6 Eco lodges with the WOW factor.

There’s luxury, and then there’s luxury with purpose. The kind that leaves you not just rested and recharged, but quietly chuffed you chose somewhere doing good in the world too. These six eco-lodges don’t just offer jaw-dropping views and top-tier pampering — they actively support the planet. So yes, you can have your barefoot luxury and your conscious credentials, too.

>> GROOTBOS PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA<<

This one is genuinely goosebump-inducing.

Set above Walker Bay with cinematic ocean and mountain views, Grootbos is all wildflowers, whales, and wow-factor. My clients came back buzzing — the views, the architectural suites, the private deck where they watched the sun set… It’s the kind of place that rewires your soul a bit.

You’ll find all the luxury bells and whistles here — glass-walled villas, fine dining, spa treatments — but it’s all underpinned by a deep-rooted mission. Grootbos is a pioneer in regenerative travel, from native forest restoration to training and employing local youth. It’s eco-luxe at its best.

Top tip: Don’t miss the horse ride through fields of blooming fynbos. Trust me on that one.

>>SIX SENSES ZIGHY BAY, OMAN<<

Remote, rugged, and ridiculously beautiful, Zighy Bay is where the mountains kiss the sea. You can literally paraglide into the resort if you're feeling brave (or just want to make a dramatic entrance).

Everything here is curated with intention — from the traditional Omani architecture to the farm-to-table menus sourced from the resort’s organic gardens. Six Senses is big on wellness and sustainability, but never at the expense of comfort. This is laid-back, earth-conscious luxury with a spice-scented breeze.

>>GANGTEY LODGE, BHUTAN<<

Bhutan already ticks all the boxes for slow, sustainable travel — and Gangtey Lodge is the cherry on top.

Overlooking the ethereal Phobjikha Valley, home to endangered black-necked cranes, this lodge melts seamlessly into its surroundings. You’ll spend your days hiking gentle trails, learning Bhutanese crafts, or sipping tea by the fire watching the clouds roll in.

It’s a spiritual exhale. The kind of place that doesn’t just offer quiet luxury — it teaches you to enjoy silence.

>>TOPAS ECOLODGE, VIETNAM<<

Imagine waking up high in the hills, rice terraces cascading below, and the morning mist just lifting. That’s Topas.

Built by local craftsmen and staffed by people from nearby villages, this is a lodge with genuine heart. Mr Hai, a guide here since 2003, is a living legend — his treks through local communities are packed with storytelling, warmth and authenticity.

Topas nails that balance between simplicity and splendour. It’s unplugged, yes — but beautifully so.

>>LAPA RIOS, COSTA RICA<<

Welcome to the jungle — with plush linen, ocean views, and a troop of howler monkeys as your alarm clock.

Lapa Rios is an icon of sustainable tourism. Tucked into a private reserve on the Osa Peninsula, it’s all open-air bungalows, tropical birdsong, and rainforest immersion. The lodge has helped protect hundreds of acres of rainforest and is powered by renewables.

Nature walks with local naturalists reveal just how alive this ecosystem is — and how much we have to learn from it. One for the wildlife lovers (and anyone who secretly wants to be David Attenborough).

>>MISOOL ECO RESORT, INDONESIA<<

Barefoot paradise, but make it conservation-driven.

Set in the heart of Raja Ampat, Misool is surrounded by waters so biodiverse they’ve become a global case study in marine protection. The resort co-manages a marine reserve that’s five times the size of Paris (yes, really), and biodiversity is actually improving — rare in today’s world.

You’ll stay in dreamy overwater villas, dine on sustainably caught seafood, and dive in waters that feel like a living aquarium. There are few places on earth that feel this pristine — and even fewer doing as much to keep it that way.

>>FAQs<<

WHAT MAKES AN ECO-LODGE SUSTAINABLE? A truly sustainable eco-lodge supports local communities, minimises its environmental impact, and helps preserve the natural surroundings — whether through conservation work, renewable energy, or community partnerships.

ARE LUXURY ECO-LODGES WORTH THE COST? Absolutely. Luxury eco-lodges offer a high-end experience while giving back to the environment. You’re not just paying for a room — you're supporting conservation, education, and cultural preservation.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE BEST ECO-LODGES IN THE WORLD? Some of the best eco-lodges are found in remote, biodiverse locations like Costa Rica, South Africa, Bhutan, Vietnam, and Indonesia. This blog highlights six standouts that combine sustainability and soul-stirring luxury.

CAN I STAY AT AN ECO-LODGE WITH KIDS OR FAMILY? Yes! Many eco-lodges welcome families and even offer kids’ activities tied to nature and conservation. Lodges like Grootbos or Misool Eco Resort are perfect for multi-gen travel.

>>Looking for an eco-lodge with soul<<

If you’d like help planning a nature-first escape that’s both responsible and remarkable, get in touch. I’ll help you find the perfect place — and make sure your journey makes a difference.

EMAIL: miranda.seymour@mytc.com

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/SeymourEscapes

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/SeymourEscapes

LinkedIn: Miranda Seymour