As the colder months approach, it’s time to start preparing for winter travel. Whether you’re dreaming of a warm tropical retreat or an adventure surrounded by nature, eco-friendly escapes are the perfect way to experience luxury while minimizing your environmental footprint. We’ve curated three extraordinary destinations that combine sustainability with stunning experiences, from Costa Rica’s lush cloud forests to Ecuador’s Amazon basin.
1. Hotel Belmar: Embrace Nature and Comfort in Costa Rica
For travelers looking to immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing comfort, Hotel Belmar in Monteverde, Costa Rica, provides the ideal winter escape. Known for its environmental stewardship and carbon-neutral status, this eco-lodge recently underwent a stylish renovation to redefine the guest experience. Designed by NAAS Interior Culture, the new rooms emphasize a seamless connection between modern design and the natural surroundings.
Thoughtful Redesign with Sustainability at Heart
Hotel Belmar’s redesigned rooms feature natural materials like sustainable wood and organic fabrics, with a Mid-Century Modern aesthetic that offers clean lines, functional elegance, and minimal environmental impact. The use of low VOC paints and responsible sourcing of materials further aligns with the hotel’s green philosophy. Nearly all of the hotel’s 26 rooms were renovated, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a luxurious stay while reducing their carbon footprint.
The new Sunrise Room offers panoramic views of the Monteverde cloud forest and Nicoya Peninsula, allowing guests to experience the breathtaking natural beauty from the comfort of their private balcony. This is the perfect winter getaway for travelers seeking a combination of comfort, design, and a commitment to sustainability.
For more information, visit Hotel Belmar’s website.
Why Choose Hotel Belmar for Your Winter Eco-Escape?
- Luxury meets sustainability: Enjoy the comfort of Mid-Century Modern furnishings without compromising on environmental responsibility.
- Immerse in nature: Explore Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems while staying in a carbon-neutral lodge.
- Unique experiences: From farm-to-table dining to onsite craft breweries, Hotel Belmar offers a range of eco-conscious activities.
2. Sacha Lodge: Private Birding Tours in Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest
If you’re preparing for winter travel and seeking a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience, Sacha Lodge in the Ecuadorian Amazon is an exceptional choice. Spanning over 5,000 acres of pristine rainforest, this private reserve is home to over 600 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. With the launch of new private birding tours, Sacha Lodge offers an exclusive opportunity to explore one of the world’s richest avian ecosystems.
Unmatched Birdwatching Adventures
The new birding itineraries at Sacha Lodge feature a team of specialist guides who are experts in identifying rare and elusive birds by both sight and sound. Guests can expect to spot an average of 60 species per day. Highlights include the Canopy Exploration Crane, which offers a unique vantage point high above the forest, and the Yasuni Parrot Clay Lick, where colorful parrots gather in droves.
The lodge’s location in upper Amazonia is key to its impressive biodiversity. Birders will be able to explore various habitats, from blackwater inlets to palm-rich swamps, all of which provide ideal environments for species like the Zigzag Heron, Lanceolated Monklet, and Scarlet-Shouldered Parrotlet.
For more information on the birding tours, visit Sacha Lodge’s website.
Why Sacha Lodge is Perfect for Winter Travel
- Year-round birding: The Ecuadorian Amazon offers excellent birdwatching conditions even during the winter months.
- Unparalleled access to wildlife: Sacha Lodge provides unique access to the canopy and forest floor, making it a haven for both avid birders and nature enthusiasts.
- Luxury meets wilderness: With bug-proof windows, hot showers, and luxurious beds, you can enjoy the Amazon in comfort without compromising on your eco-conscious values.
3. Machrihanish Dunes Resort: Sustainable Golfing in Scotland’s Highlands (for Future Travel Planning)
Machrihanish Dunes Resort in Scotland’s Kintyre Peninsula might not be ideal for winter travel. However, it’s worth considering for future plans if you’re seeking eco-friendly escapes. Known as Scotland’s most sustainable golf resort, Machrihanish Dunes is home to the first-ever GEO-certified golf course in the U.K.
The Expansion and Environmental Commitment
The resort is expanding with a second championship links course, additional luxury hotels, and eco-conscious golf cottages. Designed by David McLay Kidd, the new course will seamlessly blend into the rugged coastal landscape. This will continue the resort’s commitment to preserving the natural environment.
Machrihanish Dunes is dedicated to sustainable practices. This includes habitat management and conservation efforts that protect local wildlife and plant species. These initiatives have made it a model for sustainable golf tourism in the U.K.
For more information, visit Machrihanish Dunes’ website.
Why You Should Plan a Future Trip to Machrihanish Dunes
- Sustainable luxury: The resort’s expansion ensures eco-conscious travelers can enjoy world-class golfing in an environmentally responsible way.
- Breathtaking views: Nestled on Scotland’s western coast, Machrihanish Dunes offers awe-inspiring views of the ocean and natural landscape.
- Cultural and historical significance: The resort is tied to Old Tom Morris, one of golf’s most iconic figures. It offers a deep connection to Scotland’s golfing heritage.
Preparing for Your Next Eco-Friendly Escape
As you prepare for winter travel, eco-friendly escapes like these offer both comfort and luxury. They also give you a deeper sense of responsibility toward the environment. From Costa Rica’s serene cloud forests to the Amazon’s rich biodiversity, each destination offers something special. Scotland’s sustainable golf resorts also promise unique experiences for conscious travelers.
By supporting these eco-conscious resorts, you’re contributing to the preservation of these stunning natural landscapes for generations to come.
Are you ready to book your next sustainable adventure? Whether you’re birdwatching in Ecuador or relaxing in Costa Rica’s cloud forest, these eco-friendly escapes offer unforgettable memories.
For more travel ideas, keep exploring our TASTE blog, where we cover the best in Travel, Arts, Sustainable Travel, Taste (Food/Wine), and Events.
