Five luxe ethically-minded resorts to try!
Soneva Fushi, Maldives
Sustainability is at the heart of this soulful, castaway-style Maldivian paradise.
The flagship resort – there are two Soneva properties in the Maldives and one in Thailand – reinvented luxury travel with the forward-thinking, eco-conscious owners Sonu and Eva Shivdasani understanding that true luxury is less about gold and marble and more about immersive, nature-infused experiences.
Constructed with environmentally friendly materials such as bamboo, coconut and recycled wood, the 59-villa resort, located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on the deserted island of Kunfunadhoo, has a slew of impressive sustainability initiatives in place, and entire teams within the organisation dedicated to continually innovating the business’ practices to ensure it leaves minimal impact on the planet.
Soneva has a target of zero waste and already recycles 90 per cent of its solid waste, with glass, food waste, jungle trimmings and polystyrene all processed onsite. They also have an eco-friendly surfing experience that aims to be a model for sustainable surfing around the world.
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat
LOCATED in the foothills of South Africa’s Cederberg Mountains, 270km from Cape Town, this haven provides the ultimate wilderness experience.
Surrounded by mystical rock art sites, waterfalls, botanical gardens and wide open plains, the luxury lodge can accommodate just 34 guests offering a range of rooms, suites and a private villa.
Beautiful as well as sustainable, Bushmans Kloof has won a slew of ecological awards including the silver for Best Contribution to Cultural Heritage Conservation by African Responsible Conde Nast World Savers Award for Wildlife and Conservation Programmes, and the coveted Telais and Chateaux Environment Trophy.
The team have implemented an environmentally friendly solid waste disposal unit and an advanced Biolytix wastewater processing system, and staff are passionate about protecting their beautiful natural environment, closely monitoring water quality, soil condition, vegetation and wildlife.
https://www.bushmanskloof.co.za
Elysian Retreat, Whitsundays
THE Great Barrier Reef’s first 100 per cent solar-powered resort welcomed its first guests earlier this year and has charmed discerning travellers from all over the globe.
The owners, the family-run Sojourn Group – also behind Australia’s first beyond carbon neutral atoll, Pumpkin Island - use only organic, earth-friendly products and amenities and locally sourced produce.
Impressively, they also attained Australia’s highest ecotourism certification and long-term operational permits granted by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in recognition of their commitment to environmental sustainability and best practice.
The luxurious all-inclusive Whitsundays retreat caters for a maximum of 20 guests and has a private chef, custom organic spa treatments and water activities on the world-famous reef.
Six Senses Fiji
FAMED for combining absolute luxury with an unwavering commitment to protecting the natural and cultural heritage around their properties, Six Senses Fiji offers a guilt-free island getaway.
Located on the postcard-perfect Malolo Island in the Mamanuca Island archipelago, the 24-villa resort boasts one of the largest off-grid solar installations using Tesla Battery packs in the Southern Hemisphere.
Consistent with the commitment of the group, the luxe resort has a host of sustainability initiatives in place such as collecting rainwater, using worm-based septic tanks and its own reverse osmosis plant and water refinery so guests can enjoy pure drinking water without using plastic bottles.
The resort’s nutritious, organic meals and beverages are prepared with ingredients sourced from the onsite herb, fruit and vegetable garden in a bid to reduce environmental footprint.
Socially, Six Senses Fiji collaborate with Rise Beyond the Reef, an NGO that works with women in remote communities to teach them how to create marketable goods which are then used in the villas and restaurants and sold in the resort boutique.
https://www.sixsenses.com/resorts/fiji/destination
Maraica, Mexico
THIS unique boutique hotel in San Pancho, on Mexico’s west coast, is one sustainable stay.
Just above the surfing mecca of Sayulita and surrounded by lush jungle, Maraica is entirely plastic-free and solar-powered.
They also they use rain water harvesting and have set up a recycling and education system in the town to manage the waste produced by other businesses within the surrounding area.
Maraica also has its own organic garden and the produce is used in the hotel’s kitchen to prepare nutrient-dense, seasonal dishes for guests.
The team have also set up a turtle conservation charity and work tirelessly to preserve and care for the local wildlife, and make their own beauty products on site, with ingredients sourced from the hotel garden.
