Staying in an eco lodge is a popular way to have a more sustainable tourism experience. Found all around the world, eco lodges facilitate environmentally friendly travel and offer tourists a unique experience. But what actually is an eco lodge, and how do eco lodges work? This article explains all.
What is an eco lodge?
Eco lodges are a type of accommodation found in many places around the world, particularly in countries with rich natural environments, such as Costa Rica, Kenya, Tanzania and Indonesia. They are often located in areas with plenty of lush nature surrounding them. Eco lodges have many different characteristics. For those looking to travel more sustainably, an eco lodge is a popular option when it comes to booking accommodation for an upcoming trip.
They can sometimes be more expensive, but many travellers feel this is outweighed by their lower environmental impact and the benefits they bring to local communities. This article looks at what an eco lodge is, and what sets them apart from their competitors within the industry.
Video: What is ecotourism?
How long have eco lodges existed?
The term ‘ecolodge’ became popular in the 1990s, alongside the growth of ecotourism, and in 2002 architect Hitesh Mehta and colleagues published the International Ecolodge Guidelines, which helped to define the concept.
While tourism is an older concept, ecotourism is something much newer.
Green hotels have been around for a while, too, but an eco lodge is really something much different. Green hotels are hotels that have pledged to be more sustainable. They offer less frequent towel-washing, for example, and use energy-saving bulbs. These hotels install low-flow toilets, and try to use less plastic or single-use products. They partner with more sustainable suppliers and overall, make an effort to be more eco-friendly within their business.
Many of these hotels will have a LEED certification. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a green building certification launched in the USA in 1998, with four levels – Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum – awarded according to how sustainable a building is. However, having this certification does not make a hotel an eco lodge.
So what really is an eco lodge?
Typically, eco lodges are defined partly by their location – usually in jungles or particularly green areas. While you might find ‘green hotels’ (as described above) in big cities, proper eco lodges tend to be in areas that are much more nature-focused.
Eco lodges are particularly common in Costa Rica, Indonesia and the Gambia. Usually, they must meet the following criteria:
- A dependence on the natural environment
- Having ecological sustainability
- A proven contribution to local conservation
- Provision of environmental training programs
- Incorporation of cultural considerations
- Provision of an economic return to the local community
Definitions vary, but generally an eco lodge is a hotel in a fairly rural area that relies on its surroundings as well as giving back to them. Often they are built from sustainable resources, and most use solar energy. Food is often organic and locally grown, supporting local farmers. Overall, they are properties that are trying to do their best by the local community and the planet.
What characteristics do eco lodges have?
Not all eco lodges are the same, of course. However there is a basic premise when it comes to characteristics that eco lodges have – including:
- They are usually small, with generally less than 30 rooms. This generally means they have less impact on the environment.
- You will find eco lodges located in a natural area, or in a rural area within a short distance to a natural area. They tend not to be significantly impacted by a townsite, noise, traffic, smog or pollution.
- Eco lodges employ systems that will protect the environment from any pollution and degradation.
- They often use energy saving tactics and possibly renewable energy technology.
- Eco lodges will contribute to the local economy. They help to demonstrate that ecotourism is a more sustainable long term way to earn income than destroying or changing local habitats for short term capitalist gains.
- Eco lodges aim to employ interpretive nature guides. These are people who are either trained in biology, or have significant local knowledge of the habitat. They can provide education for guests and visitors.
- These lodges provide books, posters, maps, photographs, orientation talks or other ways to inform visitors about the biology of the immediate and local area.
- Eco lodges train and employ local people at fair wages. This is one major way of giving back to the community.
- Lodges aim to inform guests, staff and visitors on the importance and value of a healthy ecosystem. They will show how to best enjoy the area without impacting it. Often, eco lodges offer programs and activities that allow guests to work on the land and give back to the local community too!
Of course, all eco lodges are different. Some have farms on site, and some offer guests the chance to volunteer. Some are rustic and simple, while others combine sustainability with luxury. Because the term ‘eco lodge’ is not protected, it is worth checking for recognised certifications, such as those that meet Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria, to avoid greenwashing.
What are some of the best eco lodges to stay in?
Eco lodges can be found in many countries around the world, including the Gambia, Costa Rica and Indonesia.
These are popular destinations for nature-loving travellers. Staying at an eco lodge can offer a more authentic experience of a destination and help to reduce the environmental impact of a trip – although flights to reach these destinations still create significant carbon emissions.
Sustainable tourism is more than just a buzzword, and choosing more sustainable accommodation is one way in which travellers can reduce their impact on the environment and support local communities.
The Gambia
The smiling coast of Africa is known for a lot of things including its sex tourism and lively beach holidays. It may not be the first place that comes to mind for sustainable travel, but it has a growing number of eco-friendly options. There are so many eco lodges in the Gambia to choose from.
Footsteps Eco Lodge
Next to Kufoong Forest Park, this is one of southern Gambia’s best eco lodges. It caters for all types of travellers, from solo backpackers to families, and offers activities such as yoga.
From cabins to private houses, all with en suite facilities and heated by sunlight, this is a comfortable and sustainable place to stay in the area. Odourless composting toilets, self-catering facilities and so much more make this an eco-friendly option in the Gambia.
Evergreen Eco Lodge Retreat
Located in Tujerung, not far from the beach, is Evergreen Eco Lodge. It is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.
It is popular with birdwatchers and anglers, and the lodge is solar-powered, with wellness facilities and bikes for hire.
Indonesia
Bali is the hotspot of Indonesia, and Indonesia has many eco lodges across its islands. Two examples are outlined below.
Sarinbuana Eco Lodge
Located on the forested slopes of Mount Batukaru in Bali’s Tabanan region, this lodge is surrounded by rainforest .
With only 12 guests at any one time, room service availability and water straight from the mountain, there is plenty to discover at Sarinbuana Eco Lodge.
Local guides lead treks into the surrounding forest.
Gili Eco Lodge
On Gili T, one of the famous Indonesian islands so popular with backpackers and gap year tourists, is the Gili Eco Lodge.
The whole island has a no car or motorbike rule, so the pollution here is minimal. With villas built from locally sourced and sustainable materials, guests are immersed in nature, and the resort has its own vegetable garden and greenhouse.
Costa Rica
This beautiful country has so much to offer, and nature is a big part of it. Two examples of eco lodges in Costa Rica are outlined below.
Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge
Mixing sustainability and luxury, this Costa Rican eco lodge has just 10 guest rooms and is located not far from the Rio Savegre Waterfall. It offers spectacular views and multilingual staff who help guests to explore the local area.
Rancho Margot
Rancho Margot, near Lake Arenal, is a working farm and eco lodge that produces much of its own food on site. It has an organic farm, rustic bungalows and dormitory-style accommodation for those on a tight budget who still want to experience the wonders of an eco-friendly stay in stunning Costa Rica.
Eco lodges: FAQs
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about eco lodges.
What is an eco lodge?
An eco lodge is a small, nature-based accommodation designed to have minimal impact on the environment, contribute to conservation and benefit the local community, often through renewable energy, local food and local employment.
What is the difference between an eco lodge and a green hotel?
A green hotel is any hotel that has taken steps to be more sustainable, such as reducing energy and water use. An eco lodge is typically a small property in a natural area that is built around conservation, education and community benefits.
Are eco lodges really sustainable?
Many are, but because the term ‘eco lodge’ is not protected, some properties use it for marketing. Certifications that meet Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria can help travellers identify genuinely sustainable lodges.
Where are the best places to stay in an eco lodge?
Popular eco lodge destinations include Costa Rica, Ecuador, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Indonesia, Borneo, Belize and the Gambia.
Why are eco lodges important for ecotourism?
Eco lodges provide accommodation that supports the core aims of ecotourism – conserving the environment, educating visitors and benefiting local communities.
What is an eco lodge? Further reading
If you found this article on eco lodges useful, these articles may also be of interest:
- Ecotourism: Everything you need to know
- Rural tourism explained: What, where and why
- WWOOFING explained: What, why and where
- Sustainable tourism explained: What, why and where
