The 14 Best Eco Hotels in California

Big Sur (California)

Adult-only boutique hideaway and spa with spectacular sunset views and Japanese hot baths set amid 243 acres. Rustic chic rooms & suites vary from offering fireplaces to hot tubs, mountain views to poolside. Fresh, locally sourced, sustainable produce is found at the restaurant. A romantic getaway.

• Spa - With Japanese baths and a plethora of treatments to choose from
• Views - Stunning views over Big Sur's Pacific coastline
• Seaside - Beautiful setting and easy access to the ocean.
• Great walks - Get involved in the morning hikes.

Big Sur (California)

Be at one with nature while gorging on oceanic views, glamping in stylish yurts and feasting on organic locally sourced produce for all meals. Put up your own tent or call a yurt a home, a fantastic spot for all the Big Sur offers. Environmentally conscious, a great treat.

• Great walks - Big Sur hike offers canyons, waterfalls, rocky beaches and historic sites.
• Local markets - Explore what Big Sur has to offer from local produce and arts and crafts.
• Kayaking - Sea Kayaking for 60 miles at Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
• Restrictions on children - Treebones only accepts children over 6 years

California (Sonoma)

Idyllic inn in the heart of Russian River Valley in Sonoma wine country with a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant. The intimate rooms include fireplaces and spa baths, and are tastefully furnished with contemporary items. The restaurant is spectacular, and the pool and gardens are picturesque.

• Eco break - The pool is heated by solar panels, and the spa and restaurant use local and organic ingredients often grown onsite.
• Foodies - The Michelin-starred restaurant is a major draw for local and foreign foodies alike throughout the region.
• Restaurant - Steve Litke's Michelin-starred restaurant is spectacular. Book well in advance, as the eatery is renowned and popular.
• Spa - Uses produce from the hotel gardens, offering lavender body butter massages and ginger-honey rubs, for example.

Los Angeles (California)

102 acres of oceanfront more Mediterranean in feel than South California. Stunning spot, activities for all and only 30 minutes away from LA. Rooms are light, spacious and capture the spectacular view. In-house restaurants and bars are inside or by the pool or ocean. Great retreat for all the family

• Local markets - Seaport Village is worth a visit if you are interested in seeing the daily fishermans catch.
• Hideaway - In 102 acres of oceanfront.
• Kids Club
• Outstanding location

Healdsburg (California)

Cool eco-friendly hotel that uses organic materials and nature inspired design to create a relaxing and welcoming environment. Bedrooms are clutter free with bamboo floors and fresh cotton linens. Relax at the hotel pool and bar or get out and explore the fantastic countryside and activities nearby.

• Wine tasting - Situated in the heart of Northern Sonoma wine country
• Kayaking - The Russian River
• Swimming Pool
• Restaurant

Yountville (Yountville)

A hotel that proves you can have luxury as well as an eco-friendly ethos. Geothermal systems heat the rooms and spa, whilst solar panels provide almost all of the hotel’s energy. Spacious bathrooms are designed as private spas and the restaurant favours organic ingredients and weekly wine tasting.

• Wine tasting - Walking distance to a number of estates, vineyards and wineries. Complimentary wine tasting in hotel.
• Restaurant - Field to fort cuisine with most ingredients sourced from the property's own kitchen garden
• Private Hot Tub - Suites have spa baths in bathrooms
• Swimming Pool - Rooftop outdoor pool

Big Sur (California)

Glen Oaks are a cluster of cabins tucked away in the Red Wood forests of the Big Sur. The decor perfectly marries modern features with rustic charm. You can self cater or enjoy the locally sourced delights of The Big Sur Roadhouse Restaurant. Perfect eco-chic!

• Secluded setting
• Great walks - Limekiln State Park has a whole host of beautiful walks.
• Back to Nature - Secluded cabins nestled on the edge of a redwood grove.
• Barefoot Luxury

Mendocino (California)

This eco-boutique overlooks organic gardens and ocean blue. Run by a friendly and very welcoming couple. Healing yoga, indoor pool and spa treatments will rejuvenate, whilst large, wooden rooms with fireplaces are the perfect comfort. Vegan food is served and well matched with regional wines.

• Great walks - Where there is a sea, there is a way. Be sure to catch sunset over the Pacific.
• Kayaking - Great way to explore the river and sea.
• Views
• Four poster beds

Laguna Beach (California)

A hidden gem located in the beautiful Aliso Canyon, just moments from the ocean. Rooms, cottages and suites furnished in luxurious contemporary fashion with warm interiors & private patios; farm-to-table cuisine; boutique spa and biodynamic farm. A stunning spot, perfect for families!

• Active Holiday - The Ranch at Laguna Beach offers an array of activities to get you out and about enjoying the weather
• Families - With family suites available, and the beach nearby this is the ideal spot for a family getaway
• Fishing - If you fancy a peaceful afternoon then head off along the coast for a spot of fishing
• Restaurant - Harvest, the signature all-day restaurant, serves California coastal cuisine

Palm Springs (Desert Hot Springs)

Set on 77 lush acres in Palm Springs, this adults-only hotel is the first carbon-neutral resort, and the oldest mineral hot springs spa, in the USA. Suites induce a sense of tranquillity with exposed stone walls, natural wood accents and indoor plants - an ideal place for rest and rejuvenation.

• Romantic Break - With beautifully appointed suites which induce a sense of peace and tranquility, book this hotel for a laid-back couples' stay
• Total relaxation - With yoga, a farm-to-table restaurant and a relaxed, adults-only atmosphere, this hotel is perfect for a slow, restful break
• Spa breaks - This hotel offers a range of wellness treatments, in addition to the sauna, pool and hot tub facilities
• Sights nearby - Take in spectacular views of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Encinitas

One-of-a-kind property located close to the beach in Encinitas with an emphasis on spirituality and tranquillity. Meditate or practise yoga in the water garden, urban farm or private ocean-facing balconies. 5 suites are luxuriously minimalist. Food is locally sourced, organic and vegan on request.

• Eco break - Drink tea with home-grown and harvested herbs or a reiki massage in rooms with the most innovative sustainable technology
• Beach Life - Spend a day at the beach; there is excellent surfing, a beautiful white sand beach with volley-ball and equipment rental
• Back to Nature - The staff encourage you to get your hands dirty in the vegetable garden; all rooms include a garden basket with shears
• Eco - The hotel was the first in the world to be certified WELL Platinum by the International Well Building Institute

San Diego (Gaslamp District)

Contemporary and colourful city-centre hotel. Overlooking Petco Park baseball park in the central Gaslamp District, inviting boutique-style rooms have wooden floors, cosy mid-century furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows and great views. There's a gym, 24-hour dining options and rooftop terrace.

• Pet friendly - Pets are very welcome and — very unsually — their stay is not subject to any fee. There is also a relief area and tasty treats
• Business meetings - As well as spacious and modern event spaces & 24 hour business centre, the rooftop is often used for business meetings & dining
• Short break - The perfect place to stay if you're flying in for a baseball game at Petco Park; some rooms look over the stadium
• Local exploring - There's lots to do in the area whether you're a sport lover, nature enthusiast or into culture and the arts

Palm Springs (California)

Mountain-view desert retreat with focus on well-being. Alternative boutique property located close to healing natural mineral hot springs. Hippy-chic rooms combine a fresh white palette with Native Indian prints and ethnic rugs. Enjoy outdoor pool, hot tub, Moroccan-style sun deck, spa & yoga area.

• Eco break - Appreciate furniture made from reclaimed materials, organic bedding, nontoxic cleaning products, solar lighting & recyled water
• Spa breaks - The property's focus on wellness aims to help guests return to balance and recover a natural state of well-being
• Yoga - Book a private yoga session. Rooms come equipped with yoga mats, blocks, meditation cards and scented candles
• Hideaway - Stay for a relaxing weekend to rest and recharge after attending the area's annual Coachella festival

California

An all-inclusive luxury wellness retreat, set in the Santa Cruz forest above Silicon Valley. Rooms are spacious and contemporary with silk bed linens, private balconies and soaking tubs. The hotel's tailored programmes promote rejuvenation, fitness and mindfulness. Deliciously creative local food.

• Spa breaks - Experience spa treatments that combine ancient, traditional and modern therapies to restore balance and reenergize body and mind
• Eco break - The hotel prides itself in its sustainability with efficient energy usage, water conservation and a sustainable food program
• Wellbeing - The hotel specialises in wellness and tailored specific retreats, more than just a spa experience
• Massage - Enjoy a wide range of massages from facial, neck and body