Cool Eco Adventure Vacations
Some people I talk to think eco sustainability meant giving something up. But on these trips, we've found the opposite: more connection, more wonder, more space to breathe. I'm sharing my favorite green vacations from my personal travel notes that I hope you will love too.
Rancho La Puerta
I thought this place in Tecate, Mexico was the ultimate wellness retreat. It gave us so much relaxation, nature, and rejuvenation all in one place! I thought this hidden sanctuary was beautifully designed to help us reset mind, body, and spirit. It's one of my favorite green adventure vacations!
My studio accommodations for five blissful days was called Ranchera Solo. It's meant for one guest on a solo vacation, built in clusters in central areas closest to the Dining Hall and gyms.
From morning hikes through golden hillsides to evening sound baths under heaps of stars, every day carried a peaceful rhythm that felt restorative and inspiring.
Located just across the border from San Diego, getting there was easy in around an hour by car, and once inside the gates, it felt like a completely different world.
What I loved best:
Healthy eating was my favorite part of my stay. The restaurant serves healthy, farm-to-table meals, and inspired by Baja California cuisine - I loved their organic salads made, fresh, and seasonal ingredients.
Blue Lagoon, Grindavík, Iceland
I was a big fan of this natural place! So...If you want an eco adventure with a wow factor, head to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. It's located about 20 minutes from Keflavik International Airport and roughly 45 minutes from Reykjavik.
You'll find blue geothermal waters contrasted by black lava fields here which was super awe-inspiring. Iceland is cold (yes, even in the summer temperatures stay in the 60s) so getting into the mineral-rich steamy pools is nothing short of blissful. It's my favorite eco adventure because everything feels so natural here, starting with warm water straight out of the earth!
I love that the water in the Blue Lagoon stays warm year-round at around 100–104°F (38–40°C). This is why the pools stay open year-round, so you can actually bathe with snow all around you.
The lagoon is famed for its skin healing properties. Covering your face in the white silica mud is especially popular.
Visiting on a day trip is the most affordable option. You can drive or hop on a tour. I have to warn you that it's expensive if you stay overnight. Our room for two days was in the Silica Hotel (around $792/night). The views are incredible There is also complimentary breakfast, One Premium admission to the Blue Lagoon for each guest, and Unlimited use of Silica Lagoon.
What I loved best:
Soaking in the rich mineral waters was my favorite!
The Carter Company, United Kingdom
I was a big fan of this eco adventure. In fact, for me, this is one of the coolest adventure getaways right in the heart of Scotland!
The Carter Company lets you choose from different walking vacations across England, Scotland, and Wales. For best views, their walks often follow rivers and coastlines (but also plenty of countryside trails).
I think it's convenient how luggage is transferred ahead while you walk. Along the way, we admired stone villages and magical woodland paths.
I think it's a fantastic eco adventure and romantic too. Why? Each night, you stay in charming inns and eco-minded hotels.
What I loved best:
My favorite moment? A picnic by the River Thames with local cheese and fresh-baked bread. After all, after walking, we were very hungry, and eating local foods added to our green vacation experience.
Stanford Inn
This luxury inn completely won me over with the way it blended into the surrounding nature.
I thought the this Mendocino Coast inn was the definition of eco-friendly luxury. Nestled on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, it gave us the best views of the coast. We loved pedaling bikes along misty coastal trails and then curling up by the fireplace in our room.
Located just outside Mendocino Village, the inn makes it easy to explore small-town galleries, while still feeling like a peaceful hideaway. You can easily reach redwood forests and dramatic sea cliffs for some insta-worthy photos.
What I loved best:
I loved that it had such a warm, homey vibe , organic gardens, fireplaces everywhere, and a focus on sustainability that completely won me over.
A downside? It can get very windy.
Nimmo Bay Resort
This resort in British Columbia blew me away. It truly 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.
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, and then come back to gourmet meals and a cozy cabin right on the water.
What I loved best:
How mix of rugged surroundings and refined hospitality made it feel completely unique.
Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
I was in awe of this Costa Rican getway which combined natural luxury and green adventure. It quickly became one of my favorite adventure vacations! Set at the base of the Arenal Volcano, it felt like stepping into a tropical paradise where hot springs flowed through lush gardens. I instantly thought our journey was worth it!
Chris and I checked into a Rainforest Room for five relaxing days, complete with a king bed, a bathtub and a separate, glass-enclosed shower, and a wonderful outdoor terrace surrounded by a tropical landscape. I found it to be the perfect secluded romantic getaway that would also make a great honeymoon!
What I loved best:
Sinking into warm mineral pools beneath a canopy of rainforest leaves was my personal highlight.
Pikaia Lodge, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands
Everyone I talk to about the Galapagos Islands thought this vacation was extraordinary. For one of the best eco adventures, check into Pikaia Lodge. Not only you'll get amazing views of the Pacific, the choice of adventures here is fantastic. You can go snorkeling, spot sea lions, watch scenic sunsets. Or just relax next to the infinity pool.
I loved how green and sustainable the lodge felt with solar-powered energy. They were very focused on preserving the islands and educating visitors.
Good Day Out - Wildlife Experiences in Wales
Chris and I both absolutely love Wales and have visited many times in the summer. Good Day Out is special because they've designed ethical adventures that introduce you to the beauty of Welsh landscapes.
Some of the cooled adventure vacation options with Good Day Out have included herding sheep with a farmer, wildlife sketching, or learning about re-wilding efforts in the hills!
