The Coolest Green Trips

1. Rancho La Puerta, Mexico

Rancho La Puerta, Mexico is an amazing destination spa which has been a green getaway since its beginnings in 1940. The resort has an on-site garden with 22 full time gardeners which produces vegetables for the resort kitchen. The gardens are fertilized using composted organic matter and employ natural pest management. You will see many migrating birds on the property which has become a sanctuary for them on their migratory path. There are 200 different plant species at Rancho La Puerta which remain as undisturbed as possible.

The resort is a leader in their community, offering innovative eco-friendly ideas to those around them. For example, at the end of the Christmas season, Rancho La Puerta' wood chipper is used to turn Christmas trees into mulch for the grounds. At Rancho La Puerta, you will find green buildings and furniture, innovative water conservation practices, energy conservation and recycling. This is a truly exemplary green vacation getaway (800-443-7565, 858-764-5500).

2. Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Blue Lagoon is an awesome spa destination in Iceland which is 100% powered by clean geothermal energy. The resort built a special power plant which meant drilling deep wells up to 2,000 meters into the ground to tap into the 240 degree geothermal fluid.

This is used to create electricity and heat water for central heating at Blue Lagoon. This innovative power plant is the only one of its kind in the whole world. The design of the resort reflects harmony with nature. The entrance to Blue Lagoon leads across a footpath cut through lava rock and past a beautiful lava wall built from 70,000 lava pieces (+354 420 8800).

3. Cycling or Walking Vacation with The Carter Company

Cycling and walking holidays are quite trendy nowadays, with many new companies offering these kinds of experiences, but The Carter Company was there right from the start and has over two decades of experience behind it.

The Carter Company is highly flexible and works closely with every traveler to provide a customized package and personalized service. When you travel for luxury UK cycling holidays and amazing Europe walking holidays with The Carter Company, you’ll be getting the very best and most personalized experiences, making unique memories just for you and having one of a kind days out from start to finish.

4. Stanford Inn, Mendocino Coast, California

If you are a vegan, it doesn't get any better than the Stanford Inn , the only vegan resort in the U.S. Located on the scenic Mendocino Coast in California, the resort has a fantastic organic restaurant, romantic rooms with wood-burning fireplaces and a wellness center. Guest rooms and suites have views of the Pacific Ocean, Big River and the inn's own organic gardens. Vacationers enjoy a full range of amenities including an indoor swimming pool, sauna, hot tub and free mountain bike rentals. The wellness center offers gardening classes, meditation, nutrition, weight management and cooking classes. Treat yourself to a soothing massage, Ayurvedic treatments, Acupuncture or Acupressure during your stay. Rooms start at $211 per night, including organic breakfast, free WiFi, organic coffee and eco-friendly amenities. The property is pet-friendly and welcomes children (800-331-8884).

5. The Kasbah du Toubkal, Morocco

Toubkal National Park, located just 60 km from Marrakech, is a beautiful spot for nature enthusiasts. The photos of this place are stunning. The Kasbah du Toubkal is an eco lodge set at the foot of Jbel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. Visit this unique mountain getaway as a side adventure on your trip to Morocco, or call the hotel and have them arrange a complete hiking trip for you.

Accommodation options include Deluxe and Standard en suite rooms, and Berber Salons with areas for families and groups. The luxurious Garden House has a glass wall looking up the mountain peaks. Guests can also stay at a remote trekking lodge in a traditional Berber village in a nearby valley. Rates start from 130 Euro per night (+212 (0)524 485611). The resort founded an association which helps the community with projects like providing the region's first ambulance and driver, building a hammam (the region's first community steam bath) and assistance with the construction of a school for 80 children.

6. Nimmo Bay Resort, British Columbia

Nimmo Bay Resort is a sustainable hideaway in the British Columbia wilderness. The resort uses a waste management system which cleans black and gray water so that only clean water is returned to the surrounding nature. Nimmo Bay works with local suppliers to be able to serve their guests sustainable foods and other products. Fishing at Nimmo Bay is catch & release in order to protect the local fish population. The resort is helping protect wild juvenile Pacific Salmon from sea lice.

7. Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort, Costa Rica

Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort in Costa Rica is a getaway for nature lovers. You will be surrounded by the pristine rainforest, filled with tropical birds and wildlife. The resort was awarded the three-leaf Sustainable Tourism Certificate for its sustainable tourism practices. Green practices include recycling, use of biodegradable materials, water and sewage treatment, and reduction of energy consumption. You can enjoy your stay, making a small footprint and helping preserve this unique destination. The spa offers unique treatments such as invigorating hydrotherapy therapies and volcanic mud therapies. You can bathe in natural mineral hot springs known for their rejuvenating properties. The property offers 102 guest rooms and suites at the base of the Arenal Volcano. (+ 506 2479-2099).

8. Pikaia Lodge, Galapagos Islands

Pikaia Lodge in the Galapagos Islands offers 3- to 7-night all-inclusive packages which combine scenic hikes, boat tours and wildlife adventures with great service and designer accommodations. The eco-friendly lodge, built on an extinct volcano crater, utilizes alternative energy sources and is home to its own Tortoise Reserve. Luxury amenities include an infinity pool with lounge chairs, Sumaq wellness center and several dining options. The spa offers indulgent treatments, Zen-style design and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The spa has an infrared sauna, whirlpool and a gym. Pikaia Lodge is near beautiful sandy beaches and endemic forests where you can see giant tortoises on your morning walk. The resort has a private 100-foot yacht used for exploring the nearby islands and a 35-foot boat which offers guided fishing and snorkeling tours around the island of Santa Cruz.

Guest rooms and suites at Pikaia Lodge feature contemporary design with panoramic windows so that you can have a great view right from your bed. Each room has a terrace, plenty of natural light and black out curtains if you decide to sleep in. The restaurant, bar and lounge all offer stunning views of the island and the ocean. The "Evolution" Restaurant offers elegant dining indoors as well as romantic candle lit dinners under the stars. DNA Bar serves famous cocktails and local drinks. All inclusive rates include accommodations, VIP airport lounge access, airport transfers, all guided tours, sports equipment, lectures and all meals.

9. Arctic Kingdom

Arctic Kingdom's mission is to bring travelers closer to nature, helping them visit far away places and unexplored destinations. Arctic Kingdom guides approach all wildlife with mindfulness and respect, following specific company guidelines. The company leads small groups of 4 to 12 people to the Arctic, ensuring that each experience is unique and personal. One of the trips you can take is the "Polar Bear Mother and Newborn Cubs Photo Safari" which lets you watch as newborn bear cubs emerge with their mothers from their winter dens in mid-March. Your guides will get a special permit from Parks Canada to get as close as 100 meters to the bears. In addition to bear cubs, you can see arctic foxes, caribou herds and wolves. When the night descends, you'll be able to admire the stunning display of the Aurora Borealis.

The adventure company uses unique tracked heated vehicles to get close to the wildlife. The trip includes 2 nights' Winnipeg accommodations, 7 nights in an Outpost Lodge (a refurbished navy communications base 40 miles south of Churchill, MB. Canada), a return train ticket from Churchill to Chesnaye and all meals at lodge. The lodge can accommodate up to 18 guests and is self-sufficient with a wood burning fireplace, internet and several guest rooms. The expedition takes 9 days and costs $9,190 CAD plus tax (888-737-6818).