5 must visit eco lodges in California

What a better time to start planning your next beach side vacay. Not only are COVID restrictions beginning to ease up (yay) but envisioning yourself sipping on a cheeky margy with the sun rays beaming is a form of must needed meditation. Before you all go crazy and start booking flights across the globe, remember to be an educated traveller and be mindful of the accommodation you choose. Hotels contribute to the 60 million tons of CO2 emissions every year – don’t be a part of that horrifying fact. Commit to sustainable tourism and hotels that don’t condone wasteful practices. Trust us, staying in one of the following locations will far exceed your travel expectations and provide you with an experience superior to your average hotel chain.

The One Hotel

Our most recommended eco-hotel enterprise is 1 Hotel. With award-winning locations in New York, Miami and Los Angeles a true natural oasis getaway is experienced from the moment you enter the lobby – why would you want to leave. 1 Hotel California is located in the heart of West Hollywood with the most incredible views spreading from Downtown LA to Santa Monica. Besides its picturesque design, 1 Hotel provides the most aesthetic event spaces, is home to California’s must-visit Harriet’s rooftop, and most importantly provides an amazing night away in their eco-inspired suites. Don’t feel like heading out into the hustle and bustle of California? Stay in and relax by the skyline pool deck, visit their in-house face gym for a 40-minute toning facial, get your body moving in their state-of-the-art gyms with leading personal trainers or head to their Beehive business hub equipped with complimentary computer and printer use. We don’t know what else to say, 1 Hotel is definitely a must-visit when we’re on the West Coast next!

Ventana Big Sur

Ventana Big Sur is truly a world leader in eco-hotels. Rich in cultural history and natural wildlife opportunities, including breathtaking hiking trails and outdoor recreation, Ventana Big Sur truly offers an experience like no other. Rooms and suites are uncloned, each providing a sanctuary different from one another. The hidden away spaces are fitted with your very own spa, fireplace and outdoor shower complemented by secluded forest landscapes and fully sustainable amenities. Feel like truly immersing yourself into the wild? Try their Glamping accommodation with safari styled canvas tents, light up fire pits and endless outdoor explorations. Beyond their insane aesthetics, Ventana’s eco-values are out of this world. Green initiates include 100% recycled water for irrigation, complimentary reusable water bottles, blankets made from recycled sleeping bags, and 8 Teslas – learn more about their green-friendly initiatives here.

Hotel Joaquin

Relatively new to the scene, Hotel Joaquin is another eco-lodge experience that has incorporated sustainable values with an artsy Spanish twist. A petite seaside resort in Laguna Beach, Hotel Joaquin is hidden in plain sight along Pacific’s rich coastline and has described themselves as “private enough to feel like you’re visiting an old friend’s estate, but open enough to incite adventure.” – how cool! The chic and playful tones and design throughout the California location provides a one of a kind Mediterranean getaway with each room differing in layout, amenities and ambience. Want an insider’s secret? Each room comes with your very own record player to complement ocean or garden view escapes. Beyond the bedroom, this eco-hotel is home to Saline, their renowned Middle Eastern-inspired bar filled with eclectic interior and exclusive cocktails. Excitingly, Hotel Joaquin is soon to launch their Laguna Playhouse, a historic theatre home to captivating comedies, dramas, musicals and more!

The Ranch at Laguna Beach

Listed on National Geographics Unique Lodges of the World, The Rach at Laguna Beach goes beyond just the floors and walls of a typical hotel. This ecolodge hotel is home to sweeping landscapes nestled in a private valley just behind Aliso Beach. Stay in six different suite options scattered amongst the canyon all with 360 degree of the breathtaking 87-acres getaway, complimented by state-of-the-art amenities including their serene Poolside, relaxing Day spa, 9-hole private golf course and Yoga or Gym classes. Beyond conventional sustainability approaches, their green initiatives include their Harvest Garden, animal sanctuary, composting and responsible water systems, and even a green sustainability team that ensures ethical strategies are applied where possible.

Terranea Resort

Last but not least, located in Rancho Palos Verdes, Terranea Resort located in Los Angeles provides a tranquil cliff edge getaway surrounded by endless ocean views filled with conserved marine life. With a private golf course, relaxing spa facilities, and over nine cuisine options, this hidden gem still strives in sustainable values. Their in-house bee program, falconry bird control, strict composting and recycling policy, and plant a tree program has been heavily appraised amongst the South of Los Angeles community. Accommodation remains sustainably aligned with bungalows, casitas, and villas inspired by a minimalist Spanish design.