The two tiny islands near the Virgin Islands were purchased earlier this year, and pending planning approval will feature renewable energy (from solar panels and wind) and food provided by a local organic orchard. Despite the balmy temps, there’ll be no need for air conditioners, saving quite a bit of energy. Instead the buildings will be constructed to capture cool airflows. According to Branson, the project will be the most eco-friendly resort in the world.

Banyan Tree Hotel     (Phuket, Thailand)
The Banyan Tree group of resorts has several eco-friendly hotels under its name. The hotel in Phuket, however, has received special accolades for its green work. The Banyan Tree has worked an amazing transformation on its site. Built on the remains of a former tin mine that was once described as a “toxic wasteland” by a UN report, the BT is now an eco-tourism wonderland. The grounds of the Banyan Tree are also partially a wildlife sanctuary these days, and part of guest fees go toward environmental causes and improving the lives of local villagers.?

Banff Park Lodge     (Alberta, Canada)
The Banff Park Lodge in Alberta is an eco-friendly arctic adventure lodge. The green details start with the buildings, which have a brand new, green roof. Made from 95% recycled materials, the buildings help ensure that the gorgeous forests in the area don’t need t be cut down to rebuild the lodge. You can also opt in to the green housekeeping program, and your room will be lit by low energy bulbs while everything that can be recycled will. The hotel has introduced an environmental management program, one of the first in the world. Perhaps it should be expected from a place smack in the middle of such a gorgeous natural location. This is a perfect spot for an eco-adventure.

Grootbos Nature Reserve Lodges     (South Africa)
Grootbos is a private nature reserve in the western portion of the South African cape. It features two lush lodges within the reserve itself. The Garden Lodge is an old school style African gaming lodge, sans the shooting of animals of course, while the Forest Lodge is a more stylish and contemporary lodge. Both lodges are set in the world’s largest Milkwood forest. The five star lodge has taken the concept of corporate responsibility to heart, and has dedicated a sizeable chunk of its profits to improving the local area. It has helped improve the local economy while it improves the local ecology, helping to create many jobs in the environmental arena with programs in ecotourism and environmental research. It pays for conservation initiatives that help create jobs as well as help the environment as well.?