Spring is in the air and Earth Day is fast approaching, so why not honour Mother Earth by visiting one of these seven hotels on the theme of nature?
Lapa Rios Ecolodge & Wildlife Reserve, Costa Ric
Located on 1,000 acres of tropical forest, Lapa Rios Ecolodge and Wildlife Reserve offer a return to nature experience, starting with its lack of telephones, Internet and televisions in its 17 thatched bungalows. The hotel was built using traditional construction methods, with an emphasis on sustainability. All the bungalows of the hotel and the main pavilion housing the restaurant / bar and the entrance hall were built using fallen tree wood. Thatch roofs are made from palm leaves of local origin. The whole resort blends beautifully into its natural tropical forest environment, with beautiful views of the ocean and the jungle all around.
Frost and Fire Hotel, Iceland
Located on the Varma River near Thingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Frost and Fire offers beautiful rooms that blend traditional Scandinavian design elements with large windows overlooking the surrounding countryside. The river that crosses this property is naturally heated by the region's hot springs, which means it is warm enough to swim depending on the season. There is even an outdoor steam oven, where the hotel bakes its own bread.
The Caves, Jamaica
Located on a cliff overlooking the sea, The Caves Hotel in Negril, Jamaica, has long been a favourite among newlyweds. Most of the colourful rooms in this all-inclusive establishment offer romantic and natural touches, such as outdoor showers. However, the highlight of a stay here is the possibility of having a private meal in one of the property's natural caves, cliff caves overlooking the sea.
Blancaneaux Lodge, Belize
Located on a green jungle-covered hill overlooking Privassion Creek and the hotel's artificial waterfall, Blancaneaux Lodge in Belize is an ideal pied-à-terre for exploring the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve or simply relaxing at the spa. This high-end complex is owned by Francis Ford Coppola, and although the rooms lack TV sets, they are equipped with both iPod docks and mobile phones with intercom systems discreetly placed in shells.
Haramara Retreat, Mexico
Spread over more than 12 acres of wilderness near Sayulita on Mexico's Pacific coast, the top-of-the-range Haramara Retreat takes rustic life to the next level, with autonomous palm huts without electricity that are separated from the surrounding jungle by gauze curtains and bed nets. The main focus here is on yoga and meditation, and there are two palapas yoga shalas accommodation with an organic restaurant serving vegetarian cuisine and seafood.
Conscious Hotel Museum Square, Amsterdam
Located close to museums, theatres, shops and restaurants, Conscious Hotel Museum Square has all kinds of eco-responsible features, from a huge wall of living plants in an entrance hall to large wall paintings in the rooms and common areas. The breakfast buffet focuses on organic dishes, and the hotel offers bicycles on loan for guests (although this is not particularly unusual for Amsterdam).
Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa, Wyoming
Located in the village of Teton, just next to the majestic Grand Teton National Park, Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa is a rustic-chic lodge with many wellness facilities. Although the rooms are not particularly sensational, the reception hall largely compensates, with unfinished log beams and beams, as well as a large stone fireplace and many comfortable sofas to relax on. There is also an outdoor swimming pool and a separate hydro-massage terrace, both with a breath-taking view of the surrounding wilderness.