Beyond Neutral: A Guide to Carbon-Negative Hotels Around the World

So, you’re trying to travel responsibly. You’ve got your reusable water bottle, your eco-friendly suitcase, and maybe you’ve even paid to offset your flight’s emissions (props to you!). But what about where you stay? If the answer is "I just pick the cheapest place," we’re here to introduce you to a better way: carbon-negative hotels.

These aren’t your run-of-the-mill “put a plant in the lobby and call it green” kind of places. Carbon-negative hotels don’t just neutralize their emissions—they actively remove more CO2 from the atmosphere than they produce. Yep, they’re basically the overachievers of the hotel world, and we’re totally here for it.

What Even Is a Carbon-Negative Hotel?

Glad you asked. A carbon-negative hotel goes beyond being “neutral.” It’s not just balancing the scales—it’s tipping them in the planet’s favor. These places pull out all the stops: renewable energy, hyper-sustainable materials, and partnerships with conservation projects. Staying in one means your trip can actually help the environment instead of just trying to break even.

Whether you’re craving a chic mountain escape or dreaming of a tropical rainforest retreat, we’ve rounded up a few carbon-negative gems to inspire your next guilt-free getaway.

1. Mad Mount Hotel – Nendaz, Switzerland

Let’s kick things off with Mad Mount Hotel, a Swiss stunner that’s redefining what it means to be both cozy and eco-conscious. This chalet-chic spot is steps from the cable car to the Four Valleys ski slopes and, oh yeah, it’s one of the first carbon-negative hotels in Switzerland.

Why it rocks:

• Built with locally sourced, sustainable pine (yes, it smells amazing).
• Runs on energy-efficient systems to keep its carbon footprint low.
• A Scandi-inspired restaurant serving locally brewed beer, Swiss wine, and seasonal eats.
• A spa with three saunas, an ice bath, and a jet bath because you deserve this.

Whether you’re carving powder or sipping a local pinot, you’ll sleep easy knowing your stay is doing the planet a solid.

2. Svart Hotel – Meløy, Norway

Imagine this: You’re chilling near a glacier, soaking up the Arctic vibes, and staying in a futuristic hotel that literally produces more energy than it uses. That’s Svart Hotel for you. Solar panels, geothermal energy, and a design that’s as jaw-dropping as the views—it’s sustainable luxury at its finest.

3. Chyulu Club – Chyulu Hills, Kenya

Tucked in Kenya’s Chyulu Hills, this eco-luxe resort doesn’t just offset its emissions—it contributes to local conservation efforts and supports the Maasai community. With Mount Kilimanjaro as your backdrop, it’s basically the definition of “travel with impact.”

4. Tibo – Drake Bay Costa Rica

Hidden in the lush rainforests of Costa Rica, the previous Drake Bay Getaway is getting an even bigger upgrade and re-opening as Tibo in December 2025. We hope that the property keeps it's carbon-negative and unapologetically cool appeal. Solar-powered everything, protected forests that absorb carbon like a champ, and adventure-packed days make this spot a nature lover’s dream.

5. Hotel Marcel – New Haven, Connecticut, USA

Who says eco-travel has to mean going halfway across the globe? Hotel Marcel in New Haven is proof that sustainability can be sleek, smart, and stateside. As the first net-zero hotel in the U.S., it’s raising the bar for what’s possible. Bonus: The mid-century modern vibes are on point.

6. Papuarts Alter-Native Stay – Raja Ampat, Indonesia

My ultimate favorite—and by far the smallest, most remote, and hardest to reach on this list—is Alter-Native Stay in Raja Ampat. I visited in 2019, and to say it was transformative feels like an understatement. This eco-lodge isn’t just a place to stay; it’s an experience that changes how you see the world and your impact on it.

For over 20 years, Papuarts Alter-Native Stay has been at the heart of conservation and cultural preservation in this breathtaking part of Indonesia. From stopping net fishing to organizing plastic cleanup drives with local children, the lodge is deeply rooted in its mission to protect Raja Ampat’s natural and cultural heritage.

Why it’s so special:

• Hosts workshops in traditional crafts like weaving, batik-making, and wood sculpting.
• Leads environmental awareness initiatives, including permaculture and forest gardening techniques.
• Offers guests the chance to participate in conservation efforts or simply immerse themselves in Raja Ampat’s unparalleled biodiversity.

For me, this trip was a reminder of the power of community, nature, and intentional travel. If you’re looking for a journey that’s as enriching for you as it is for the planet, Papuart's is definitely worth the extra effort to get there.

‍Why Should You Care About Carbon-Negative Hotels?

Because they’re the future. By choosing carbon-negative accommodations, you’re not just minimizing your impact—you’re flipping it. These hotels are leaders in innovation, using your travel dollars to fund renewable energy, reforestation, and conservation projects. It’s like turning your vacation into a tiny climate crusade.

How to Find Your Own Carbon-Negative Stay

Want to book a hotel that’s as good for the planet as it is for your Instagram feed? Here’s how:

• Search for eco-certifications like LEED, B Corp, or Green Globe.
• Check out platforms like Book Different or Ecobnb.
• Dive into the hotel’s website—transparent sustainability efforts are key.

The Bottom Line

Carbon-negative hotels are proof that sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing style or comfort. Whether you’re shredding the Alps, hiking in Kenya, or just kicking back in Connecticut, these places show that luxury and eco-consciousness can totally coexist. So go ahead, book that trip, and feel good about it—you’ve earned it.