Everyone once in a lifetime has felt the need to disconnect completely from the world and be left alone with thoughts and only the noise that nature produces. Swide’s list of “green” hotels will make you want to leave right now for one of these destination, or them all, if you need a really long break

Three Camel Lodge, Gobi desert

Built in the heart of the Gobi desert between Northern China and Southern Mongolia, the Three Camel Lodge follows environmental and cultural sustainable development guidelines, welcoming you with accommodation that resembles the traditional felt tents (gers) of Mongolia's nomadic herders. Handmade using a latticed wood structure covered with layers of felt and canvas, each ger at the Three Camel Lodge is heated by a wood stove and appointed with hand-painted wood-framed beds and furnishings for a luxury experience in the middle of the desert. Many of the staff members were raised in the Gobi, and all are happy to share their love and knowledge of the desert and to create the ultimate expedition experience. 

Costa Rica Tree House 

Built on tall stilts, this back-to-your-childhood tree house Entirely built of sustainable wood is submerged in the forest, with a sloped wooden suspension bridge leading steeply to its front door.  The beautiful complex – made up of many different types of houses - is located in Costa Rica, on a 10 acre ocean front property in the famous Punta Uva beach, just south of Puerto Viejo in the province of Limon. Total privacy, a natural tranquil atmosphere, and full relaxation are awaiting for you, with your own beach access and 300 meter beach front, you won’t have to meet anybody else during your stay at this romantic hideaway. 

Cedar Creek Treehouse, Ashford, Washington

Constructed by Bill Compher in 1981-82, Cedar Creek Treehouse in Ashford, Washington sits 15 metres off the ground and combines spectacular natural surroundings with architectural magic. The five-story stairwell (built 1993-97) provides easy access to the tree house that uses a small solar powered system. The tree house features plenty of windows and skylights, tongue and groove cedar siding, a sweeping view of the creek below, and breath-taking southern and western sky vistas. 

 Longitude 131°, Australia

In the heart of the Australian Outback, at gateway of the dual World Heritage listed wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and affording stunning views of Uluru (formerly Ayer’s Rock), Longitude 131° provides all the romance of camping with all the necessary luxuries you are accustomed to. A white domed roof and flowing fabric draped from the centre maintain the illusion of camping, but the guests do it all in the height of comfort. The flick of a bedside switch is all it takes to raise the blinds and watch the spectacular moods of Uluru at sunrise. Meticulously designed to remain cool in summer and warm in winter, here you will find unprecedented solitude and serenity. Each elevated tent pays homage to an early Australian pioneer or explorer.

Cottar's Safari Camp, Kenya

The Cottar's 1920's Safari Camp, Kenya, is on land that is a concession between the Maasai Mara, Serengeti and Loliondo reserves where a few Purko Maasai clans still roam. This area has been untouched by any kind of tourism or development. The area is more akin to the expansive Serengeti National Park, but with the advantage of 'off road' driving due to the very low vehicle density of the area, and the fact that they can walk and operate 'night drive' activities in our community concession. This camp gives you the authentic feel of 1920’s when the word 'safari' became indelibly imprinted on the imagination of the adventurer, providing at the same time the highest standard of personalised and professional guiding.

Written by: Elisa della Barba