At My Eco Escape, we are always looking for eco-stays and their inspiring stories. In this exclusive feature, we meet Off Grid Travel, a team of passionate, eco-friendly travel experts. In this interview, we dive into their innovative approach to nature-based getaways, where adventure meets sustainability.
In a world where travel often comes at the cost of the environment, Off Grid Travel offers zero-carbon holidays in stunning remote locations. It is more than just a getaway; it's an opportunity to disconnect from the noise, reconnect with nature, and experience travel that doesn't harm the environment.
So, if you are wondering how your holiday remains comfortable and relaxing when it's entirely off the grid, keep reading. And feel free to check out Off Grid Travel's gorgeous Eco-cabins in Scotland -The HideAway and The Bothy.
Introducing the team behind Off Grid Travel - "Tell us about yourself and your journey and passion towards sustainability".
"Off Grid Travel is a group of passionate nature travel experts offering a new way of experiencing nature. We are a team of experts with backgrounds in nature and adventure tourism, wildlife conservation, low-carbon manufacturing and alternative energy. Each member is passionate about what they do and has brought complementary experience, expertise and energy to developing new ways of exploring nature.
We all work remotely and run the business by video call, phone and computer – no needless journeys or road miles! We offer zero-carbon holidays set in beautiful and remote places. We design our own accommodation, which is usually completely off-grid and is imaginatively designed to bring our guests closer to nature."
"Our aim was to combine new design technologies with natural settings, always putting conservation and a connection to nature at our core. You should step into our buildings and immediately feel more relaxed – these are 'healthy buildings' built from sustainable Scottish timber and insulation from recycled newspapers. Heating is from a wood-burning stove, and we can function with no mains connections at all – and yet it's still luxurious with power, heating, lighting, flushing toilet, fridge, shower, etc."
"We're also about unplugging, having fun and reconnecting with the people around you. Encouraging our guests to head off into the wild or just kick back and relax in the accommodation. Our different accommodation types mean we're ideal for couples, solo travellers, families or groups."
What inspired you to make your accommodation Eco-friendly?
"From the way we build, to how we bring our buildings to site, to the technologies we use, to every single detail you find on the inside - Our holidays are different."
"Our linens are organic and locally sourced, our duvets and pillows are Scottish-made from recycled plastic bottles that were collected from ocean waste, and our towels are British and made from recycled plastic. We don't tumble dry or iron anything during the laundry process, reducing our power consumption. We source everything as locally as we can and give you all the details! We hope that after staying with us, you feel inspired."
"In a time of increasing consciousness about the role of the travel industry in accelerating climate change, we believe that a holiday with us is one of the most sustainable and climate-friendly forms of travel available."
"We have spent decades working in nature travel and wildlife conservation around the world and we understand the subtleties and challenges involved in design and delivery of tourism experiences in nature. Our founder's previous business is a two-time winner of the 'World's Best Green Tour Operator' and our team have been intimately involved in many of Europe's leading nature conservation initiatives."
What sustainable features or practices make your accommodation unique?
"Our cabins are created by a specialist firm based in the Highlands of Scotland. Working with local timber manufacturing partners, our buildings are super-efficient, low energy and low impact."
"They are rated 'Carbon Zero', meaning everything about the design and manufacturing process is about minimising waste and using natural materials in buildings which can be repurposed, moved and ultimately recycled. We have adopted Circular Economy principles to ensure that as much material and labour is from the local supply chain. For example, we've found that recycled newspapers provide an excellent and highly efficient form of insulation. Erecting our buildings on stilts means we don't need to use concrete for foundations in any of our locations. As much as possible, each unit is prefabricated off-site, which means that construction time on site is minimal – and therefore far less invasive to flora and fauna."
"At the end of their long life our buildings have been designed to be taken apart and fully recycled, meaning nothing ends up in landfill. And no trace is left in nature."
Can you tell us about your energy sources? Do you use solar, wind, or any other renewable energy?
"We use alternative energy sources and innovative waste treatment solutions. We survey each site together and assess which off-grid technologies are best suited to generate power for that location. We continually research and innovate. If better solutions become available, we test them, assess them and adopt them."
How do you support local communities?
"We have a nominated partner of the year - which is the Charitable Trust that operates the Walled Garden, education centre, shop, cafe and horticultural hub adjacent to our cabins. We donate to them every year to support their good work, and in return, our guests receive free access to the Gardens - allowing them to really connect to the work of the Trust.
We also run a nomination programme at least once a year - whereby we invite people to nominate someone who deserves a restful break in one of our cabins - this can be for physical or mental health reasons."
How do you educate your guests about sustainable travel?
"Our website, our newsletter, and all our social media reiterate our values about sustainability and nature. After booking and before guests arrive, they receive communications about our eco measures to prepare them for the experience. Once staying with us our welcome notes explain every detail about the sustainability practises we employ - not just the building and the green technologies, but about every detail of the interior. Scottish wool is used for the blinds, Harris tweed is used for the cushions, and duvets and pillows are manufactured in Scotland from fibres created from upcycled ocean waste plastic. Towels are made from recycled plastics, organic coffee roast, and ground within 20 miles of our location. The firewood is from annual cleaning and maintenance on the estate, etc."
"We make an effort to clearly let our guests know all the things they can do ON FOOT from our cabins, with no need to touch their car. We explain the local bus route and the coastal path which runs along one boundary."
What is one thing guests love the most about your eco-stay?
"The level of detail we have gone into!"
"Guests often tell us how much they appreciate the little touches—organic linens, upcycled ocean-waste duvets, and even locally roasted coffee—all of which make their stay feel both luxurious and responsible. The ability to fully disconnect, breathe in fresh air, and immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing comfort is something our guests truly cherish."
What eco-friendly activities can guests enjoy during their stay? (E.g., nature walks, wildlife spotting, farm-to-table experiences)
"Nature walks all around the huge estate, walks along the Fife Coastal Path which forms one boundary, beach walks, bird and wildlife spotting, the biodiversity measures being implemented on the wider estate, the work of the Gardens and horticultural team - who are an independent charity and have volunteering programmes, biodiversity programmes, educational days and more. Guests can spend a whole weekend with us and never need to touch their car."
What advice would you give to other accommodation owners who want to become more sustainable?
"If you decide to commit to sustainability, go the whole hog! Your guests will notice and will appreciate it. Don't just switch your loo roll brand, really go all out and think about everything you do and everything your guests will come into contact with.
Then tell your guests - be proud of it! Our guests really seem to love it."
Do you have a message for eco-conscious travellers?
"We'd love to welcome you to one of our cabins and hear what matters most to you when you travel."
Experience Sustainable Luxury with My Eco Escape: Go Off-Grid with Comfort and Purpose!
By choosing Off Grid Travel, you're not just booking a holiday—you're embracing a lifestyle that values sustainability, adventure, and a deep connection with nature.
Whether you're looking to relax in a peaceful hideaway, explore breathtaking landscapes, or simply reconnect with nature, we offer the perfect balance of comfort and sustainability. So why not experience it for yourself?
Book The HideAway or The Bothy and step into a world where sustainability meets luxury and lasting memories.
Want to discover more inspiring eco-friendly stays? Stay tuned for more stories from passionate hosts who are redefining sustainable travel.
