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In a world increasingly conscious of our environment and personal health, luxury doesn’t have to mean excess or waste. A new breed of high-end eco-friendly all-inclusive resorts is offering the ultimate luxury experience while also committing to sustainability and organic practices. These resorts marry opulence with respect for nature, offering experiences that are indulgent, rejuvenating, and responsible. Here, we present five such resorts that have set the bar for sustainable luxury worldwide.
Soneva Kiri, Thailand
Soneva Kiri is a 5-star luxury resort situated on the unspoiled island of Koh Kood, near Thailand’s border with Cambodia. The resort is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and luxury, offering an eco-friendly experience without compromising on comfort or elegance.
The resort can be reached by a short 90-minute private flight from Bangkok. It is nestled amid the lush tropical rainforest, offering breathtaking views of the bay and the surrounding greenery.
Soneva Kiri comprises 36 expansive villas, each boasting a private infinity pool and terrace. The villas are designed with an open-air concept, allowing guests to immerse themselves in nature. They are built using locally sourced materials, reflecting the resort’s commitment to sustainability.
One of the standout features of Soneva Kiri is its dining experience. The resort has several restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines, from Thai street food to Mediterranean dishes. The ingredients used are primarily organic and locally sourced, aligning with the resort’s ethos of sustainability.
The resort also offers a unique “Treepod Dining” experience where guests can enjoy their meal suspended amidst the treetops while enjoying panoramic views of the coastline.
Guests can indulge in a variety of activities including snorkeling, scuba diving, and trekking. There’s also an observatory for stargazing, an outdoor cinema, and a spa offering a range of wellness treatments using 100% organic and natural products.
With its blend of luxury and sustainability, Soneva Kiri offers an unforgettable island adventure and a truly unique way to experience the untouched beauty of Koh Kood.
Song Saa Private Island sets the standard for luxury and sustainability. Located in Cambodia’s untouched Koh Rong Archipelago, this resort spans two islands, Koh Ouen and Koh Bong, which are connected by a footbridge over a marine reserve. The islands are home to rainforests, tropical reefs, and beautiful white sandy beaches, offering guests an intimate escape in a truly serene environment.
Song Saa offers a selection of villas built with sustainable materials and styled to reflect the natural beauty of the surroundings. Each villa boasts private pools, sun decks, and stunning views of the ocean or the verdant jungle.
One of the highlights of Song Saa is its world-class cuisine, which incorporates organic and locally sourced ingredients. The resort’s restaurant overlooks the sea, offering a variety of dishes inspired by Cambodian cooking and made with fresh, local produce.
Guests at Song Saa can enjoy a variety of activities including snorkeling, kayaking, and island safaris. There is also a wellness center that offers yoga and meditation sessions as well as a range of spa treatments, where treatments are based on local traditions and use organic products
Song Saa Private Island, with its blend of luxury, sustainability, and genuine connection to the local community, stands out as an exceptional example of eco-friendly all-inclusive resorts, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for its guests.
Nihi Sumba Island, Indonesia
Voted the world’s best hotel by Travel + Leisure magazine, Nihi Sumba Island is a haven of unspoiled natural beauty and luxury. The resort’s ethos is deeply rooted in responsible and sustainable tourism, with a portion of the resort’s profits funding local community projects.
This award-winning luxury resort offers a unique travel experience for its guests. It is located just 50 minutes from Bali on Sumba Island, offering breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and Nihiwatu Beach.
The resort comprises more than 27 uniquely designed villas, each providing a private, luxurious escape with stunning ocean views. The architecture and design of the villas blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, creating a tranquil and harmonious environment for guests.
Nihi Sumba offers a wide range of land and ocean-based experiences to cater to all tastes. These include world-class surfing, sport fishing, horseback riding, yoga, and excursions to local villages. For those seeking relaxation, the resort boasts an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, garden, shared lounge, and a private beach area.
The resort offers a range of villas with private pools, each offering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Nihi’s spa safari experience is a must-try, with a trek to Nihioka, where guests can enjoy organic spa treatments. Dining options include locally caught seafood and vegetables sourced from the resort’s organic garden.
Nihi Sumba is not just a resort; it’s a place to connect with nature and immerse oneself in the local culture. It offers a secluded seaside hideaway on an untouched Indonesian island, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking a unique, luxurious, and adventurous experience at an eco-friendly all-inclusive resort.
The Brando, French Polynesia
The Brando is a unique luxury resort located on French Polynesia’s breathtakingly beautiful private island of Tetiaroa. This 5-star resort is an atoll composed of a dozen small islands surrounding a sparkling lagoon.
Built with a vision of creating harmony with its natural surroundings, The Brando is committed to preserving the beauty and biodiversity of Tetiaroa. It is known for its commitment to sustainable luxury, and it’s 100% energy independent, including dependency on solar power and coconut oil.
The resort features 35 private villas, each with its own private beach area and plunge pool. Villas are designed with elegant simplicity, incorporating local materials and reflecting Polynesian lifestyle and traditions. Each villa offers al-fresco dining, a media room and a spacious terrace for breathtaking views of the lagoon. The Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa offers holistic treatments inspired by ancient Polynesian traditions, using organic products.
Dining at The Brando is a culinary delight. The resort’s restaurants showcase Polynesian-inspired dishes, East/West fusion, and classic French cuisine, many ingredients of which are sourced from the resort’s organic gardens and orchards.
The Brando offers a range of activities including bird watching, biking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. The resort also features a luxurious spa, fitness center, pearl shop, and an environmental research station with guest programs.
With its high-end luxury, commitment to sustainability, and the untouched beauty of its location, The Brando provides an unparalleled island experience at an eco-friendly all-inclusive resort.
Six Senses Douro Valley
The Six Senses Douro Valley is a 5-star resort nestled in the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley. The resort is committed to sustainable practices and has an on-site restaurant that uses organic and locally sourced ingredients.
The eco-friendly all-inclusive resort offers various rooms, suites, villas, and even a historic manor house, all designed with a blend of modernity and tradition, and offering stunning views of the vineyards and the Douro River.
The highlight of the resort is its dining experience. The on-site restaurants, including the Vale de Abraão Restaurant, serve a variety of dishes made from organic, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant also has a wood-burning stove and Josper Grill, where most of their delicious meals are prepared.
Furthermore, guests can enjoy wine tastings, vineyard visits, and even participate in the grape harvest. The resort also offers a range of wellness and spa treatments, yoga classes, and a variety of outdoor activities like canoeing, hiking and tree climbing. The Six Senses Douro Valley provides a luxurious and eco-friendly experience for its guests.
Luxury travel and sustainability are no longer mutually exclusive. The rise of eco-friendly luxury resorts proves that it’s possible to enjoy the finer things in life while also caring for our planet and health. From Thailand to Portugal, these five-star resorts offer exceptional services, stunning locations, and a commitment to sustainable and organic practices. Whether you’re a food lover, a spa enthusiast, or an eco-conscious traveler, these resorts provide a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies both your wanderlust and your desire to make a positive impact on the environment. Experience the epitome of sustainable luxury at these remarkable resorts – your ultimate getaway awaits.
