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  TravelCool: Eco Lodging
Ecolodging

Choosing the right accommodation can make a big difference not only to how much you enjoy your trip, but also to the local community and the environment. Good ecolodges are an informed choice, for you and for the planet.

We promote environmentally sound lodging and enhance your experience through adventure and proximity to nature.

What is Eco Lodging?

Eco lodging should...

  • Use native, sustainably harvested and/or recycled building materials
  • Offer a natural setting that has been carefully preserved and contains indigenous landscaping
  • Use environmentally-sensitive, renewable energy, water and waste disposal systems
  • Provide comfortable rooms and common areas that reflect local designs and heritage
  • Use low-impact technologies
  • Offer excellent opportunities for interaction with local owners, managers, staff and guides

Links and Resources

TravelCool Partners: Want to see your company listed here? Learn more about our TravelCool Partner Program.

Featured Partners

Inn Serendipity
Belle Pepper's Bed & Breakfast

10% discount with an exclusion for holidays, events, and summer weekends to Better World Club members.
Located in Joseph, Oregon

Email: pepper@bellepeppersbnb.com
Website: www.bellepeppersbnb.com
Reservations: 866-432-0490

Belle Pepper's is a Bed & Breakfast in the historic McCully Mansion. Surrounded by an acre of lawns and gardens and bordered by the Wallowa River, the setting is as lovely as the home. They are located just one block from Joseph's charming main street, placing you within easy walking distance of galleries and restaurants. Their close proximity to a variety of beautiful trails, mountain lakes and of course sparkling rivers creates many options for outdoor enjoyment. Their continuing efforts to become ever more sustainable ensure a gentle healthy retreat for you and your family.

Go to www.bellepeppersbnb.com to learn more.

 

Inn Serendipity
Inn Serendipity

BWC Members Receive 25% Discount On Their Second Consecutive Night’s Stay (mention discount at time of booking)
Located in Southwestern Wisconsin

Email: info@innserendipity.com
Website: www.innserendipity.com
Reservations: 608-329-7056

Completely powered by the wind and sun, and recognized as one of the "top 10 eco-destinations in North America" by Natural Home and featured in USA Today, ABC News and the New York Times, the award-winning Inn Serendipity Bed and Breakfast in southwestern Wisconsin, is also the setting for innkeeper-authors' books, ECOpreneuring and Rural Renaissance, both about their journey to live and operate their business in a way that is both fossil-fuel free and carbon negative. Two guest rooms, starting at $105/night, double occupancy.

From serving up farm-fresh, seasonal vegetarian cuisine to offering guests tours of the farm’s many renewable energy, energy conservation or green building features, Inn Serendipity promotes the good life that’s possible with the mindful stewardship of nature and socially responsible products or services. Even the hot water for guest showers come courtesy of the sun. Carbon-dioxide emissions resulting from guest travel are automatically off-set by Inn Serendipity.

Go to www.InnSerendipity.com to learn more.

 

Rocky Mountain Escape
Rocky Mountain Escape

20% Discount for BWC Members
Located in near Jasper National Park

Email: ecolodge@xplornet.com
Website: www.rockymountainescape.com
Reservations: 780-865-0124

Rocky Mountain Escape offers private, secluded log cabin accommodation and a wide variety of year-round, nature-oriented activities such as hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, whitewater rafting, fishing, cross-country skiis and snowshoeing.  Situated in an off-the-beaten-path, subalpine valley adjacent to Jasper National Park and vast, undeveloped Willmore Wilderness, we cater to folks looking for a quiet, scenic, non-touristy spot from which to enjoy our mountain environment.

 

Aurum LodgeAurum Lodge and Cottage
10% Discount for BWC Members
Located in the Canadian Rockies, close to Banff and Jasper National Parks.



Hosts: Madeleine and Alan Ernst
Email: info@aurumlodge.com
Website: www.aurumlodge.com
Reservations: 403.721.2117

Experience a difference at Alberta's unique and award-winning eco-tourism country inn and cottage. Aurum Lodge provides an ideal base for an extended stay in the Rocky Mountains, for those seeking nature and low-impact outdoor activities away from the busier tourist centers in the national parks. Comfort - tranquility - seclusion in a year round pristine wilderness setting.

They offer six rooms in the lodge with B&B or halfboard arrangement, or three self-contained housekeeping units for guests who prefer to look after their own meals. Smoke free facility catering to mature travelers.

Environmental Commitment: Aurum Lodge was designed, built and is managed with minimal environmental impact in mind. Using mostly solar power and heat, its dependence on fossil fuels is 85% less than comparable operations. They minimize pollution, practice conservation, promote only low-impact, environmentally responsible activities, support conservation organizations in the area and encourage guests to tread lightly. All their business and purchasing decisions are subject to environmental assessments. Aurum Lodge has been assigned the top 5 Green Leaf Audubon-Green Leaf eco-rating.

Blackout Dates: Subject to existing minimum stay requirements. Valid on individual or group bookings without commissionable, package or other discount rates.

Seasonal Specials: As part of our "drive less / get outside more" concept, we offer attractive discounts for guests staying four nights or longer (15%-20% or up to 25% for BWC members)

For seasonal events or packages, visit their web site at:
http://www.aurumlodge.com/english/packages.htm

Discount: The 10% discount is applied over and above regular term stay discounts to a maximum of 25% off rack rates. Members should present their BWC Membership Card on check-in to receive discount.


Cedar House Inn and YurtsCedar House Inn & Yurts
10% Discount for BWC Members
Located in the Scenic North Georgia Mountains and Wine Country


Hosts: Fred and Mary Beth Tanner
Reservations: 706.867.9446
Email:info@georgiamountaininn.com
Website: www.georgiamountaininn.com

An eco-friendly bed and breakfast inn located in the North Georgia mountains and wine country near historic Dahlonega, site of the first gold rush. Unique yurt lodging also available.

Blackout Dates: Festival weekends; October 1-31.

Recommended Companies (listed alphabetically)

3 Rivers Ecolodge
Dominica
Email:jem@3riversdominica.com
Website: www.3riversdominica.com

Amazon Yarapa River Lodge
Iquitos, Peru
Email: yarapariverlodge@hotmail.com
Website: www.yarapariverlodge.com

Amazonat Jungle Lodge
Brazil
Email: amazonat@amazonat.com.br
Website: www.amazonat.com.br

Amazonat Jungle Lodge is one of the very few ‘Genuine Eco Lodges’ in Brazil. It offers adventure and educational activities. In addition, we provide educational and economical support to several small communities in the surrounding area.

Arenal Observatory Lodge
Costa Rica
Email: info@arenal-observatory.co.cr
Website: www.arenal-observatory.co.cr

Set high on a ridge facing Costa Rica's most active and spectacular volcano, the Arenal Observatory Lodge offers the adventurous traveler a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Baganara Island Resort
Baganara Island, Guyana
Email: everg@baganara.com
Website: www.baganara.com

Pre-eminent among the three hundred and sixty-five islands in the mighty Essequibo is this wonderful little paradise with one hundred and eighty-seven acres of lush green foliage and colourful tropical flowers. At this magic island our aim is to spoil you, keeping with the tradition of this unspoilt land and providing you with the comforts of modern day life; king sized beds, crisp white linens and hot and cold showers. You'll have lots of space to relax, romance or just be alone, at one with nature.

Black Sheep Inn
Latacunga Cotopaxi, Ecuador
Email: info@blacksheepinn.com
Website: www.blacksheepinn.com

The Black Sheep Inn is an inexpensive ecologically friendly hotel high in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador. Perched on a hillside our rural lodge is a perfect place to discover centuries-old culture and diverse ecosystems. Our comfortable hostel offers affordable accommodation and provides you with a great base for day hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, acclimating and exploring indigenous markets.

Boulder Garden
Kalawana, Sri Lanka
Email: info@bouldergarden.com
Website: www.bouldergarden.com

Boulder Garden provides a sanctuary of serenity and beauty for the utmost in relaxation for their guests. It offers guests the ultimate in accommodation with opulently appointed guestrooms furnished in traditional style. The 10 suites, consisting 02 Natural caves and a 01 split level Family room and other 07 suites with twin bedded and Double bedded suites have private Balconies and terraces from which the magnificent ever green patch can be viewed.

Butternut Inn
Stowe VT, U.S.A.
Email: innstowe2@aol.com
Website: www.butternutinnvt.com

Butternut Inn is an enchanting country inn filled with the aroma of fresh baked goods, charming antiques, intimate nooks for reading a book and sunny spaces for enjoying our signature Butternut cookies and a cup of gourmet coffee.

Canodros/Galapagos II/Kapawi Lodge
Email: abarona@canodros.com
Website: www.canodros.com

The Kapawi Ecological Reserve in the Ecuadorian Amazon Basin is a community-based ecotourism project, while the Galapagos Explorer II is a luxurious ship actively working in conservatino programs in the Galapagos Islands. The parent company of Canodros practices responsible tourism as a practical tool to achieve sustainability.

Casa Grande Mountain Retreat
Utuado, Puerto Rico
Email: tarzan@coqui.net
Website: www.hotelcasagrande.com

Set in a stunning valley on 107 lush tropical acres less than two hours from San Juan, Casa Grande Mountain Retreat is an oasis of peace and tranquility. The former coffee plantation, now exquisitely landscaped, has 20 rooms scattered up the mountainside, each with private bath, balcony, and hammock. A fresh-water swimming pool is cradled beneath a green mountain vista. A fully equipped yoga center is used for individual and group practice. Jungle Jane's Restaurant serves local and international dishes. Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association Environmental Awards: "2003 Most Improved Green Hotel" "1999 Green Inn of the Year "

Cedar Cabins Botanical Trail
Belmopan, Belize
Email: cedarcabs@btl.net
Website: www.cedarcabinsbelize.com

Cedar Cabins Botanical Trail & Butterfly Farm is located in Frank’s Eddy Village in Western Belize. It is specifically located 37 miles from Belize City, 5 miles from the Belize Zoo, and 14 miles from the nation’s capital Belmopan. The trail lies in 81 acres of private, dense tropical forest, in an area that was once used for selective timber extraction in the early 1900’s. The area’s selective use in the past, combined with natural re-growth, conservation and reforestation efforts, have resulted in a unique mix of primary and secondary vegetation. The trail boasts a large diversity of all native botanical species of medicinal, ornamental, spiritual and historical value.

Chitwan Jungle Lodge
Kathmandu, Nepal
Email: info@chitwanjunglelodge.com
Website: www.chitwanjunglelodge.com
Cree Village Ecolodge
Moose Factory, Ontario
Email: frontdesk@onlink.net
Website: www.creevillage.com
Toll Free: 1.888.273.3929

Cristalino Jungle Lodge
Email: vitoria@cristalinolodge.com.br
Website: www.cristalinolodge.com.br

The Cristalino Jungle Lodge is nestled in a private forest reserve in the Southern Brazilian Amazon rainforest. It borders the Cristalino State Park and is therefore part of a continuous extensive protected area that extends northward into the adjacent state of Pará. This unique region contains many species found only in this part of the Amazon. The area contains pristine forest and aquatic habitats that support a very rich fauna and flora, and it has been described as an Amazon sanctuary.

Ecolodges Indonesia
Bali, Indonesia
Email: lodge@ecolodgesindonesia.com
Website: www.ecolodgesindonesia.com

Eco Lodges Indonesia are proud to present, for the eco traveler, three delightful hotels for accommodation in Bali, Jakarta and Flores (Komodo) while visiting Indonesia. Our aims are to provide, at a reasonable price, comfortable clean accommodation for our guests with airport transfers, helpful staff and excellent fresh Tropical Cuisine. Our emphasis is on environmental protection through education of guests and staff, recycling of water and waste as well as efficient use of electricity, solar heating and rainwater. We even have a worm farm for composting! One of our Lodges is being benchmarked by Green Globe for international eco accreditation.

Eco-Res
Email: info@eco-res.com
Website: www.eco-res.com

A medley of worldwide lodgings set within nature. Rates start as low as $50 per night.

Finca Rosa Blanca Country Inn
Costa Rica

Email: info@fincarosablanca.com
Website: www.FincaRosaBlanca.com

Finca Rosa Blanca Country Inn is a small "boutique" hotel with only seven rooms and two villas located on 8 acres in reforested gardens, and has been named one of the top 100 small hotels in the world by many publications. The hotel has achieved the highest score of five "green leaves" in Costa Rica's Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST), renowned worldwide as one of the most stringent and comprehensive certification programs for Sustainable Tourism. The Inn has in addition, won The British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Award 2003, given for its work in sustainable tourism and environmental practices.

Haritha Farms
India
Website: www.harithafarms.com/
Kosrae Village Ecolodge
Micronesia, Kosrae Island
Email: kosraevillage@mail.fm
Website: www.kosraevillage.com

Our ecolodge and 5-star PADI dive center are located on the Jewel of Micronesia, Kosrae Island. Combine the relaxation and natural beauty of the rainforest and our Pacific Island with the sea life on our stunning, pristine Micronesian coral reefs.
Lapa Rios
Costa Rica
Email: info@laparios.com
Website: www.laparios.com

Set in a private nature reserve spread over 1,000 acres of Central America's last remaining lowland tropical rainforest in Costa Rica, Lapa Rios Ecolodge overlooks the pristine point where the Golfo Dulce meets the wild Pacific Ocean, making it the destination that matches every one's idea of paradise. Lapa Rios is an ideal vacation experience for people that like nature and are open to learning about conservation, culture and biodiversity. Honeymoon couples looking for a more active and unique kind of experience as well as families with older children that are looking to spend some real quality time together also enjoy the experience. Think of yourself as a traveler and not a tourist when coming to Lapa Rios. Feel free to explore our website and hopefully some time soon we will be able to share our vision with you.
Maho Bay Camps, Inc.
St. John, USVI
Email: Maggiem@maho.org
Website: www.maho.org

Pioneers of eco-tourism set in beautiful St. John, USVI. Stay in a tent-cottage or condo. Rates start at $75/night.
Mombasa Serena Beach Hotel
Email: mgathuri@serena.co.ke
Website: www.serenahotels.com

Ranweli Holiday Village Ltd.
Email: ranweli@sri.lanka.net
Website: www.ranweli.com

Ranweli Holiday Village is an eco-friendly resort located on a 22-acre peninsula where mangrove forests and winding rivers converge to meet the sea. You can enjoy a relaxing holiday in the scenic and tranquil surroundings or engage in numerous eco-friendly facilities and sports activities, both land and water based. If you wish to explore the flora & fauna in our extensive garden and its environs, Ranweli has many options of guided tours offering valuable insights to the sights and sounds that surround you. Also available are a number of cultural trips and activities in which you could also participate.

Si Como No's Green Hotels of Costa Rica
Email: joxan@sicomono.com
Website: www.sicomono.com

Si Como No's Green Hotels of Costa Rica is a group of hotels that are expanding the unique concepts of Ecovision designs, development, brand image, and management style in the boutique eco- tourist industry while helping to encourage the philosophy of sustainable tourism.

Solar Survival
Taos, NM
Email: biotecture@earthship.org
Website: www.earthship.org

Unusual, earth-friendly designs in Taos, NM. Rates start at $130/night.

Tiamo Resorts
The Bahamas
Email: mail@tiamoresorts.com
Website: www.tiamoresorts.com

Tiamo Resorts is a world leading sustainable-tourism operation in The Bahamas. This award winning project has successfully implement true ecotourism within a sound business model.
Turtle Island, Fiji
Email: dennis@turtlefiji.com
Website: www.turtlefiji.com
Frogg Place
Ecovillage, Ithaca NY

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