Exploring the Best Luxury Eco-Resorts in the World

Luxury eco-resorts are redefining the way we travel. They offer all the comfort, style and serenity of high-end holidays, while actively protecting the natural environments and communities that make these destinations so special. As more travellers seek meaningful experiences with a lighter footprint, the world’s finest eco-friendly hideaways are stepping forward with award-winning sustainability, immersive landscapes and exceptional service.

In this guide, we explore some of the best luxury eco-resorts across the globe — places where renewable energy, ocean conservation, community support and architectural harmony combine with private-pool villas, gourmet dining, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

Whether you’re dreaming of a castaway island escape, a rainforest sanctuary, or a safari lodge deeply rooted in conservation, these luxury eco-resorts show how extraordinary sustainable travel can be. Many of the destinations featured in this guide protect fragile habitats recognised by global conservation bodies, including areas designated on the UNESCO World Heritage List, which highlights the world’s most exceptional natural ecosystems.

1. Soneva Fushi, Maldives – Barefoot Luxury with a Conscience

The Maldives has long been synonymous with indulgence, but Soneva Fushi stands apart as a pioneer in sustainable luxury. Sitting within the UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll, this iconic resort blends barefoot living with forward-thinking eco-innovation. Guests arrive via seaplane to find villas crafted from responsibly sourced wood, hidden amid dense jungle and opening onto powder-white beaches.

Soneva Fushi runs on extensive solar power, operates a zero-waste programme, eliminates single-use plastics, and manages one of the region’s most advanced recycling centres. Marine conservation plays a vital role here too, with an on-site team protecting coral reefs and supporting manta ray research in nearby Hanifaru Bay.

Despite its eco-credentials, luxury is never compromised. Private villas feature sunken dining, open-air bathrooms, and sweeping sea views. The resort’s culinary scene includes overwater dining experiences, farm-to-table produce, and the famous Soneva ice-cream room — a favourite for adults and families alike.

Why it’s special: Soneva Fushi succeeds in offering the highest standards of luxury while authentically protecting its fragile island environment.

Explore more: If you’re inspired by this blend of sustainability and indulgence, Awake & Wander Luxury Travel offers a curated collection of Maldivian eco-retreats tailored to your unique style. For a deeper look at innovative overwater design and lagoon sustainability, our article on The Standard Huruvalhi Maldives offers a vibrant contrast to traditional Maldivian eco-resorts.

2. Six Senses Laamu, Maldives – Ocean-First Sustainability

Another standout in the Maldives, Six Senses Laamu is a spectacular example of marine-focused sustainability. This secluded sanctuary offers chic overwater villas built using sustainably harvested materials, with direct access to vibrant coral gardens bursting with marine life. Its in-house conservation organisation, the Manta Trust, leads pioneering research on manta rays, turtles and reef ecosystems, giving guests a rare chance to join marine biologists on ocean adventures.

The resort’s commitment to renewable energy, water conservation, and waste reduction is matched by its dedication to local community investment, school support programmes, and sustainable food sourcing. Whether you’re exploring the Indian Ocean on a private catamaran, enjoying sunrise yoga, or dining at the resort’s treetop lounge, you’re never far from nature — or from the efforts being made to protect it. To continue exploring eco-minded retreats in the region, take a look at our insights on Luxury Holidays to the Maldives, where overwater living and sustainability meet.

Why it’s special: Six Senses Laamu isn’t just eco-friendly — it’s one of the world’s leading marine conservation resorts.

Explore more: Awake & Wander Luxury Travel can help you compare the best Six Senses properties worldwide, ensuring your chosen resort aligns perfectly with your values and travel dreams.

3. Wilderness Bisate Lodge, Rwanda – Conservation at the Heart of Every Stay

Perched on the slopes of an eroded volcanic cone near Volcanoes National Park, Wilderness Bisate Lodge delivers one of Africa’s most meaningful luxury experiences. Designed to echo the architectural traditions of Rwanda’s royal palaces, each forest villa feels cocooned in the jungle, offering views of mist-shrouded peaks and the rare mountain gorillas that inhabit the nearby forests.

Bisate is more than a luxury eco-resort — it’s a conservation project with hospitality woven through it. The lodge has led reforestation efforts across the region, planting hundreds of thousands of indigenous trees and restoring lost habitat for endangered species. Guests can tour the nurseries, join local community projects, or participate in guided gorilla treks — experiences that directly support long-term conservation goals.

Sustainability is embedded into every operational layer: low-impact construction, rainwater harvesting, composting systems, and an emphasis on local employment. Dining celebrates Rwandan flavours, using produce sourced from regional farmers and the lodge’s own organic gardens.

Why it’s special: Few luxury eco-resorts combine community uplift, biodiversity restoration and high-end comfort as seamlessly as Bisate.

Explore more: Awake & Wander Luxury Travel can design tailor-made Rwanda itineraries, including gorilla trekking permits and conservation-led lodges across East Africa.

4. Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador – A Cloud Forest Sanctuary for Nature Lovers

Deep within Ecuador’s Chocó rainforest — one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet — lies Mashpi Lodge, a glass-walled eco-retreat suspended between mist, forest and sky. It’s an unforgettable setting: towering trees dripping with orchids, toucans flashing through the canopy, and waterfalls hidden within lush emerald valleys.

Mashpi Lodge is a model of scientific eco-tourism. Built with a minimal environmental footprint on the site of a former logging area, the lodge now leads research programmes aimed at protecting threatened species and restoring habitats. Resident biologists, naturalists, and environmental educators guide guests through the forest on nature trails, sky-bikes, and the Dragonfly aerial cable system — a silent glide through cloud forest canopy.

Despite its remote location, the lodge is luxurious and contemporary. Stylish suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, while spa treatments use natural ingredients inspired by the surrounding forest. Meals are crafted using local produce, celebrating Ecuador’s regional culinary heritage. For travellers who love nature-led luxury, you may also enjoy our guide on Why Bali’s Luxury Resorts Offer the Ultimate Blend of Nature and Comfort.

Why it’s special: Mashpi combines wild discovery, scientific exploration and refined comfort in a way that transforms the understanding of eco-luxury.

Explore more: If a rainforest retreat speaks to you, Awake & Wander Luxury Travel can pair Mashpi with Galápagos adventures or cultural escapes in Quito for a perfectly balanced eco-itinerary.

5. The Brando, French Polynesia – Sustainability on a Private Island

Located on the pristine atoll of Tetiaroa, The Brando is one of the world’s most celebrated luxury eco-resorts — a vision originally inspired by Marlon Brando himself. Today, the resort sets the global benchmark for sustainable island hospitality. Its villas blend naturally into coconut groves and white-sand beaches, offering total privacy alongside effortless style.

The resort uses a groundbreaking seawater air-conditioning system, solar energy farms and innovative waste-to-energy solutions. Much of the food is grown on-island, and the Tetiaroa Society — an independent scientific non-profit — carries out vital research into atoll conservation, climate resilience and ocean ecosystems.

Guests can snorkel with tropical fish, paddleboard across turquoise lagoons, join naturalists for birdwatching walks, or indulge in the Varua Te Ora Polynesian spa — all while knowing their stay supports one of the most ambitious sustainability models in luxury travel.

Why it’s special: A rare blend of castaway island beauty, scientific innovation and holistic sustainability.

Explore more: Awake & Wander Luxury Travel offers bespoke French Polynesia itineraries, from private-island stays to sailing adventures across the Society Islands. Those who enjoy destinations where culture, nature and luxury intersect might also love our feature on One&Only Reethi Rah Maldives, which blends ocean conservation with world-class indulgence.

6. Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia – Luxury with Local Impact

Hidden within Cambodia’s Koh Rong Archipelago, Song Saa Private Island is one of Southeast Asia’s most inspiring luxury eco-resorts. Set across two pristine islands linked by a wooden footbridge, the resort blends rustic-luxe design with heartfelt community and marine conservation programmes.

Villas are crafted from reclaimed timber, driftwood and repurposed fishing materials, creating a warm, organic style that feels both barefoot and boutique. Many feature private pools, sea views and direct beach access — the epitome of relaxed island indulgence.

But it’s Song Saa’s philanthropic foundation that truly sets it apart. The Song Saa Foundation protects coral reefs, restores mangroves, supports local healthcare, funds education programmes and has pioneered Cambodia’s first marine protected area. Guests can join conservation snorkels, learn about reef restoration, or visit nearby villages to see positive change first-hand.

Dining spotlights fresh seafood, Khmer flavours and sustainable ingredients, while the spa offers wellness rituals inspired by Buddhist philosophy. If you love meaningful, culturally connected travel, this resort is the perfect balance of luxury and purpose. If island sustainability speaks to you, our feature on Luxury Holidays to Lombok at The Oberoi explores another region where luxury and ecology exist in perfect harmony.

Explore more: Awake & Wander Luxury Travel can pair Song Saa with Siem Reap temples, Phnom Penh culture or a multi-stop Indochina journey crafted around your interests.

7. Fogo Island Inn, Canada – Design, Culture and Wild Coastal Beauty

Along Newfoundland’s dramatic Atlantic coast sits Fogo Island Inn, a striking architectural masterpiece built on stilts above rugged rock and ocean waves. This luxury eco-resort blends Scandinavian minimalism with deep-rooted Canadian heritage, making it one of the world’s most distinctive places to stay.

The inn is a social enterprise created to revive local communities and support cultural preservation. Every room is furnished by island artisans, using traditional techniques and locally sourced materials. The hotel’s profits are reinvested into community initiatives, cultural programmes and small-business support — making your stay directly beneficial to the island’s people.

Fogo Island Inn also prioritises environmental responsibility with rainwater collection, renewable energy systems and a strong focus on local food sourcing. Guests can explore the island with community hosts, enjoy coastal hikes, watch for whales and icebergs, or simply unwind in a rooftop hot tub overlooking the endless Atlantic.

Explore more: Awake & Wander Luxury Travel designs bespoke Canadian journeys, from Eastern coastlines to Rocky Mountain luxury lodges, tailored entirely around your travel style.

8. Longitude 131°, Australia – Uluru’s Eco-Luxury Desert Retreat

For travellers seeking wilderness, culture and profound natural beauty, Longitude 131° offers one of the most extraordinary eco-luxury experiences on Earth. Set at the edge of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, this desert sanctuary features tented pavilions elevated above red sand dunes, each positioned perfectly for sunrise views of Uluru.

The resort follows a philosophy of “take only memories, leave only gentle footprints.” Its architecture ensures minimal land impact, while renewable energy, low-flow water systems, waste reduction and local sourcing define its operations. The resort works closely with the Anangu people, integrating Indigenous stories, art and traditions throughout the experience.

Guests can explore Uluru with expert guides, dine under southern stars at the iconic Table 131°, and retreat to luxurious tents featuring organic linens, floor-to-ceiling windows and unparalleled desert serenity.

Explore more: Awake & Wander Luxury Travel can craft personalised Australia itineraries combining the Red Centre with Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef or Tasmania’s wild eco-retreats.

Our Take:

"Choosing a luxury eco-resort means you don’t have to compromise your values for comfort — and with Awake & Wander, you can travel knowing every detail is taken care of, responsibly"
– Awake & Wander Luxury Travel

Booking with Confidence – Your Journey, Protected



When you’re planning a luxury holiday — especially one that takes you to remote islands, wild rainforests or faraway deserts — peace of mind is essential. At Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, we believe that feeling protected is an important part of feeling truly cared for. That’s why every holiday we create includes layers of financial security and professional reassurance, so you can focus entirely on the excitement of your journey.

ATOL Protection sits at the heart of this promise. It ensures that, in the unlikely event of an airline or package provider issue, your money is safe and your travel plans are secure. If anything unexpected happens before or during your trip, ATOL guarantees you won’t be left stranded or out of pocket. For travellers heading to bucket-list destinations — from French Polynesia to the Australian Outback — that protection is invaluable.

We also include Supplier Failure Insurance as standard. Luxury eco-resorts often operate in exceptional, far-flung locations, and while we work only with trusted partners, this added protection means your holiday funds are safeguarded even if an accommodation or ground supplier faces sudden difficulties. You’ll never lose your investment, and alternative arrangements can be made smoothly.

Beyond formal protection, we offer something equally important: a dedicated human team who genuinely cares. Should weather, airline schedules, local conditions or global events shift unexpectedly, we’re on hand to manage changes quickly and efficiently. You won’t spend hours on hold or feel unsure about your options — we advocate for you, coordinate with suppliers, and handle the logistics so your holiday remains seamless.

This is travel with confidence. Travel with reassurance. Travel knowing that from the moment you first dream up your escape to the moment you return home, someone is watching over every detail with your comfort, safety and peace of mind at heart.

Because your journey matters — and you deserve to enjoy it without worry.

 Why Book Your Eco-Luxury Escape with Awake & Wander?

Choosing the perfect luxury eco-resort should feel inspiring — not overwhelming. With so many incredible destinations around the world, our role is to guide you towards the ones that truly match your values, style and vision.

When you book with us, you receive:

• bespoke holiday design tailored around you
• first-hand expertise on the world’s leading luxury eco-resorts
• trusted partnerships with sustainable hotel brands
• peace of mind through ATOL protection and Supplier Failure Insurance
• a friendly team who take the time to understand your dream trip

Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply craving a gentler way to explore the world, we’re here to craft a journey “where every journey begins with you.”

You can call us on 01495 400011, use our online enquiry form, or explore ideas using our website’s search tools — perfect for creating holidays as unique as you are.

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