Cool Green Trips
Some people I talk to think sustainability meant giving something up. But on these trips, I've found the opposite: more connection, more wonder, more space to breathe. Each place offered a different kind of green, mossy trails, geothermal pools, off-grid cabins, or quiet coastlines, but they all shared the same rhythm: slow down, look closer, live lighter Here are the places I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Rancho La Puerta - Tecate, Mexico
I thought Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico was the ultimate wellness retreat where relaxation, nature, and rejuvenation all come together. Nestled at the base of Mount Kuchumaa, it felt like a hidden sanctuary designed to help us reset mind, body, and spirit. From morning hikes through golden hillsides to evening sound baths under the stars, every day carried a peaceful rhythm that felt restorative and inspiring.
Located just across the border from San Diego, getting there was easy, and once inside the gates, it felt like a completely different world.
Check prices at Rancho La Puerta
2. Blue Lagoon, Grindavík, Iceland
The Blue Lagoon in Grindavík, Iceland was like stepping into another world. With its milky-blue geothermal waters set against black lava fields, it felt surreal, equal parts soothing and awe-inspiring. Slipping into the warm water on a chilly day was pure bliss, and with the mineral-rich silica masks and steamy clouds swirling around us, it was unlike anything I’ve experienced before.
Located just 20 minutes from Keflavík International Airport, it was the perfect first or last stop on our Iceland trip. I loved how easy it was to get there, yet once inside the lagoon, it felt remote and otherworldly.
Check prices at the Blue Lagoon
3. Walking Vacation with The Carter Company, United Kingdom
I set off along a hedgerow path with nothing but a daypack, the sky low and wide.
The Carter Company crafts gentle walking vacations across England, Scotland, and Wales, often following rivers, coastlines, and countryside trails. Luggage is transferred ahead while you stroll at your own pace through meadows, stone villages, and woodland paths. Each night, you stay in charming inns or eco-minded hotels rooted in local character.
My favorite moment? A picnic by the River Thames, locally made cheddar, fresh-baked bread, crisp apple slices, and elderflower soda that smelled like summer hedges. It all tasted like the landscape itself: clean, simple, and quietly nourishing.
4. Relax in Eco-Friendly Comfort at Stanford Inn on the Mendocino Coast
I thought the Stanford Inn on the Mendocino Coast was the definition of cozy, eco-friendly luxury. Nestled on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, it felt both rustic and refined, like a wellness retreat wrapped in coastal charm. From curling up by the fireplace in our room to pedaling bikes along misty coastal trails, every detail was designed to nurture and restore.
Located just outside Mendocino Village, the inn makes it easy to explore redwood forests, dramatic sea cliffs, and small-town galleries, while still feeling like a peaceful hideaway. I loved that it had such a warm, homey vibe , organic gardens, fireplaces everywhere, and a focus on sustainability.
Check prices at the Stanford Inn
5. Nimmo Bay Resort, British Columbia, Canada
Nimmo Bay Resort in British Columbia was wilderness luxury at its finest. Tucked deep into the Great Bear Rainforest and only accessible by floatplane or boat, it felt like stepping into a secret world where nature takes center stage. From kayaking alongside dolphins to soaking in cedar hot tubs beside a waterfall, every moment felt both wild and wonderfully indulgent.
Located in the remote Broughton Archipelago, the resort gave us the best of both adventure and comfort. I loved that we could spend the day exploring untouched wilderness, fishing in glacier-fed rivers, hiking through old-growth forests, or watching grizzlies in their natural habitat, and then come back to gourmet meals and a cozy cabin right on the water. The mix of rugged surroundings and refined hospitality made it feel completely unique.
6. Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort, Costa Rica
For me, Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort in Costa Rica was the definition of natural luxury. Set at the base of the Arenal Volcano, it felt like stepping into a tropical paradise where hot springs flowed through lush gardens.
From sinking into warm mineral pools beneath a canopy of rainforest to watching the volcano peek through the mist, every moment felt restorative and unforgettable.
Check prices at the Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
7. Pikaia Lodge, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands
Perched high on an extinct volcanic crater on Santa Cruz Island, Pikaia Lodge gave us sweeping views of the Pacific and a front-row seat to one of the most extraordinary ecosystems in the world.
From snorkeling with sea lions to returning for sunset cocktails by the infinity pool, every day felt like a balance of exploration and indulgence.
Located in the heart of the Galapagos, the lodge made it easy to blend once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters with comfort and style.
I loved how sustainable it felt, solar-powered energy, thoughtful design, and a real focus on preserving the islands.
Our suite was modern yet warm, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the landscape. It felt like the perfect base for venturing out by day and retreating in total comfort by night.
8. Good Day Out - Wildlife Experiences in Wales
Good Day Out isn’t a traditional resort. Instead, it’s a series of small, ethical adventures designed to connect visitors with Welsh landscapes and local life.
I spent one morning walking through the Brecon Beacons with a tiny pig named Cinnamon. We wandered meadow paths and forest edges, the air cool and grassy.
Other options included herding sheep with a farmer, wildlife sketching in nature reserves, or spending a quiet afternoon learning about rewilding efforts in the hills.
9. Embark on Epic Polar Expeditions with Arctic Kingdom
With Arctic Kingdom, I wasn’t just visiting the North, I was immersed in it. These small-group expeditions focus on wildlife encounters and cultural respect, with Inuit guides leading the way.
We traveled by sled and snowmobile, camped on the ice in heated domes, and tracked polar bears and seals with patience and awe. Every part of the experience was low-impact, carefully managed, and designed to preserve the pristine ecosystem we were lucky enough to step into.
Conclusion
While green trips can take you to some pretty remote locations, you don't always have to travel far.
I like to remember that sustainable choices are all around us. That might mean leaving the beach at our local park just the way we found it, or being respectful of turtles, fish, and other wildlife.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
