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- Looking like a hybrid of a James Bond villain's lair and back to nature idyll, this quirky pod hotel blends boutique stylishness with sound ecological principles. The geodesic structure sits on a ridge looking out over Castle Stalker and Loch Line; guests can appreciate the view from their stylish and ethically furnished pod, which was built entirely from sustainable materials. To off-set the amount of electricity used, Ecopod propose that guests can donate 10p for every unit to the local primary school.
- Winning awards for its green initiatives - which include everything from using recycled pencils to building homes for hedgehogs and calculating the carbon footprint of its guests (and making a donation to the Tree For Life campaign on their behalf), The Lovat weaves its green policy seamlessly into its home-from home environment. Taking care of the stunning natural location, on the shores of Loch Ness, The Lovat actively encourages wildlife into its garden and only local produce onto the kitchen table.
- Combining the wow factor of its cliff top location with the latest in sustainable architecture, The Scarlet is somewhat leading the way in rethinking eco hotel design. The hotel's striking modern design is split over five levels, housing 37 guest rooms and a plush Aryuvedic spa. The Scarlett's innovative green initiatives include harvesting rain water to running bee keeping courses and rehousing the hundreds of reptiles they disturbed during their construction.
- AIming to change the way people perceive green holidays - more fun, less frugal - the Ekopod concept is about camping with a difference. Another geodesic structure, the pods are surrounded by acres of wild flower meadows on Bodmin Moors. Compost loos and and an on-site spring, locally-sourced produce and the promotion of car-free holidays are just some of the pods green attractions.
- Located in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons, running off solar panels and fuelling their guests with locally sourced, 100% organic food, is the independently-run Fronlas guest house. Consisting of a diminutive three bedrooms, the owners use only organic linen, toiletries and cleaning products, and actively encourage their guests to cut their carbon footprint, by bribing them with free locally-made chocolates if they take public transport during their stay.
- Absolutely passionate about sourcing and supportive local produce, Strattons put their money where their mouth is; if you see it on the menu, the likelihood is it hasn't had to travel far from source to plate. And if guests arrive by public transport, Strattons will give them a 10% discount of their stay.
- Staying under canvas never looked so good; taking the Mongolian yurt concept and pitching it in one of Wales' lushest forest areas, an Eco Retreat camping holiday is ideal for couples looking for an alternative, green, romantic getaway. Each yurt or tipi is furnished with a log fire and cosy sheep skin rugs - as well as a double bed (goodbye inflatable mattresses). Owners Michael and ChaNan Bonser are not only hospitality experts but are passionate about the environment and holistic therapies, and offer guests the chance for healing and mediation courses during their stay.
- The stylish eco cabins and self-catering apartments run by Natural Retreats are holiday homes that come without the guilt complex of a carbon footprint. Situated in some of the most scenic spots in the UK, including Swansdale in the Yorkshire Dales, all the the self-catering apartments are built on solid ecological foundations by Ecobuild UK. The luxury-eco concept incorporates sustainable architecture and wildlife conservation, with guests encouraged to get at one with the outdoors. A great option for families.
- An 18th century stable with eco credentials, the converted self catering units at the Manor House were restored using only natural materials, including hemp and cotton. The holistic benefits of using natural fibres were not lost on owner, ex-marine biologist Sherry Forbes, who also encourages guests to get to grips with nature through her 'nature appreciation' drive. Heating and hot water are courtesy of Solar panels and a wood pellet boiler, while guests are also welcomed with a hamper of locally-grown Lincolnshire produce.
- Rugged coastline and self catering log cabins ideal which are ideal for people who are looking for a psychological as well as physical detox. The Ard Nahoo's three cabins are built from sustainably sourced local timber and cedar wood, insulated with hemp and powered by a wind turbine. Guests can also chose to take part in yoga and detox programs.