More travelers are prioritizing sustainability in their trips by seeking destinations and hotel brands that support the planet and local communities. For eco-conscious clients eager to experience resorts and destinations that focus on sustainability and conservation, here are some destinations to consider as Earth Day approaches on April 22, 2025.
Ambergris Cay
Ambergris Cay, a 1,100-acre private island in the Turks & Caicos, integrates luxury with environmental sustainability. The island’s diverse ecosystem features over 150 plant species, including cacti, mangroves and native grasses, alongside barrier dunes, freshwater sinkholes and coastal trails for guests to explore.
Demonstrating a commitment to eco-friendly practices, Ambergris Cay operates an on-site solar farm, accounting for 20% of the island’s annual energy consumption. To reduce plastic waste, the resort has established a state-of-the-art bottling plant that supplies glass bottles of still and sparkling water to restaurants and accommodations daily.
Additionally, the island supports the conservation of the endangered Turks & Caicos Rock Iguana, hosting the world’s largest remaining population of these herbivorous lizards. In collaboration with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Ambergris Cay closely monitors and protects these iguanas in their natural habitat, reflecting the island’s dedication to preserving its unique environment.
For more information, visit ambergriscay.com.
Carneros Resort and Spa
Located amid Napa Valley’s vineyards, Carneros Resort and Spa integrates sustainability through various environmental initiatives. As a member of Beyond Green, the resort adheres to over 50 sustainability indicators aligned with global tourism standards.
The resort’s conservation efforts include the use of bulk shower amenities to minimize waste, recycling discarded soaps through donations to Clean the World and providing boxed water throughout the property. Landscaping features native, drought-tolerant plants selected for their compatibility with local soil and water conditions, thereby reducing water consumption and preserving the region’s agricultural integrity.
In its culinary program, Carneros Resort and Spa emphasizes locally sourced, organic produce from its on-site gardens and small regional farms. All restaurants and bars sort compostable materials, with green waste composted on-site to enrich the gardens and proteins composted off-site. Used cooking oils are converted into biofuel through North Bay Pressure.
For more information, visit carnerosresort.com.
COMO Laucala Island
COMO Laucala Island in Fiji exemplifies sustainable luxury through its comprehensive farm-to-table program and environmental stewardship. Spanning 240 acres, the island’s farm cultivates a diverse array of organic crops and responsibly manages livestock, including chickens, quail and wagyu cattle. Seafood is sourced exclusively from local fishermen, ensuring freshness while supporting the surrounding community.
Guests are invited to participate in guided farm tours that provide insights into sustainable farming practices and the island’s self-sufficiency initiatives. Visitors can explore the main farm area, herb garden, nursery, hydroponic garden, fruit orchard, horse stables, piggery and poultry shed housing Austrian Sulmtaler chickens.
Along the way, guests may sample fresh island honey, pick vanilla pods used in the resort’s desserts and ice creams and collect eggs or tropical fruits for their meals. The resort’s design incorporates traditional Fijian materials and construction techniques, such as ‘magimagi’—string woven from coconut husks—and ‘balabala’—fern tree stems marking entrances. These practices honor local heritage while minimizing environmental impact.
For more information, visit comohotels.com.
Domes Aulus Zante
Domes Aulus Zante, Autograph Collection, situated on Zakynthos’s Laganas Bay in Greece, focuses on the conservation of the endangered loggerhead sea turtle. The resort collaborates with ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, adopting 140 nests from nearby beaches to safeguard hatchlings and support the species’ survival.
Guests are invited to engage with the local ecosystem through educational initiatives such as the Turtle Scout Theme Park and the Beachside Gazebo Classroom, which provide insights into turtle conservation efforts. Children can participate in the KiEPOS Kids’ Club, offering activities like treasure hunts, turtle clay modeling and seaside walks aimed at fostering environmental awareness.
Beyond turtle conservation, the resort actively promotes sustainable practices, including organizing cleaning excursions, implementing recycling programs and partnering with NGOs to support local environmental initiatives.
For more information, visit domesresorts.com.
Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlan
Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlan Golf & Spa Resort is located along Mexico’s Pacific coastline, just five miles from Mazatlan International Airport and 20 minutes from the city center.
This Hyatt-branded resort prioritizes sustainability and environmental responsibility. The resort has earned Platinum Beach Certification for its eco-friendly beachfront and partners with local suppliers dedicated to sustainability. Conservation efforts include water-saving technologies, energy-efficient systems, LED lighting and reduced plastic use. Additionally, the resort actively protects local wildlife through its on-site Turtle Sanctuary, where guests can participate in conservation initiatives to support the survival of sea turtles.
With Mazatlan’s growing popularity—boosted by new direct and seasonal flights from the U.S.—Dreams Estrella del Mar provides an ideal base for exploring the area’s rich cultural and natural attractions. Guests can visit Mazatlan’s historic Centro Historico, known for its colonial architecture and cobblestone streets, or experience the city’s thriving seafood industry.
For more information, visit hyattinclusivecollection.com.
Fairmont Mayakoba
Located in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, the Fairmont Mayakoba features many initiatives that reflect its dedication to preservation and sustainable tourism.
Since May 2015, the resort has partnered with Oceanus AC to restore local coral reefs by installing nurseries in Puerto Morelos National Park and transplanting healthy coral fragments. Guests can engage in snorkeling tours to observe and learn about these restoration efforts firsthand.
The resort has also implemented energy-saving measures, including LED lighting and efficient air conditioning systems, resulting in significant reductions in CO₂ emissions. Water-saving fixtures further contribute to conserving thousands of liters daily. Fairmont Mayakoba’s comprehensive waste management program emphasizes recycling and composting, with biodegradable cleaning products and a “straw upon request” policy to minimize plastic use. The resort offers products made by local Mayan artisans, supporting their families and promoting cultural heritage.
For more information, visit fairmont-mayakoba.com.
Mount Cinnamon Beach Resort
Perched above Grenada’s renowned Grand Anse Beach, Mount Cinnamon Beach Resort blends luxury and environmental stewardship. Recently, the boutique eco-luxury resort underwent extensive renovations to enhance its natural charm, offering guests 36 hillside suites and villas, complemented by three pools and two restaurants.
Central to Mount Cinnamon’s ethos is its Sustainability Management Plan, which focuses on minimizing the resort’s carbon footprint through initiatives such as reducing water and energy consumption, waste management and engaging in coastal clean-ups. The resort actively involves local students in environmental fieldwork and contributes to community projects and donations. These efforts have earned Mount Cinnamon the Ten-Year Platinum Status with Green Globe.
In alignment with its dedication to social responsibility, Mount Cinnamon was the first Caribbean resort to join the Travel & Leisure sector of the United Nations Global Compact Network, adhering to its ten guiding principles for responsible business operations.
For more information, visit mountcinnamon.com.
