6 Extraordinary Stays Taking Their Impact Seriously
There are calls for a global shift to triple the world’s clean electricity by 2030 – and that’s a message we stand behind at Exodus, because the future of travel depends on a planet that thrives.
Over 45% of our worldwide accommodations now use renewable energy, and in these six destinations – Costa Rica, Finland, Portugal, Spain, Jordan and India –we work with hand-selected hotels and lodges that have made renewable energy a core part of their mission.
These aren’t just places to stay – they’re proof that climate action and immersive travel can go hand in hand. Read on to find out more about these incredible accommodations you can experience on your next adventure with us.
1. Costa Rica: A Jungle Lodge That Grows Its Own Future
The rainforests of southern Costa Rica are some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, and Esquinas Rainforest Lodge has made it its mission to protect them.
Deep in Piedras Blancas National Park, it is surrounded by 3,000 hectares of pristine forest, which act as a powerful carbon sink, while the lodge is powered entirely by renewable energy, with solar panels providing electricity and heating.
Additionally, every effort is made to minimize the lodge’s footprint. Water conservation measures, natural ventilation, and participation in local reforestation initiatives are all part of daily operations.
Much of what’s served on your plate comes from the on-site organic farm: bananas, pineapples, avocados, root vegetables, even the lodge’s own handmade chocolate and marmalade. The supply chain couldn’t be shorter or more sustainable. Kitchen waste becomes compost, which feeds the gardens that grow your next meal.
Esquinas is also deeply invested in the surrounding rural community. It funds environmental education, community development programmes, and offers employment opportunities in an area where eco-tourism offers a vital alternative to damaging extractive industries. Staying here means playing a small but vital part in a much bigger conservation story.
Stay there on:
Discover Costa Rica
Join eagle-eyed guides for a wildlife-watching trip through the mountains, rainforest and coast
2. Finland: Wilderness Living, Fossil Fuel Free
In Finland’s remote northeast, near the Arctic Circle, in the heart of Oulanka National Park, lies Basecamp Oulanka, a model for responsible tourism. Surrounded by frozen rivers, snow-draped pine forests and deep silence, this rustic-but-cosy retreat is designed with sustainability in mind and prioritises low-impact operations.
The buildings are constructed from locally sourced timber, designed to withstand harsh winters while remaining energy-efficient and low-impact. Heating is provided by wood pellet boilers, which makes use of compressed sawdust waste from nearby forestry operations. All electricity used across the site is 100% fossil-fuel free, produced by water, wind, and solar power. They also closely monitor their CO2 emissions.
What truly sets Basecamp apart is its closed-loop approach. All water and waste is recycled on site, with natural filtration systems ensuring minimal environmental impact. They manage their energy and water usage, and the lodge’s design includes insulation features that reduce heating needs. The lodge’s snowshoeing, skiing and hiking activities are non-motorized and slow-paced.
Recognized with the VESTAS Award for sustainable accommodation and TripAdvisor’s Green Leaders Gold rating, as well as their Green Key Certificate, Basecamp is more than just a lodge, it’s a blueprint for better travel in extreme environments.
Stay there on:
Finnish Wilderness Week
Mixed activity week in a remote part of Finland
3. Portugal: A Pioneering Stay in Lisbon
NEYA Lisboa Hotel is a pioneer in urban sustainability, with a full suite of environmental credentials to back it up. The hotel runs on 100% renewable electricity from Axpo Iberia, which means your stay is powered entirely by clean energy sources. In-room hot water is supplied by solar thermal systems, while energy-efficient heating and insulation help minimize energy use throughout the building.
What sets NEYA apart, though, is its holistic approach to carbon reduction. They’ve teamed up with Ponto Verde to track and offset emissions and have gone even further by planting 750 native trees in regional conservation projects. This earned them Carbon Zero Certification – a rare distinction for a central city hotel.
Water-saving features like dual-flush toilets and aerated taps keep usage low, while a robust waste-management plan ensures recycling and composting are built into operations. Staying here means supporting a hotel that takes environmental leadership seriously, without compromising on comfort.
Stay there on:
Porto to Lisbon Atlantic Ride
Follow scenic forest and ocean-side paths as you cycle the Atlantic coast of Portugal
4. Spain: Community-Rooted Hospitality in the Picos de Europa
Tucked at the foot of the jagged Picos de Europa mountains, just outside the traditional village of Arenas de Cabrales, Hotel Torrecerredo is small, family-run and quietly committed to responsible hospitality. While modest in size, this cosy hotel proves that sustainability isn’t just the domain of big-city builds or futuristic eco-resorts, it’s achievable in the heart of rural Spain, too.
The kitchen showcases fresh Asturian flavors, sourcing ingredients from nearby farms and markets, while the rooms, cooled naturally by mountain breezes, offer a simple, comfortable place to recharge. The hotel reduces unnecessary waste, favors local suppliers, and stays closely connected to its community.
With a team that’s predominantly hired from the surrounding area, the hotel also plays an important role in the local economy, offering steady employment and supporting cultural preservation. After a day of ridge hikes and alpine vistas, it’s the kind of place where you can sip a locally made cider on the terrace and know your stay is making a difference.
Stay there on:
Hike Spain’s Picos de Europa
Enjoy varied walks in beautiful Spanish mountains
5. Jordan: An Off-Grid Retreat Lit by Candlelight
Deep in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, where rugged mountains tumble towards the desert, Feynan Ecolodge takes going off-grid rather literally.
The remote retreat generates all its electricity from solar power, while after dark, hundreds of locally made candles illuminate its courtyards and corridors making for an incredibly atmospheric stay.
Their hot water is solar heated, water consumption is carefully controlled, food waste is composted and they have locally made clay jars to replace disposable plastic water bottles.
But Feynan’s lighter footprint extends beyond the lodge itself. Staff are employed from communities surrounding the reserve, more than 80% of food and other supplies are sourced within 25mi (40km), and local Bedouin families provide everything from bread and transport to guided cultural experiences.
A portion of the lodge’s income also supports conservation in the Dana Biosphere Reserve. All this considered, it comes as no surprise the retreat has been selected by National Geographic Traveler as one of the top 25 ecolodges in the world.
Stay there on:
Signature Jordan | Stars and Desert Sands
6. India: Where Spice Gardens Meet Solar Power
High in the green hills of Kerala, Spice Village takes its cues from the people and landscapes around it. Modelled on traditional Mannan dwellings, its cottages are thatched with elephant grass and scattered among gardens among native plants, fruit trees and, naturally, plenty of spices.
Behind the scenes, there’s plenty going on too. Solar energy supplies 75% of the retreat’s power needs, while food waste is turned into vermicompost for its two-acre gardens. Single-use plastic water bottles have been replaced with reusable glass ones – removing around 45,000 bottles from its waste stream.
The cuisine they offer is intentionally local. Vegetables, fruits and spices are grown in the gardens, while at the 50 Mile Restaurant, every ingredient is sourced within 50 miles of the property – cutting food miles while supporting nearby farmers and producers.
Stay there on:
