Sustainable travel is more in demand than ever as discerning travellers actively seek out environmentally-conscious experiences that help to regenerate the natural world and support local communities.
Eco-friendly luxury hotels have redefined travel through pioneering sustainability initiatives, mindfully using resources to reduce the impact on our planet. Health Travel partners with some of the world’s leading eco-friendly hotels and lodges that bring together wellness with nature. So your next retreat can improve your mental and physical wellbeing while benefitting Mother Nature too.
Choose an eco-luxe getaway that combines yoga and meditation, outdoor activities and farm-to-table dining experiences to reconnect with yourself and nature while also preserving the destination. Here are the 6 best luxury retreats that lead the way with sustainability:
1. Capella Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Constructed among the rainforest in Bali, Capella Ubud has been built to truly experience the untouched jungle surroundings by impacting the environment as little as possible, without ever compromising on comfort and luxury. Not a single tree was cut down to build Capella Ubud – allowing the pool and tented suites to be beautifully immersed into its wild surroundings.
As part of the hotel’s environmental commitment, chefs harvest seasonal vegetables, spices, herbs and freshwater delicacies produced in the eco-luxe hotel’s organic Keliki Garden. Each meal bursts with wholesome goodness, during this hyper-local, farm-to-table dining experience.
Embrace the camp’s unrivalled position in the rainforest with Adventure Wellness programmes guiding activities such as boot camps, aerial yoga, mountain bike trails and jungle hikes. Wildlife and rich fauna await just outside your room in this impressive, eco-friendly hideaway.
2. Six Senses Douro Valley, Portugal
Nestled in the UNESCO heritage site, Six Senses Douro Valley has pledged to protect the environment by owning a 10-acre woodland on the property, including adopting a stretch of stream, protecting the indigenous flora and fauna. This luxury wellness hotel also supports APEGA Donkey Refuge, which works to save the last remaining Miranda donkeys from extinction, and also produces organic wine using the “nothing added, nothing taken” principle by avoiding additives.
Set among the sensational vineyard-peppered hillsides of Douro Valley, connect with the mind, body and soul whilst training with seasoned practitioners at the Discover Yoga retreat.
3. Eremito, Umbria, Italy
Eremito in Italy is a one-of-a-kind retreat, peacefully nestled among the hills of Umbria, beside a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This spiritual hideaway has been carefully designed with sustainability at its core. Almost entirely self-sufficient, the retreat runs entirely on solar energy. Eremito also boasts a seasonal, vegetarian menu, with organic ingredients grown and harvested directly from the garden. Even the bread and pastries are deliciously homemade every day.
Enjoy dinner in silence, set out on mindful walks in the woodlands before soothing the tired muscles in the heated jacuzzi and Turkish Hammam.
4. Gangtey Lodge, Bhutan
At Gangtey Lodge Bhutan, sustainability is not just a word, but a way of life. The luxury hotel maintains a culture of respect and stewardship for the natural beauty that surrounds it. Each year, Gangtey Lodge’s Green Team plants over 100 trees and participates in monthly anti-litter activities. Th energy-efficient Swiss wood stoves are sourced from sustainable, government-regulated forests and drinking water is filtered, treated and bottled on-site. Meanwhile, the wastewater is recycled for use in gardens or donated to water the neighbouring fields.
Experience rich Bhutanese culture by visiting farmhouse local community and learn more about their culture and daily lives. After the trip, relax in the traditional Hot Stone Bath, full of minerals and herbs.
5. Awasi Patagonia, Chile
Nestled along the edge of Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, Awasi Patagonia is built on stilts for minimal environmental impact. Awasi protects and conserves a large area of native woodland in Patagonia, reducing the tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. Using the
“Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” mantra the private reserve minimises the carbon footprint, starting with kitchens and products used within its bathrooms.
Go on an adventure holiday with the Trek and Kayak across Chilean Patagonia with luxury lodging and multi-day kayaking adventures along rivers, rapids and lakes.
6. JOALI BEING, Maldives
Nestled on the secluded island of Bodufushi in Raa Atoll, amid crystalline lagoons and pristine beaches, JOALI BEING is home to one of three turtle conservation sanctuaries, as well as collaborating with EarthCheck on several long-term sustainability initiatives, including a desalination water-bottling plant, a rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling system.
Rediscover a natural state of health and happiness through JOALI’s Immersion Programmes targeting areas of strength and vitality, mental clarity and wellbeing.
If you’re ready to start planning your environmentally friendly holiday, get in touch with our Wellness Travel Specialists via our online form or directly on WhatsApp for quick-fire ideas and questions.