No matter what budget, as a sustainable traveller it can be hard to find a place that operates environmental conscious. Here you find all the places you can stay worry free, sorted by location and within all price classes. No matter if you're looking for a hostel that fits your needs of a sustainable way of living, or a boutique hotel.
Mexico
Agata Boutique Hotel
Based in the beautiful neighbourhood of Coyoacan, this little boutique hotel is a gem you don't come across very often. Its a little oasis with a spa, spacious rooms and a breathtaking rooftop terrace that makes it easy to unwind after a day of exploring. Everything is made with a lot of love for the details, some rooms even have a bathtub or a balcony, and the breakfast also accommodates for vegans if you ask for it. The food is phenomenal and all made fresh on the spot, you can also order it to the terrace if you prefer. Staff is incredibly kind and helpful, everyone speaks English and they are more than happy to give you tipps for the neighbourhood. There are multiple markets close by, the Frieda Kahlo Museum is right around the corner and several vegan restaurants are literally a two minute walk away. If you are looking for luxurious place to enjoy town, this is the place to go.
With three locations in the best parts of Mexico City, Flow Suites has you covered no matter where you have to be. Their Condesa location lies in an absolute prime location, all offer big rooms with even bigger bathrooms and a breakfast that upon request can be made vegan. Very close to the hotel you also find all kinds of vegan restaurants, which is another plus! Stuff is very helpful and speaks English and if you would like to explore the hipster areas while having an oasis to retract back to, this is the place to be.
If you`re looking for luxury for an affordable price, a bathtub in your bedroom, rooftop terraces with hammocks and picnics, dinner at the pool or in the jungle - Le Muuch is the place to go. In the perfect location to explore Valladolid, with very attentive staff that makes this an experience you will never forget, you will truly feel like a queen here. All the rooms are huge with warm, strong pressure showers, some even have a little pool on the balcony and a hammock, but even if not, there are two public ones waiting for you to jump in! No matter if you`re looking for a romantic getaway, to treat yourself or just a comfortable retreat - you cannot go on with this place, by far your best option in the whole town.
May the most beautiful hostel you will ever come across, nestled into the mountains of Oaxaca and surrounded by endless valleys, the Bostel is worth every penny even if its on the more expensive side. The wooden house is an architectural masterpiece to begin with, brand new and built like a modern cabin it comes with a well equipped kitchen, chill out areas that look like a comfy living room, an outside fireplace and two terraces that overlook the region. The town of San Jose del Pacifico is famous for its mushrooms, you can buy them everywhere in town, but it is charming even if you don't fancy taking some. The hostel feels like you're renting a house with 15 strangers - what more can you wish for.
There are places that are beautiful, and some that captivate you with magic as soon as you step in. Mayan Gypsy is one of them that inspire upon the very first glimpse, its a creative oasis in the laid back beach town of Progreso half an hour outside of Merida. There is art around every corner, the perfect organised chaos that is hard to achieve on purpose and each room has its own vibe. They have a shared kitchen, huge common spaces to enjoy the day and come down while the beach just like the main strip are a stone throw away. Staying here will be an experience you will never forget, the owners are very accommodating and kind, the true reason why this place is so special. There is no better place to stay in Progreso than Mayan Gypsy.
The ruins of Calakmul are place in the middle of the jungle, and the only village close is Xpujil. There are several accommodations around, but Casa Kaan must be the best one you can find. Its a little oasis in the jungle, with a cute restaurant with a few vegan dishes available, and the rooms themselves are cabins completely isolated from anything else. If you need a place to wind down after a long day climbing pyramids , this is your place to be.
In the middle of Tulum, there is this oasis called Oryx - a hostel with a hotel vibe, but the social vibe of a hostel. All the dorms are quite spacious and very modern, the jungle makes you calm down immediately and there are daily free activities. Even the kitchen is huge and has everything you need, one of the best budget accommodations you can find in this part of Mexico!
In the south of Merida, on the edge of town and in a very calm neighbourhood, Barrio Vivo stands as an example of what a hostel should be like. A very beautiful renovated old building with a cafe so pretty it will take your breath away. They only have two dorms, but both of them a very spacious with two lockers for each bed and a curtain for privacy. The kitchen and common area are perfect to hang out, the place is as clean as it gets and a laundry is next door. They got an activity organised each night, and as soon as the sun sets the food stalls start showing up in the park right in front. To be short, it doesn't get much better, may if you want a private room, but otherwise, this may be the best hostel in all of Yucatan.
The town of Valladolid offers an escape from the very touristic Riviera Maya, and has a very laid back vibe with beautiful architecture around every corner. Mama Cha is close to the center and a hostel with big, modern dorms and a beautiful lay out with a love for details. The garden is perfect to relax and the breakfast menu can be made vegan with plant milk upon request. If you're looking for a place to relax but with the option to meet people, Mama Cha is the place to go in Valladolid.
A 10 minute walk from Meridas centre, Hostik is one of the biggest hostels in town and most definately one of the most inviting ones. With its very practical lay out, a rooftop terrace, a co-working space, clean kitchen, included breakfast, dorms that offer a lot of privacy and cute litte private rooms in the back, it has everything you could wish for. They organise an activity every night and you can either hang out at the pool, on the roof or in the little seated area next to the kitchen. May the most beautiful part is its architecture, which is designed around the natural features so you can for example find a tree in the middle of the common area, or a stone pool in a private room. Definately the perfect place if you want a balance between having your own space, and socializing.
In the city centre of Merida, you cannot miss Rosas Y Xocolate. The building is painted in a striking pink with its own restaurant right in front, the whole place looks like an Art Deco dream. All rooms have a different layout with the same idea behind it, a huge bathroom and all dominated by the colors brown and pink. The pool in the middle of the hotel marks the centre piece, while the lobby invites you to relax on a rainy day. The location is absolutely unbeatable, everything lies in walking distance. If you are looking for a bit of luxury, you will all find it here.
It can be really hard to travel and find places that fit your values, and often eco hotels are the answer. Las Mariposas close to the center of Oaxaca is an extraordinary one, beautifully decorated like an oasis with comfy beds a communal kitchen this place couldn't be more perfect. The staff is incredibly friendly and happy to help you, there are multiple areas to hang out and they collect your shower water to reuse it. Make sure to explore the whole place, its a lot bigger than you may think!
Puerto Escondido is well know for its surf, and especially its big waves. On the Zigatela beach, the main strip, you can find countless bars and restaurants, and several hotels. The Tabachin is at the very beginning of the beach, and the views are absolutely unbeatable. You can overlook the whole area, check the surf without even going down, eat breakfast on the rooftop terrace or start with a yoga session. The flats are fully equipped and spacious with fast WiFi which is incredibly rare in PE, the public area includes a pool and a bar. If you want private space, a place in the middle of the main area, this is your place to go.
A 3 minute walk away from Valladolids most famous road, Casa Aluxes welcomes you with a big pool and seating area that offer rest after a long day exploring this cute little town. The owner is always around to help and has several adorable dogs that are up for a cuddle if you look, and there is a restaurant on site if you don´t feel like heading out. The rooms are big and spacious with modern bathrooms, fast WiFi and comfy beds.
Zazil Retreat
Mazunte and its neighbouring beaches is a cute little hippie town with a very laid back vibe. Overlooking it you find a beautiful retreat that allows you to witness the most beautiful sunsets Mexico has to offer, no matter if its in the pool, the Yoga Shala or your own private cabana. Breakfast is served everyday and its extremely delicious, everything is built with a lot of love and if you arrive by car, there is enough space for parking. Its the perfect place if you want to gift yourself a special experience, or just need some peace.
Right at the end of Mazunte and next to the main road, Cabanas Sicaru is a new hotel with beautiful rooms and a big pool. The staff is incredibly kind, always helping you with whatever you need and everything is in walking distance. The restaurant next door serves vegan food for breakfast and they are currently building their own outdoor kitchen. Make sure to watch out for the murals and the details scattered all over the property which make it truly unique.
If you`re looking for cabins far away from the tourist streams, the only foreigners being expats that escaped corporate life, Jaalkab is located right along the main road in Chelem. The cabins are spacious, simple and clean, a vegan pizzeria is a quick 5 minute drive away and the beach a short walk across the road. Its the perfect palce if you want to be left alone, work in peace or just need a break.
El Salvador
There are a few places that master the small line between luxury and nature, and Mizata mastered that effortlessly. While one side is an airy beach club with great food, and a few vegan options, with an infinity pool and daybeds, the other side offers more of a jungle vibe with beautiful rooms that either face the ocean or the garden, a calm pool, a yoga shala and a surfboard rental if you want to head to the pointbreak right in front. No matter if you are on your own or with a friend, its the perfect place to arrive in El Salvador and enjoy the calm bay, an empty line up and the paradise Mizata offers.
Just a short drive from El Zonte and El Tunco, K59 offers an empty line up and a safe place to surf, relax and meet new people. The hotel is right at the beach, with big rooms, a pool and a huge common area where the inhouse restaurant serves freshly made food. Just ask for the vegan options and they come up with all kinds of delicious meals! Surfboard rental is available but you can also bring your own and you will always find someone to paddle out with. This place is made for surfers and no matter if youre alone, with a friend or a whole family - you will feel right at home.
PS: The road down is a bit rocky, just prepare yourself and its totally doable in most vehicles!
If you want the choice between two surfsports in walking distance and are looking for a more local experience, AST in La Libertad offers exactly that. A simple place that offers everything you need specifically for surfers, from accomodation to an in house restaurant that can cater to vegans upon request, a pool, surfboard rental and the ocean literally underneath your balcony you won`t miss anything here. No matter if you`re on your own, a couple or a bigger group, the city is only a 40 minutes drive away, other smaller villages around 10-20 minutes and around the corner there is a mini amusement park and a food mile right outside the property.
City hotels can often be dull and cold, but if you`re looking for a modern, eco focused place to stay in San Salvador - Cinco Hotel may be the one for you! They offer big rooms with a lot of green details, an inhouse eco-store and a vegan/veggie restaurant that is among the best in the city. Close to everything and in a safe neighbourhood, perfect to explore. Put this on your list if you want convenience with some luxury!
There are many hotels calling themselves eco these days - but very few actually live up to that title. One that doesn`t just live up to it but creates a whole new standard is Arbol de Fuego in San Salvdaor, a hidden oasis that may looks simple from the outside but behind the facade there are countless treasures. Everything here has a purpose, the walls have an extra layer, the roof is planted to keep the heat out, everything is powered by solar, the plants act as a natural purifier, clothes are dried using a special room and sunlight, water is recycled through the garden with an underground system while they got their own huge compost. Everything sold in their shop is made locally by women and the money goes to the ones in need, NGOs and people with disabilities. On top of all that - the staff is incredbily helpful and knowledgable - an absolute heaven for everyone living conciously.
Nicaragua
There are countless yoga retreats all over the world, but very few are actually exceptional. In the very north of Nicaragua, Still Salty Escape is tucked away far away from all the busy tourism down south and offers the perfect venue for retreats to relax, work on yourself and eat the most delicious plant based food.
The place has everything you could wish for, a big pool, a beach, surf, a beautiful yoga shala, restaurant and big private cabanas when you need some privacy.
Its hard to find hostels with an eco focus, but if you do they rarely disappoint. Mano a Mano is situated a 30 minute drive from Leon, right at the beach with direct ocean access, a kitchen, surfshop and an onsite restaurant that offers vegan options. On the bottom floor you will find dorms, while on the top there is a small gym next to 3 big private rooms if you need more space. If you`re looking for a clean, ocean front and social place that matches you ethical standards - mark this for your next Nicaragua trip.
Belize
At the end of the little Caribbean village of Hopkins, this little gem of a resort deserves a mention. With direct ocean access, a private beach, a dock with a onsite bar and a restaurant that has a seperate vegetarian menu with loads of vegan options this place is heaven on earth. You won`t find a better place to wind down along the coast of Belize, the rooms are huge and many have a private plunge pool - if you ever thought about treating yourself, this is the place to do it.The also offer tours all over Belize and there are several restaurants close by if you want to go exploring on your own.
If you ever wanted to stay fully emerged in the jungle, this is your number one choice. They not only have a fully vegan menu, but also a huge property where everything is build perfectly into nature. Its the perfect combination of luxury and jungle, if you can afford it go for a suite as they are all very unique with gorgeous details and a plunge pool with an unbeatable view. Everything is farm to table, freshly made for you with the most attentive staff you could wish for.
Right at the border to Guatemala, San Ignacio is a place worth stopping by for at least a few days. Its perfect to calm down a bit, explore the ATM cave, the nearby ruins, the mennonite town of Spanish Look Out or the national parks. The owners are incredible and will make you feel right at home, a dog and a cat are also part of the deal while twice a week the downstairs bar opens its doors with live music. Everything is clean, spacious and enough bathrooms for everyone are available too - its a no brainer if you need a place to stay in town.
Just on the outskirts of San Ignacio you can find this beautiful resort right next to the Macal river. Perfectly embedded into nature, you`re surrounded by over 200 different species of birds and hiking trails all over the property. The rooms are a rustic style with great hot showers, the on site restaurant can accomodate every dietry request as they prepare every meal just for you. There is a bar, a yoga shala, a pool and you get one hour of birding per stay with a trained guide. The perfect place to unwind or explore the area on one of their tours.
Nestled away from the busy town San Pedro on the island that holds the same name, right in front of Belizes coast, theres a small boutique hotel that fulfils all its promises. Modern, big rooms with a breathtaking sea view and a private beach that never gets crowded as there are only five rooms available. The food prices are a bit on the expensive side even for the island and you are reliant on it due to the remote location, but its also incredibly tasty and can cater to any dietry requests . Absolutely perfect for a some peaceful days to do nothing, but they do have SUPs and kayaks available to use for free.
Guatemala
Nestled along Lake Atitlans shores and offering one of the best views over the lake, Lush is a must visit for everyone looking for an oasis in San Marcos. From the very accomodating staff over the uniquely decorated rooms with artwork embedded into the walls to the mostly vegan restaurant this place is pure heaven. Recycled toilet paper and built with the intention to work with and not against nature shows their sustainable effort, free filtered water is available in every room plus the common area too. And if you just want to drop in, they also host public yoga classes and events, just look out for the flyers.
El Paredon is famous for its waves, and on a good day the line up can get pretty crowded. Just as imporant is having a place to come down, and Zoah Surf offers exactly that. You have your own private villa with a porch and a huge bathroom, and in the middle of the property is a swimming pool for everyone. The staff is one of the sweetest you can find and make you feel right at home, while there also is a cafe, a yoga area and a surfshop. No matter if you bring your own board, want to buy one or plan to rent - Zoah got you covered.
It can be hard to find a hostel that actually focus on sustainability, but Free Cerveza combines party, style and an eco-friendly concept effortlessly. You got the choice between dorm tents, private tents or cabins and all of them offer a very high standard of comfort. All common areas are clean and make it easy to socialise, their family style dinner gives you two hours of unlimited beer while also catering for vegans upon request. The compost toilets are a great feature and several free activites like yoga, kayaks or hikes are all adding on to the experience. If you want to socialise but keep your values - this is the perfect place to do so.
Austria
The Keep Residence
One of the most breathtaking hostels/hotels/restaurants I have ever visited is the Keep Residence in Salzburg. They are placed in an old, traditional building that has been restored to keep everything as original as possible, only using natural and second-hand materials to decorate the rooms; they did a hell of a good job! You won’t find dorms like this very often: they even have a shower built-in and if you prefer your own room, of course, there is also something for you. Until 3pm they offer a huge buffet, all vegan and organic, again trying to be as sustainable, environmentally friendly and zero waste as possible. It’s open for the public, and if you visit Salzburg this is an absolute must, you won’t be disappointed no matter if you come for breakfast or lunch. Even the restaurant itself is incredibly pretty, with loads of mirrors, a very earthy vibe and young stuff that definitely knows what they are talking about. The whole brunch is on a pay-what-you-like base, so no matter your budget, you are very welcome here. The leftover meals get offered on To Good To Go, so nothing goes to waste. By far one of the most thought-through concepts I have ever come across and I cannot wait to go back.
Boutiquehotel Stadthalle
A five-minute walk from the Westbahnhof lies this beautiful gem of a hotel. It is based on an incredible thought-through sustainable concept and shows in a hard-to-beat way what it means to combine environmental consciousness and style. The rooms are decorated with the most amazing furniture I have ever seen: a cable car and skis just to begin with. The outdoor seating area is very green, with many options to sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee. Every vegan knows the struggle of breakfast buffets and trying to find out what’s actually plant-based - here all items are clearly labeled and there is a vegan version of basically everything. On top of that, it's all organically sourced and in bio quality! If you’re looking for a place to stay in Vienna, this is it.
Sri Lanka
Colombo House by Ceilao Villas
This place is actually heaven on earth. Nestled away from the main road, it is an oasis that will allow you to relax after your travel journey or a long day at the immigration office. It is beautifully decorated and offers big rooms with spacious bathrooms, two pools, and a restaurant where you can have your breakfast or dinner. The house actually was the place the owners mother grew up and you can feel the love put into it. It is run as a family place with unique holiday homes all over the island. The restaurant doesn`t have any vegan dishes on the menu, but you can always ask to change something, and they are happy to help you with your request.
Highbury Colombo
An extraordinary lush green guesthouse, and maybe one of the most beautiful places in the capital. The moment you find your way to the back of the property where this gem is situated you will feel welcome and at home. Dark wood in combination with an endless amount of plants and decorated with so much love, it feels like you`re in a completely different city, far away from the bustling streets of Colombo. Even the smallest room is spacious and offers a beautiful bathroom with a rainfall shower. If you get the chance to try the food – it’s high class and they can cater to any diets if you tell them your needs beforehand! They also use Solar Energy and have a water filter available for your refill.
Stay Golden
There are some places that just feel so right the moment you arrive and Stay Golden is one of those. I would go as far as saying that this is probably my favorite hotel in Sri Lanka, you won`t find something like this very often. Run by a German - Sri Lankan couple a bit outside of Arugam Bay, but directly by the sea and only a short walk from the center away. The love put into it can be felt wherever you go: every detail is placed with absolute perfection and the rooms are incredibly beautiful, no matter which one you choose. They got a Yoga Shala, surfboard rental, offer classes, and even a pool is provided! The best part? They have their own restaurant with a separate vegan menu; everything is prepared fresh and local by the staff. Chances are that you never leave for food as it's just too good, and there is so much to choose from!
Bella Nilaveli Beach
Nilaveli beach is situated just above Trincomalee and offers some of the most beautiful, empty beaches in all of Sri Lanka. Bella Nilaveli Beach is right at the beach and offers beautiful rooms/hubs with an in-house restaurant. They have a pool, a yoga shala with daily lessons, and can organize tours up to your wishes. It is run by a lovely Italian - Sri Lankan couple and is a gorgeous place to wind down after the long journey to get here. It's definitely worth a visit and you will feel right at home. The rooms are decorated with loads of love and it’s another one of those places that have something special about it, you may end up staying longer than you thought!
The in-house restaurant can serve vegans upon request, so make sure to mention it when booking or ordering.
The city itself is quite conservative, which means that there aren`t many bars or hostels in the area. Hipsters is an exception, and the place to be for dinner, drinks, or yoga. The property is beautifully done with wooden structures and hammocks everywhere, Wi-Fi works perfectly fine and they offer food all day long. They can easily adapt most meals for vegans, just ask and you actually got quite a big variety to choose from. Rooms are quite simple but with a private bathroom. They got several different ones to choose from and a dorm for backpackers on a budget.
Right at the end of the B35 you will find this beautiful lodge. It's run by the same family that owns the Colombo House and it used to be the father's favorite. It’s right at the border to Yala Nationalpark and in the morning you may will spot an elephant passing by! You will be served breakfast in the main house, while the rooms are surrounding the pool. It’s the perfect location to explore Yala and come down after an exhausting day. Like the one in Colombo it's decorated with a lot of love and feels like a home away from home.
Salt is a five-minute walk from the beach, in the middle of the jungle. It has everything you can wish for: a restaurant with vegan options, a pool, a chillout area, a yoga shala with daily lessons and free surfboards to rent out if you`re staying here. The staff is some of the kindest you will ever come across; it's run by Australians and they are happy to give you tips for the area. The yoga lessons are also open for outside guests, the same goes for the restaurant and bar. It’s a beautiful place and perfect if you`re looking for a spacious, western-style accommodation or just wanna come by for dinner, yoga, or a drink.
This beautiful house just opened a few weeks ago and offers three apartments with the best view in all of Hiriketiya. It's brand new and a five-minute walk down the hill from the bay, so perfect to explore the area, stay for a while, or for a surf trip. It's self-catering and has space for couples, solo travelers, or families. There is a cafe called Mond next door where you can pop by for breakfast and everything else is just a short walk away. The top apartment is absolutely stunning and offers a big outdoor bed - perfect to read a book or relax after a long day of surfing. You can book for shorter stays or long-term, so if you`re thinking about spending a bit more time here, this is the place to be.
South Africa
Simons Town Guesthouse
This little gem is situated a bit outside of Simon`s Town, in Glencairn Heights. Easily accessible by car, they also offer pick up at the airport or you could take an Uber. Its a bit up the hill, overlooking the bay and offers the most breathtaking view for sunset or sunrise! They got five rooms in total, one prettier than the other but each of them with a panorama window and enough space to unwind after exploring the area. They also have a lounge and a terrace where you can have your breakfast if the weather is nice. The manager is an absolute sweetheart who will do everything to make your stay as comfortable as possible, and hey, even backpackers need a nice place to relax from time to time.
Cape Agulhas Backpackers
A very special backpackers is placed in Struisbaii, and you will be in love the moment you arrive! Its easy to find and on the main road, there is a car park in front and another smaller one at the back. The whole place is actually quite big, divided into the communal area with a bar, pool, dining / chill out area and the garden which leads to the bungalow where the rooms are situated. Wi-Fi is fast and reliable, so if you need to do some work you can totally do that here. They offer dinner and breakfast, but there is also a self cooking kitchen available if you want to prepare your meal yourself. They have a fully licensed bar so you're not allowed to bring your own drink, but its very reasonable priced and I can only recommend to try their breakfast as its freshly prepared and only 50 Rand. All staff is really helpful and they will give you a map for the area, where everything is explained and you can easily find all the places I mentioned above.
Marloth Lodge
This is one of the places I loved the most on this trip. The Marloth Lodge, like its name suggests, is right outside the Marloth Nature Reserve and used to be a backpackers. These days, the town doesn't have a hostel anymore and this is one of the best budget accommodations you will find in this area, and its so worth the money! Steph, the owner, lives on the opposite side of the road and is such a lovely person, always up for a chat or a glass of wine. The place offers a lounge with a fire place, a big garden and rooms in the wooden chalets on the back, with chickens roaming around freely. You feel welcome the moment you arrive, no matter if you wanna go hiking, go riding or maybe even mountain biking, they will happily help you arrange it. Free fast Wi-Fi for all digital nomads out there and coffee/tea is included.
Wild Farm
Up on the hill overlooking Wilderness you will find the Wild Farm, a farm converted into a backpackers. The road is a bit steep but nothing a normal car can't handle, but it totally depends on what you can deal with, I personally thought it was nothing while others struggled with it. You either sleep in private huts, in dorms or a private room, there is a communal kitchen which is sadly not very well equipped and clean but they sell food at the bar. You can buy pizza and beer at the bar, there also is a little open chalet and few tables outside if you don't want to sit inside. The view from the terrace is breathtakingly beautiful, you can see all the way to the beach!
Knysna Backpackers
You wouldn't believe this place is a hostel when you arrive. A beautiful victorian villa in a nice part of town right in the centre of Knysna, a lush garden and a manager that will make your stay absolutely unforgettable. The WiFi doesn't work, the kitchen is a bit old but Jason alone is a reason to come here! Some places are special because of the people that run it - and this is one of them. His spirit is all over the house and no matter what, you won't get around having a laugh along the way. Breakfast is included and the dorms are very pretty, the whole house is incredibly charming and unique.
Wild Spirit
You have to come here. Thats it. Without a doubt my favourite place on the whole Garden Route regarding everything, this place has such a special magical vibe that will take you in as soon as you arrive and may meet the horse freely roaming the property. Its everything you can wish for and more, a little hippie place placed in the middle of the forest and so many onsite activities that you will need more than a few nights to see it all. The food will bring you to heaven and there is always a veggie/vegan option, the self cook kitchen is so beautiful but basically everything in this place is. They just finished building a nature pool too! I could talk about Wild Spirit forever, a treehouse, star gazing during the night, a waterfall around the corner and day hikes to the beach or live music in the evening are just a few thing that await you here. For all digital nomads, the WiFi is only in the communal area but works very well. They offer dorms or safari tents, which are big tents with a bed inside and really worth it!
Tube´n`Axe
A mix between a boutique hotel and a backpackers, it offers various rooms on their property and a dorm for everyone on a tighter budget. The place itself is beautiful, so much green everywhere, a fire in the evening and a pool to swim with. They also have a bar and a restaurant, you sadly have to order at the bar but are not allowed to eat outside which is a bit of a shame as its so pretty, but they offer vegan dishes which taste really nice. If you're looking to connect with other travellers, this maybe is the wrong place as most people here are booked into private rooms and aren't the average backpacker, but that also means that the view that are here with you are even easier to approach. A nice place for every kind of traveller in the middle of Storms River.
Island Vibe Jeffreys Bay
Island Vibe has three backpackers in SA, one in Knysna, one in Jeffreys Bay and one in Port Elizabeth. This is by far my favourite, its beautifully situated above the beach with direct access, you can chill in a hammock, get a surf lesson and play some beerpong after eating break at the fire pit. Its the perfect place to meet people and have a nice night, it may isn't the quietest place but also not a party hostel. There is always something going on, but you can also just chill and relax. The have a in-house restaurant where you can eat for a decent price, a bar and offer different tours like the township tour, horse riding at the beach or sand boarding. I would always come back, its where you will meet all the people you met at different stops along the route again as most turn around here or use it as their last stop.
Island Vibe Harbour House
Very close to the city centre, offering safe parking and a gorgeous view over PE, you'll find Island Vibe’s beautiful Harbour Masters House. It’s a special kind of a backpackers, offering great breakfast, a small communal area (for all DNS out there: that's where the WiFi is strongest!) and beautiful, big and light rooms. The house itself belonged to the Harbour Master and is an old Victorian building. They tried to keep it as much in its original state as possible and you will even find pictures of it in its glorious days in the hallway! The staff is incredible and will make everything possible, no matter if you want to go on an Addo Safari, join Sam on the free walking tour where she will show you the best spots and tells you everything about the history of her hometown, or go to the beach for a bit of relaxation in the city.
Elundini Backpackers
Around 20 minutes from Hogsback lies this very special backpackers, one of those extraordinary places you can only access with your own vehicle but that you can't miss. It`s run by a Belgium/Xhosa couple in a small, traditional village in the middle of nowhere and is the perfect place to experience the real, rural South Africa. With a lot of love they built traditional rondavels as rooms for guests and have a huge communal area where everyone who wants to join can eat dinner together, play pool or sit around the fire in front of the house. They offer many different activities that they organise with the locals: you can make Xhosa bread, learn the language, listen to a medicine women or do a village tour; all of that with the people who really live there and don't have any training in tourism. It’s an amazing way to support the community and experience life in this part of the world first-hand. You won't find something like this again, they truly built something extraordinary here and it’s a total must for every open-minded traveller. They also do everything as sustainable as possible, can provide vegan food upon request and educate the local people about environmentally friendly alternatives.
Bucaneers Lodge and Backpackers
Everyone I met who stayed here said the same thing: Wow, what a high-class place for a budget price in an area you wouldn't suspect it at all! Buccaneers is a huge property with a pool area, restaurant, rooftop, bar, private pathway to the beach and offers many different kinds of accommodation. While the rooms are very white, clean and western, you can see the African influence in the rooftop restaurant or the bar. Everyone is so friendly and helpful, it’s the place where backpackers, families and private guests are coming together which creates a very unique vibe - perfect for us solo travellers. They offer all kind of activities, so no matter if you want a surf lesson, a trip to the local community or a cooking class, here you can do it. The breakfast is big and great, with a gorgeous view over the bay and the ocean. There is always a veggie option and if you ask nicely, they can make you something vegan upon request.
Coffee Shack
As I already mentioned above, this is the place to stay in Coffee Bay. It’s a backpackers with several types of rooms, direct beach access, a bar and a restaurant where you will never be alone and the chance to make new friends is really high! It is built into the jungle, with locals coming by in the evening to play the drums and daily excursion that are dead cheap. For example hikes to the Hole in the Wall, a surf day with two lessons and food for 70 Rand or cliff jumping nearby. They offer a lot, and to try it all you will need at least 3-4 days here. There is always a veggie option on the menu; for vegan just ask and they should be able to help you out. I absolutely love how much they do for the local community: they support school projects, give them jobs and a place to get creative, educate them and are trying to make an impact with bringing tourism into this very rural region.
Bergview
What’s better than a whole mountain cabin for yourself?! The Bergview log cabin is a short drive from central Underberg, fully emerged in nature with cattle as neighbours and a big garden to your own use. No matter if you're looking for a romantic getaway or for a place that can accommodate your whole family, there is enough space with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a spacious kitchen with a lounge area. There even is a playground outside for kids and you can make your own braii on the stunning wooden veranda. You'll also get a housekeeper who does the cleaning and makes sure everything is to your needs; she lives downstairs so whenever you have a question you really don't have to go far.
Moorcroft Manor
Moorcroft is a place like no other. The moment you take a turn into the beautiful alley driveway to the enormous mansion you can feel the love the owners put into this place. Every room is light and spacious with parking right in front, the restaurant serves amazing fresh food that is vegan and veggie friendly while the most breathtaking thing lies just outside your veranda. The property is so big you can go on a run - there even is a little lake and a natural swimming pool. Waking up with a view directly to Sanipass (and the road that leads there is just five minutes away) you never want to leave. If you feel like treating yourself, this is the place to go!
Amphitheatre Backpackers
In the middle of nowhere, close to the entry gate to the Royal Natal National Park you will find a backpackers - the only one in the whole region. The Amphitheatre Backpackers offers a variety of different rooms for all budgets and kinds of travellers. It marks the perfect starting point to explore the region and is very well equipped with a restaurant with great food, even though pretty small portions and expensive price, a bar, hot-tub, sauna, pool and a huge lounge area inside and outside. If you're on your own, you will definitely meet people here or maybe even some that crossed your path before as nearly all backpackers that go this far will stop here at one point. They also offer guided hikes (as you should never hike alone) for a reasonable price.
Ingwenya Lodge
A beautiful lodge just next to Little Eden and a short drive away from the beach, multiple self-catering units, a spacious garden and a swimming pool overviewing the jungle that keeps the village from the ocean. Two bedrooms, a bathroom with a bathtub, a gorgeous kitchen and a dining / living room area that you have all for yourself. There even is a treehouse in the garden and a trampoline where you can watch baby monkeys playing in the morning! You can really feel St. Lucias special vibe here; the owners do their very best to make you happy and you get a map with all the attractions at check-in. If you fancy snorkelling, they also have some masks you can borrow!
St.Lucia Wetland Guesthouse
If you prefer a guesthouse over a self-catering unit, St. Lucia Wetlands Guesthouse is the place to go! A stunning villa with the combination of white walls, dark wood and greenery all around offering spacious rooms with beautiful bathrooms right in the middle of the village. They serve breakfast every morning on a big buffet where you will find everything you need; vegan and veggie options are available. If you fancy a dip, there is a swimming pool and your car is washed every morning!
Mantenga Lodge
One of the best places to stay all over Southern Africa! Even if you just come to Eswatini for this place, it’s absolutely worth it. Beautiful bungalows with a view over the mountains, fairy lights during the night and the restaurant caters incredible food served with great wine. If it’s warm enough, you can sit outside on the spacious veranda; they also have a pool and the breakfast buffet also has vegan options. Everyone here is incredibly friendly and it’s quite easy to find at the end of the road.
Timbavati Safari Lodge
A ten-minute drive from the Orpen gate, the Timbavati Lodge welcomes you with huts or huge safari tents, great food and a bar / pool area that sometimes even gets a visit from zebras or a hyena! There are no dangerous animals on the property, but as its placed in the bush you can get visits from wildlife regularly. If you are looking for a game drive, they offer all kind of safaris - just hit them up for rates! Their new, huge tents are equipped with everything you need, including a bathroom, a desk and a veranda.
Tomjachu Bush Retreat
Curiosity JoBurg
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