In this article, we’ll cover all the best eco hotels and eco resorts in Mexico. We’ll dive deeper into what makes them sustainable hotels in Mexico and why you should book them for your next vacation.
Whenever we travel, we strive to leave the smallest impact possible in the places we visit. Our goal is always to leave places better than we found them. As travelers, our accommodations play a huge role in the environment we’re visiting. This is why we wanted to share some of the best eco-friendly hotels in Mexico with you.
We asked our favorite blogger to let us know the eco-hotel or eco-resort in Mexico they recommend for those who are looking to travel in a more sustainable way. These hotels go above and beyond trying to create a great experience, not only for their guests but also, for the people in their communities, the area they’re in and the impact they have on the environment as a whole.
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Table of Contents
Why choose an eco-hotel for your next trip to Mexico
Mexico is a beautiful country, and absolutely worth visiting. However, as tourism levels pick back up, the impact we have on the environments we visit can be devastating, especially for countries that don’t have strong waste management infrastructures that can help alleviate the stress of tourists coming in.
One of the most obvious examples of this is the current environmental issues Tulum faces, as it grew too quickly, trying to constantly accommodate more tourists and travelers. The effects of over-tourism are catching up with the beautiful city. You can see more about it here.
As visitors to these countries, it’s our job to make sure we have a more positive impact on the areas we visit so that they can stay clean and safe for generations to come. And seeing as the accommodations we choose have a huge impact on the environment, it’s important we play our part in creating a more sustainable place for all.
Often, accommodations are the largest part of our spending in a country, and choosing local and sustainable eco resorts in Mexico, and elsewhere, ensures your investment creates a better today and future for the locals and future travelers.
The 8 best eco-friendly hotels in Mexico
In talking with other travelers and bloggers, we realized that there were some pretty amazing eco-hotels and eco-resorts in Mexico that are totally worth booking on your next getaway. That’s why we put this little list together so the next time you’re heading to Mexico, you have a great option for sustainable accommodations to choose from, no matter where you are heading!
So without further ado, here are the best eco-hotels in Mexico. You’ll notice that we broke the list down by location, to make it easier for you to plan your trip and choose your eco-resort in Mexico.
2 amazing eco-hotels in Tulum
As we mentioned, Tulum is a bit of a tricky place to visit as it’s quickly become overpopulated and over-run by tourists. However, it’s still a beautiful city to explore with its beaches and laid-back vibes.
If it’s on your Mexico bucket list, here are 2 amazing eco-resorts in Tulum you can visit to have a more sustainable stay.
1. Nômade Tulum, an eco-resort in Tulum you have to visit
Contributed by Shelley of TulumTravelSecrets.com
Nômade Tulum is not only one of the best resorts in Tulum Mexico, but it’s also one of the best eco-resorts in Mexico. For eco-conscious travelers who have a sizable budget, this is the place for you. It is a luxury hotel, but Tulum’s version is still shoes-optional and beachy casual.
They have rooms and suites, but if you’re lucky, you’ll get to book one of their treehouse villas. Here, you’re immersed in the lush Tulum jungle, perched at eye level with the tree canopy, which makes for an unforgettable stay.
Nômade Tulum was built with local materials, including bamboo and reclaimed wood. They don’t allow guests to use electricity and air-conditioning all day, so everyone’s energy consumption is restricted to lessen the resort’s carbon footprint.
They’re also a carbon-neutral hotel, and its Sustainability Department is committed to mitigating climate change. Since December 2019, Nômade Tulum has offset tons of carbon dioxide each month in a reforestation program that benefits rural communities in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. This makes them a great option as an eco-hotel in Tulum.
Nômade Tulum Hotel is ideal for couples, solo travelers, and anyone looking for a holistic experience — complete with sound healing baths, meditation sessions, yoga in the jungle, and yummy plant-based vegan meals.
It is located on Tulum Beach, right in the middle of all the action in Tulum. However, it is tucked away enough so that you don’t hear all the bars and clubs at night, but you’re within walking distance to enjoy it all.
To get to Tulum, you’ll fly into Cancun International Airport. From there, it’s a two-hour drive to Tulum, and you can go by shuttle (there are both private and shared shuttles), rental car, taxi or the ADO bus.
2. Azulik hotel, an iconic sustainable hotel in Tulum
Contributed by Mal of RawMalRoams.com
Azulik is one of the most unique places to stay in Tulum, which takes sustainability and eco-friendly hotel seriously. The property is located in Zona Hotelara and has direct access to the gorgeous white-sanded Tulum Beach.
Azulik boasts a fantastic wellness center that features a vast menu of beauty treatments and traditional Mayan healing therapies. There is also a restaurant and a bar.
The whole hotel is constructed with only natural materials such as bamboo and bejuco, and it’s been sympathetically integrated into its natural surroundings.
The suites at Azulik do not have electricity or air conditioning. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide natural light during the day. At night, the only source of light is candlelight to reduce light pollution, which negatively impacts animals such as sea turtles that rely on moonlight during the mating season.
Each villa has a terrace with a comfortable day bed, and the en suite bathroom is equipped with a handmade mosaic bathtub. The idea behind this is to take your time and connect with nature. They take being an eco-hotel in Mexico very seriously!
Things to do nearby include swimming in cenotes, exploring Tulum ruins and visiting Sian Kaan Natural Reserve.
The nearest international airport is located in Cancun, from where you can take a bus to the Tulum center and then a taxi to the hotel. It is also possible to get a private door-to-door transfer from the airport.
Looking to visit Tulum? Here are some articles that you might find useful:
– The best things to do in Tulum
– The best cenotes to visit near Tulum
– In case you want to visit Tulum, but want to check some alternatives for it first, here are the best places in Mexico that aren’t Tulum (but that pack the same punch)
– If you also have a stay in Cancun planned, here is our travel guide for the city
– Going on a weekend trip from Tulum, check out our guide to Bacalar
Other eco-resorts in the Yucatan Peninsula
Although Tulum might be the most popular place to visit in the Yucatan Peninsula, there are plenty of other places to explore as well. From the amazing cenotes to the historic towns, there’s something for everyone here.
Here are some other eco-hotels in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
3. Las Nubes de Holbox, a green hotel in the heart of Holbox
Contributed by Victoria from GuideYourTravel.com
Las Nubes de Holbox Hotel is a stunning eco-friendly hotel located on the island of Holbox, Mexico. The hotel is a collection of beautifully designed cabins that offer guests an intimate and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The staff at Las Nubes de Holbox are friendly, welcoming, and dedicated to providing guests with the best possible experience. The hotel offers a range of amenities, including a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine, and a bar serving refreshing cocktails.
The hotel is committed to sustainability and has a range of efforts in place, including the use of solar energy, the use of eco-friendly materials, and the support of local businesses and communities. They work hard to make themselves one of the best eco-friendly hotels in Mexico.
Las Nubes de Holbox is ideal for couples looking for a romantic getaway, families looking for a peaceful escape, and groups of friends looking for a fun and relaxed vacation. The hotel is also perfect for nature lovers and those who appreciate sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives.
The hotel is located on the stunning island of Holbox, which is known for its breathtaking beauty and abundant wildlife, including flamingos and whale sharks. The island is also home to some of the best beaches in Mexico, and there are plenty of things to do in Holbox, including fishing, kayaking, and bird-watching.
To get to Las Nubes de Holbox, you can fly into Cancun and then take a 2.5-hour drive to the ferry terminal at Chiquila. From there, you can take a ferry to the island of Holbox, where the hotel is located.
4. Hacienda Tres Rios Resort, Spa & Nature Park
Contributed by Brodi from OurOffBeatLife.com
Hacienda Tres Rios Resort, Spa & Nature Park in Riviera Maya is an environmentally responsible resort that offers exclusive access to the breathtaking Tres Rios Nature Park and all-inclusive amenities that make it one of the best eco-resorts in Mexico.
This resort has everything from fine dining and world-class spa services to architectural excellence. Guests can stay in La Herencia Suites with their own private roof garden and butler service.
Other accommodations include rooms and family suites that offer incredible views of the nature park or the Caribbean Sea.
In the beautiful Tres Rios Nature Park, guests can explore winding rivers, mangrove forests, tranquil beaches, and much more. Plus, you can swim, snorkel, kayak, or take a boat tour to get up close and personal with the park’s plant and animal life.
You can even tour their gardens, where they grow all their own landscaping plants and many of their own herbs. Plus, they’ll show you their compost heaps, where they reuse all organic food waste from the resort to fertilize the gardens!
Hacienda Tres Rios Resort has three pools as well as six restaurants offering delicious international cuisine ranging from Mexican favorites to Italian specialties. For those looking for something a little more relaxed, there are three bars serving up refreshing cocktails or craft beers.
It’s easy to get to Hacienda Tres Rios, too. Just fly into the Cancun airport and arrange your transfer service through the resort!
If you want to extend your stay in Cancun, make sure you check out our guide about the best things to do in the city. It’s perfect for couples who want to have an amazing time in Cancun.
A unique eco-camp in Mexico’s state of Baja California Sur
Baja California Sur is a great place to visit in Mexico. There are tons to do here, especially for nature lovers. From hiking in the mountains to chilling on beaches, walking through the desert, or sand-surfing on the dunes, this place has it all.
It’s also one of the best places to see whales, sharks and other marine life, as it’s part of their migration route.
So if you’re looking for an amazing eco-friendly place to stay in Mexico’s Baja California Sur, make sure you check out this place!
5. Magdalena Bay Whales’ Camp , an unforgettable experience and a unique eco-resort in Mexico
Contributed by Lucy and Dan from ThoroughlyTravel.com
On the Baja California Sur peninsula lies an eco-hotel that is dedicated to one of the most amazing experiences in the world: whale watching. Situated on the remote Isla Magdalena, one of two islands that shelters Magdalena Bay from the Pacific Ocean, Magdalena Bay Whales’ Camp is one of the only places in the world where you can get so close to grey whales that you can actually touch them.
Magdalena Bay Whales have over 45 years of experience whale watching in Magdalena Bay and their glamping hotel is one of the best eco-camps in Mexico. The camp has numerous tents with comfortable beds and panoramic views of the bay, equipped with an outdoor toilet and camp shower (a bag of water that is heated by the sun). Meals, which are a variety of authentic Mexican dishes, are all-inclusive and are made with locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, with many vegan, vegetarian and allergy-sensitive options.
Whale watching in Mexico is highly regulated, so you can be sure your time here is spent in an environmentally friendly way. All the guides are local fishermen, so your money goes back into the local community. When you’re not whale watching you can go kayaking, SUP boarding, bird watching, explore the sand dunes or hike over the island to the Pacific Ocean.
Magdalena Island Whale Camp is perfect for anyone with an interest in whales, from couples to families. The all-inclusive package includes your tent, food, whale-watching trips and boat transfers, but can be tailored to suit you. Private transfers to and from other parts of Baja California Sur can also be arranged if don’t hire a car. La Paz is a 3-hour drive away, Loreto is only 2.5 hours away, and Los Cabos is a 5-hour journey.
3 eco resorts in Mexico’s state of Jalisco
The state of Jalisco is also home to plenty of eco-hotels and eco-resorts in Mexico. Here, you’ll read about some of the best ones you can book for your next stay. Some are in Puerto Vallarta, which will be the most popular destination for travelers coming to Jalisco. Others are located in the laid-back town of San Pancho or Sayulita.
6. Nemi Eco Villas, Puerto Vallarta’s luxurious eco-hotel
Contributed by Lora from ExploreWithLora.com
Nemi Eco Villa is one of the best eco hotels in Mexico and a great choice for travelers looking for luxurious, yet environmentally-friendly accommodations in Puerto Vallarta.
Sustainability is an intrinsic component of the architecture of Nemi Eco Villa. The building was constructed using all repurposed or sustainable materials. The primary components utilized were shipping containers, and all other materials were sourced from nearby areas, including recycled fruit crates.
The bedrooms within this villa are powered by solar panels, which allow for minimal use of air conditioning or fans. Furthermore, the villa boasts a 40-foot all-natural swimming pool that does not require any salt or chemical additives. This is what a true eco-resort in Mexico looks like!
The cooks utilize organic ingredients where possible in preparing meals both for breakfast as well as evening snacks. Other sustainability initiatives include a green rooftop garden, composting, and water conservation efforts.
The hotel also has an on-demand concierge for booking reservations and excursions in Puerto Vallarta, so you can just sit back and relax without worrying about organizing your itinerary.
Nemi Eco Villa is in Amapas, a hillside neighborhood less than a 5-minute drive away from the city center of Puerto Vallarta. As the villa is on a hill, it offers breathtaking views of the city and the Pacific Ocean.
This hotel is best for eco-conscious travelers who don’t want to sacrifice luxury. It’s a great place to host a retreat, or plan an unforgettable getaway with friends and family.
7. Tailwind Jungle Lodge, an eco-resort in the laid-back town of San Pancho
Contributed by Jessica from UprootedTraveler.com
If you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway in an eco-friendly hotel, consider Tailwind Jungle Lodge in San Pancho, along the Pacific coastline of Mexico. The lodging at the hotel is a mix of bungalows, casitas, and palapas, with boho treehouse vibes. Beyond the hotel’s design, the staff at Tailwind is next level, providing friendly and thoughtful service at every turn, from the onsite yoga classes to the immaculate maintenance of the grounds.
Tailwind has been a pioneer in the sustainability space in Mexico and in 2009, earned one of the first certifications of a sustainable eco-lodge in Mexico through the Sustainable Travel International organization. Tailwind’s focus on sustainability is multifaceted, from supporting San Pancho’s unique recycling program to encouraging guests to use reusable dishware and promoting local artisans.
While the lodge is well-suited for a variety of travelers, its private and secluded beach and jungle setting would be perfect for a romantic getaway. That being said, there’s something for everyone here – kids will love the little pool area and the eclectic assortment of lodging is ideal for a group of friends traveling together.
The property itself has a number of activities to enjoy, from exploring its hiking trails and kayaking to yoga and stand-up paddleboarding. Alternatively, head into the town of San Pancho or its slightly busier neighbor, Sayulita, to get a surf lesson, shop at a local market, or grab a margarita.
To get to Tailwind Jungle Lodge, fly into Puerto Vallarta and make the hour and 10-minute drive north to the property. Once you’re at the lodge, kick off your flip-flops and lay down in your hammock— the lodge’s motto is “enjoy life” and they sure make it easy!
8. Maraica eco-hotel, San Pancho’s amazing sustainable property
Contributed by yours truly at WeDidItOurWay.com
If you’re looking for a beautiful and eco-friendly place to stay in San Pancho, look no further than Maraica eco-hotel. This place has everything you need to reconnect to nature, while still enjoying the comforts of a high-end hotel.
First, let’s talk about their environmentally conscious efforts. Mariaca uses solar panels to power the hotel and restaurant. They recycle their waste by using food scraps to create compost, which is then reused in their gardens or on their nearby farms. They also re-incorporate their treated wastewater to irrigate their gardens.
They have gotten rid of single-use plastics, styrofoam and straws by providing everything in a reusable format. Hotel Mariaca has made drinking water available in all common areas (think halls, restaurant and lobby) and in the rooms as well.
In the rooms, they provide 100% natural personal hygiene and beauty products for guests. They provide bottles of body lotion, shampoo, body wash and hand soap that are all locally sourced and smell heavenly. They make your skin feel amazing.
As an eco-resort in Mexico, Maraica offers delicious food and drinks available at their beautiful restaurant, Muveri. They have a pool available for guests and plenty of different spaces outdoors where we could hang out and stay connected to nature. They offer yoga classes, but also make the space and mats available so you can practice at all times. You really don’t need to leave this Mexican eco-hotel, and why would you want to?!
As for their rooms, we had a double room overlooking the ocean. It was perfection, to say the least. The high ceiling and spacious room still felt cozy. With big windows and sliding doors that connected to the balcony, we felt like we were immersed in nature. The best thing was falling asleep to the sound of the waves crashing.
Looking to read more about who to have an amazing and chill time in San Pancho? Make sure you read our full San Pancho guide. In the article, you’ll also be able to read more about Maraica eco-hotel, and all the best restaurants and things to do in the area.
How to be more sustainable in Mexico – 5 easy steps to be more eco-friendly
Staying in one of these sustainable accommodations is a quick and easy way to be more eco-friendly as you travel. If you’re looking for more ways to be a green traveler, here are a few quick things you can also do:
- Bring a water filtration bottle. As most of the water in Mexico is not potable, this will help you drink water from many different faucets and water sources around the country.
- Bring a reusable water bottle. You’ll be able to refill it at amazing eco-hotels and eco-resorts that offer free drinking water.
- Bring a bamboo cutlery set. You’ll be able to use it when you eat out if plastic cutlery is being offered.
- Have a bamboo or metal straw with you. This is mainly if you love to drink smoothies, or if you go to bars and restaurants often. This will help reduce the number of straws in landfills and in the ocean.
- Bring a reusable tote bag. This is perfect if you want to buy local produce, or if you want to go shopping and avoid plastic bags.
8 amazing eco-hotels and eco-resorts in Mexico
There you have it! The best eco-friendly hotels, sustainable resorts and green accommodations you can book during your next trip to Mexico. As a recap, here is the full list again.
- Nômade Tulum
- Azulik Tulum
- Las Nubes de Holbox
- Hacienda Tres Rios Resort, Spa & Nature Park
- Magdalena Bay Whale Camp
- Nemi Eco Villas
- Tailwind Jungle Lodge
- Maraica Eco-Hotel
We’re hoping that the next time you visit Mexico, you’ll book one of these eco-hotels and sustainable resorts. We all have the power to make a positive impact on the places we visit. And staying in any of these amazing and eco-friendly places is one of the small steps we can all take to leave our travel destinations better than we found them!
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