Readers’ Choice Awards: Top 10 Best Eco-Spas

Spa Eastman – Quebec, Canada

Spa Eastman is known for its high environmental consciousness. The destination spa has continued its legacy of practicing the principles of sustainable development in endless ways since 1977, including:

• Never using chemical fertilizers, nor pesticides in vegetable gardens, yards and all landscaping (100% organic gardening)
• On site use of composting bins for disposing any and all organic waste
• High-proficiency thermal windows throughout the resort
• Use of tissue products made from 100 % recycled fibers
• Use of compact fluorescent light bulbs

Additionally, in order to maintain its fundamental values, Spa Eastman’s management created a Continuous Improvement Committee in 2005 in order to find ways to reduce the negative impacts of certain activities on the environment and amplify any positive socioeconomic impacts on the community.

Rancho La Puerta – Tecate, Mexico

Rancho La Puerta is located on a precious natural landscape with a large on-site nursery that is home to native live oak trees and wildflower fields. The resort uses minimal to no use of chemicals to maintain the grounds (only when absolutely necessary are some low-impact products utilized for pest control).

Rancho La Puerta also has a 3.5-acre organic farm, Rancho Tres Estrellas, where 250 different varieties of the resort’s herbs, fruits and vegetables are grown! The garden’s rich diversity of crops, including heirloom varieties, eliminate outbreaks of pests that are known to taint fresh produce.

As for the resort’s facilities, all guest room showers and toilets use “low flow” water conservation technology and many of their public facilities utilize composting toilets and waterless urinals.

Ste. Anne’s Spa – Ontario, Canada

Ste. Anne’s Spa does everything it can to maintain its ecological footprint.  The magnificent gardens and green lawns at Ste. Anne’s are herbicide-free, preserving the spa’s commitment to natural, organic products. Even the resort’s Chef Christopher Ennew uses organic and local ingredients when possible—frequently using vegetables and herbs from the gardens at Ste. Anne’s, which are untouched by chemicals.

Additionally, the spa is situated on a natural aquifer, a spring 150 feet underground. It distributes water for all of Ste. Anne’s uses (including laundry, swimming pools and hot tubs). All of the water used at Ste. Anne’s is recycled through the natural reedbed septic system.

Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat – Queensland, Australia

This adults-only, eco-conscious property sits atop 500 acres of minimally altered rainforest providing guests with the ultimate wellness and detoxification experience. The retreat utilizes recycled Australian timbers and accommodations are surrounded by breathtaking bushland and native wildlife unique to the rainforests of the Southern Hemisphere. The property also offers gourmet organic cuisine which combines produce that is grown on their on-site organic gardens.

Sundara Inn & Spa – Wisconsin Dells, WI

Sundara Inn & Spa is a destination spa that utilizes “green practice” through its spa products and services and its cuisine. For instance, guests can choose from a variety of completely organic spa treatments with the help of Amala Skincare products. These treatment products are of 100% natural derivation and its ingredients work with the body, allowing the skin to strengthen and rejuvenate.

As for Sundara’s cuisine, all herbs and vegetables are grown on-site at the destination spa’s gardens. They source all dairy products from the local Organic Valley which is 100% Certified Organic, and they source their whole fruit locally wherever available and it is always organic as well.

Miraval Resort & Spa – Tucson, AZ

Miraval’s latest Life In Balance Spa focuses primarily on sustainability and embraces the idea of “Life Enhancing Minimalism”. Overall, Miraval’s physical environment strengthens the spa’s connection to the earth, creating a unified balance of indoor and outdoor relaxation spaces.

Additionally, the spa is completely committed to using healthful and locally sourced ingredients in all of its spa cuisine.

Chiva-Som, Hua Hin – Hua Hin, Thailand

Chiva-Som is strictly holistic in its approach to wellness and offers a sanctuary where guests come to rest, relax, and rejuvenate. The spa, which concentrates on combining traditional Asian therapies with the Western approach to health and wellness, is Asia’s first internationally celebrated health resort. Huddled within seven acres of lush gardens, this tropical beachfront resort demonstrates tranquility at its finest. Nutritious and delectable fare is also freshly prepared at the spa using organically grown herbs, fruits and vegetables.

Kamalaya Koh Samui, Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa – Koh Samui, Thailand

This spa is a secluded sanctuary that enables guests to appreciate its breathtaking surroundings of ancient granite boulders, natural streams, open sea views, and rich vegetation. The nine-acre property is entirely focused on offering a holistic wellness experience to its guests through nutritious cuisine and healing spa therapies of the East and West.

Peppermill Resort, Spa & Casino – Reno, NV

Peppermill Resort is known to be eco-conscious and practice green-friendly initiatives such as using geothermal energy fabricated on-site. The spa also focuses on holistic rejuvenation and renewal with its Secret Garden, natural light, tranquil sanctuaries, soothing baths, and cascading waterfalls.

The Farm at San Benito – Batangas, Philippines

The Farm at San Benito rests on an extraordinary healing landscape of 119 acres at Mount Malarayat. The resort’s Salus Per Aquam SPA offers an elaborate menu that combines Asian treatments with Filipino healing approaches. Additionally, the resort’s fare is prepared with freshly harvested ingredients in the award-winning “Rejuvenating Cuisine” from their very-own organic garden.