3 Best Eco-Resorts to Vacation at This Winter Without Breaking the Budget
With temperatures beginning to plunge across much of the United States, you might already be thinking about what warm weather location you want to escape to this winter. While there is an endless supply of tropical resorts throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America, many people are looking for something different, something meaningful.
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According to a recent study from Washington State University, 75% of Americans plan to prioritize sustainability when traveling. This means finding airlines that are working to minimize their carbon footprint and staying at eco-friendly resorts that are focused on using renewable energies and local resources.
If you’re thinking about booking a vacation at an eco-resort this winter but need to make sure it stays within budget, here are three that should be at the top of your list.
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Morrillo Beach Eco Resort, Panama
Located in Morrillo Beach, Panama, the Morillo Beach Eco Resort is more than just a beach resort. Located on the hillside of the Panamanian jungle, it offers its guests access to activities like surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, sea kayaking, and even the opportunity to explore the nearby Cerro Hoya National Park.
However, what makes Morrillo Beach Eco Resort stand out is its dedication to the natural beauty of the land it calls home. All the fresh food at the resort is locally sourced either on the resort itself or through local farmers in the area. Plus, not only do they have a massive solar panel system, but they also have their own well for water which goes through a UV filtration system to make sure it’s safe for guests. They even use locally made disinfectants, soaps, and detergents.
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“Our goal in sharing this magical place with our guests is to create an inspiring workplace, all while motivating others to be part of conserving our beautiful planet,” said Cari Mackey, owner of Morrillo Beach Eco Resort. “Our mere existence, business, and resort’s infrastructure impact the land, but we have strived to minimalize this impact and maximize coexisting with the wildness surrounding us. Travel needs to change. Conscientious travelers need better options.”
This five-time recipient of TripAdvisor’s Travelers Choice “Best of the Best” award is a great option for anyone looking for a sustainable vacation this winter. With packages starting at just $775 per person, you’ll be able to enjoy everything Panama offers and stay within budget.
Uakari Floating Lodge, Brazil
How would you like to spend a week floating on the Amazon River, taking in the natural beauty of the Brazilian rainforest? Located in the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve in Northwest Brazil, the Uakari Floating Lodge provides its guests with the optimal back-to-nature experience.
“Comprising just five bungalows, not only does it offer an intimate and exclusive experience, but it also provides a one-of-a-kind perspective of the largest protected flooded forest in the world that few travelers are lucky enough to ever experience,” said Jeremy Clubb, founder of Rainforest Cruises.
Guests can embark on guided rainforest treks, canoe tours through the flooded forest, and wildlife-spotting adventures in search of pink river dolphins, Amazonian manatees, and bald uakari monkeys — the lodge’s namesake. They can even join researchers on scientific expeditions to monitor jaguars.
“But it’s Uakari’s commitment to conservation and community involvement that really sets it apart,” said Clubb. “The lodge is 100% locally managed, providing meaningful employment and training for nearby riverine communities, and it runs entirely on renewable energy and rainwater collection, ensuring minimal impact on the fragile ecosystem.”
Rates start at $900 per person for a three-night stay. This includes meals, select activities, and return transfers from Tefé.
Seed Resort, Indonesia
If you don’t mind venturing a little further away from home, the Seed Resort, located in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, is a great balance between luxury, eco-consciousness, and affordability.
Solar panels power much of the resort, and a sophisticated rainwater collection and filtration system ensures a steady supply of fresh water without straining local resources. The resort’s farm-to-table dining emphasizes organic, locally sourced ingredients, many of which are grown in the resort’s garden and fertilized by the organic composting system.
“The resort’s construction alone is testament to its sustainability principles, using the island’s artisans, builders, and recyclable and sustainable materials to support the local economy and reduce its environmental footprint and impact,” said Clubb. “Simultaneously, they’re able to showcase the natural beauty of the local bamboo, driftwood, and alang-alang grass, and allowing its bungalows to blend in harmoniously with their surroundings.”
This eco-resort is great for anyone looking to blend relaxation with adventure. One day you can enjoy the island’s crystal clear waters for surfing, paddleboarding across still lagoons, or snorkeling around local coral reefs. Next, you can relax in the resort’s infinity pool. Then, when you’re ready to enjoy some of the local culture, take one of the complimentary bikes to explore some of the scenic trails and nearby villages.
“Winter rates start from $135 per night for the lowest-level Boutique Surf Loft, making this eco-luxury experience very accessible from a price perspective,” said Clubb. “Larger villas, like the more exclusive Boutique Beachfront Bungalow, are available for around $290 per night.”
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