We all like regular hotels, but we all also know that true luxury lies in small bungalows with plenty of privacy, romance and contact with nature. And let’s not forget the importance of being green when travelling, especially if you love tropical destinations that are known for their gorgeous nature–sustainable luxury is important here.
So for your next quick getaway, choose the most sustainable of all materials, bamboo, and stay in one of the cute bamboo houses. These can be found all over the world and in all the most lux destinations, and we named a few for your choosing here:
Bamboo Bliss in Costa Rica
3 Bamboo Ecolodge in Cahuita was designed specifically for those seeking an eco-friendly getaway in Costa Rica that embodies the harmony of nature and elegance. This remote retreat, which is close to Cahuita National Park, offers eco-lodges with bamboo designs that are encircled by beautiful rainforests and a tropical garden. The eco-lodge offers family villas and bamboo treehouses that are designed with sustainability in mind, providing you with comfort and seclusion in an incredibly natural environment.
On your private balcony, have a fresh cup of Costa Rican coffee while taking in the sounds of exotic nature as you awaken. Costa Rica is a top destination for honeymoons, so romance will be high as well. This lodge abides by Costa Rica’s CST (Certification for Sustainable Tourism) so you can be sure they are fully dedicated to sustainable tourism and community involvement.
Artisanal Haven in Thailand
While travelling to northern Thailand is a fantastic option, staying at Lisu Lodge in Chiang Mai’s foothills is even more recommended. Bamboo cottages at this eco-friendly lodge are intricate works of art, crafted by the native Lisu Hill Tribe using sustainable bamboo architecture. Skilled artisans employ traditional building methods to construct each house, which features an open layout that allows for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and refreshing breezes.
The chance to fully immerse oneself in the local way of life is what sets Lisu Lodge apart. Visitors can engage in workshops on bamboo weaving and traditional Thai cooking, as well as socialise and learn about the customs and way of life of the Lisu people. This is the ideal fusion of cultural awareness and pure hedonism.
Bali Bamboo Retreat
What do you imagine when you think about Bali? Most likely, you picture those cute little bungalows that float on the water. Yes, these are absolutely a dream, but after you see Bali’s bamboo houses, they will be all you can think about. The Hideout Bali offers a true escape from the everyday. Built completely from locally sourced bamboo, this retreat embodies the best of modern eco-design and traditional aesthetics.
Each unique bamboo house in Bali is a sanctuary of tranquillity, making you feel both open to nature and comfortably secluded. The resort encourages relaxation with features like a river flowing through the property, lush rice fields nearby, and hammocks perfectly positioned for lounging. Just imagine soaking in a jacuzzi overlooking the river! And we’ll not even mention all the Instagram opportunities.
Eco Luxe in South Africa
Deep in the indigenous forest, Moon Shine on Whiskey Creek is a unique eco-luxury resort located in the heart of South Africa’s Garden Route. A variety of wooden and bamboo bungalows are available at this bamboo-inspired getaway, catering to eco-aware tourists who yet need a little luxury. With natural cooling techniques and solar electricity, each accommodation blends seamlessly into the surroundings without compromising comfort.
Take in the tranquil sounds of the forest as you wake up and sip your morning coffee on a private veranda with a view of the verdant surroundings. Explore the Garden Route National Park during the day, or go ziplining or on a treetop canopy tour in Tsitsikamma.
Island Getaway in the Philippines
Qi Palawan is an eco-friendly resort on the quieter northeastern coast of Palawan. The resort features bamboo villas designed to blend with the stunning natural environment, using sustainable materials like bamboo and cogon grass for the roofs. Each villa is built straight on the beach, offering views of the ocean or lush gardens. Everything here is natural and green.
For instance, the villas are designed to maximise natural ventilation, keeping the interiors cool without the need for air conditioning. When you’re not in your bamboo villa, you can explore untouched waters by kayak, discover vibrant marine life, or even kitesurf when the winds pick up. For those seeking tranquillity, the resort also offers yoga sessions and organic, locally sourced meals at their open-air restaurant, all while you relax in the serenity of your bamboo sanctuary.
The word “eco-luxury” sounds made up to make travellers feel better about their pollution, but it’s actually working well. It’s more than possible to mix luxury and sustainability. Each bamboo house we’ve explored offers a deep dive into local cultures, connecting with nature, and living a tad lighter on the earth. So why settle for the ordinary when you can have the extraordinary?