While a traditional resort holiday is all well and good, more travellers than ever are looking to get further away from the concrete jungle and escape to an eco-friendly hideaway.
In fact, according to Booking.com, 79 per cent of Australians want to travel sustainably and nearly three in 10 regularly manage to do so.
So to inspire a more unique getaway this year, the site has rounded up some of the most unique and beautiful eco escapes around the world.
So to inspire a more unique getaway this year, these are some of the most unique and beautiful eco escapes around the world (pictured is O’Reilley’s Rainforest Retreat)
Australia
O’Reilley’s Rainforest Retreat
Located in the Gold Coast Hinterland, this eco certified retreat has welcomed travellers from around the world to escape, experience and connect with nature, family and friends.
The serviced accommodation offers expansive views over the western McPherson Ranges, or guests can choose one of 48 self-contained villas perched on the sloping hillside.
The one bedroom rainforest villa ($330 per night) has an en-suited bedroom, a deck with a BBQ and spa bath and views to the rainforest/valley.
Guests can pre-order a packed lunch or picnic hamper to set off to one of 500 waterfalls accessible via 160-kilometres of nature trails.
Dining options include the likes of homemade pizzas in the Rainforest Bar or an a la carte meal in the dining room.
Located in the Gold Coast Hinterland, this eco certified retreat has welcomed travellers from around the world to escape, experience and connect with nature, family and friends
Guests can choose to stay in cosy serviced accommodation that offer expansive views overlooking the western McPherson Ranges, or one of 48 self-contained and architecturally designed Villas perched unobtrusively onto the sloping hillside
Dining options include the likes of tasty homemade pizzas in the Rainforest Bar or a gourmet a la carte meal in the dining room
Ramada Eco Beach Resort
Ramada Eco Beach Resort is a multi award-winning eco resort in the Kimberley region.
Located south of Broome, the eco resort says it provides guests with an ‘unforgettable and unique wilderness experience’ whilst having ‘minimal impact on the surrounding landscape’.
The accommodation includes 25 superbly appointed Eco Villas interlinked by 1km of elevated wooden boardwalks, and 30 safari-style Eco Tents.
Ramada Eco Beach Resort is a multi award-winning eco resort and is set among the pristine and untouched Kimberley environment
Located south of Broome, the eco resort says it provides guests with an ‘unforgettable and unique wilderness experience’ whilst having ‘minimal impact on the surrounding landscape’
The ocean front villas start at $505 per night and include shower suites, large furnished terraces, a king bed and ocean views.
Those who stay can reconnect with nature and enjoy an array of activities including kayaking, ocean fishing, turtle watching, whale watching and paddle boarding.
Jack’s Bar and Restaurant is also on site and overlooks the ocean.
Menu items range from spiced cauliflower salads and croc tails to pearl meat ceviche, kangaroo and a tasting plate featuring matsos beer damper, daily dips, cold smoked barramundi, brined pearl meat and bush spiced crocodile.
The accommodation includes 25 superbly appointed Eco Villas interlinked by 1km of elevated wooden boardwalks, and 30 luxurious safari style Eco Tents
The stunning ocean front villas start at $505 per night and include luxury shower suites, large terraces with luxury furniture, a king bed and beautiful sweeping ocean views
New Zealand
Earthstead Villas
These villas, located in Cambridge, are on an organic working farm.
With many of its villas created with recycled materials, some even hand built, its aim is to be self-sufficient in as many areas as possible.
You can borrow bikes for free and head to the farmers market which begins at 8am on Saturday mornings.
These villas, located in Cambridge, provide environmentally friendly accommodation on an organic working farm
With many of its villas created with recycled materials, some even hand built, its aim is to be self-sufficient in as many areas as possible
Sweden
Treehotel
If you are really trying to go off the grid, head to the remote landscape of northern Sweden.
The hideaway is nestled away in Harad’s forest and provides the eco-traveller with the experience of staying among the treetops with views of the countryside and woodland.
The restaurant sources all its ingredients locally and this is an opportunity to stay in a hotel that prioritizes cutting edge architecture along with sustainability.
Close by is the Hornstuls Market – a sustainable market in Stockholm that takes place every weekend from April until September.
If you are really trying to go off the grid, head to the stunningly remote landscape of northern Sweden
The unusual hide-away is nestled away in Harad’s forest and provides the eco-traveller with a unique experience of staying among the treetops with a superb view of the countryside and woodland
Norway
Kinsarvik Camping
At this eco escape, here you can camp next to the fourth largest fjord in Norway, the Hardangerfjord.
Guests can choose from cabins and caravans or pitching up their own tent.
Nearby is the Syse Gard which allows travellers the opportunity to taste local produce.
This farm grows fruit and raises livestock.
Almost a third (31 per cent) of travellers like staying somewhere where the local food is produces for local consumption, and this provides the chance to enjoy a guided tour of the farm and finish the trip off with a meal prepared from the farm’s own seasonal produce.
A simply stunning eco escape, here you can camp right next to fourth largest Fjord in Norway, the Hardangerfjord
With a choice of both cabins and caravans or pitching up your own tent this is the perfect spot to explore from
Switzerland
Alphotel B&B
As one of the world leaders of eco classified hotels, Bern is a location to consider for the eco traveller.
Alphotel Eiger B&B offers its customers views of the surrounding lakes and mountains and offers a breakfast comprised of regional produce.
Every first Saturday of the month this craftsmanship market in the heart of Bern sets up shop outside the cathedral.
Over half (53 per cent) of travellers say that buying locally made products instead of mass-produced tourist souvenirs adds to their holiday enjoyment.
This crafty market provides travellers with the opportunity to peruse quirky clothing and one off Swiss handicrafts from local artists.
As one of the world leaders of eco classified hotels, Bern is a location to consider for the eco traveller
Alphotel Eiger B&B offers its customers panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and mountains and offers a delectable breakfast comprised of regional produce
Canada
Element Vancouver Metrotown
This eco-friendly hotel has factored in its environmental impact at every opportunity.
The hotel features a saltwater pool, charging points for electric cars and the chance to borrow bikes to explore the city and farmers markets.
Nearby is the Burnaby Artisan Farmers Market – an Artisan farmers market located just outside of Vancouver that has been going strong since 2008.
The market features vendors such as organic farmers and local crafters.
This eco-friendly hotel has factored in its environmental impact at every opportunity
The hotel features an environmentally friendly saltwater pool, charging points for electric cars and allows you to borrow bikes to explore the city and farmers markets