Mexico is a traveller’s dream. It’s hard to think of another place that offers this level of diversity. It will leave you will your heart full, and your belly even fuller.
It offers dry deserts, tropical jungles, white sand beach resorts, ancient ruins, and so much more; the list is endless. Because of this, Mexico is one of the most popular places to travel in the world. From spicy Mexican cuisine to snorkelling in the Caribbean sea, the opportunities for a relaxing retreat in Mexico are endless.
That’s why we’re pleased that Mexico is making such a good effort with their sustainable tourism. Many are understanding that preserving their local community with eco-friendly is vital.
Although hotels are fairly easy to find, considering eco-friendly and unique accommodation options in Mexico for your trip brings a new experience with it. For a peaceful and sustainable travel experience, check out some of Mexico’s best eco resorts.
There are loads of amazing eco-friendly resorts on offer, so how do you pick the best one? Well, we’ve done the dirty work to help you decide exactly what to look for, and what to expect from an eco resort in Mexico.
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Zamas Hotel
- > $$
- > 2 guests
- > Swimming pool
- > Beachfront location
Las Guacamayas Lodge Resort
- > $
- > 1-5 guests
- > Room service
- > On-site restaurant
Occidental at Xcaret Destination
- > $$
- > Family Rooms Available
- > Games Rooms
- > Spa and Wellness Centre
Staying in an Eco Resort in Mexico
Mexico is pretty large, and eco resorts tend to be in a more secluded setting, often close to stunning beaches or tucked away in jungle scenery. No need to worry about loud city noises.
Staying at an eco resort also means a unique Mexico travel experience. You’ll be removed from the main tourist scene so you can appreciate the country’s natural gems.
Eco hotels and resorts vary greatly from luxurious high-end spiritual retreats to smaller down-to-earth spots. However, you can always expect natural surroundings, a focus on environmental sustainability, and eco-friendly practices.
Thanks to Mexico’s diverse landscape and intriguing history, eco resorts offer a range of activities. You can enjoy palm trees, morning yoga, snorkelling, boating, or hiking activities. You’ll have the opportunity to choose somewhere that fits your travel style.
Eco resorts mostly offer private rooms, while some budget eco-friendly hostels follow traditional dorm-room models. Others have private bungalows, luxury tents, treehouses, or even cabanas.
Healthy food is also often included, dining is available onsite, or self-catering options. Most importantly, food waste is taken care of correctly.
So let’s take a look at the best options for you.
The Top 15 Eco Resorts in Mexico
Now that you have an idea of what to expect at an eco resort, read on to discover our picks of the top 15 eco-friendly resorts in Mexico! Each of these places offers the chance for a relaxing escape from daily life amid peaceful, natural surroundings.
1. Cliff Top Cabin at Yiimtii Ecological Reserve | The Overall Best Eco Resort in Mexico
This remote, peaceful clifftop cabin at Yiimtii Ecological Reserve is something everyone should be able to experience in their lifetime. The Yiimtii Ecological Reserve is stunning, with steep cliffs and boundless views of the Oaxaca coast.
The staff are splendid, with a team of cooks that prepare fresh, health full food unlike anywhere else in Mexico. With three meals prepared onsite by the family who run this eco lodge daily, you’ll be well fed.
The beach is a fair hike away but it’s well worth the trip. Alternatively, you might just want to stay at the lodge to enjoy the scenery.
2. Las Guacamayas Lodge Resort | The Best Budget Eco Resort in Mexico
Surrounded by the lush, tropical scenery in the jungle of Chiapas, this eco-friendly resort is both budget and eco-friendly! They’re a perfect example of how sustainable tourism should be done. Their eco-friendly practices pay close attention to their surroundings, nurturing the jungle’s native species and constructing with natural materials.
Activities at Las Guacamayas are aplenty. Go hiking and canoeing, or take a boat ride to see the Azules Nature Reserve. And, of course, take time for bird watching with people who really care in this unique location.
3. Occidental at Xcaret Destination | Best Eco Hotel for Families visiting Mexico
While all these amenities take a toll on the environment, it’s done as gently as possible with two sustainability accreditations. Staying in Playa Del Carmen is a great choice. This luxury experience is one of a small handful of resorts on the Riviera Maya working hard to reduce their carbon footprint.
Just 45 minutes from Cancun, this all inclusive resort is a haven for busy families who don’t have the gumption to sort their own vacay admin. The resort has SEVEN swimming pools, spa services and even a night club! There are 11 restaurants and 10 bars to choose from in this veritable metropolis of accommodation in Mexico.
As far as eco-friendly all-inclusive resorts go, Occidental at Xcaret Destination is a truly unparalleled luxury experience on the Yucatan peninsula.There’s something for the whole family here too at this Eco Resort in Playa Del Carmen.
4. Xkopek Native Bee Farm Camping | The Best Budget Eco Hostel in Mexico
Just outside the city of Valladolid, Xkopek Native Bee Farm has rooms and tents available for budget backpackers hoping to find somewhere close to nature. Guests have access to a shared kitchen, showers and bathrooms, and bikes to rent for exploring the area.
Within Valladolid, you’ll find local markets, churches, museums, and historic ruins. Explore the Cenote Zací or travel a bit further to Chichén Itzá, then return to the peaceful and quiet campsite to relax in the garden.
5. Zamas Hotel | Best Eco Hotel for Couples
This eco-resort in Tulum is perfect if you want to treat your other half. Tulum is a popular city among tourists, known for its white sand beaches and ancient Mayan ruins. What better than to enjoy the wonders of this tropical paradise in an eco friendly hotel? The Zamas Hotel is a mostly electricity-free property, although a generator does supply limited lighting and Wi-fi in common areas.
During the day you can sign up for yoga classes, book a massage onsite, or rent gear at the diving shop to explore the tropical waters. Once the sun goes down, the candles and matches provided can be used to create a romantic atmosphere on the beach.
6. Casa Rinconcito | Another Great Eco Hotel for Couples
Enjoy a peaceful and romantic jungle escape at Casa Rinconcito, located just outside of Mazunte. Your private bungalow features two double beds, perfect if you’re travelling with a crew. Outside the room is a little private balcony which is wonderful for enjoying the jungle scenes.
You’ll have complete privacy in your bungalow, as well as access to communal spaces where you can meet like minded people. Casa Rinconcito is amidst the hustle and bustle of Mazunte but tucked away into its own little serene section. So access to town is easy but so is retreating if you need some R&R.
7. Crocodile Casitas | The Best Eco Resort for a Group of Friends
The rustic and charming cabins of the Crocodile Casitas are the perfect spot to enjoy a beach vacation on the Jalisco coast of Mexico. There are several cabins to pick from depending on your group size, each featuring beachfront access and some have a palapa roof.
The peaceful charm of La Manzanilla makes it a great place for relaxing on the beach. You can check out one of the local restaurants in town and watch the sunset over Tenacatita Bay.
8. Chablé Yucatan | Over-the-Top Luxury Eco Resort
As long as your budget allows, the Chablé Yucatan eco resort offers a truly unparalleled luxury experience on the Yucatan peninsula. Each room features its own private terrace and pool, plus guests all have access to the high-class spa, free bikes, and large swimming area.
Rooms don’t come cheap, but they really do have it all when it comes to comfort and service. Start with breakfast in your room, head out on a bike tour, enjoy an afternoon at the spa, then round off your day with a delicious meal at the highly rated La Chaya Maya restaurant and bar. Wind down with an evening dip in your private pool.
9. Nomadas Ecohostel | Best Eco Hostel for Backpackers
Located in the town of Mérida, capital of Yucatan and popular home-base for exploring Mayan ruins, this eco-accommodation has everything you’d want from staying in a hostel. Start off each day with a free breakfast onsite, take yoga, dance, or cooking classes during the day, and relax to live music in the evenings.
There’s plenty to see and do in Mérida, from touring museums to live music entertainment. On days when you just need to relax and take a break, you can lounge by the pool or read your favourite book in the comfort of one of the hammocks.
10. Xinalani Yoga Retreat | Best All-Inclusive Eco Resort in Mexico
For the ultimate relaxing beach vacation in Mexico, the Xinalani Yoga Retreat is an excellent choice. This all-inclusive resort includes 3 meals and 2 yoga sessions per day in the room price. Plus there’s a swimming pool and private beach area, so you can spend as much time as you want relaxing on the sand.
The resort has excellent modern comforts like Wi-fi, fans or AC, but it also maintains a simplistic charm. Here, you can reconnect with nature and be undisturbed by the rush and traffic of daily life.
11. Tubohotel | Best Eco Hotel for Solo Travelers
This unique hotel takes sustainability to the next level, by converting old concrete tubes into fun and classy accommodation. The large glass windows let in plenty of natural light and a view of the pool and garden, but the curtains provide full privacy when you’re inside.
Tepoztlán’s local markets and natural parks are pretty close by. If you just want to relax, get comofrtable in one of the beach loungers by the pool for a break. Each tube is perfect for solo travelers, but can also accommodate couples who don’t mind getting cozy.
12. OYO Jolie Jungle Eco Hotel | Best Eco Hotel for a Weekend in Mexico
If you only have a weekend to spend in Mexico, then the Jolie Jungle Eco Hotel is the perfect place to stay. Whether you’re flying solo or traveling with a large family, the bungalow has rooms of various sizes to accommodate all parties.
The eco design of the hotel makes it a perfect place to relax and reconnect with nature. Watch jungle birds out of your window, take a dip in one of the swimming pools, or relax in the traditional Temazcal steam bath. There are also bikes which are free to use, and nature trails on the property so you can appreciate the jungle scenery.
13. Casa Coyote Eco Lodge | Best Eco Resort for Honeymooners
If you’re planning a honeymoon in Mexico, this villa in Zona Hotelera offers a beautiful, private eco retreat for a romantic vacation. You may laugh at the two double beds, but I just say more room to play! There’s hot water to be hot and steamy, and a beautiful pool to cool off in.
You’ll be peacefully secluded in the jungle and surrounded by nature. If you do want to venture out there are shopping centers, beaches, and restaurants nearby. You can also embark on Temazcal steam baths, the traditional ritual in Mexico.
14. Rancho del Agustin | Amazing Luxury Eco Retreat
Imagine having your own private eco ranch in Mexico for an unforgettable vacation! This eco-friendly retreat is perfect for groups, families, or couples who want a special and private place to relax and reconnect with nature.
You’ll be surrounded by rolling green hills with views of mountains and rivers, plus a traditional Mexican ranch all to yourself. The space is well equipped with modern amenities like a grill, solar heating for the pool, and large comfortable living and dining spaces.
15. Che Nomadas Merida | Most Traditional Eco Hostel in Mexico
This hostel in Merida knows that it’s the small acts that help create a real sustainable hostel. On top of using solar power, they are also involved with several animal protection and rescue initiatives. They support recycling and have made the hostel into a relaxing green space.
Nomadas Ecohostel also has a water tank for its guests to help them avoid buying plastic bottles.
Many guests seem to think it’s one of the best hostels in Mexico, and it’s no wonder! The hostel is in the perfect location, has a relaxing pool, and enforces quiet hours. Sleep soundly, save the planet, and get up in time to see the sunrise to boot.
FAQs about Eco-friendly Resorts in Mexico
Here’s what people usually ask us when they look for vacation homes in Mexico.
Don’t Forget Your Mexico Travel Insurance
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SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on the Best Eco Resorts in Mexico
Whether you’re interested in historic ruins or simply looking for a spot to relax on the beach, Mexico offers the dream vacation destination for many travellers. Instead of booking into your regular Mexican backpackers, try out an eco resort! It’s the perfect opportunity to turn your trip into a more unique and sustainable experience.
Remember that these places that truly care about their natural landscape and environmental sustainability will give you 100% transparency. They LOVE questions about their eco friendly practices and impact.
Yes, green washing is becoming more of a problem with eco tourism. So please, do your research: many places do truly just want to take your money and don’t really care about the environment.
But you people care for the world are making a difference. Eco-tourism is an important tool to changing the world for better.
Hopefully, after reading through this list of the best eco hotels and eco hostels in Mexico you’ll have found a spot that’s perfect for you. From luxury travel to simple and rustic accommodation, there’s a lot of variation so everyone can find something to fit their preferences and budget.
