8 amazing eco-friendly rentals around the world
There’s no doubt about it; travel enriches us. It opens our eyes to new experiences, new people and new opportunities. It’s no surprise then, that even the most climate-conscious of us would struggle to rein in our wanderlust in an attempt to curb carbon emissions.
So, how can you travel and care for the environment at the same time? We have the answer. More demand for eco-friendly stays means that other rental owners will be encouraged to follow suit by making their offering more ‘green’. You can also pick up some tips about what these owners are doing to minimize their impact on the environment that you can take home… see it as a very eco-friendly souvenir!
EcoVida Casa Famosa, Costa Rica
If you’re thinking that being eco-friendly means sacrificing conveniences, then this beautiful rental in Playa Bejuco, Costa Rica, will prove you wrong. The owners pride themselves on a warm welcome and try to cater to your every whim, from restaurant recommendations to excursions. With air-conditioning, a private pool and a fabulous terrace with a barbecue, you’ll feel spoilt but safe in the knowledge that solar power is helping to keep this rental running.
Care and attention has gone into making sure the environment nearby is respected and protected so that future guests can enjoy surrounding wildlife for years to come. As one guest said, “It was awesome to get up every morning and walk upstairs to our private overlook to have coffee and listen to the birds, the ocean, and see monkeys in the trees.”.
Balboa Park Eco-Studio, San Diego
This pet-friendly rental in San Diego is packed full of eco-credentials. There are Photovoltaic solar panels on the roof, a rainwater harvesting system used to water the courtyard, a covered compost barrel, LED “dark-sky” exterior lighting and solar LED walkway lighting. Plus, electric cars can be charged up at the private charging station in the driveway.
When you’re not simply sitting back and enjoying your surroundings, there’s so much to do in the area; most of it within walking distance or easily reachable by public transport. Visit local attractions such as Balboa Park or Coronado Island. Spend the day relaxing on the beach or go shopping before enjoying a meal and a drink at a restaurant.
Lotus Villa, Croatia
If you want to go ‘off-grid’ for a while, this beautiful Mediterranean villa in Brac, Croatia, is the one for you. The area has no electricity so facilities run entirely from solar power (there’s a back-up generator, just in case!). Besides, staring at tablets and phones will be the last thing you’ll want to do when you have the spectacular Duboka Bay with its clean and clear turquoise water to gaze at. Enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace and while away the hours spending some much-needed time with your loved ones.
Inside, you’ll find many unique features, including a marble open fireplace, a romantic four-poster bed, high ceilings and art throughout. The beach is just a few minutes away so take a book, pack a picnic and make the most of the relaxing atmosphere in this stunning part of the world.
The Green Gate Barn, Minnesota
This iconic American hay barn, originally constructed in 1935, has been meticulously rebuilt following the LEED program (a strict green-building criteria), with every effort made to address energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, and the use of natural/local/non-toxic building materials. Preserving the original features was also important, so it’s easy to see why this beautiful rental took over three years to complete.
The wood used throughout the interior is particularly stunning, from the white pine bar in the kitchen and the locally-salvaged maple staircase, the beams in the high-vaulted ceilings and handcrafted dining table.
Finca de Arrieta, Lanzarote
This stunning Eco Yurt is located at the family-friendly eco village, Finca De Arrieta. Soak up the sun in the year-round Canarian climate before taking a dip in the solar-heated pool. Feeling hungry? Collect some freshly-laid eggs from the hen house and cook up a tasty frittata over hot coals. The kids will love jumping around on the sunken trampoline and the gated terrace makes the outdoor space child-proof.
When you’re not busy enjoying the facilities on site, spend the day at la Garita beach or take a stroll to the quaint fishing village of Arrieta. Here you’ll find a number of sea-front restaurants and breakfast bars/coffee shops. This is a family holiday you’ll want to have again and again.
La Lucertola, Italy
This characterful two-bed house offers guests the opportunity to relax in some of the most beautiful Tuscan countryside imaginable. When you’re not admiring the decor in the house, the view is the real wow factor here: uninterrupted views over olive groves, forests, fields, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Mediterranean sea and beyond.
In keeping with the beautiful nature that surrounds this rental, the pool is filled with lightly salted spring water (so no need for chlorine), the house is powered by solar panels and the water comes from a natural spring. Enjoy dinner al fresco under the pergolas, sit out under the stars at night, watch the fireflies and listen to the sounds of nature. Make your own pizzas or enjoy the barbecue using freely available cut and seasoned olive wood. Bliss!
Waterfront Cottage Nanara, Croatia
Want to unleash your inner Robinson Crusoe? This three-bed cottage on Zizanj Island, Croatia, is only accessible by ferry. You’ll find no roads, cars, shops or noisy bars on this island, but what you will find is peace, tranquility and eye-poppingly beautiful scenery. Before you get too worried about missing out on home comforts, fear not! Electricity is provided by solar power and the boiler warms the water from the heat of the sun, so hot showers won’t be a problem.
The ferry goes at least 10 times per day, so you can explore the mainland with ease. And if you don’t feel like cooking, there is one restaurant on the island – it may well become your local during your stay at this unique and surprising rental!
Firs Glamping, Suffolk, England
Glamping is one of the best ways to save on electricity and decrease carbon emissions. This fantastic group of bell tents is nestled in the stunning Suffolk countryside and has everything you need for a relaxing countryside stay from the kitchenette to the eco-toilets! The beautiful town of Southwold is just two miles away where you can take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy some delicious fish and chips.
Back at the campsite, you’ll be able to enjoy a restful sleep with cushions, blankets and a log burner if it gets chilly at night. In the morning, cook up breakfast in the open air before enjoying a hot shower to set you up for a day spent exploring the surrounding area.
