Top 10 Eco-friendly Getaways: From Hostels To High End Hotels (PHOTOS)

There are all sorts of ways to have a green vacation, and check out our slideshow of some of the top eco-friendly accommodations, from hostels to high-end hotels. Don't forget to vote on your favorite!

To find the ideal eco-friendly getaway for you, flip through this database of the top environmentally friendly hostels, lodges and hotels from around the globe.

Also, consider Planet Green's questions to ask before booking a green hotel on your quest to find the perfect eco-friendly lodging.

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The Harmony Hotel (Nosara, Costa Rica)

Costa Rica's Harmony Hotel is a haven for the ecoconscious world traveler. The hotel uses a greywater wetland system, which recirculates shower water to irrigate the hotel's supply of banana trees, and the pool employs a salt based chlorine-free purification system. The hotel's restaurant produces dishes from its on-site garden, uses "green" dishware made of coconuts and reclaimed marble and worm-based composting.

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Comments

[Fateh]

03:23 PM on 09/25/2009

Costa Rica - Waterfall Villas just 5 minutes away from the BEST surfing in the country at Dominical Beach - this is not just a hype! I personally have put it all into saving this little piece of the rainforest, and every detail from materials used to waste management to being totally Carbon Neutral as well. We even supply native indigenous trees for our guests to plant on our large private wildlife reserve to balance out their air travel, and Finca Ipe - organic farm just a couple minutes away (tours and volunteer work possible) besides our own organic farm supplies us with the best freshest produce! All vegetarian, vegan and raw food - or fresh sea food option available. All gourmet cuisine is personally designed for the guests (not like a restaurant). Detox programs and incredible massage therapies! Sleep to the sounds of the waterfalls - all balconies hang over the waterfalls, feel the verdant green energy from a grove of exotic flora... even as you peer out of your bathroom ! This is the real thing guys! Now it does exist! www.waterfallvillas.com

[MikeDu]

02:24 PM on 09/14/2009

I'm reminded once again of a certain ex-Beatle who had a special-made hybrid car shipped directly to him via private cargo jet from Japan. Its' like they don't even get the concept. A thatched cabana does not make your olympic-size illuminated swimming pool "eco-friendly".

[Kittyfire]

11:21 PM on 09/15/2009

LOL. You're right, it's hilarious. But it is profoundly sad at the same time. A real eco-vacation would be a visit to a local farm with hostel facilities where you could join in the outdoor chores, eat real food and have deep conversations around the campfire.

[perk]

11:08 AM on 09/14/2009

Once you step on to on that jet for a round trip of 4,000 miles or so of air travel, you have just kissed any idea of an eco-friendly vacation good-bye. What a hoax.

[CrazedSurfer]

12:17 PM on 09/14/2009

Dude, you just put the harsh on my next surf trip to Nosara.

[Root]

01:05 PM on 09/14/2009

My first thought, too. The most eco-friendly vacation is to work around your house making it more eco-friendly.