Going green doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the best creature comforts the hospitality industry has to offer. Here’s a list of resorts around the world that exist in harmony with their natural surroundings while providing guests with the ultimate holiday experience in the lap of true luxury.
Casabrina Vacation Villas
Pahang, Malaysia
Casabrina Vacation Villas offer guests a retreat into vast green quiet spaces in the stunning jungle setting of Raub, bordering onto the timeless, surrounded by nature-inspired wonders to explore and adventures to experience, on a safe and guided basis. There is a lot to do here, from golf to jungle trekking and white water rafting, but we assure you that merely leaving the comforts of your villa is going to be challenge enough. The two Aranya villas are located at a cul-de-sac and rests in the pristine beauty of natural landscapes accompanied by the calming sound of flowing water, while in the four Amertani villas, guests can take pleasure in the spacious wood and timber influenced interiors. All Casabrina suites are facilitated with luxury toiletries, complimentary WiFi, hairdryers, flat-screen TV sets with Astro, wardrobes and dressing area.
Bardessono Hotel & Spa
California
As a LEED platinum-rated property, this 62-room Bardessono in the heart of Napa Valley is a premier wine county retreat with top-of-the-line amenities and service. The hotel is surrounded by rolling hills and several award-winning wineries and features salvaged wood floors, energy-efficient cooling systems and solar lighting. Guests can lounge by the rooftop swimming pool or enjoy a spa treatment in the comfort of their suites, which have a minimum of 750 sq ft of space. These rooms have private courtyards, iPads to order in-room services, luxurious bathtubs and gas fireplaces. The restaurant on the property has a fabulous wine list and serves organic, American fare with ingredients straight from the hotel garden.
El Nido Resorts
Palawan, the Philippines
The El Nido area of Northern Palawan is a showcase of geological and biological diversity. In recognition of the importance of its biodiversity, the Philippine government elevated the status of El Nido first to a turtle sanctuary, then to a marine reserve and finally, in 1998, to a managed protected area. El Nido Resorts, located on various islands in the area, are a great choice for eco-friendly dive enthusiasts. From sustainable menus to nature-based activities low in carbon footprint and high in natural and cultural interpretation, use of renewable materials in construction, green design and architecture, and strong community partnerships, El Nido Resorts pride themselves on guilt-free luxury amid unbeatable tropical biodiversity.
Limalimo Lodge
Ethiopia
Situated amid the Simien Mountains, the 12-room Limalimo Lodge has been held to the strictest ecological standards. The minimalist space, built by more than 100 people from the surrounding area, is committed to promoting sustainable tourism and minimal environmental impact. Electricity (as much as possible) comes from renewable sources, toilet water is treated through an on-site bio-waste system and solar power is used to supplement hot water heating. The lodge also promotes conservation in the Simien Mountains National Park through a daily fee that is channelled towards conservation activities in and around the park. When you are there, soak up the natural beauty of the gorgeous Simien Mountains National Park, go bird-watching with the guides and partake in the local activities like the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony and learn how to make injera, a delicious local flatbread.
Hotel Punta Islita
Costa Rica
A luxury hotel with creature comforts like infinity swimming pools, four-poster beds draped in gauze and a fabulous spa, Hotel Punta Islita is a pristine mountain outpost situated on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste. Some of the world’s rarest and most beautiful frogs live in protected areas of Costa Rica’s rainforest. Base yourself at Punta Islita and spend your days spying these jewel-like species, among the most endangered animals on the planet. The hotel was developed in full synergy with its neighbours, prompting wildlife conservation, reforestation and local employment opportunities. Art programmes and complementary education further provided empowering tools for the local communities. Today, this hotel is not only a globally recognised sustainable travel destination but also a thriving region characterised by a healthy natural environment and a dynamic collective of travel professionals, community artists and micro-entrepreneurs.
Singinawa Jungle Lodge
Madhya Pradesh, India
Not a single tree was felled when this gorgeous resort was built, so you can imagine the owners’ commitment to the environment — Latika and Nanda’s stellar company is one of the best things about staying here, located at the brink of the Kanha National Park. Amid 58 acres of lush natural forest, Singinawa’s 12 beautifully appointed luxury slate stone cottages feature air conditioning, a private bathroom, open fireplaces and comfortably large beds. Within the property grounds, a small watering hole and a river attract a myriad of birds and wildlife, but there are ways you can opt for to enjoy the wonders of neighbouring Kanha, where deer and tigers often roam.
