If you’re looking for a tranquil escape in Langkawi, look no further than The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi.

PERFECTLY SITUATED LESS THAN 20 minutes from Langkawi International Airport, The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi is an ideal destination for discerning travellers seeking a harmonious blend of nature, luxury and privacy. Situated between an ancient rainforest and the shimmering Andaman Sea, the resort’s magnificent natural setting and unmatched design deliver a peaceful escape amidst lush surroundings.

The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi has been honoured with two top accolades in Travel + Leisure’s Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023. As the proud recipient of the prestigious Malaysia’s Best Beach or Upcountry Hotel and Best Hotel Pool awards, The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi has been praised for its unparalleled beachfront setting and luxurious pool facilities. Its Horizon adults-only pool is amongst the island’s most photographed due to its gorgeous design and panoramic sea view.

The awards highlight the exclusive resort’s commitment to exceptional quality and personalised experiences tailored to discerning travellers.

Journey into Malaysian Paradise

The guest journey begins at the Arrival Lodge, where a ‘Dayang’ greeter dressed in red offers a refreshing ‘Pemandangan Indah’ drink made with coconut juice, calamansi and hibiscus for guests to sip as they soak up ancient rainforest views during check-in.

Guests can enjoy the island’s rich culture on the Walkway of Wishes, a wishing pond and red bridge inspired by the island’s ‘Tasik Dayang Bunting’ wish-granting myth. Guests write their wishes on stones placed in the water, creating special memories of their stay.

Awe-inspiring Accommodations

Designed by Tropical Area Architects, the resort integrates local Malay architecture into the natural landscape. The 75 guest rooms, 15 suites and 29 villas feature authentic architectural details, large windows and gabled roofs to immerse guests in the jungle ambience. 

Elegant overwater villas offer panoramic sea views and sunsets. Sustainable amenities by Diptyque and bed linens by Frette provide eco-friendly luxury.

Drawing on ancient royal traditions, each villa is assigned a personal ‘Kundang’ to anticipate guests’ needs, reinventing the royal companion role into a medium between staff and guests for a seamless stay.

In addition to a selection of indulgent rooms, suites and private pool villas, the resort features two extravagant options — the two-bedroom Villa Kenari, with the resort’s largest private pool, and the three-bedroom Villa Mutiara which sleeps nine guests and has two pools and a private beach accessible only to villa guests.

Unmatched Facilities

The hotel features a comprehensive Ritz Kids activity programme, three swimming pools, a private beach and bay with direct access to the region’s legendary diving sites.

With four dining venues overlooking the Andaman Sea, The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi offers cuisines to suit every palate, from Malay to Chinese and Indian specialities at Langkawi Kitchen. Beach Grill is a timeless favourite for new and returning guests seeking Western favourites, while Hai Yan is the island’s only fine-dining Chinese restaurant, offering a modern menu of seafood delights. 

The property’s indulgent The Ritz-Carlton Spa — the island’s only overwater spa and only hammam — was recognised this year with an ASEAN Spa Services Award.

Floating above the sea, the spa sits in five cocoon-shaped pavilions built to resemble traditional woven fish traps. It specialises in indulgent treatments and rituals with breathtaking ocean views and a soothing natural soundtrack of waves. Designed for complete restoration, its menu offers indigenous healing ceremonies alongside luxury steam and vitality pools in an unforgettable setting. 

Sea Cucumber Sustainability

The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi champions sustainability through its Sea Cucumber Nursery program with Marriott Bonvoy’s Good Travel. Guests join a marine biologist and help release mature sea cucumbers into the Andaman Sea to support the local ecology and cucumber populations, which had declined due to over-farming. Children also learn about the animal’s importance via an educational talk.

To learn more and make reservations for The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/langkawi.

Article Sponsored by The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi.
Images courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi.

Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi is a true deep dive into conscientious sustainable travel. When you think of “eco friendly” hotels, you probably don’t think of the world’s oldest, most historic brands. But iconic luxury leader Fairmont is out to change that, and we visited the Sustainability Lab at their Maldives resort to see how far they’ll go to clean the waters and help their neighbors.

NESTLED IN THE IRIDESCENT Shaviyani Atoll, Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi (“The Secret Water Island”) is a paradise that should not only be recognized for its stunning nine-kilometer coral reef, idyllic water villas or even 600-hectare lagoon. It’s not the place but the preservation of place that is most impressive here. Fairmont Maldives acts as a guardian of the abundant marine ecosystem surrounding it, and since its inception in 2018, the hotel has been committed to finding ways to raise awareness not only among guests but also on neighboring islands and their inhabitants.    

From the moment I step foot on the island, I can already feel a sense of eco-consciousness that is surrounded by the unspoilt beauty of Maldivian mother nature. After a stellar welcome by what felt like 20 staff members playing drums and dancing, I am whisked away for a glimpse of the property before heading to my overwater villa. Fairmont is home of The Sustainability Lab, the first of its kind in all the archipelago, and this is the first thing here that strikes me as totally out of the ordinary: it’s made from upcycled shipping containers, a far cry from the beach villas and restaurants scattered on this and most luxury islands in the Maldives.

The Fairmont Sirru Fen Fushi team, led by new general manager Steven Stefaniuk and a driven sustainability team, goes above and beyond to ensure that its operations are in harmony with the environment. Its goal: to become the first zero-waste generating resort in the country, and the first carbon-neutral resort in the region. They certainly one of the most eco-friendly resorts you’ll find in the Maldives, and they are teaching and helping children, nurturing turtles, creating art and a sense of collective purpose.

I spend my next day at the Fairmont Maldives Sustainability Lab with the charismatic sustainability manager, David Estellés, who is fresh to the team but already making waves with his greener ideas and new projects. Estellés tells me the lab is a center for education and action not only for guests, but also for local schools around the atoll. The first floor is full of specialized machinery that turns all types of plastic into customized souvenirs, furniture and collectable memories. “We work in conjunction with Precious Plastic, a company that works on providing interesting solutions to the plastic waste problem, which is one of the biggest issues in the Maldives,” Estellés says. 

After thorough cleansing, the refuse – which comes from everyday packaging of items shipped to the island as well as, importantly, neighboring islands who use Fairmont as a one-stop recycling center – is thrown into a special shredder that cuts the plastic into small shards that then can be melted into anything from the Jackson Pollock-inspired furniture you’ll find across the resort to artwork to souvenirs like turtle-shaped keychains and luggage tags.

The team also creates school supplies for 11 local schools, whose students are invited to visit the Lab to further their education in sustainable living, marine biodiversity, recycling and upcycling – such as turning ghost nets, a huge threat to turtles in particular, into jewelry.  

Speaking of turtles, Fairmont has also partnered with the Maldives-based Olive Ridley Project, an NGO that takes a holistic approach to protecting sea turtles through education and research. Fairmont’s self-named Turtle Ranger program is led by specialist Neus Segura and the marine biologist team, who guide guests on various workshops and snorkeling trips around the property. If you’re really lucky, you might get to assist in turtle hatchlings, which happen quite often on the island.

It’s no surprise the Fairmont Maldives became a Green Globe certified organization in 2021, the world’s leading certification for sustainable operations and management of travel and tourism and continues to hold onto it three years later for its responsible tourism practices. 

Read more about Fairmont’s latest initiatives in sustainability, as well as wellness, food and tech, at their hotels around the world here.

During my stay, I am transfixed by the immense beauty of the azure waters, lulled by the calmness of my sunset villa overlooking the crystal clear lagoon, and enamored with Japanese-inspired bites from the Kata restaurant, but what I really take notice of are all the little things. My reusable water bottle, for instance, that is given to each guest upon arrival and can be refilled throughout the property. There is no plastic in sight.

And what really piques my curiosity is finding out that most of the fruit and vegetables served at the hotel are coming in locally. This is huge in the Maldives considering that most of the ingredients are imported from other countries. “We are also in the works of growing our own herbs and a few vegetables for the chefs to have direct access to ingredients instead of having them transported each time,” explains the director of marketing and communications, Ryatt Lucero. 

I spend my last day learning a bit more of what has made Fairmont Sirru Fen Fushi stand apart from all other hotels in the Maldives. The Coralarium, the world’s first semi-submerged art gallery, sits just a stone’s throw from the beach bar and can be seen on the lagoon side of the hotel. Created by renowned environmentalist and artist Jason deCaires Taylor, the massive installation is made from PH-neutral materials so that it’s non-toxic and super ideal for its other mission: being the first coral regeneration sculpture in the country. 

It’s a sunny, clear day when I visit the easily accessible sculpture, and I notice laser-cut starfish – which I learn are meant to encourage fish and other sea life to seek refuge and create their own habitat. I am surrounded by schools of fish, vibrant corals, and multitudes of sea creatures. Adding that to my snorkeling experience throughout the nine-kilometer house reef where I encountered my first turtle and porcupine fish who, I swear, was deviously smiling at me, Fairmont Sirru Fen Fushi — which I’m now convinced is one of the most eco-friendly resorts in the Maldives — provided perhaps the best marine experience I’ve had to date. The reef and surrounding area are home to nearly 400 species of marine life, a beautiful sign of life and regeneration. 

Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi in Shaviyani Atoll is a 55-minute seaplane flight from Male international airport; from USD 580 per night in a beach sunrise villa with private pool and personal villa host.

Images courtesy of Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi.

This inspiring brand incorporates farm fresh foods, local produce options and reduced waste in its sustainability strategy.

EXPERIENCING LOCAL CULTURE and sampling authentic regional flavours are amongst the best reasons to experience places like Zanzibar, Tunisia and Mauritius. The Residence by Cenizaro is a luxury brand that exceeds those expectations through a deep commitment to sustainability, the planet and people — all in some of the planet’s most awe-inspiring locations.

The Residence by Cenizaro is dedicated to nurturing people and the environment through its unique Earth Basket Programme, which launched in 2020 and allows the brand to develop and share ongoing initiatives toward conservation. The programme is active across all of the brand’s properties and is evident in its range of farm fresh foods, local produce options and reduced waste.

Showcasing Local Biodiversity

Kitchen gardens are a key part of the brand’s strategy to offer world-class sustainability alongside experiences that also enrich the local community.

Earth Basket is part of the Cenizaro Cares initiative and challenges each resort to transform a dedicated space into a year-round on-site kitchen farm. Each resort is given independence in developing the farms to suit their unique needs, layouts and climates to provide the best showcase for native produce.

By letting each resort lead its own kitchen farm, the brand encourages agricultural education among staff and showcases local biodiversity in each destination. The programme also allows guests to dine on rich varieties of zero-kilometre produce at peak freshness — a unique experience for cuisine-loving guests. 

Another facet of Earth Basket is lowering food waste from each resort while composting the unavoidable waste. All compost on the properties is then used to fertilise the kitchen gardens and avoid the need for pesticides.

“We want to be more than a window for our guests to view the natural beauty of their surroundings. We want to offer travellers an immersive, enriching opportunity to experience the real local biodiversity of each of our properties, the full flavours of the land and feel a connection with the community,” says Alexys Tjhia, Director of Corporate Responsibility at The Residence by Cenizaro. “We are incredibly privileged to be in some of the world’s most breathtaking places, and we want to ensure that we pay it back by kickstarting efforts to preserve and grow what makes them so special.”

Earth Basket in Action

At The Residence Bintan, Earth Basket has harvested over 10,100 kg of fresh produce since December 2019 and. in 2023 to date, the resort has harvested over 4,250 kg. The resort has a family of chickens and ducks to provide 13,400 fresh eggs this year and dwarf coconut trees, pulai trees and Singapore cherry trees to enhance dishes. The kitchen garden also has its own spice garden, featuring herbs from which guests can learn to make jamu, a traditional Indonesian herbal tonic.

The Residence Maldives cultivates Ayurvedic plants to incorporate into uplifting, health-focused beverages and produces house-made virgin coconut oil for its spa treatments, while The Residence Tunis produces its own olive oil for use in its kitchens.

Seeing Sustainable Results 

The Earth Basket initiative has also positively impacted the environment surrounding the resorts by rehabilitating degraded land into thriving habitats with increased biodiversity. At some resorts, native fauna has even begun to return as the land evolves into welcoming homes for animals.

Other ongoing projects led by the brand include mangrove restoration and coastal clean-ups beyond the resort boundaries, each organised to involve, educate and benefit the broader community.

With the Earth Basket programme fully integrated into an elevated guest experience, guests can eat and live better than ever at the properties. On-site activities at the farms will also let visitors get involved and create memorable experiences with nature, such as gardener-led tours that share knowledge about the ecosystem and native plants.

These initiatives lie at the core of Cenizaro’s sustainability efforts and show its commitment to inspiring change for a sustainable future. So, no matter which destination you choose, visiting any of The Residence by Cenizaro properties will be a delicious and delightful journey into sustainability.

Article Sponsored by The Residence by Cenizaro.
Images courtesy of The Residence by Cenizaro.

In Bali, Desa Potato Head creative compound is not only a guaranteed epic time thanks to the fun it doles out daily but its role model–worthy regenerative actions and sustainability practices mean its hotels, beach club and community gathering spot serves up constant inspiration, too.  

MOST PROPERTIES PROFESSING to be eco-resorts and touting sustainable or Earth-friendly practices come off either overbearingly preachy in their tree-hugging zeal or else do far too little to root their greenwashed claims in reality. Bali’s Desa Potato Head commits neither of these all-to-common sins. No, the beachside creative village in Seminyak encompassing an immediately iconic beach club as well as two distinctive hotels, a handful of restaurants and a slew of smile-inducing other amenities manages to quietly be the most innovating, planet-loving, radically effective, circular and dedicated of them all.  

Founded and led by Indonesian change maker Ronald Akili, Potato Head’s accomplishments in the last five years from a hospitality standpoint are quite groundbreaking. Most hotels send some 50 percent of their waste to landfills, but after painstaking efforts the compound has now diminished their total refuse to just 3 percent, with the ultimate goal of zero within the next five years. That means a method of recycling or reuse needs to be found for every single baby diaper, cigarette butt (something they’re actually currently in R&D to create a new material with) and, ahem, condom and feminine product tossed into the rubbish bins across the property and in each hotel room.  

It’s a challenge from which many of us would likely back away slowly and then run. But the vibrantly creative team, which feels more like family, is beyond enthusiastic, not to mention tireless. All their efforts are on full view—available as an open-source model for environmentally responsible excellence—to guests who take the daily Follow the Waste tour through the back of house.  

There it’s impossible to not be impressed by the spectacular array of hyper-organized rubbish from the hotels, beach club and restaurants: bins and boxes for each and every type of waste, from toothbrushes to beer bottles, face masks to oyster shells. The latter are crushed and mixed with Styrofoam, limestone and pigment to be formed into cool homewares including tissue boxes, waste bins, amenity trays and kitchen tools. The bin of little metal bullets from the beach club’s soda maker go to a master bladesmith who uses them to make knives; those beer bottles become drinking glasses. Much of the food waste is taken to a Balinese pig farm; the items they don’t eat—including coconut, citrus, chili and pineapple—goes to the Urban Compost startup. They have truly thought of everything.  

Guests make their way past the waste cleaning and sorting area (where staff are encouraged to bring their own refuse from home to be properly processed since Bali has no centralized waste management system), through Balinese artist Nano Uhero’s mesmerizing woven Womb to the place it all comes together, the Waste Lab, where colorful heavy machinery works to shred and press HDPE plastic panels into existence and then cut the terrazzo-esque material into parts for designer chairs, stools, tables and more. Offcuts are shaped into beads that the participants can then use to make bracelets or, depending on the day, they can make candles from used cooking oil and cut wine bottles, or indigo-dye tote bags sewn out of decommissioned linens.  

There are plenty of sustainable souvenirs baked into the Potato Head experience that help remind guests once they return home of what’s possible—and mark them as an in-the-know disciple of the brand. Take the recycled aluminum and bamboo water bottle and RPET tote bag made from 35 recycled plastic bottles that you receive upon check-in. That process happens not at a front desk but in an open-air “lobby” beneath Potato Head Studios, the woven ceiling made of recycled plastic bottles and the floor a giraffe print–like terrazzo of waste concrete studded with sunken tropical plants and deep green rattan-like chairs designed custom by Faye Toogood and made of (you guessed it!) recycled plastic. 

The plaza beyond represents one of the many best parts of Potato Head: it’s open to non-guests, as in tourists and locals alike, to dine and drink, hang out, work, explore the culturally focused library and peruse the Waste Lab—and features a colossal blue figure by artist Futura 2000 made of thousands of kilos of waste collected across Bali.  

Then there’s the architecture and design. The newest parts of the Desa were designed by Rem Koolhaas’ OMA with a sustainable contemporary bent, using local and sustainably sourced materials. The unique pink color of walls comes courtesy of the pigment from handmade temple bricks that make up the majority of Potato Head Suites (formerly called Katamama). Their use of that specialty material on the hotel designed by Andra Matin actually resuscitated an entire village’s livelihood. 

Amazingly, from the interiors of the guest studios and suites—well stocked with amenities including locally made toiletries, glass-bottled spirits and reverse osmosis-treated drinking water, cookies and other such treats housed in glass and wood—to the campus around, the only plastic you’ll ever see is on its second (or maybe more) life, transformed from something ordinary into something truly remarkable, not to mention hopeful.  

Everything about Desa Potato Head just makes you feel good, inside and out. 

There are the morning activations that happen under the rising sun on yoga mats laid atop woven sisal ones with crystals and heavenly smelling flowers set next to each. A mix of meditation and stretching and tai chi and reiki, followed by powerful affirmations, shots of jamu and the pulling of oracle cards. The music streaming station, Headstream, where rotating Indonesian and international DJs spin sounds and music daily, designed to highlight fresh voices, is housed within 564 kilograms of recycled plastic panels. The rooftop bar, Sunset Park, is a responsible place to get a little silly over exquisitely made cocktails, Indo-inflected bites and endless sunset vistas.  

And then there’s the dining, which is as thoughtful as every other element, and includes the zero-waste seafood restaurant Ijen, where specials change every few days depending on the sustainably caught catch, and scale-to-tail meals are eaten atop resort-made recycled plastic tables. Tanaman, the psychedelic-futuristic plant-based dinner restaurant, is all about ugly vegetables and using every single part of every single plant: root, seed and stem. That may not sound like the most appetizing ethos, but the imaginative dishes are all wildly delicious, probably because they harness all these oft-forgotten bits and pieces.  

There’s nothing static about Desa Potato Head, especially not during the pandemic, when the team planted two syntropic farms (a system of organic, regenerative and hopefully dynamic agriculture) and dubbed them the Sweet Potato Project. In June alone, they produced 340 kilograms of produce and the yield is growing every month as seven people work the land full-time and volunteers help wrap food for delivery to at-risk locals. Later this year, they’ll take their exemplary waste sorting, cleaning and processing show on the road, so to speak, by opening a Collective Waste Centre that will service at least eight neighborhood hospitality business and get their landfill contributions down to five percent.  

Because Potato Head is about not only getting radically creative about saving and cleaning up Indonesia’s cherished oceans and landscapes. They’re about inspiring, in the coolest way possible, and spreading the love and consciousness to actually join the journey, too.  

Desa Potato Head in Seminyak is about an hour’s drive from Bali’s Denpasar International Airport (traffic depending); Studios from USD 215/night and Suites from USD 315/night 

Images courtesy of Desa Potato Head, unless otherwise noted.

From gorgeous sunrises to immersive cultural tours, this Bornean escape offers something for every family member.

NESTLED ON THE PRISTINE WHITE SANDS of Borneo’s Pantai Dalit sits Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu. The lush destination spans over 400 acres packed with verdant jungles, luxurious amenities, world-class food and drink, and indulgent rooms and suites. 

The resort houses its own Nature Preserve, Adventure Point and Discovery Centre where guests can hike, learn from experts, and observe rare plants and animals. It also offers a wide range of specialised and unique experiences, allowing you to get closer to nature. 

What’s equally amazing is that this botanical haven is just 40 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport and 35 minutes from the city’s vibrant shopping district. 

Immersed in Nature

The Rasa Ria Reserve is a 64-acre coastal jungle at the foot of Sabah’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Kinabalu. The resort’s location amid the reserve allows guests to get closer to authentic Borneo by experiencing culture, adventure and nature on their doorsteps.

Inside the reserve, visitors can explore an incredible array of Borneo’s legendary jungle life, with more than 80 species of birds, 100 types of insects, and rarely seen wildlife — including the endangered animals.

The reserve is staffed by experienced and knowledgeable Resident Naturalists that can answer questions and guide informative journeys through the fascinating surrounds.

At the reserve’s entry is the Discovery Centre, an educational hub built from sustainable materials where guests can learn about indigenous flora, including medicinal plants and trees, and local fauna, such as long-tailed macaques, macaw parrots, Bornean keeled pit vipers, and huge-eyed slow loris. 

The centre also serves as the gateway to the reserve’s trail system, offering six trails over five miles of walks through the tropical environment.

The reserve provides a gathering place for visitors passionate about learning and experiencing nature firsthand amongst staff committed to conserving delicate habitats and local culture. 

Adventure Awaits

Also inside the resort is Adventure Point, a destination designed to please families and thrillseekers alike.

Consider this a one-stop shop for fun activities. It includes an outdoor playground for children, watersports and enthralling bucket-list activities. Designed in harmony with the reserve, Adventure Point is home to Bornean play sculptures, balance beams, swings, a climbing zone and a sandpit with dinosaur bones.

For the most fearless of guests, there is an opportunity to scale climbing walls with a height of 10 metres and a wide array of challenges designed to suit all ages and abilities.

Unforgettable Activities at Rasa Ria Reserve

Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu, offers a curated range of experiences sure to appeal to every guest.

Visitors can choose from Borneo Sunrise, a 98-metre hike to the summit of the resort’s forest reserve to watch the sunrise over majestic Mount Kinabalu. Guests call it breathtaking to watch the rising orb colour the forest and ocean below in gold.

Junior Naturalist is an experience popular with the resort’s youngest adventurers. Designed for children curious about the natural world, it includes fun, interactive, and educational activities, including exploring the resort’s lush tropical forest and learning about local plants, animals and ecosystems.

Guests can also explore the local community on the Laya Village Bicycle Tour, where they get a firsthand look at the rich heritage of the Bajau ethnic tribe. The tour includes demonstrations on making delectable indigenous snacks, discovering the art of crafting traditional cigarettes, enjoying the melodic sounds of rhythmic folk music, and trying on ceremonial Bajau clothes.

Whether planning an epic family vacation, a romantic getaway or a peaceful retreat into nature, you can begin planning your trip, from picking your accommodation to booking activities, on the resort’s new online platform, www.rasariareserve.com.

Article Sponsored by Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu.
Images courtesy of Shangri-La Rasa Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu.

In an era where ethical tourism is shaping the future of travel, we invite you to discover a world where luxury meets sustainability, where every step you take contributes to a better tomorrow. Here’s a list of 10 sustainable experiences around the world that will empower you to travel responsibly and make a positive impact on the planet.

10 Sustainable Experiences Around the World

Sleep in the Sky in Urubamba, Peru

This is a bucket list-worthy experience, especially for those looking to make their travels more sustainable. Spending a night in the first-ever hanging lodge in the world is equal parts exciting, thrilling, and memorable. The Skylodge Sacred Valley has three transparent pods hanging from the side of a cliff face at an altitude of 370 metres. Ideal for eight guests, each pod comes equipped with a bedroom, dining area, and private bathroom with eco-toilet and sink. It’s not for the faint-hearted though, the pods can only be reached by a ladder climb from the valley floor, or via a hike and zip line, though no climbing experience is needed. Once on top, you get to enjoy the unmatched 300° view of the majestic Sacred Valley. Checkout is equally exciting; an adrenaline-filled descent down a three-circuit zip line takes you all the way down to your driver.

Embrace Slow Fashion in Bangkok, Thailand

Love shopping in Thailand? Next time, amp up these shopaholic experiences by checking out some local brands that have a sustainable business model and minimise your carbon footprint. Folkcharm Studio is a handloom and sustainable Thai brand. Folkcharm partners with natural cotton farmers, artisanal communities, and local craftswomen—everything is made with hand-spun yarn, incorporating the handloom process and local techniques of natural dyeing. Mae Teeta is a brand that pays tribute to its owners’ matriarch, Mae Teeta, who revolutionised the traditional indigo dyeing technique in Thailand. This label uses locally harvested cotton and harnesses the natural colouring properties of plants like ebony and mango. Taktai is another Thai fashion label whose products not only look great but also feel amazing against your skin as they use their own original unique bamboo fibre combined with cotton and rayon.

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Stargaze at a Dark Sky Reserve in New Zealand

On the shores of Lake Pukaki in New Zealand lies one of the world’s best dark sky reserves. As there are no man-made lights or passing airplanes to interrupt your view, this location is a stargazer’s dream. You can marvel at the mind-blowing glow of billions of stars, shooting stars, satellites, planets, constellations, the Milky Way as well as other galaxies. On a clear evening, you’ll be able to see craters on the moon, the rings of Saturn and/or Jupiter, and up to four moons orbiting Jupiter using a powerful telescope. Lakestone Lodge which relies totally on solar power offers a range of self-sufficient living options and low-impact excursions such as biking and stargazing. The Lodge also harvests rain and bore water and has a sewage treatment facility too, in turn doing wonders in promoting sustainable tourism development in the region.

Uplift a Community in Botswana

At Wilderness Vumbura Plains camp in Botswana, uplifting local communities and conservation go hand in hand. Located in the Okavango Delta, the camp offers 14 spacious rooms (including two family rooms) split into two separate clusters of seven each. This eco-friendly retreat is nestled in the 90,000-hectare private Kwedi Concession in the northern Okavango Delta, bordering the Moremi Wildlife Reserve. Guests can volunteer at Children in the Wilderness (CITW), a non-profit organisation that facilitates sustainable conservation through leadership development and education of children in Africa. It is imperative to teach the rural children of Africa to understand the importance of conservation and its relevance in their lives, for these places to continue to exist. From hosting Eco-Club programmes at local schools to running camps at the ecotourism company Wilderness Safaris, you can teach and empower children in many ways.

Cycle through Utrecht, Netherlands

The Netherlands has a huge cycling culture with more than 35,000 km of cycle paths all over the country. Exploring various landscapes while riding a bike, with wind in your hair, is one of the best forms of responsible travel. The Dutch city of Utrecht has been recognised and awarded as one of the top places in the world to cycle. A bike tour through this historic city is suited for varying abilities, making it ideal for a multi-generational holiday. You can cycle along hot spots like the Lombok neighbourhood, Central Museum, Vredenburg, and the historic centre. Along the route, you will also be treated to a glimpse of some of the hidden parts of the city that tourists usually don’t get to see.

Set off on a Sea Kayaking Adventure in Croatia

Beyond the red rooftops of Dubrovnik, Croatia also has a beautiful coastline with secret beaches and the bluest waters that you’ve ever seen. One of the best places for sea kayaking in Croatia is the Pakleni Islands, a chain of rocky islets off the coast of Hvar. A half-day tour includes time to chill, snorkel, and even find your private little cove. In short, this needn’t be a rigorous workout, you can simply sit on your kayak and go with the flow, taking in the beauty of the Adriatic Sea. Sign up with AndAdventure, and rest assured that all guides are intimately aware of their surroundings and are trained to provide each traveller with suggestions on how to minimise the negative impact on the environment and marine ecosystems.

Slow Travel through Cambodia

Cambodia is the land of temples and forests. It is not meant to be rushed through with a to-see list. A three-day tour with Buffalo Trails is ideal to visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city of the Khmer Empire, and walk through forest trails where you can feel the presence of tall trees, wildflowers, butterflies, and forest birds. As the first step to your many sustainable experiences here, travel back in time with your guide at the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the king could welcome back his victorious army, and the Terrace of the Leper King that winds along a narrow passage that leads to the Baphuon complex. Enjoy sunrise views along with a picnic breakfast in front of the Angkor Wat Temple. Take your time to stroll through the intricately carved hallways that are lined with hundreds of fine carvings, discover small shrines, and take in the spectacular colours of the sunset at Pre Rup Temple.

Learn Baking in London

If you marvel at all the lovely patisseries during your holiday in London, this one’s for you. You can sign up for The Ultimate Baking Course at the Cookery School and continue to get the finest of cakes, pastries, breads, macarons, and meringue even when you get back home! We recommend the four-day intensive baking course even if you’re a beginner. This course takes you through the fundamental baking principles and techniques and leaves you with plenty of tips and tricks to assist you in future baking adventures. An added experience is that the Sustainable Restaurant Association has given the Cookery School the highest possible score for its consistent approach towards sustainable practices.

Go Horseback Riding in Slovenia

Slovenia has horse riding trails measuring a total length of more than 412 kilometres. Various companies specialise in equestrian experiences ranging from day trips through the countryside to longer holidays stretching up to four, five, or even eight days. On horseback, you can explore beautiful parts that are usually inaccessible—ride along plateaus, discover ancient caves and castles, and cross scenic forests. You can choose from various trails to suit your interest—visit the Kočevje region and then descend to Kostel Castle or climb to the top of Gorjanci Hills from the hills of Bela Krajina, and descend past the meadows to Pleterje and its hot springs. The best part: there are tours for beginners as well.

Volunteer at the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury, Australia

Located in the quaint coastal town of Bunbury, the Dolphin Discovery Centre is a not-for-profit organisation that allows you to get up close with dolphins, learn more about them, and even swim with them. Its commitment to conservation, education, tourism, and research of the local population of wild bottlenose dolphins makes it a great place for volunteer work. Having a conversational level of English language is mandatory since this is a people-related activity. You can even be asked to be a tour guide for visitors to the centre. Since it takes time for the volunteers to become familiar with the centre, you’ll need to commit to a minimum of 25 hours per week for six weeks. Once you sign up, you’ll be thrilled to spend your time in the beautiful town, both on and off the coast. During your free time, visit the farmer’s market close by.

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Related: Sustainable Travel Index 2023: Europe Grabs 19 Of Top 20 Spots

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What is sustainable travel?
It is a form of travelling that minimises negative impacts on the environment, supports local communities, and preserves cultural heritage.

– Why is sustainable travel important?
With the planet undergoing expansive ecological turmoil, sustainable travel is the need of the hour. It can help slow down or even reverse the signs of environmental degradation.

– How can I travel sustainably?
To practice sustainable travel, choose eco-friendly transportation, stay in environmentally friendly accommodations, conserve energy and water, support local businesses, respect local culture, minimise waste, and engage in activities that benefit the environment and local communities.

– Are sustainable travel options more expensive?
Sustainable travel options can vary in cost. While some eco-friendly accommodations or activities may have higher tariffs due to their sustainable practices, this is not always the case.

– What are some eco-friendly accommodations?
Some eco-friendly accommodations include Skylodge Sacred Valley in Peru, Lakestone Lodge in New Zealand, and Wilderness Vumbura Plains camp in Botswana.

– How can I support local communities while travelling?
By staying in locally-owned accommodations, eating at local restaurants, shopping for locally-made products, participating in community-based tourism, engaging with locals, hiring local guides, and contributing to local development projects or charities.

– What is voluntourism?
Voluntourism refers to combining tourism with volunteering in local communities or conservation projects.

– Can I offset my carbon footprint while travelling?
Yes, you can offset your carbon footprint while travelling by supporting carbon offset projects.

– How can I minimise plastic waste while travelling?
To minimise plastic waste while travelling, bring a reusable water bottle and shopping bags, use reusable containers and utensils, dispose of waste responsibly, and choose accommodations and businesses that prioritise plastic reduction initiatives.

What does “regenerative” mean when talking travel? It’s about making positive, pro-social impact on the places you visit. We asked one of the leaders in this field, the founder of Jacada Travel, to tell us how we can be more responsible globetrotters even on luxury vacations.

TOURISM IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S fastest growing and largest industries. At its best, it’s a tool that can break down barriers between communities; facilitate an exchange of ideas and perspectives; preserve and protect culture, history, and heritage; and even finance nature-based solutions to some of the world’s most complex societal challenges. But it can also put a strain on natural resources, erode biodiversity, increase pollution, and commodify culture.

From the very beginning at Jacada, it was always clear to us that travel must be done in a way that respects local communities and preserves the intrinsic value of ecosystems. We love the old adage, “take only photos, leave only footsteps,” but what we’ve seen in the last 15 years is that we can actually take this further and leave the world better than we found it.

The impact of a single trip has the ability to create a considerable ripple effect. It can create meaningful work, but it can also fund initiatives and projects in areas where government assistance is insufficient or has failed. In our efforts to promote positive impact over the years, we’re proud to say that we’ve partnered with a wide range of hotels, lodges, and camps who have undertaken major efforts to support social and environmental causes.

For example, the folks behind Sol y Luna, a beautiful hotel circled by the Andes Mountain range in Peru are tackling the lack of access to education in the Sacred Valley through income generated by their hotel. Or Wilderness Safaris, who operate a range of luxurious eco-camps across Africa and who, at the time of writing, conserve just over 2.3 million hectares of land, with the plan to double this by 2030.

Jacada Travel guests are able to get under the skin of a destination to meet the movers and the shakers of the country — the artists, artisans, historians, and guides who play a powerful role in preserving culture, tradition, and heritage. Working within some of the world’s most biodiverse destinations, conservation fees for national parks create financial value for their protection, and access to these areas presents opportunities for citizen science, education, and knowledge sharing.

From tiger-spotting in India, to embracing local cultures in Botswana and celebrating farm-to-table food across the globe, Jacada is proud to promote responsible travel, which supports a planet that future generations can be proud of.

Learn more here.

Alex Malcolm is the founder of Jacada Travel
Images courtesy of Jacada Travel, unless otherwise noted.

Opened in 2022, The Sanubari is slowly and consciously developing into a vast beachfront nature preserve with luxurious villas, mindful amenities and an admirable community focus. This intimate yet sprawling resort on little-known Sumba Island is an eco-aware paradise that took a decade to build but will hopefully have a positive impact that reverberates down the generations.

THE APPROACH TO THE FLAWLESS 2.5-kilometer white-sand beach of The Sanubari is long, winding and postcard-worthy scenic, embraced by lush, rolling green scenes and bucolic rice fields. That’s because the for-now-nine-villa resort sits on a spectacular 100-plus hectares of pristine land representing some of Mother Nature’s finest on Sumba, the little-traveled Indonesian island that’s in many ways quite the opposite of Bali.

Smiling faces and the sight of emerald waves beyond the palms signal the arrival, which might feel like the pinnacle of the journey since it’s an hour-and-a-half drive from Tambolaka’s small airport in the north, but in fact the journey has just begun. The Sanubari, in all its quietude and beauty, is a place to disconnect from the outside world—easy to do in Sumba, where signals are not always the best, which is a great thing on holiday—tap into the environment, and contemplate or reflect on oneself. And perhaps some of the 100 local Sumbanese staff who are among the sweetest people you’ll ever meet.

The pace at The Sanubari is generous and slow, and has been since the start. It has taken more than a decade for this Earth-conscious resort to become reality, due to both challenges of building in a quite remote part of the world and also because of the consciousness involved in creating something to benefit its community, too.

Even before the resort opened, the emotionally invested owners—Brits Alan and Roger Thomas along with Rowan Burn—established a small school for some 15 kids from the local community, focused on creative styles of learning and, eventually, agriculture on the property’s farm. It’s being ramped up thanks to a new permaculture expert, but is currently producing rocket, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, beans and herbs plus several fruits. They plan to also plant sandalwood saplings to compensate for the island’s devastated forests, which were downed for construction and trade.

“We hope they grow up realizing they can support themselves largely from the land,” says Burn of the invariably malnourished youth, who all get a wholesome meal while attending. “This ties into nutrition, health and wellness, which will become a strong focus over the years for both our community-based work and the overall project,” he adds. In the coming months, they’re launching initiatives that will bring water purification to nearby schools and villages to ensure children have clean drinking water (a major, pervasive issue on Sumba), tackle the rise in the use of plastic water bottles, and provide reusable period underwear for young women who wind up missing a lot of school on a monthly basis. 

They hope the several-acre farm will eventually produce enough organic produce to sell—along with homemade oils, creams and milks—in a village store concept that would double as a hub for training locals in new skills. For now, its bounty is consumed by guests via menus featuring both delicious Indonesian and Western fare focused around sustainable sourcing. A new, larger restaurant plus communal swimming pool is currently in the works, expected to open in early 2024, and the existing open-air oceanfront eatery—whose timber columns are stunningly carved with indigenous symbols—will pivot into a guest lounge with food options to go along with cocktails and coconuts from the thatched-roof guest-only beach bar.

The experiences on offer cement the sense of place. There are opportunities to visit a traditional off-the-grid village where guests guided by a staff member can chat with and see the soaring homes of residents and watch ikat weaving. There are pottery lessons with an elderly Sumbanese woman whose vessels—along with other local artisan crafts and decor—are featured in the beach villas topped by roofs of alang-alang, woven from abundant native grasses. There’s a small hilltop bale for sunrise or sunset picnics or drinks, and a nice 45-minute hike to another peak for solo meditation.

Like at the renowned Nihi Sumba, The Sanubari has stables housing gorgeous horses available to ride on the sand and even into the turquoise ocean. Shockingly, they love it and the experience is incredibly peaceful. Horses are an important part of Sumbanese culture and history—they’re a critical element in the annual tribal jousting-like competition called Pasola—and here they’re cared for with lots of respect.

Besides surfing and hiking, plenty of opportunities to be active include beach volleyball, an outdoor gym and, soon, pickleball and a sauna–ice bath combo for contrast therapy. E-bikes are on the way, and a transition to solar power is in the pipeline. Eventually there will be luxurious larger residences and a membership structure for the non-exclusive lifestyle destination with special rates on accommodations, services; rentals of cars, surfboards and horse stables; and produce from the farm.

But, like many of the best things in life, it’ll all take time. And on Sumba, where development tends to happen at a snail’s pace, The Sanubari team know they can’t rush. Not if each flamboyant sunset and swish of a horse’s salty tail and outdoor oceanfront shower is to be mindfully savored. 

www.thesanubari.com

Images courtesy of The Sanubari, unless otherwise noted.

We’re celebrating our Green Edit 2023 with a Sunday funday at one of the greenest restaurants in Thailand. T+L invites you to Green Day at Haoma Bangkok, featuring a specially priced dinner and masterclass (with free-flow whisky cocktails!) on sustainable food sourcing and cooking from chef DK, plus a champagne-fueled bio-based crafting workshop that’ll change the way you think about kitchen scraps. Here are all the details and how to book.

WE’RE SEEING GREEN!

Travel+Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Macau is thrilled to present Green Day, on Sunday, September 3, 2023. Make your reservations here!

We’re hosting it in the heart of Bangkok, at Michelin-starred Haoma restaurant, which also has a Green Star for sustainability, a three-star rating for sustainable sourcing from Food Made Good, and was named a Champion of Change by World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Special for our T+L family, we’ve teamed up with Haoma to offer an exclusively priced tasting-menu dinner (THB 3,900++), including a masterclass with chef Deepanker Kholsa – also known as DK. Come explore their urban farm, learn to cook with their produce, and see what goes into your fine-dining dinner. Vegetarian and meat+seafood-eaters menus are available.

Come thirsty for sustainable cocktails, because Naked Malt Whisky is hosting an open bar from 5 pm!

And come early for a Sunday funday Bio-Based Workshop (THB 1,500). You’ll be creating your own homegoods out of compostable materials, in a hands-on class with environmental architect Hutsama (Farsai) Juntaratana. And to get your imaginations going, we’ll be pouring the divine, sustainably produced Champagne Telmont Réserve Brut complimentary for all participants!

You can sign up for just the sustainable workshop, just the dinner + masterclass, or both at this Bangkok urban farm.

Mark your calendars for Sept 3, and make your reservations via this link here, now:

T+L Green Day schedule of events

Sunday, September 3, 2023
Sunday, September 3, 2023
2:30pm: Bio-Based Workshop, including complimentary Champagne Telmont Réserve Brut
5:00pm: Masterclass with chef DK, including complimentary Naked Malt Whisky open bar
6:00pm: Dinner – vegetarian or meat+seafood+plants menu options available, including complimentary Naked Malt Whisky welcome drink, digestif (and open bar if that’s the kind of night you’re going for)

Find Haoma at:
https://goo.gl/maps/S7MQ4cFDHjdkd1Su8

Pan Pacific Orchard has plants covering 200% of the hotel’s area. Yes, you read that right. Check in with us to a superstar sustainable garden in the heart of Singapore.

With more than 40 percent of Singapore covered in green space, it’s undoubtedly the greenest major city in Asia and possibly the world. Did you know about the country-wide goal of its hotels achieving zero net emissions by 2050? Well, from our perspective, the new Pan Pacific Orchard is off to a good start. A sister property to the city’s homegrown sustainable Parkroyal Hotels Collection, is situated on Singapore’s Green Belt, stretching from the Botanical Gardens to Gardens by the Bay.

First Impressions

The word ‘oasis’ gets thrown around a lot. But when the lobby surrounds you with trickling water features and myriad plants and trees, you have to remind yourself you’re in a major city. 

Guests may need to crane their necks to fully appreciate the three-story open-air lobby. The ceiling is covered with mirrors, reflecting the cascading water and greenery below, while the vertical green tower is a brilliant nod to the city’s famous Supertree Grove.

But it’s not just the newly planted tropical trees; everything at Pan Pacific Orchard is green, from the suits staff wear as they check you in, to the wooden key cards they slide across the green-veined marble counter,

The Rooms

The 347 rooms and suites in Pan Pacific Orchard are spread out over 23 floors, with most including a private balcony with electronic shades. The 13 different room categories are split into themes based on Singapore’s four environments: forest, beach, garden and cloud.

The color scheme varies slightly depending on which environment you’re sleeping in, but you can bet you’ll find shades of green somewhere, whether it be moss, jungle or emerald. Our Premier Balcony King room in the garden section of the hotel includes green marble, pearl white mosaic tiles, charcoal gray furniture, and timber finish accents with mirrors inlaid to make the compact rooms feel spacious.

Each room includes refillable Diptyque bathroom products and a bottle of the hotel’s signature Singapore Orchard Gin, made in collaboration with local Tanglin Gin.

The Food

Pan Pacific Orchard has two restaurants, including its signature Mediterranean meets Peruvian fusion restaurant Mosella. Here, you’ll find a modest breakfast buffet, with everything from beef rendang to bacon to bircher muesli. But the restaurant really shines at dinner. Zingy ceviche, creamy burrata, aged jamon and tender Wagyu were the highlights of our meal, as was the genuinely warm and passionate service.

Also on the lobby level is the easily overlooked Pacific Breeze, which sits among the water features. Serving light Asian bites and drinks, it’s a perfect place to post up for an afternoon of work in one of the area’s many co-working-style tables.

On the 11th floor of the Garden Terrace is Florette, the champagne and oyster bar named after the goddess of flowers. Nothing if not consistent, its moody Art Deco aesthetic and floral-shirted staff execute a garden-themed menu. Its signature cocktails are divided into the same categories as its room environments, forest, beach, garden and cloud. Other cocktails focus on farm-to-glass elements like beetroot and birch bark.

The Facilities

The fifth-floor Beach Terrace includes a 22-meter pool surrounded by bean bags, the Beach Terrace suites and, of course, greenery. This level also has a gym with pool views decked out in the latest Technogym equipment, a sustainable outdoor gym and a St. Gregory spa opening soon. The Pacific Club Lounge is located on the 11th floor.

Sustainability

Hundreds of solar panels outfit the roof of the hotel’s Cloud Terrace, which goes towards powering the Pan Pacific Orchard common areas. And when it comes to watering the plants covering an incredible 200 percent of the hotel’s land area, they use stored rainwater. A bio-digester system also turns food waste into cleaning water.

And in the rooms, a hot and cold water filter eliminates the need for plastic bottles. Its 14,000 square meters of flora and water features go towards creating CO2 and making Singapore even greener.

www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pp-orchard-sg.html; doubles from SGD 531.

Images courtesy of Pan Pacific Orchard.