Whilst travelling is about comfort, affordability and adventure, it can also be about giving back to the beautiful world we live in! Why not make conscious decisions that have a positive impact on the places you visit and make your mark on the world. Of course, that is for when we are able to travel again.
Here are seven sustainable places from the Lonely Planet’s latest book ‘Sustainable Escapes’ to make incredible memories and safeguard our fragile planet.
Svart – Norway
Chill out in the world’s first energy positive hotel and admire the magnificence of the northern lights. Set to open in 2021, Svart is nestled high in the Arctic circle and has something for everyone! You can practice yoga in the midnight sun and help harvest local delicacies. There is also plenty of adventures to do such as fishing, glacier walking and kayaking.
Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses – New Zealand
Immerse yourself in mountain views, eat locally sourced sustainable foods and relax in New Zealand treetops. Hapuku’s tree houses and lodge was created by a family of food loving architects from the little coastal town Kaikoura in the country’s South island. Guests enjoy gourmet dinners made from the regions fresh produce and seafood. You can also swim in the solar heated pool or Mangamaunu beach, do botanical walks and bike rides or marvel at the deer which also reside there.
Bambu Indah – Bali
Placed just outside Ubud, this tranquil, jungle resort is the perfect place for visitors who want to escape the hustle and bustle of other dense tourist stays. Owned by Bali residents John and Cynthia Hardy, the rooms are exquisitely decorated with treasures found on the owners travels. Guests can also eat delicious cuisine grown on the property or locally sourced and re-energise themselves in the bamboo massage pod.
Tao – Philippines
Sail between Thailand’s tropical islands whilst stopping off for massages and delicious meals from Tao’s organic farm. Tao specialises in 3-5 day boat expeditions in one of the most stunning and remote corners of the Philippines. Tao’s boats cruise between pristine snorkelling spots and deserted beaches. Then you can finish the day relaxing at one of the 13 Tao camps, made of bamboo huts and scattered between the islands. Most of the expeditions stop at the Tao organic farm to reduce Tao’s reliance on imported produce.
Habitas Talum – Mexico
Relax with ocean views, luxe spa treatments and outdoor rain showers. Dazzle the senses with exotic, organically sourced food from local farms and fisheries. Hanitas Talum is a haven of environmental sustainability with its design to have the smallest footprint possible on its tranquil Yucatan Peninsula setting. The rooms are built with indigenous materials such as palapa and set amid jungle scenery with stone pathways. With its daily rooftop yoga classes, live music performances and a cinema in a jungle courtyard, there is always something to do.
Swell Lodge- Australia
Located in Christmas island, in remote location north west of Australia’s mainland. This place often referred to as Australian Galapagos with its famous red scuttling crabs and sweeping beaches. Perched on a clifftop overlooking the Indian Ocean, Swell Lodge is the only place to stay in the national park making it peaceful and unique. It has solar powered glamping tents and eco friendly toiletries. The island has a range of activities such as snorkelling, hiking to secret beaches, hidden waterfalls or learning how rangers are working to save two endangered lizard species.
Macal River Camp – Belize
Walk or horse ride the natural jungle trails around ancient Mayan sites such as Caracol and Tikal, learn about native giant butterflys and the benefits of endemic medicinal plants. This is the perfect place to learn about Belize’s vibrant history and ecology. This jungle camp is set near the Macal river and in the foothills of the Mayan mountains known for attracting 300 species of birds, including the Toucan. The cabins are made from sustainable harvested timber and have verandas and hammocks. At the end of the day guests relax in the central thatched roof to enjoy homemade family style meals with fresh produce and herbs from the property’s own organic farm.
To discover more on the world’s best eco-conscious travel experiences check out Lonely Planets book Sustainable Escapes
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