By: Joanna Rentz
While many hotels have been trying to up their sustainability game over the past few years, the majority of these massive travel hubs still leave a large ecological footprint. For the earth-conscious traveler, staying at hotels often contradict their eco-friendly principals. Enter Airbnb. The far-reaching company offers sustainable rentals for guests who are mindful of the environment, and also want an authentic experience. Endless, beautiful accommodations give travelers countless options to select from, ranging from ocean-front luxe homes to dreamy tropical tree houses. Check out these five dreamy eco-friendly homes you can rent on Airbnb.
Secluded Intown Treehouse
Photo: Lindsay Appel courtesy of Airbnb
Named Airbnb's #1 "most wished for listing worldwide" in 2016 and 2017, this dreamy treehouse in Atlanta will leave you feeling inspired, rested, and one with nature. The Secluded Intown Treehouse has three beautiful rooms - each huddled in the trees - and are connected by a rope bridge. The sitting room is chock full of antique artifacts and comfy couches, while a balcony overlooks the sea of trees. The linens in the bedroom are 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton, pure linen, and are chemical and synthetic free. Once you peel yourself off of the world’s comfiest bed, head to the hammock room where you will find a deck wrapped around a 165-year-old Southern shortleaf pine - perfect for meditating, reading, and bird-watching.
Off-Grid itHouse
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb
Located in the secluded valley of Pioneertown in the expansive California high desert, the Off-Grid itHouse combines architectural intelligence with green design. It is 100% off-grid (purposefully no internet or TV) -- energy and hot water are powered by solar panels. The itHouse is the prototype of 10 other IT homes, all of which promote green principals supporting the use of renewable resources. They focus on creating the least amount of disturbance to the surrounding landscape, leaving a smaller footprint, and living simply and minimally.
Unique Cobb Cottage
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb
The Unique Cobb Cottage on Mayne Island is a hand-sculpted cozy abode made of local, sustainable, naturally sourced materials. Just a ferry ride away off of the coast of British Columbia, the cottage's hosts offer free pick up and drop off so your car can remain on the mainland. (A community bus is also available for easy transportation.) Enjoy your time on the island by exploring the beautiful acreage of rolling pastures, gardens, and grazing sheep.
Hideout Bali: Eco Bamboo Home
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb
Experience everything nature has to offer at Hideout Bali, an eco-bamboo home nestled in the mountains of Gunung Agung volcano near Selat. This two-story getaway is a genuine Bali experience. Wake to the sound of wildlife, savor local seasonal fruits, and cool down in the river that runs alongside the home. Internet access is weak to unavailable, so be ready to disconnect from day-to-day stresses and bask in Balinese beauty.
Sustainable Catskills A-Frame
Photo: Ryan Resatka courtesy of Airbnb
This two bedroom Sustainable Catskills A-Frame in the town of Kerhonkson is off the grid and solar powered. Perfect for a weekend escape, the home offers modern amenities including a chef's kitchen, soaking tubs, and an open floor plan great for entertaining. Outside, you will find a fire pit along with a bbq grill, picnic table, and screened-in gazebo. Literally planted in the middle of the woods, this upstate A-frame is built on two acres, has a spring fed pond and towering trees for as far as the eye can see.
