Ecotourism goes to the next level with a visit to these unique destinations featuring lodging that aspires to be gentle to the environment. Escape the crowds and get away to a private island, national parks or beaches. Zip-line through a forest, try ocean kayaking or enjoy horseback riding.

1. 12 of the Best Unique Boutique Hotel and Eco-Lodges in the World Jicaro Island Ecolodge: Granada Isletas, Nicaragua

2. Jicaro Island Ecolodge: Granada Isletas, Nicaragua Jicaro Island Ecolodge is Nicaragua´s most upscale nature resort located on a private island in Lake Nicaragua It is a short boat ride from Granada and has view of the Mombacho Volcano across the lake There are nine private casitas in this lodge, offering a peaceful and tranquil environment

3. Jicaro Island Ecolodge: Granada Isletas, Nicaragua There is also access to a wide variety of activities ranging from hiking to zip-lining through volcanoes and bathing in hot springs to exploring colonial treasures It is ideal for the travelers looking to leave their hectic lives behind for a few days Photo By Martin van Doorn

4. EcoCamp Suite Domes: Torres del Paine, Chile EcoCamp Suite Domes offers the perfect compromise between hotel accommodation and camping in one of Chile’s most famous locations, Patagonia. Camp in comfort in Torres del Paine national park in large dome-shaped tents where you can stand up straight and lie down on a real bed at night. Expeditions and tours offer English speaking guides that can help make your trekking experiences, wildlife tour, or photography safari unforgettable.

5. EcoCamp Suite Domes: Torres del Paine, Chile The Ecocamp Patagonia, became the first hospitality company in Chile to receive the prestigious ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification The ISO 14001 Environmental Management standards help organizations minimize their negative impacts on the environment

6. Shinta Mani: Siem Reap, Cambodia Shinta Mani is an intimate, friendly, eighteen-room boutique hotel in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Conveniently located in the heart of the old French Quarter of Siem Reap, Shinta Mani is less than nine kilometers from the World Heritage site of Angkor Wat. Shinta Mani is distinguished by its commitment and dedication to support the less fortunate community in Cambodia.

7. Shinta Mani: Siem Reap, Cambodia Through its Institute of Hospitality, Shinta Mani gives hospitality industry training to at-risk youth in Cambodia and is funded by individual donations and hotel operations.

9. Lapa Rios Ecolodge: Oso Peninsula, Costa Rica Set in a private nature reserve of over 1,000 acres of lush tropical rainforest, Lapa Rios Ecolodge overlooks the pristine point where the GulfoDulce meets the Pacific Ocean. Lapa Rios has won worldwide awards for social and environmental excellence along with Costa Rica’s highest sustainable tourism certification.

10. Lapa Rios Ecolodge: Oso Peninsula, Costa Rica Activities at Lapa Rios are focused around the rainforest and the nearby Ocean. Rainforest hikes, bird watching, Ocean Kayaking, horseback riding, catch and release sport fishing and surfing are some of the activities offered.

11. Lapa Rios Ecolodge, Oso Peninsula, Costa Rica Lapa Rios was built in harmony with the surrounding forest and beach and has won worldwide awards for social and environmental excellence along with Costa Rica’s highest sustainable tourism certification. No luxury was spared in their quest for eco-friendliness, however.

13. Ginza Yoshimizu Inn: Tokyo, Japan Ginza Yoshimizu provides traditional Japanese home-cooked dinners with fresh organic ingredients. This hotel is ideal for those looking to experience Japanese culture and unwind in a simple and calm environment.

14. Topas Ecolodge: Sapa, Vietnam Topas Ecolodge is situated in the Sapa valley of Northern Vietnam. The ecolodge consists of 25 individual lodges placed in a circle around the hills. From the lodge there are breathtaking views of the scenic valleys below. Topas Ecolodge is continuously seeking to improve their environmental performance.

17. Cloud Forest Lodge, Mindo, Ecuador Part of the reason they decided to remain small is their belief that there should be a ratio between guests received and amount of land owned to keep the ecological impact to a minimum.

18. Alila Hotels, Southeast Asia Alila Hotels have promoted responsible tourism since its opening, and offer locally grown fruits and vegetables as well as locally produced soaps, shampoos, and other Spa Alila products. Additionally, Alila Villas Uluwatu was the first property in Asia to be accredited Green Globe 21 Design & Build Certification.

19. HoushiRyokan: Komatsu, Japan HoushiRyokan, located in the hot spring village of Awazu in the Hokuriku region of Japan, is the world’s oldest inn. Dating back to the year 718 (some 1300 years ago), the traditional ryokan has been operated by the same family for 46 generations. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. At Houshi the names for each room are derived from Saijiki (a book on words and phrases defining the seasons in haiku), and reflect the hotels belief that life is a journey through the seasons.

20. HoushiRyokan: Komatsu, Japan The hot spring at Awazu is said to have magical powers. Well, this seems to be true because Houshi has long been cherished as a place to bathe and find bliss. The hot spring at Houshi will quickly make your stress disappear and restore your health, leaving your body and mind feeling rested and rejuvenated. Enjoy soaking in the large indoor bath, or in the rotenburo (outside bath). Better yet, indulge yourself and take a dip in both. Recently, a new garden was created at Houshi, offering a beautiful stroll around the inn. There are also shops and restaurants nearby the inn.

21. HoushiRyokan: Komatsu, Japan Guests are provided with 'yukata', a comfortable kimono, to wear after soaking in the bath, and will enjoy traditional Japanese-style cuisine for breakfast and dinner. The ryokan serves delicious local seafood with many of the meals, and will cater to special requirements, such as a vegetarian diet. HoushiRyokan emphasizes harmony with nature and appreciation of season changes, as is evident by the hotel environment.

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