Celebrate Mother Earth at These Cool Nature-Themed Hotels

1. Lapa Rios Ecolodge & Wildlife Reserve, Costa Rica

Set on 1,000 acres of tropical rainforest, the eco-friendly Lapa Rios Ecolodge & Wildlife Reserve provides a back-to-nature experience, starting with its lack of phones, Internet, and TVs in its 17 thatched-roof bungalows. The hotel was built using traditional construction methods, with a focus on sustainability. All of the hotel’s bungalows and the main lodge housing the restaurant/bar and lobby area were constructed using wood from fallen trees. Thatch roofs are made from locally sourced palm fronds. The entire resort fits beautifully into its natural rainforest surrounding, with beautiful ocean views and jungle all around.

2. Frost and Fire Hotel, Iceland

Located on the Varma River near Thingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site), Frost and Fire features gorgeous rooms that mix typical Scandinavian design elements with big windows looking out on to the stark surrounding countryside. The river that runs through this property is naturally heated by the region’s hot springs, meaning it’s warm enough to swim in depending on the season. There’s even a steam-powered outdoor oven, where the hotel bakes its own bread. 

3. The Caves, Jamaica

Set on a cliffside overlooking the sea, The Caves hotel in Negril, Jamaica has long been a favorite among honeymooners. Many of the colorful rooms at this all-inclusive property feature romantic back-to-nature touches such as outdoor showers. However, the real highlight of a stay here is the option to have a private meal inside one of the property’s natural grottos, cliffside caves that look out on the sea.

4. Blancaneaux Lodge, Belize

Set on a verdant, jungle-covered hillside overlooking Privassion Creek and the hotel’s own man-made waterfall, Blancaneaux Lodge in Belize provides a perfect base for exploring the nearby Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve or simply relaxing in the spa. This upscale resort is owned by Francis Ford Coppola, and though rooms lack TVs, they come equipped with both iPod docks and shell phones with intercoms tucked discreetly into conch shells.

5. Haramara Retreat, Mexico

Spread out over 12 acres of wilderness near Sayulita on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, the upscale Haramara Retreat takes rustic living to the next level, with electricity-free standalone palm-thatched huts that are separated from the surrounding jungle only by gauze curtains and mosquito nets. The primary focus here is on yoga and meditation, and there are two palapas housing yoga shalas along with an organic restaurant serving vegetarian cuisine and seafood.

6. Conscious Hotel Museum Square, Amsterdam

Located near museums, theaters, shops, and restaurants, Conscious Hotel Museum Square has all sorts of quirky, eco-themed features, from a huge live plant wall in an otherwise stark lobby to large forest photo murals in the rooms and in common areas. The breakfast buffet here puts an emphasis on organic fare, and the hotel offers loaner bikes for guests (though this is not particularly unusual for Amsterdam).

7. Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa, Wyoming

Located in Teton Village, right by the majestic Grand Teton National Park, Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa is a rustic-chic lodge with lots of great wellness amenities. Though the rooms are not particularly stunning, the lobby more than makes up for it, with unfinished log beams and pillars, plus a big stone fireplace and lots of cozy couches for relaxing. There’s also an outdoor pool and a separate whirlpool deck, both with sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness.

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