10 Eco-Friendly Bed and Breakfasts for Your Sustainable Retreat - Passing Thru

In an age where sustainable travel is not just a preference but a necessity, eco-friendly bed and breakfasts offer the perfect blend of cozy hospitality and environmental consciousness. These charming accommodations are committed to providing a comfortable stay and prioritizing eco-friendly practices, from organic meals to energy conservation. This guide takes you through some of the best eco-friendly B&Bs around the world, each offering a unique experience with a lighter environmental footprint.

1. The Green House, Dorset, UK

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Alexey Fedorenko

The Green House in Bournemouth, Dorset, is a prime example of eco-friendly luxury. This Victorian villa has been transformed into an environmentally conscious haven, where every detail, from the building materials to the locally sourced food, is carefully considered for its ecological impact.

The hotel’s commitment to sustainability extends to its energy use, with solar panels and energy-efficient lighting throughout. The on-site restaurant, Arbor, is renowned for its delicious, organic dishes that showcase the best of local produce. Staying at The Green House offers a guilt-free luxury experience, proving that comfort and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Insider’s Tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the hotel’s garden, a haven for local wildlife.

When To Travel: Dorset is charming year-round, but spring and summer offer the best weather for exploring the nearby beaches and countryside.

How To Get There: The Green House is easily accessible by train from London to Bournemouth, followed by a short taxi ride.

2. Urnatur, Sweden

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sanhajietis

Urnatur in Sweden is a unique eco-lodge that offers an immersive nature experience. Located in the heart of the Swedish woods, this off-the-grid retreat is perfect for those looking to disconnect and reconnect with nature. The handcrafted wooden huts, each with its unique design, provide a rustic yet comfortable stay.

The lodge’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of solar power, organic meals, and sustainable forestry practices. Activities like guided forest walks, traditional craft workshops, and evenings around the campfire make Urnatur an unforgettable escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Insider’s Tip: Join one of their guided forest walks or workshops on traditional crafts for a deeper connection with nature.

When To Travel: Summer is ideal for enjoying the midnight sun and outdoor activities, while winter offers a snowy wonderland experience.

How To Get There: Fly into Stockholm and then take a train or drive to Urnatur, located near Ödeshög.

3. The Dandelion Hideaway, Leicestershire, UK

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nicola Pulham

The Dandelion Hideaway in Leicestershire offers a charming and sustainable countryside retreat. This B&B provides a unique glamping experience in beautifully crafted canvas cottages set amidst a working farm. The focus here is on low-impact, sustainable tourism, with opportunities to engage in farm life and enjoy the natural surroundings.

The cottages are comfortably furnished, offering a rustic yet luxurious stay. The farm’s sustainable practices, including organic farming and conservation efforts, make it an ideal choice for eco-conscious travelers.

Insider’s Tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to join a guided nature walk around the farm to learn about local wildlife and sustainable farming practices.

When To Travel: Spring and summer offer the best weather for enjoying outdoor activities and the beauty of the countryside.

How To Get There: The Dandelion Hideaway is about a two-hour drive from London, with public transport options also available to nearby towns.

4. Treehotel, Harads, Sweden

Image Credit: Shutterstock / O.C Ritz

Treehotel in Harads, Sweden, is where innovative design meets nature. Suspended in the serene forest, each treehouse is an architectural wonder, offering a unique perspective on the surrounding landscape. The eco-friendly features, including hydroelectric power and sustainable materials, ensure a minimal environmental footprint.

Guests can enjoy a range of activities, from hiking in the forest to relaxing in the tree sauna. The Treehotel is a perfect blend of adventure, luxury, and sustainability, offering an unforgettable stay in the heart of nature.

Insider’s Tip: Try the sauna treehouse for a relaxing and quintessentially Swedish experience.

When To Travel: Visit in winter to experience the Northern Lights or in summer for the midnight sun.

How To Get There: Fly to Luleå and then drive or take a transfer to Harads.

5. Six Senses Douro Valley, Portugal

Image Credit: Shutterstock / sabrinaphototraveladdict

Six Senses Douro Valley in Portugal is a luxury eco-resort set in a beautifully renovated 19th-century manor house. Overlooking the vine-covered hills of the Douro Valley, this resort combines luxury with sustainability. The commitment to eco-friendly practices is seen in its organic gardens, water conservation measures, and zero-waste policy.

The spa offers treatments using natural products, and the restaurants serve delicious farm-to-table cuisine. Guests can also participate in wine tastings and river cruises, making it a perfect destination for those seeking sustainable luxury.

Insider’s Tip: Participate in their wine-tasting sessions to sample some of the region’s finest wines.

When To Travel: Spring and fall are the best times to visit for pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

How To Get There: Fly into Porto and then drive or take a train to the Douro Valley.

6. Finca de Arrieta, Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Kochneva Tetyana

Finca de Arrieta in Lanzarote, Canary Islands, is an eco-paradise for travelers seeking a sustainable beach holiday. This unique retreat offers accommodations in yurts and eco-friendly cottages, all powered by wind and solar energy. The family-friendly atmosphere is complemented by a range of activities, including yoga classes and eco-workshops.

The retreat’s close proximity to the beach and its commitment to sustainability, including water conservation and recycling, make it an ideal choice for environmentally conscious travelers. Here, you can enjoy the island’s natural beauty while minimizing your ecological footprint.

Insider’s Tip: Try their eco-friendly surf lessons for a fun and sustainable way to enjoy the island’s beautiful beaches.

When To Travel: Lanzarote is a great year-round destination, with mild temperatures even in winter.

How To Get There: Fly into Lanzarote Airport and then drive or take a taxi to Finca de Arrieta.

7. Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel, Switzerland

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tatyana Soares

Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel in the Swiss Alps is a pioneering model of sustainable tourism. The eco-pods, resembling futuristic domes, are designed to minimize environmental impact while providing a luxurious stay. Each pod is heated with a pellet stove and insulated to conserve energy.

The hotel’s commitment to the environment extends to its dining options, focusing on organic and locally sourced ingredients. Activities like guided hikes, skiing on private slopes, and wellness treatments are available, all designed to enhance your connection with nature while respecting the environment.

Insider’s Tip: In winter, enjoy the private ski slopes directly accessible from the pods.

When To Travel: Winter is for a snowy retreat and skiing, or summer is for hiking in the Alps.

How To Get There: Fly into Geneva and then drive or take a train to the village of Monthey, followed by a short transfer to the hotel.

8. The Stanford Inn by the Sea, California, USA

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Andrew Zarivny

The Stanford Inn by the Sea in Mendocino, California, offers an eco-friendly retreat with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. This inn is a leader in sustainable hospitality, featuring organic gardens, solar panels, and eco-friendly amenities. The on-site restaurant, Ravens, specializes in gourmet plant-based cuisine, showcasing the best organic and locally sourced ingredients.

The inn provides a range of wellness activities, including yoga and canoeing, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the California coast while maintaining an eco-conscious lifestyle.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the inn’s organic gardens or participate in a cooking class to learn about plant-based cuisine.

When To Travel: Visit in spring or fall for mild weather and fewer crowds.

How To Get There: Drive from San Francisco or fly into Santa Rosa and rent a car for the scenic drive to Mendocino.

9. Sadhana Forest, India

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Eray Uman

Sadhana Forest in Auroville, India, is an eco-community dedicated to reforestation and water conservation. This unique B&B offers a chance to stay in simple, sustainable huts and engage in the community’s environmental projects.

Visitors can participate in tree planting, organic farming, and learn about sustainable living practices. It’s an ideal place for those looking to contribute to environmental efforts and live in harmony with nature.

Insider’s Tip: Engage in community activities to get the most out of your stay and contribute to their sustainability efforts.

When To Travel: The cooler months from November to February are the most comfortable for working outdoors.

How To Get There: Fly into Chennai and then travel to Auroville, which is about a 3-hour drive.

10. Eco Beach Resort, Australia

Image Credit: Shutterstock / alybaba

Eco Beach Resort in Western Australia is a haven for eco-conscious beach lovers. Located near Broome, this resort offers villas and safari-style tents set in a pristine natural environment. The resort is powered by solar energy and practices sustainable water usage. Guests can enjoy yoga sessions, explore the nearby marine park, or relax on the untouched beaches.

The resort’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect, from the eco-friendly construction of the accommodations to the use of organic and locally sourced food in its restaurant. It’s a place where you can enjoy the natural beauty of Australia’s coastline while knowing your stay has a minimal environmental impact.

Insider’s Tip: Take a guided bush walk to learn about the local flora and fauna and the resort’s conservation efforts.

When To Travel: Visit between May and October for the best weather and to avoid the wet season.

How To Get There: Fly to Broome and then take a short drive or a transfer to the resort.

The Bottom Line

Image Credit: Pexels / Emma Bauso

Choosing an eco-friendly bed and breakfast for your travels is a step towards responsible and sustainable tourism. These accommodations not only offer a cozy and intimate stay but also allow you to minimize your environmental impact while enjoying unique experiences.

From luxury eco-pods in the Swiss Alps to sustainable community living in India, each of these destinations offers a chance to connect with nature and embrace eco-conscious living. As you plan your next getaway, consider these green getaways for an experience that’s both enjoyable and kind to the planet.