Go Green at these World's Best Eco Luxury Resorts

MIRROR LAKE INN is situated on eight beautifully landscaped acres with 1/8 mile of pristine lakefront on Mirror Lake, just one block from the village's Main Street. Lake Placid is one of the Adirondacks most beautiful and lively towns and offers tremendous four-season fun for the outdoor enthusiast as well as a wonderful variety of gourmet restaurants and specialty shops, all in a quaint village setting. In the summer, guests can partake in a family wilderness canoe trip, a sunset kayak tour, charter boat fishing, fly fishing, an evening hike, among others. Winter activities include: a wilderness adventure snowshoe trek; an ice climbing adventure; snow cave fun; ice fishing and bobsledding; among many others. read more

COCO PALM DHUNI KOLHU is benchmark certified by Green Globe International in recognition of its commitment to an eco-friendly operation. Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu has a mission to keep the environment beautiful and unspoilt. Products used are biodegradable, wasted water is treated before being poured back into the sea, paper is recycled, all amenities are made from natural products, the wood used in the resort's construction was taken from plantation forests and the resort implements an environmentally-friendly waste management programme. read more

TABACON GRAND SPA THERMAL RESORT is located in Costa Rica's northern region, at the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano. It is the only 5-star hotel in the world with the unique setting of an active volcano with mineral hot springs right on the property. Tabacon is a model of Social Responsibility Leadership in La Fortuna. An important part of Tabacón's legacy to the community has been made possible through our leadership in social responsibility. Tabacón actively supports the wellbeing of children in La Fortuna by participating in specially chosen community programs that improve their educational and cultural opportunities, as well as the conservation of its natural environment and ecosystems. read more

HASTINGS HOUSE - BRITISH COLUMBIA a small luxury country resort, spa and restaurant — sits on 22 acres on the waterfront of Ganges Harbour, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. Enjoy luxury lodging, fine dining, wellness and relaxation in a casually-elegant atmosphere. Explore British Columbia's natural beauty, Salt Spring's mild climate and the warmth and creativity of its people. Enjoy breathtaking harbour views, acres of vibrant lawns, gardens, and forests, abundant wildlife and a lively arts community. Salt Spring Island will lure you from the estate with a range of shops and galleries, and many choices for outdoor and water activities, such as biking, hiking, fishing, sailing, diving, kayaking, tennis, golf, horseback riding, farm, garden and winery tours. Peaceful and beautiful any time of the year, Salt Spring Island is one of Canada's premier vacation destinations. read more

JEAN MICHEL COUSTEAU FIJI ISLANDS RESORT The resort earned the title of "Leading Green Hotel" for its environmental philosophy centered on renewal, conservation and efficiency. The award-winning, five-star Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort is one of the most renowned vacation destinations in the South Pacific. Located on the island of Vanua Levu on 17 acres of a coconut plantation, the accommodations overlook the peaceful waters of Savusavu Bay. The acclaimed resort is an international favorite for romance, honeymoons and weddings; scuba diving; and families, who want to combine heavenly surroundings and exceptional dining with an unsurpassed range of eco-friendly activities. A sister resort to the Post Ranch Inn and Cavallo Point - the Lodge at the Golden Gate, Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands resort is the only resort that employs a full-time marine biologist to help visitors appreciate the underwater world of Fiji. read more

POUSADA ETNIA - BRAZIL Internationally known as an oasis in the middle of the jungle and for combining comfort with unique ethnic decor, Etnia was elected one of Brazil's four best hotels by the prestigious German publisher, Taschen, in the book 'Great Escapes of the World'. Near everything and away from the world, Etnia can be defined as such. Located in the center of Trancoso, 80km from Porto Seguro, in the southern coast of the state of Bahia, the hotel was elected by Herbert Ypma, photographer and writer of Hip Hotels, as the best destination in the world for those seeking peace and quiet, as well as sophistication and simplicity. read more

vigilius mountain resort 1,500 meters above everyday life. No traffic noise, no rushed business meetings, no arrivals nor departures by car. The vigilius mountain resort can be reached exclusively by cablecar. The air is laden with calm, tranquil thoughts, flavored with the invigorating scent of the larch woods. Here it is possible to regain what you have been longing for; a clear view of oneself, a renewed vision of life. There is nothing obtrusive, nothing rigid. You alone define what to do. Inspirational views of the Dolomite Mountains, with their ever-changing colors, act as the backdrop for "focus weeks" at the resort, concentrating on enhancing elements such as health, nutrition, movement and beauty. With exceptional autumnal interiors, exquisite Alpine/Northern Italian cuisine and a hedonistic spa, vigilius mountain resort represents the bright future of elite hospitality.
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CAVALLO POINT - THE LODGE AT THE GOLDEN GATE Set within the Golden Gate National Parks at the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge near Sausalito, California, Cavallo Point is the San Francisco Bay's first national park lodge. Located in historic Fort Baker, Cavallo Point tempts guests with exceptional activities, amenities and attractions. Within minutes, visitors can beach comb along the Pacific, ride a San Francisco cable car or hike the Marin Headlands. No matter what the pursuit, Cavallo Point is the ideal 'base camp' for discovery and new experiences in Northern California. read more

LAS ALAMANDAS Hailed by Andrew Harper this year as one of the world's "Top 20 Hideaways" and THE top hideaway in Mexico, Las Alamandas Resort is located midway between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo along the famed "Costalegre" region of Jalisco Mexico's Pacific Coast. Managed as an elegant, private estate where guests are accorded the highest standards of hospitality, this exclusive beachfront hideaway is situated on over 1,500 acres of pristine tropical Paradise with only six villas accommodating a maximum of 30 guests. read more

HOTEL HANA-MAUI At the end of the Hana Highway, on the lush eastern coast of Maui, is the legendary Hotel Hana-Maui and Honua Spa, where tranquility is a way of life. The AAA Four Diamond luxury resort has long been known as a favorite Hawaiian vacation retreat for generations of travelers seeking a serene and enchanting escape. The Hotel reflects a wonderful blend of Hawaiian heritage and the unspoiled natural beauty that makes Hana such a special place. Located on an acre of landscaped grounds, the intimate Honua Spa takes advantage of the spectacular views of Hana Bay. read more