Rainforests, present in about every continent except Antarctica, are known for their lush verdant beauty and teeming biodiversity. Some rainforests date back to the time of the dinosaurs, such as the 180-million-year-old Daintree Rainforest in Australia.
Though proven that phytoplankton is the greater source of our oxygen supplies, rainforests still provide roughly a third of the air we breathe. Rainforests also contribute to the well-being of our living planet. They capture and store around two billion tons of carbon dioxide yearly, filter pollution from water runoff, and absorb solar heat and radiation. However, depredations caused by humanity’s desire to fulfill its needs and greed have caused significant damage.
For your travels, staying in a rainforest resort allows immersion in the place’s natural beauty. You can even help raise awareness of how important these living ecosystems are. So, check out these best rainforest resorts around the world for a purposeful stay.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on March 23, 2024.
1. The Datai Langkawi; Teluk Datai, Malaysia (from USD 653)
The Datai Langkawi is a luxurious eco-friendly resort nestled on Langkawi Island. Accommodations come in the form of exquisite rooms and suites, beachside villas, and exotic rainforest villas. While here, guests can head to The Lab to participate in sustainable workshop activities and support local artisans.
To preserve its forest home, The Datai Langkawi has established the Datai Pledge program, which aims to protect the environment and improve the lives of people in Langkawi. Their Zero Waste initiative holds beach cleanup activities, resulting in up to 200 kgs (441 lbs) of trash collected. Moreover, the resort has aquaponics and aquaculture farms to grow their own ingredients. There’s also an Adoption Program for local dolphins, hornbill nests, corals, and trees, with the proceeds supporting their protection and conservation.
2. Lapa Rios Lodge; Puerto Jiménez, Costa Rica (from USD 1199)
Luxurious, but expensive at over 2,000 USD per night.
Unique jungle resort with abundant wildlife, but lacking consistent concierge service.
Secluded jungle location with challenging road access, but offers a superb and tranquil experience.
Perfect dining experiences with abundant wildlife and peaceful atmosphere.
Lapa Rios Lodge is a remarkable 5-star resort in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Guests can marvel at the scenery from their villas, suites, and bungalows, each with a furnished terrace or deck overlooking the forest and the ocean. Plus, guests will delight in the resort’s farm-to-table cuisines, with ingredients from local growers or the on-site organic farm.
The peninsula itself is recognized as one of Central America’s most important wetland ecosystems and is home to the largest lowland rainforest in Pacific Mesoamerica. To help protect this tropical paradise, Lapa Rios Lodge has taken sustainability measures such as using solar panels and hydro-turbines to power the whole property. For water and waste management, the resort has high-tech septic facilities, while inorganic waste is recycled and organic waste is used on compost. This place also integrated sustainability into daily operations, such as using solar water heating and organic cleaning products and banning single-use plastics.
Lapa Rios Lodge by Böëna
Address: Cabo Matapalo. Puntarenas
3. Four Seasons Resort Bali At Sayan; Ubud, Indonesia (from USD 1534)
Four Seasons Resort Bali At Sayan is an eclectic resort at the foothills of Bali’s mountains. Be pampered by their elegant and exotic accommodations ranging from cozy suites with balconies overlooking the valley of Ayung River to spectacular villas with a garden view and plunge pool.
Knowing that the beautiful nature of Bali is under threat, Four Seasons Resort Bali At Sayan has taken initiatives to protect the environment and the local culture. They have installed charging stations for electric vehicles and provide bicycles for guests. They have installed energy-efficient appliances and lighting and banned single-use plastics on their property.
There is a permaculture vegetable garden here, and food is sourced sustainably and locally. Another fantastic thing about this place is that guests can participate in educational tours to immerse themselves in the host community.
4. Keemala - SHA Plus; Kamala Beach, Thailand (from USD 880)
High-end pricing for luxurious experience in a jungle setting.
Private pools, spa, attentive staff, and beautiful, spacious rooms.
Peaceful, secluded location with breathtaking views, but limited nearby attractions.
Delicious and diverse dining options, with Thai specialties and excellent breakfast buffet.
Keemala - SHA Plus is a multi-award-winning luxury resort found on the beautiful island of Phuket that overlooks the village of Kamala and the Andaman Sea. Accommodations include exquisite cottages, villas, and houses surrounded by lush rainforests, with king-size beds and a private plunge pool.
The resort has taken remarkable approaches to develop its property while preserving the beauty of Phuket’s nature. They established an on-site garden where they grow vegetables, herbs, and fruits used in the resort’s kitchen. They have also taken steps toward zero waste and banned single-use plastics. The streams and ponds are kept clean with the help of purifying water plants instead of chemicals.
Keemala - SHA Plus
Address: 10/88 Moo 6, Kamala, Kathu District, Phuket
5. Soneva Kiri; Koh Kood, Thailand
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Soneva Kiri is located on Koh Kood, Thailand’s fourth largest island, and is considered a much more peaceful getaway compared to Koh Chang or Phuket. The resort offers many memorable experiences, such as the floating breakfast and night snorkeling lit by bioluminescent plankton.
To help preserve Koh Kood as a pristine paradise, Soneva Kiri has taken sustainability measures. They reuse and recycle waste, such as dirty cooking oil fed as biodiesel to power their generators. Even toiletries are in reusable ceramic containers that can be refilled instead of thrown away. The resort also has a wastewater treatment facility, with treated wastewater used in the vegetable farm.
Soneva Kiri
Address: 110 Moo 4, Koh Kood Sub-District, Koh Kood District, Trat 23000, Thailand
Price: from $1,400
Star Rating: 5 Star
Travelers Review: 4.6(from 281 reviews)
6. Daintree Ecolodge; Daintree, Australia (from USD 509)
Luxurious accommodation amidst the rainforest, with upscale dining and spa.
Private waterfall tour, day spa, rainforest surroundings, and comfortable rooms.
Conveniently located for exploring the Daintree area, with stunning rainforest views.
Delicious, high-quality meals with locally sourced ingredients, and a variety of dining options.
Daintree Ecolodge is within the Daintree Rainforest, one of the world’s oldest rainforests that date back to the Jurassic Period, 180 million years ago. This wondrous boutique resort has a selection of 15 modern bayans or treehouses with king-size beds and furnished balconies with panoramic views of the ancient woodlands.
Daintree Ecolodge has a slew of sustainability initiatives and efforts, including pledging 50 AUD (36 USD) per guest stay towards the Reef Keepers Fund for protecting the Great Barrier Reef. They also participate in reforestation projects of the Daintree Rainforest with their partner Rainforest Rescue. Further initiatives include banning single-use plastics and providing guests with reusable drinking bottles. Moreover, the resort prides itself on being a Climate Action Certified Business and an Eco Certified Advanced Ecotourism Property.
7. Belum Eco Resort; Gerik, Malaysia
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Belum Eco Resort promises travelers the verdant beauty of the rainforest in Belum-Temenggor while staying in their charming chalet cottages and dormitories. The resort is on an island in the middle of Temenggor Lake. Guests can enjoy fun outdoor and indoor activities, including kayaking, fishing, karaoke, and mahjong.
The resort was hand-built without the use of heavy machinery and still uses sustainable materials to protect the sanctity of nature. The resort also respects the culture of the native Orang Asli by coexisting and interacting with them without trying to alter their traditional way of life. Due to its eco-tourism initiatives, the resort was awarded the Perak Tourism Appreciation Award.
Belum Eco Resort
Address: Khong Island, Gerik, Malaysia 08 33200
Price: from 500 RM (111 USD)
Star Rating: 4 Star
Travelers Review: 4.2(from 81 reviews)
Enjoy a purposeful holiday by staying in rainforest resorts
With rainforests under constant threat from industrialization, governments and NGOs are working together to preserve the rich biodiversity and geography for future generations. You can do your part by staying in one of the rainforest resorts, supporting their initiatives, and spreading the word about how wonderful and important rainforests are. For your stay, check out these best rainforest resorts around the world.
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