Great Hotels for Nature Lovers

There are some great hotels for nature lovers. These are environmentally friendly hotels within some the world’s great sites of nature be it rainforest, lagoon or desert. Eco-friendly doesn’t exclude luxury. Here are seven of the world’s great hotels that all nature lovers will adore:

The Harmony Hotel, Playa Guiones, Nosara, Costa Rica

The Harmony Hotel, Playa Guiones, Nosara, Costa RicaSituated on a pristine surf break in serene Playa Guiones, the Harmony Hotel is a sustainable property, created as a model to inspire others. Guests can mingle with howler monkeys, hummingbirds and other wildlife or try a sea turtle excursion or horseback riding on the beach.

This great hotel has 24 rooms and bungalows, with an on-site healing centre, a juice bar, and a yoga studio. The rooms have exposed beams and terracotta floors with comfortable beds, outdoor showers but no television or room service. There are longer-stay ‘casistas’ with kitchens, an open-air bar, a surf shop specializing in eco-friendly boards and a lush public park, perfect for nature lovers.

The Plantation on Crystal River, Crystal River, Florida

Florida’s Crystal River is a beautiful 232 acre eco-friendly resort surrounded by the natural springs of Kings Bay. The on-site dive shop offers snorkelling excursions to see the manatees that migrate each year to the warmth of the springs of the bay.

Offering comfortable accommodation and a spa, this is one of the greatest hotels in the area, offering a range of activities to create the perfect vacation for nature lovers.

Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Iguassu Falls, Brazil

Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Iguassu Falls, BrazilBrazil’s Iguassu National Park does not offer a choice of hotels, Belmond Hotel das Cataratas is the only one, situated a short stroll from Iguassu Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hotel has exclusive access to the falls as well as offering nature lovers a great variety of activities through their own travel agency, including guided walking excursions and rafting.

The hotel has been restored with elegant colonial furniture, dark wooden floors and stunning rooms and bathrooms with bathtub and shower. The hotel has two excellent restaurants, two pools, a bar, a spa, tropical gardens, a tennis court and a gym.

Hiking Hotel Europa, Siusi/Seis, South Tyrol, Italy

Surrounded by the Sciliar/Schlern-Catinaccio/Rosengarten nature park, this hotel is located in the old town centre of Siusi/Seis. The hotel provides nature lovers with equipment for hiking as well as guided hikes during the summer and guided snow shoe excursions during the winter, including the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage site.

The hotel offers a range of spa services as well as healthy, traditional cuisine.

Three Camel Lodge, Gobi Desert, Mongolia

Three Camel Lodge, Gobi Desert, MongoliaOne of the most unusual hotels for nature lovers is the award-winning Three Camel Lodge, built in the heart of the Gobi according to environmentally and culturally sustainable development guidelines. Guests sleep in deluxe gers (circular tents) that offer an authentic taste of Mongolian culture. The Dino House, built in the style of a traditional Mongolian temple, has games and a small library. In the evenings, visitors can enjoy music and dance performances.

Three Camel Lodge take great pride in welcoming you with traditional Mongolian hospitality and providing the highest standard of service. Staff are dedicated to making every stay a comfortable, relaxing and memorable experience.

The Canopy Treehouses, Queensland, Australia

This eco-friendly resort in the Cairns Highlands region is set in 100 acres of rainforest. Guests can stay in one of six tree houses or the Rainforest Unit attached to the main building.

The Canopy Treehouses blend award winning luxury accommodation with a passionate regard for wildlife and the environment. The five luxury timber and glass tree-houses are perched high in the rainforest canopy on the banks of the Ithaca River and are completely private. Each tree-house has two bedrooms, fully self contained kitchen, spa bath and balcony with a BBQ and hammock. The Bower House is the larger, award-winning, three bedroom Treehouse, that is situated on top of a ridge with great views over the valley. The Rainforest Unit has two bedrooms, providing assisted wheelchair access.

Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya

Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, KenyaOne of the great exclusive hotels in Kenya’s capital, Giraffe Manor is an historic building that dates back to the 1930’s, describing itself as “the only hotel in the world where you can eat breakfast with giraffe.” A herd of Rothschild giraffes often visit the Manor in the mornings and evenings to greet guests, making it a perfect destination for lovers of these long-necked beasts.

Set in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi, Giraffe Manor is one of Nairobi’s most iconic buildings. With a stately façade, elegant interior, beautiful gardens, sunny terraces and delightful courtyards the hotel has six suites for you to choose from.