the Cambodian coastline and has kept nature as the centrepiece, with luxurious wooden villas built from local materials by local hands and adorned with artwork from local artisans. Walk along a heavenly private beach or discover an underwater life amongst the protected coral reef and forget all your worries.
At Song Saa, their ethos is clear – Water, People, Land. The Song Saa Foundation works tirelessly for the betterment of the marine life, local communities and life on land. The work the foundation does is broad, from saving sea turtles and providing medical care to promoting local craftsman and implementing education programs. Guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in the foundation’s work through a guided tour of Prek Svay village which sits on a nearby island and see up close the work done to support the local community.
Sustainability Efforts:
✓ Protection of ocean habitats and the preservation of marine life
✓ Improve the lives of local communities medical missions, organic farming support and education programs
✓ Conservation of terrestrial habitats and species in the Koh Rong Archipelago and Banteay Srey
✓ Ongoing solid waste management project in Prek Sva
✓ Pioneered a rainforest restoration program in Banteay Srey
- Prices for Song Saa Private Island, one of the best eco-resorts in Asia, start at US $890++ per night. Click for best available prices.
4 RIVERS FLOATING ECO LODGE
Address: Koh Andet Island, Tatai, Cambodia (location map)
Instagram: @4rivers.tatai
Any cares of troubles for the outside world will surely float away during your time at 4 Rivers Floating Lodge, a unique luxury resort afloat on the Tatai River, deep within the Cardamons Rainforest. This is glamping in style, where you can fall asleep to the gentle bobbing of your luxurious tent as it floats on the river and indulge in all the modern comforts you desire. But this floating resort has a clear focus on sustainability – to have a high positive impact on people whilst having the lowest impact on the environment.
Rather than sit and appreciate the environmental work that the team at 4 Rivers Floating Lodge does, the team invites guests to immerse themselves in sustainability efforts. Get to know the local community through guided tours where you can learn about the rich culture of the area, discover the Cardamons Rainforest through daily excursions to the waterfall or mangroves or observe the fireflies at night. All of this plays a part in maintaining a perfectly balanced ecosystem on the river.
Sustainability Efforts:
✓ Ongoing employment of locals to support the economy
✓ Organised Tatai River Clean up day with community leaders and local children to provide education about the importance of reducing waste and the impact on the environment
✓ Constructed a water catchment system at the Tatai school to provide clean, safe drinking water
✓ Working hand in hand with Wildlife Alliance, a foundation committed to wildlife and forests conservation
✓ Waste reduction through thoughtful consumption, as well as segregation and recycling -food waste is gathered by the locals who use it to feed their poultry and all plastic is recycled
- Prices for 4 Rivers Floating Eco Lodge, one of the best eco-resorts in Asia, start at US $196++ per night. Click for best available prices.
PHILIPPINES
NAY PALAD HIDEAWAY
Address: Siargao Island, 8419 Malinao Rd, General Luna, Surigao del Norte, Philippines (location map)
Instagram: @naypalad
Nay Palad Hideaway on the southeastern coast of Siargao Island is the very definition of barefoot luxury. This ultra-chic boutique resort has just 10 stunning villas surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, offering ultimate privacy. As a commitment to eco-friendly practices, every villa at Nay Palad was constructed using sustainably sourced, local materials and the interior design boasts the work of traditional craftsmen.
From the moment you arrive on the island of Siargao, Nay Palad ensures your stay is one of cultural immersion. You’ll be picked up at the airport in a Jeepney (traditional Filipino transportation), and you’ll have the chance to explore Siargao and its surrounding islands through island-hopping tours. Guided by locals, you’ll get to experience the things unique to Siargao, such as the famous pan de coco (coconut bread) handmade by local women and served roadside and of course the surfing Siargao is known for, but with careful consideration to marine conservation efforts.
Sustainability Efforts:
✓ A certified member of The Long Run, one of the world’s largest sustainable development initiatives led by nature-based businesses
✓ Establishing the Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape sanctuary
✓ Planting 50,000 mangrove trees
✓ Protecting 19,700 acres of land
✓ Sustainably sourced building materials
- Prices for Nay Palad Hideaway, one of the best eco-resorts in Asia, start at US $1320++ per night. Click for best available prices.
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