The term consummates luxury and sustainability, describing hotels and resorts built on eco-conscious amenities without compromising high-end service. These destinations work with the natural environment, incorporating this into their infrastructure, which in turn, elevates these hotels with the culture of the country. This could include active support of local tourism practices, sustainable sourcing of produce, recycling of waste and reduction of synthetic materials, which may then evolve into activism and participation from the hotel’s residents, wishing to make a difference in the future of their natural world. These hotels offer a refreshing alternative to customary high-end travel, promising immersive adventures which facilitate memories with longitudinal sentiment, supported by the comfort of the five-star standard of luxury. They mark a getaway without guilt, motivated and equally supported by their sense of proactivity. Discover some of our favourite ecological hotels from around the world.
Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort [NORTH BALI, INDONESIA]
Placing you in the centre of sustainability, Munduk Moding Plantation Nature resort is built within a working coffee plantation, encompassed by tropical forest which is accented by a panoramic vista of the Bali Sea. Accommodation is built in partnership with the surroundings, with traditional Indonesian architecture and locally sourced materials allowing the wonders of the outdoors to seep inwards. Mountains can be seen from all outdoor infinity pools and Jacuzzis as you enjoy culturally inspired cocktails at the Sunset bar, with the surrounding sounds of the rural landscape leaving you intoxicated. For further enrichment, residents have the option to visit the in-house roastery and observe the art of coffee making or embark on a cultural tour given on horseback. The five-star standard is exceeded by their modern accommodations with suites and private villas available, all designed with natural, renewable resources and their integrity to preserve our planet at heart. Each villa has access to a private balcony or terrace to soak up the Indonesian sun, as well as access to the resort’s spa and wellness centre, offering standard treatments as well as those inspired by traditional practices. The resort is not simply a holiday destination but an essential to self-preservation and discovery, for those who embrace sustainable relaxation.
Post Ranch [BIG SUR USA]
Coddled by the natural beauty of the Californian coast, Post Ranch resort is tailored to those who seek absolute tranquillity, provided by the idyllic mountain views and elevated by the quality of the accommodation. The resort offers 39 recycled redwood rooms, accompanied by a private, furnished balcony, taking advantage of the piercing, picturesque horizon from dawn to dusk. Ensuring that you return entirely revitalised, the resort takes care of your mind, body and soul with an on-site full-service spa, three outdoor swimming pools and a 24-hour fitness centre. If a more relaxed start to your day is what you prefer, private yoga classes are also on offer, framed by the sights and sounds of this vibrant coastal ecosystem. The resort is exclusive to adults only, so leave the kids at home, and indulge in an otherworldly escape that only experience can truly vouch for. Whether it be journaling with a coffee in hand as the sun dances over the Californian waves, or dining at the Sierra Mar restaurant (and swapping coffee for cocktails!), this destination is guaranteed to make your goodbyes bittersweet.
Cora Cora [MALDIVES]
Built on a private island, Cora Cora is a getaway infused with salt air and fresh perspectives, accompanied by the comfort of luxury living. Blanketed by the warmth of the Indian Ocean, enrichment is as endless as the horizon. From deep-sea diving to a sunset cruise, there’s something for all to enjoy. And be sure to bring the family; Cora Cora caters for big and small. This isn’t limited to the quality of care they provide for their residents, but extends to the natural attractions that make the resort so alluring. As well as being Green Globe™ Certified, the resort has its very own ‘Freedom Footprint sustainability program’ which, strengthened by the support of their residents, is active in the local community, working with rather than against the natural landscape. After a fulfilling day of exploring, the resort offers complete relaxation as you unwind in one of their beachside villas, all incorporating the outside inside with wide screen doors, some sustaining the excitement of the day with a slide straight to the Indian sea attached to your private deck. All rooms come prepared with air conditioning to soothe the warm Maldivian sun, paired with a complimentary minibar and catered dining, all included in the premium package experience. You may feel torn as to simply where to spend your time, as the atmosphere the interior design creates is just as euphoric as what awaits outdoors, with a refreshing palette of blues and natural woods that accent an airy infrastructure which maximises the natural sunlight. Cora Cora can be described as an island dreamscape that stands unmatched in its attention to intricacies and abstractness of its aestheticism, leaving you both completely satisfied and never quite ready to leave!
JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge [KENYA]
A visit to the JW Marriott Masai Mara lodge is nothing short of life-changing, with a personalised scope into the wonders of the Kenyan safari, built in the centre of the National Reserve which spans 1500 sq from Kenya to Tanzania. The resort houses 21 tented suites, all accompanied by a private outdoor jacuzzi on a deck which spotlights the desert, not exclusively remarkable for its beauty but as a habitat of native species including lions, elephants, leopards and rhinos. The reserve is also home to over 450 bird species, who lend themselves as inherent models for photography, which can only be elevated with the resort’s partnership with Canon Photo Studio. Residents have access to high-end camera equipment supported by the available photography masterclasses all included in your stay, providing the best effort to make your memories tangible and a way to bring the breathtaking visuals of Kenyan wildlife home. You may choose to take the immersion outside your suite with a guided jeep tour around the safari, making sure to keep eyes open for the animals thriving in their natural environment, or dine in amongst the deserts ecosystem with a romantic evening meal, reassured by local cuisine crafted with fresh ingredients from the resorts home-grown garden. The resort considers your well-being as well as its mammalian residents, with an on-site holistic coach and wellness centre, as well as a swimming pool and whirlpool to cool off after a day of adventures. All accommodation is fully accessible and welcoming of all ages; it is never too early nor too late to embark on a new journey.
Keemala [THAILAND]
Keemala, perched on the hilltops of Phuket, cultivates culture and community in a rainforest resort built to enhance the senses in partnership with the natural world. Just one minute from Kamala beach, the resort offers a secluded escape from the commotion of modern living whilst still providing the comfort of modern amenities. Around 40 minutes from town, you have a choice from an array of homes away from home tailored to taste, from grounded clay pool cottages to treetop pool houses, guaranteeing that your immersion in this paradise is sustained even after hours. Begin your day with a guided rainforest trek or canoe tour, followed by a visit to Phuket’s Café del Moar just 8 minutes from your suite for a fruity refreshment and stay for the enchanting live music. For those passionate about worldly gastronomy, the resort prides itself in its holistic dining experience, growing their own herbs and vegetables in their own Enchanted Garden which forms the foundation of traditional Thai cuisine. Keemala’s care for the body is assisted by their special attention to the soul, with a wellness centre that allows you to return from your retreat both revitalised and relaxed. A schedule of daily and weekly activities includes meditation, Tai Chi and yoga, with the Mala spa extending a true exploration of self with their attention to working with the elements to ground the soul, along with all standard spa treatments being on offer. With the sounds of the rainforest to soundtrack your stay, Keemala is perfect for travellers who want a deeper connection with their character facilitated by a resort that promises longitudinal effects.
The Brando [FRENCH POLYNESIA]
The emphasis here is on music and culture, striving to have their guests leaving enriched and enlightened as well as revitalised. Secluded on the south coast of a small island in Polynesia, The Brando values quality and prides culture, going above and beyond to conserve the native flora and fauna, including the surrounding coral reef and showcasing ancestry and community in their hospitality. A home is made out of 1 of 35 private villas just footsteps away from the beach across the Onetahi motu, held by the shelter of tropical island foliage, maintaining the serenity of the salt air and tantalising breeze. Villas range from 1,033 to 3,000 sqf, ideal for couple getaways or family holidays, each built with the aesthetics of the natural terrain, with woven fabrics and soft colour palettes. If you are looking to broaden your skill set, a variety of experiences are on offer, including ukulele lessons, weaving workshops and traditional dance classes. Polynesians are proud of their culture, and this is evident in both hospitality and cuisine, with the word class restaurant Les Mutinés described as a theatrical dining journey, delivering a combination of Polynesian and French cuisine. Bars are dispersed throughout the resort for convenient refreshments, and an all-day dining restaurant also stands to cater to your individual cravings. This island paradise may seem a world away, yet being only 20 minutes away from Faa’a International airport, there is merely a plane ticket between you.
Suryagarh [THAR DESERT, INDIA]
This destination defines luxury, serving you in a golden, sandstone palace standing proud in the Thar desert, estranged from the bustle of Jaisalmer’s city centre. Inside the palace walls, residents have a choice from 72 rooms and suites, alongside 4 standalone villas within walking distance from the main hotel. Each room comes with a private pool and is adorned with decadent Indian furnishings, elevated with the lavish luxury of the 21st century. The excitement of the culture is extended into the wide range of enrichment on offer, with camel rides, lost city jeep excursions, traditional dance in the palace courtyard, cooking classes and the city centre at the ends of your fingertips. When planning your trip, it is wise to consider the climate, as the summer sun may be too intense for some travellers, meaning months from October to May are best advised. The hotel has two restaurants: Nosh and The Legend of Marwar. The first caters to your everyday cravings, with a selection of international cuisine, whilst the latter commends the traditions of Marwar with the best of native dishes available. International and Indian therapies await behind the doors of the Rait spa, married with access to a sauna, rooftop pool and therapy rooms with private hot tubs.
Haltia Lake Lodge [FINLAND]
35 minutes from the city centre airport, Haltia Lake Lodge is powered entirely by sustainability and stewardship, with priorities to conserve the National Park that makes the retreat so special. This destination is best for those who enjoy hikes up an idyllic mountainside or canoeing alongside them , made euphoric by the return to the comforts of luxury accommodation. All lodges are built with renewable resources from the surrounding flora, creating an earthy and grounded atmosphere, the outdoors maximised with wide floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the national park. Private transportation is provided throughout your stay, along with other amenities including hot stone massage, forest yoga classes and all meals are included within this package. An itinerary is prepared for you to eliminate stress and augment your relaxation, leaving you, the guest, to enjoy the freedom of the wild. The hotel’s bistro offers a plate that speaks for the elegance of the wilderness, having a menu that changes daily, along with standard hearty evening dishes. Residents can also chose to participate in the restoration and conservation of the national park by planting trees, fishing in maintained waters and attending nature education and guided tours. Whether it be early morning dips in the Nuuksio National Lake, Kyrö Forest whisky tasting or an encounter with the park’s hand-reared reindeer that persuades you to book your stay, it is guaranteed that none will disappoint.
Nayara Bocas del Toro [PANAMA]
This romantic adult-only Balenise-inspired escape stands as the world’s first aerial beach on stilts, with overwater villas that focus on the sea life of the Caribbean. Each villa includes a glass floor inlay for viewing of the marine ecosystem, along with soft linens and accents of blue that heighten the immersion of the island. Kayaking and paddle boarding are encouraged, a private boat and captain are at hand for exploration of neighbouring islands as well as snorkelling excursions into the brimming coral reefs. Local seafood is the star of the retreat’s fine dining, with the Elephant House being a renowned spot for moonlit gliding of stingrays, as you enjoy a hearty dinner. The resort takes their commitment to open-air treatment a step further by bringing the spa to you, therapists meeting you on your private deck for a couples massage or meditation session, softened by the sounds of the sea. An indoor spa is also available, with dead sea salt scrubs and deep tissue massages awaiting and well deserved after travel.
FREIgeist Göttingen Nordstadt [GERMANY]
This Boutique hotel’s primary value is freedom of the mind, hoping to facilitate their residents with modern comforts to indulge in their authentic selves, catalysed by the vibrant atmosphere they’re so proud of. The hotel offers 123 rooms with a choice of five room and suite types with spaces ranging from 20 to 40 square metres, some accompanied by a terrace furnished with natural light and warm tones. The hotel is accented with natural hardwoods to give that comforting city feel, making you feel instantly and home and inspired. All rooms overlook the university city, creating a blend between seclusion and society, giving you the option daily, depending on your mood. The hotel has three main restaurants, not including cafes and the sky bar, serving an eclectic menu of European cuisine, native to and outside the country. Running on 100% eco-friendly electricity, the Boutique is a certified organic hotel, sourcing all its ingredients locally and a champion of sustainability. The light-flooded fitness area is ideal for early risers, equipped with a personal trainer, yoga specialist and sauna for a fulfilling start to the day. A cooking class is customary in the hotel’s district kitchen, teaching the refined culinary skills of the kitchen to be enjoyed after cooking in the Quartiersblick event room. Enjoy the setting sun enriched with live music and wine at the sky bar on an evening, better your mind and body in the extensive fitness facilities and allow yourself to open up and feel the freedom of space both physically and emotionally.
