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Discover the goodness of nature retreats by reconnecting with wildlife adventures and wellness programs. Mindful practices and sustainability are growing trends, so choose an eco-friendly property that offers both. These nature retreats provide a unique experience while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability and yet stand out for their thoughtful design. Here are seven best eco-friendly nature retreats perfect for your next vacation.
Eco-Friendly Nature Retreats – Best 7
Mara Simba Lodge, Kenya
Stay in the Mara Simba Lodge in Masai Mara situated along the banks of the Talek River, amidst the breathtaking landscape with diverse wilderness. It is among the best nature retreats here, decorated in Masai style, with floors of cedar wood decking and thatched roofs. The layout blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings offering luxurious and elegant accommodation. From the room verandah watch the breathtaking landscapes and enjoy the subtle comforts of the chalet interior. This sustainable friendly retreat has installed a sewage treatment plant that provides water for irrigation. Furthermore, witness an interesting slide presentation from a naturalist about the ecology and wildlife of the Masai Mara Reserve to fuel your wanderlust.
Getting There: You can reach Mara Simba from the Olseki Naboisho airstrip in Nairobi within an hour by road.
Best Time To Visit: Due to less rainfall, July to October (cool and dry season) is the best time to visit.
Activities: Game Drive, Bird Watching, Boating, Nature Walks, Great Wildebeest Migration across Mara River, Bush Camping and more
Mala Mala Main Campus, South Africa
Mala Mala Lodge is a luxury safari lodge in the famous Mala Mala Game Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park. The property is known for its high-end safari experience led by professional rangers. Additionally, the reserve plays an active role in conservation efforts such as anti-poaching initiatives and protects a diverse range of African wildlife. It also works to maintain the natural habitats of native species such as the Mala Mala Seven – rhino, elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, cheetah, and African wild dog. Choose to stay here, among the best sustainable friendly nature retreats in South Africa.
Getting There: Airlink operates direct air services daily from Cape Town and Johannesburg into Skukuza Airport in the Kruger National Park. Further, Skukuza Airport is just a one-hour road transfer from Mala Mala Game Reserve.
Best Time To Visit: May to September (dry season) are the best months to visit Mala Mala Game Reserve.
Activities: Big Five Game Viewing, Child Safari Programs, In-Room Massages (on request), Watch Wildlife At The Water’s Edge, and more
Fumba Beach Lodge, Zanzibar
If you love staying in nature retreats, Fumba Beach Lodge is your pick, with only 26 free-standing lodges. It is home to huge Baobab trees, the oldest being 900 years old. The lodge is located in the Fumba Peninsula of Menai Bay Conservation Area. This area has been designated for its outstanding natural beauty by the World Wide Life Federation since 1998. Surrounding Menai Bay Conservation Area, are traditional fishing villages, that contribute to a unique cultural experience. Walk along the nature trail, look out for the Zanzibar red colobus monkey, and watch graceful butterflies whirl away while interacting with the fisher folks.
Getting There: The Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) to Fumba Beach Lodge takes just 26 minutes by road transfer.
Best Time To Visit: The long dry season lasts throughout June, July, August, September, and October.
Activities: Witness the Wildebeest Migration, Bird Watching, Water Sports, Boating, Scuba Diving and more
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Uganda
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature by staying in a private cabin in Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge. It is located in the southern section of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, known for its famous gorilla treks. This African nature retreat is made of locally sourced papyrus for the ceiling while the wooden floors have a touch of volcanic rock. Additionally, the lodge benefits the Nkuringo community economically, making it a top-rated sustainable stay. Trek the nature trail with your guide for the best encounters with primates, a highlight activity during your stay.
Getting There: Access the property with a scheduled flight from Entebbe to Kisoro Airstrip, from where there is a road transfer of around 90 minutes.
Best Time To Visit: July to September is the best time to visit East Africa for pleasant weather and to enjoy gorilla tracking.
Activities: Game Viewing, Giant Gorilla Tracking, Nature Adventure Walks, Batwa Pygmy Cultural Trail, Bird Watching, Renewing Massages At Mist Spa, and more
Habitas Retreat, Saudi Arabia
Book into the Habitas AlUla, your quintessential nature retreat amid the desert canyons of the Ashar Valley. Here, modular construction ensures no compromising of design integrity, sustainability ethos, and environmental care. The property is surrounded by sandstone cliffs and palm groves offering the best sustainable hospitality.
The guest experience includes serious wellness-affirming experiences at the Thuraya Wellness inspired by the elements of nature and nature techniques. Professional wellness practitioners use oil blends that combine the expertise of ancestral, cultural, and Middle Eastern practices. Habitas offers spa treatment rooms, an alchemy bar, a fitness center, an outdoor wellness agora, and a yoga studio.
Getting There: Habitas is approximately 50 minutes from AlUla International Airport – 35 kilometers southeast of AlUla’s city center.
Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit Saudi Arabia is from October to March to escape the harsh summers.
Activities: Canyon Trekking, Art & Culture Walks, Yoga, Meditation, Outdoor Screenings of local cultural films and more
Sun Siyam, Maldives
This luxury retreat boasts serenity amidst a tropical paradise in Iru Fushi. The unforgettable experience cradles around the archipelago, revitalizing your mind and soul. Come and unwind in a tropical paradise away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The property is dedicated to sustainability efforts with the Sun Siyam Cares program. Investments in initiatives such as reducing energy and water use, managing waste to reduce plastic use, supporting community development, and renewable energy are at the forefront of the sustainability drive.
Getting There: The property is just a 45-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport.
Best Time To Visit: November through April (dry season) is the best time to visit Maldives, especially for divers based on visibility.
Activities: Stargazing Cruise, Para Sailing, Water Sports, Snorkeling and more
Piešťany, Slovakia
Stay at Piešťany in the Trnava region, among the best wellness nature retreats to relax, rejuvenate, and be with nature. This famous spa town is known for its mineral springs, geothermal waters, and sulfur mud. Rich in minerals and warmed by the heat of the earth’s interior, thermal mineral water is probably one of the most remarkable natural remedies known to mankind. Visitors of the popular spa town of Piešťany will be able to use at least 120 shared bikes as part of the Useful Wheel of Piešťany project for sustainable travel. Interested? Check out a fabulous deal with Travelwings with accommodation, transfers, and return airfare in economy class.
Getting There: Milan Rastislav Štefánik Airport (BTS / LZIB) in Bratislava, Slovakia is 85 km from the center of Piestany.
Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit is from early June to early September for the warmest weather.
Activities: Honey Tasting, Mud Baths, Thermal Bath, Walking Tour, Hydrotherapy, Partial Medical Massage and more
