Spending time in nature is good for your mind, body and spirit. So if taking a walk in your local park can help alleviate stress and anxiety, and boost your mood when your spirits are low, imagine how relaxing a getaway to an exotic tropical locale or mountainous retreat might be.
Does a meditative meander through a field of wildflowers, a stroll along a white sand beach or a hike through a rain forest sound like vacation bliss? If so, gather your coins and your girls and consider a trip to one of these luxurious and eco-friendly resorts in beautiful natural settings. You’ll be doing something good for yourself while taking care to minimize your impact on the environment.
Coulibri Ridge, Dominica, Caribbean
Soak up the natural beauty of Dominica — one of the Caribbean’s best kept secrets, located between Guadeloupe and Martinique — at Coulibri Ridge. Perched atop a mountain ridge near Soufrière Bay where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea, the lush resort offers 14 spacious air-conditioned suites, two communal swimming pools, a yoga pavilion, a spa and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. Built with sustainability, durability and luxury in mind, the resort is fueled by solar energy, designed to harvest rainwater and fashioned from hand-chiseled rock sourced from the property.
coulibriridge.com
Casa Grande Mountain Retreat, Utuado, Puerto Rico
Get ready to unplug and unwind at Casa Grande Mountain Retreat, a former coffee plantation in the mountain valley of Utuado that’s been transformed into a “green” resort set on 105 acres of tropical landscape. The resort’s eco-friendly initiatives include biodegradable soaps, a recycling program and energy-efficient lighting. And you won’t find TVs or Wi-Fi in the rooms — the goal is to unplug. But don’t fret; there’s plenty to do and see outside to keep you tuned in to Mother Nature, like waterfall chasing, bird-watching and going on guided hiking tours.
casagrandepr.com
Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya, Riviera Maya, Mexico
Are you in the mood for a beachside room with a view overlooking tranquil lagoons, soothing spa treatments derived from ancient Mayan rituals focused on balance and harmony, and culinary delights that showcase fresh local ingredients? Well, all of that and more await you and your girls at Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya, a stunning resort located in a private complex. The property has a partnership with the nonprofit organization Oceanus A.C., which is dedicated to the restoration and conservation of coral reefs. Guests are encouraged to assist in the preservation effort through hands-on programs designed to grow new coral colonies.
hyatt.com
Wildflower Farms, Hudson Valley/Catskills, New York
Tiptoe through fields of wildflowers and explore the forested paths at Wildflower Farms, located between the heart of the Hudson Valley and the Catskill Mountains. Bask in the tranquil natural setting of this environmentally conscious resort set on 140 acres, where you’ll find heirloom gardens, a spa featuring aromatic treatments, an outdoor hot tub and an indoor saltwater pool. Explore more of the great outdoors by taking a hike, practicing your backhand on the tennis court, getting your reps in at the open-air gym, feeding the resident chickens and, during the winter months, snowshoeing. Wildflower Farms is also known for its farm-to-table cuisine, with ingredients sourced from local farms and on-site.
aubergeresorts.com
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, Maui, Hawaii
Say aloha to the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, set on 40 acres on Maui’s popular Ka’anapali Beach. Perfect for a girlfriend getaway, the oceanfront resort offers cultural classes, a nightly traditional Polynesian luau and a rooftop astronomy program; for retail therapy, take a taxi to nearby outlet shops. Besides being beautifully designed, the LEED-certified resort is a leader in the island’s sustainable efforts. During its multimillion-dollar renovation, tons of furniture, artwork and other items were donated to local charities and businesses.
hyatt.com
