Ecoresorts

Ecoresorts are hospitality properties designed to minimize environmental impact while providing standard resort amenities. They aim to combine lodging with conservation, education, and sometimes community development. The term covers a spectrum from eco-lodges to luxury eco-resorts, often located in or near natural areas.

Core practices include siting and construction that minimize footprint; use of local, low-impact materials; energy efficiency measures and on-site renewable energy; water conservation through low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting, and wastewater treatment; waste reduction via recycling and composting; and sustainable dining with locally sourced ingredients. Many properties also implement biodiversity protections and community outreach programs, seeking to align tourism with conservation goals.

Guest experience is typically framed around environmental awareness and responsible travel, with opportunities for nature-based activities, conservation involvement, and cultural engagement that are designed to be low impact.

Certification and standards: third-party programs such as Green Globe, EarthCheck, and LEED for buildings are commonly pursued by ecoresorts to validate sustainability claims. Ratings may cover energy, water, waste, sourcing, and social impact, though criteria vary by program. Some operators pursue transparent reporting and independent audits to demonstrate performance.

Criticism and challenges: while many ecoresorts publish strong credentials, critics point to greenwashing, higher operating costs, and inconsistent standards. The effectiveness of sustainability efforts depends on governance, local engagement, and transparent reporting, and benefits may not always be evenly distributed within nearby communities. Overall, ecoresorts aim to balance guest experience with environmental stewardship and social responsibility.