Eco-conscious travel is on the rise. As the world begins to slowly reopen its time to rethink how you wish to spend your precious vacation days. Without scrimping on luxury, these resorts offer travel that is as sustainable as it is bucket list worthy.
Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Sri Lanka
The Wild Coast Tented Lodge is located in the south of Sri Lanka, adjacent to Yala National Park. A jungle escape that is bordered by the Indian ocean, the property has been built upon the premise of being sustainable. Blending into its surroundings, much of the build was done by local fishermen using naturally sourced materials. Featuring 28 luxury tented cocoons half of the resort’s energy comes from the sun, while exhaust from the rooms’ air-conditioning delivers hot water. Ocean water is also recycled into the ponds dotted around the lodge, where you may catch a glimpse of free-roaming animals, including elephants, sambar deer, and monkeys from the comfort of your room. Conservation is also important to the retreat. With Yala National Park boasting one of the largest concentrations of leopards in the world, you have a great chance of spotting one of these elegant creatures on the twice-daily game drives.
Resplendentceylon.com/wildcoastlodge-yala
Lux* South Ari Atoll, Maldives
Embracing the beauty of nature that surrounds it to the fullest, Lux* South Ari Atoll takes climate change seriously. In the battle against it, they are setting new industry standards with the world’s largest solar system floating at sea. The unique technology which is called SolarSea collects solar energy directly on the crystal blue ocean it resides on to power the island in the best way possible. If that’s not enough, the resort which features 193 ultra-luxurious private villas has also banned single-use plastic and has their own on-site water plant that has saved over 810,000 bottles since it was created. On land, guests ride around on bicycles, island cruisers and solar-powered shuttle buses and can eat from the Lux* herb garden and vegetable patch. Back to the ocean and their very own marine biologist is planting corals to help support the rich and versatile wildlife that calls the surrounding environment home.
Luxresorts.com/en/maldives/hotel/luxsouthariatoll
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Rwanda
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is as magical as it sounds. Nestled in the foothills of the Virunga volcano range the resort has been created to offer a front-row seat for those eager to observe the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Home to the highest number of gorillas in the world and five dormant volcanoes, the resorts 21 private sanctuaries blend into the jungle. The site is home to renowned conservationist Jack Hanna’s Cottage. Restored to its former glory guests can visit the house to learn more about the gorillas and conservation work happening to protect them. When it comes to dining the focus is on local and organic ingredients. Working with local farmers and their own onsite chef garden, the team deliver a fresh as it gets farm to table experience. Known as an area of coffee farming, guests also have the opportunity to taste a variety of coffee beans that have been sourced from a local female-run cooperative and help with Umuganda a nationwide community action programme. Taking place on the last Saturday of every month, joining the resorts staff guests can work to support local projects, such as developing infrastructure or increasing environmental protection, alongside the local community.
Oneandonlyresorts.com/gorillas-nest
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