Experience Eco-Adventures on Earth Day and Beyond

Travel with Mother Nature in mind.

Celebrate Mother Nature this Earth Day with a mindful travel experience. Know you're doing right by staying at one of these luxe properties, which embrace sustainability and pay homage to the environment. From a lush Costa Rican rainforest getaway to a shipboard experience in the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands, and an beachfront retreat in the Florida Keys, we've found 3 memorable Earth Day (and beyond) getaways.

Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa

Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa

Spread across 900 acres of protected natural reserve near the base of Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano, Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa, envelops guests in a maze of lush green and exotic flora for a relaxing, eco-friendly getaway in one of the world’s most biodiverse destinations.

Photo by: Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa

Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa

Spread across 900 acres of protected natural reserve near the base of Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano, Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa envelops guests in a maze of lush green and exotic flora for a relaxing, eco-friendly getaway in one of the world’s most biodiverse destinations.

Tabacon was Costa Rica's first hotel to achieve carbon neutral certification. Visitors can soak in thermal springs and cascading waterfalls that are naturally heated by volcanic magma, or stroll through rainforest and garden areas that are sustainably managed, in part through the use of organic compost produced in-house. Water conservation is key, and all of the resort's luxe rooms have low-flow showers, and all hot water comes from the thermal hot springs, requiring no additional energy or heating.

The property also strives to reduce electricity consumption through its lighting practices, and recycles paper, plastic, aluminum and glass. With more than 500 local plant and wildlife species right on property, guests are likely to spot toucans, howler monkeys, coatimundi and more.

Ecoventura's MV Origin, The Galapagos Islands

Ecoventura, Galapagos Islands

Ecoventura, Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands tour operator, Ecoventura, is an award-winning leader in sustainable travel to the delicate Galapagos region via its fleet of high-end expedition yachts. The company was the first in the area to voluntarily achieve and maintain SmartVoyager ecological certification, and also the first to offset carbon emissions.

Photo by: Ecoventura

Ecoventura

The Galapagos Islands tour operator, Ecoventura, is an award-winning leader in sustainable travel to the delicate Galapagos region via its fleet of high-end expedition yachts. The company was the first in the area to voluntarily achieve and maintain SmartVoyager ecological certification, and also the first to offset carbon emissions.

Ecoventura's dedication to the environment led the company to establish the Galapagos Marine Biodiversity Fund in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund to support marine conservation by strengthening the local communities’ ability to manage natural resources. Travelers aboard Ecoventura's newest addition to its fleet, the MV Origin, will experience panoramic stateroom views, a Jacuzzi, gourmet cuisine, open bar, and a fitness center with elliptical, treadmill, yoga mats and free weights.

Guests can choose to depart on one of two unique 7-night itineraries and visit more than a dozen exclusive nature parks. Along the way you may see marine iguana, sea lions and famed Galapagos tortoises.

Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Florida Keys

Playa Largo Resort and Spa

Playa Largo Resort and Spa

Playa Largo Resort and Spa features 14 acres of beautiful white sand beaches in Key Largo, luxurious suites and bungalows and delicious dining spots. 

Photo by: Playa Largo Resort and Spa

Playa Largo Resort and Spa

It can be a headache for visitors to the Florida Keys islands to find sustainable accommodation, which is why the much-ancticipated Playa Largo Resort & Spa (set to open Summer 2016) comes as such a relief. The first new resort to be built in the Upper Keys in more than 20 years is also the newest addition to Marriott's exclusive Autograph Collection.

Located on 14.5 acres of land, including a nearly 800-foot-long beach, the resort has taken extensive measures to preserve and protect the native flora and fauna. Staff conducted studies of native butterfly species and the endangered Stock Island Tree Snail, and worked with environmental supervisors to survey some 5,700 trees and replant hundreds of plants and trees.

The resort has enacted the first commercial composting program of its kind in the Keys, which will convert organic food waste to nutrient-rich gray water which will be used to irrigate the property. These measures reduce the resort's carbon footprint by an astonishing 147 tons per year. Guests will be able to get active on stand-up paddle boards, snorkel with colorful sea life, or unwind with an outdoor massage.

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